Simple Steps to Managing a Project
Bill Kunitz and Abbie Brown
July 7th, 2009
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Slacker.com
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Critical Success Factors
1. Go through process of developing a Project Definition Worksheet with the entire team – so that everyone understands what, why, and how.
2. Follow methodology (whatever one you like) but must include define, existing situation, design, build, test, train, document & implement.
3. Identify a sponsor and meet monthly to keep informed and engaged
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Critical Success Factors (cont)
4. Manage scope – both ensure what you are doing is important and don’t let “shiny objects” distract you throughout the process.
5. Ensure the analysis is superior: $1,5,50, 1000 rule – don’t just jump right into coding
6. Maintain a single project plan – it can be excel, project or word it doesn’t matter unless it is a huge project.
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Critical Success Factors (cont)
7. Focus on Change Management and Communication throughout the process which takes different forms at different times including time for “users” to provide their feedback (focus groups, defining requirements, testing, etc.).
8. Don’t let it become an “IT Project”: pull together a working team that includes those who will build the deliverable and those on the business side who will use it.
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Critical Success Factors (cont)
9. Schedule regular (weekly or biweekly) team meetings. But, don’t just wait for formal meetings – constantly keep in touch with different team members, identifying issues, resolving, communicating
10. Ensure every meeting has an agenda, be documented in timely manner, and include next steps with who is accountable.
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Create & maintain a project plan
Monitor and On-going Support
Project Lifecycle
Define Project
Existing Situation
TestBuildDesign ImplementTrain &
Document
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Create design that meets needs
• Capture Existing Situation and existing gaps
• Research what is possible• Brainstorm options first for process then
technology• Create High Level process & technology
design• Detail requirements• Create detailed design
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Keep Momentum going
• Every project should have a project manager
• Ensure team members accountable for tasks and the success of the project
• Set up monthly Sponsor meetings• Hold regular Team meetings• Develop a Timeline and stick to it (allow
some flexibility• Create an Issues list
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“Flawless” Delivery
• Unit, User, usability testing in test environment (s)• Train• Create User and systems documentation• Get the Help Desk involved early• Follow Communication Strategy: make sure users know
what is going to happen, when, have seen the product and given feedback
• Manage expectations• Maintain an Implementation Checklist• Post - implementation punch list to make sure any issues
are resolved quickly
