How to ensure successful implementation of a project

Detailed planning has to be done prior to project implementation. Without planning, there would be no focus and direction and the implementation would avail to no good. Planning eliminates the possibility of foreseen and unforeseen risks by studies of the project set up, stakeholder requirements, past projects, history of risks in similar projects, etcetera.

The project manager acts as mini-CEO of the project. He / she is directly responsible for the performance of the team in carrying out the project successfully. The project manager has to motivate the team, especially in building good team spirit. A good understanding of each team members’ strengths and weaknesses will go a long way in assigning different tasks accordingly that benefits the team and the project as a whole.

Without good communication between all members involved, including stakeholders, the project cannot be carried out. Communication in its varying forms have to be stressed upon to arrive as common or mutually agreed upon decisions which directs the implementation of the project. All forms of communication are via the project manager, who have to be kept in the loop and acts as leader and mediator between stakeholders and team members.

Any project execution requires resources. It may be in the form of cost, raw materials, human resources, or technical back-up as and when required. The project sponsor has to work along side the project manager, especially in providing the necessary funds, for carrying out the project.

A project manager has the options of using one or more of the many tools available for charting out the project stages and development. It can range from the use of time, to man power to costs. It is advised that project managers adopt or use these tools for the success of the project. Some of these project tools are the Gnatt Chart,, Pareto Diagrams, Bar Charts, Responsibility Matrix and the Work Breakdown Structure.

Time is money. A delay in the project can cost the sponsor huge amounts of funds. It is of vital importance that the project be done on time so as not to delay the project, or increase project costs, but to also ensure that discipline is formed for the success of future projects.