When we reflect on our daily lives, we tend to focus on the desired outcomes and not the process or actions we must complete.
When exploring project management, we emphasise the need for planning, processes, and skillsets required to successfully deliver project goals and uncover what is possible.
We examine the 9 essential elements of project management, the knowledge and experience we utilise unconsciously every day and how they reflect core project management principles. We conclude with a real-life project delivery example which demonstrates the importance of preparation, collaboration, and consistent cadence as some of the critical factors, to support successful project delivery outcomes.
Greatness starts with a process!
At the core, project management is a framework of knowledge and understanding, which is categorised into 9 essential elements. If managed and measured effectively throughout a project’s lifecycle, it delivers a proven framework for success.
Project Integration Management
Project integration management is considered the heart of project delivery, coordinating, and managing every element throughout the project lifecycle. This is not unlike the process we utilise to navigate and manage our daily workplace activities, ensuring each deliverable is completed on time and within budget.
Scope
Scope management is one of the most imperative elements during the initiation phase of a project. The scope informs the items required for delivery, as distinct from those excluded or not within the current scope.
Stakeholder Communication
Establishing clear communication channels are extremely important and promote effective stakeholder engagement within each stage of the project phase. In today’s environment this element has never been more relevant to the success of any project and delivery manager.
Time/Cost
Time and cost management are elements that impact and underpin our daily lives, and we can all appreciate the importance of getting it right! The delivery timeframe is often a matter of considerable debate as we leverage our knowledge, skills, and experience to determine if the project schedule is achievable while cognisant of the cost implications associated with any proposed deviation.
In harnessing these 9 essential elements through managing their complexities, dependencies and implementing controls, will create a structured pathway to successfully manage any project.
Always begin with the end in mind
Project delivery can be challenging and the more complex the deliverable the more considered the approach must be. In the context of todays project performance, engagement with external stakeholders is critical to the overall success of the project. We encourage early engagement with stakeholders to develop rapport, set expectations, and obtain consensus on the project schedule and outcomes.
Our team mantra is the adaptation of a quote from the great Benjamin Franklin who said,
“by failing to plan, you are preparing to fail”.
The project to support Brisbane City Council (BCC) Wi-Fi enablement of all city precincts, parks, and areas where people come together embodies this mantra. The project outcomes were clear and included the delivery of a network capable of supporting internet connectivity, community specific content, and ultimately bring people together to collaborate and bridge the technology divide.
There are many factors to consider when delivering services in the public domain, which include:
- access to city planning documents
- access technology feasibilities
- site inspections for validation
- bill of materials (BOM)
- equipment to support delivery
- road closures
- work approvals and permits
- dedicated and skilled delivery workforce.
One of the key constraints was an immovable launch date, which coincided with the Council re-election campaign, and therefore planning, communication, and execution were essential. A comprehensive project plan, including robust risk assessment and mitigations helped to inform the appropriate plan (b) and in some cases plan (c) options required to facilitate a success delivery outcome, and reinforcing the importance of the 9 essential elements of project management.
The application of the nine essential elements provided clarity and structure for the information required to develop a comprehensive project delivery plan. By beginning with the end in mind, a timeline was developed to ensure that key milestones could be delivered on time and within budget. These included the provision of network appliances, mounting hardware, access to power, network connectivity, signage, branding, end user experience, access disclaimers and much more.
Overall, this project was a success story with the Wi-Fi capability delivered on time and within budget. We achieved this outcome through effective planning, implementation, management, and controls which directly align to the 9 essential elements of project management.
Are you an accidental
Project Manager?
We challenge you to consider any task you have performed today, including the process to complete. You are already performing a form of project delivery management in your home and workplace, without consciously considering the steps or process you undertake.
We all demonstrate what is referred to as ‘unconscious consciousness’, which according to Freud (1915),
“the unconscious mind is the primary source of human behaviour. Like an iceberg, the most important part of the mind is the part you cannot see”.
Project management is the conscious practice of implementing structure, methodologies, and controls to harness our ‘unconscious consciousness’, leveraging our skills and experience.
Furthermore, our workplaces are evolving, and project delivery is one of many skills we must possess. Whether leading or supporting the successful execution of a project, empowering each team member to contribute and collaborate creates a dynamic organisational culture.
What next?
Our expert team possess significant experience leading and supporting project brilliance and delivery outcomes across the public and private sector. Our team welcomes the opportunity to impart knowledge, skills, and experience to strengthen your team and achieve positive constituent outcomes.
