WHAT IS PROJECT MANAGEMENT?
Project management is use to figure out projects goals, procedures of achieving those goals, resources and time required. It also aims at keeping every team member updated about projects goals and ensures their involvement in the project. In simple words Project Management is the ability of a person or a leader to manage a particular project.
Project Management is associated with many fields including Engineering, construction, Information Technology, and much more. Project management is divided into four important phases
Initiation: In the first step, the team work to understand the basic objective of the project. In this phase they discover the need of the project, how to meet the need, and how to cater the problems.
Planning: In this phase the overall plan for the project is made. Project is divided into smaller task and a schedule is prepared. This phase also involve risk calculation and budget estimation.
Execution: This step involves changing of plans into actions and tracking the performance and quality of work.
Closure: In this last phase of project management, overall performance of team is analyzed, documentation is done and project performance is analyzed.
There are different methodologies that can be used for project management. Some of those methodologies are given as follow:
- Agile
- Scrum
- Kanban
- Lean
- Waterfall
WHY IS PROJECT MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT?
Project Management is important to a business since it gives authority and a point by point plan for each experience. It attempts to hold the individuals together. Following project management methods and strategies help reduce risks, make the project cost effective, and improve success rates of project. Project management is important to have a happy and well organized project team. It motivates the team to do their best work. Project management help schedule project and ensure timely delivery of project to improve client satisfaction.
HOW CAN PROJECT MANAGEMENT HELP?
Here are 6 ways how project management can help you throughout your project.
Realistic Project Planning: Proper planning is required to complete the project. Sometimes organizations overestimate how quickly they can complete the task. But a good project manager makes a good picture and planning of step by step measures to carry out during the project completion.
Clear Focus and Objectives: If there are not any clear goals, you can lead to project failure. The project manager needs to mention the team about the specific objective of the project. Provide the team with a clear focus point. Without that, there could be a mix-up of the scope, deadline, and other requirements.
Strategic Alignment: Project management shows the face of the organization that how strategic approaches the organization follows. Aligning projects with business strategy is one of the important reasons for using project management.
Managed Process: Project managers set duty in more manageable ways. Assigning the right task to the right person and, to do it at the right time is part of that managed process. By managing these tasks, it becomes easier for the team and manager to get better results.
Quality Control: Quality is a crucial part of the project completion. If the project is completed on time and within the budget, but the quality is not up to the mark, it could lead to project failure. A lot of pressure on the team regarding time, budget and timely completion can affect the quality. Here the project manager comes in and takes a look at how the plans are executed.
Reduced Costs: Project Management helps to reduce the cost of the project. Proper planning and execution phases help to understand the requirements of the project. By this, there become many fewer chances of wasting the cost.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE/TOOLS
There are many tools and software that can help you manage, organize, and streamline your work. These tools have made projects and the managing of these projects is an important task. Here is a list of 10 such project management software:
JIRA:
Jira is software that can be used to track bugs. It has advanced features and capabilities. Jira is developed as a project management tool, especially for Information Technology projects. Watching real-time reporting on your team’s work is the top feature of Jira. Also, tasks can be distributed across software team. The cost range starts from $20 to $150 per month from 10 projects to unlimited projects.
ASANA:
This software is used as a tool for team collaboration. It has a simple layout and easy to use. This tool is the best option for small teams having simple projects to complete. They have different packages starting from $10 to $24.
YODIZ:
This app is used for tracking issues and agile development. Through this app, individuals can develop software and apps. Project planning has been simplified through this app. The best analysis is a pro of this tool. With a very reasonable price range, the agile tool is only for $5.
BASECAMP:
This app can be used to manage the work of multiple users. You can easily collaborate with your teammates. It has social-media like interface. It has the feature of email and desktop notifications. The prize package is $99 with unlimited users per month.
REDMINE:
Redmine is well-built and productive project management tool. It is completely free for every individual. You need to download these tools before you use them. It has Multilanguage support, which can be very handy for the users. It has a feature of Gantt chart and calendars for planning.
TRELLO:
Trello allows you to handle, edit, and manage your projects all under one app. It helps you to keep track of all of your work. It is very helpful to complete your short and quick everyday assignments. It has a cardboard-like dashboard. You can create unlimited task lists by using Trello.
MIRO:
Miro is an online collaborative program that facilitates teams to work together effectively. Screen-sharing is very easy through this app. It also has the feature of chatting and sharing video. This way teammates can comfortably share their opinions. It’s completely free at the start. If you wish to make a team, it costs $8 per user per month.
SCORO:
This tool is very comprehensive as it combines all the features you need in your project management software. Billing, reporting, managing your contacts, and reporting, all these tasks can be handled efficiently. In this software, you don’t need any other extra tool as everything is already available in this software. You can get it with a free 14 days trial. The monthly cost is $26.
ZOHO PROJECTS:
It is project management software that will effectively collaborate with your team members wherever they are. This software helps you keep track of your progress and keeps you updated if you are behind your assigned time. It has a standard, express, premium, and enterprise packages. The price range starts from $150 to $1,500 per month, depending on the package and the number of teammates you have in your team.
PROOF HUB:
This software is the best replacement for your standard tools used for emailing and other work. It integrates all the project management features under one app. Online team discussions, with secure file storage and tracking of the project. The cost range starts from $20 to $150 per month from 10 projects to unlimited projects.
Project Management Certifications
The following are the various project management certificates.
PMP: Project Management Professional:
PMP is the most important and recognized certification for project managers. With this certificate, you work in any industry with any method anywhere around the globe.
PRICE: US $405.00
CAPM: Certified Associate in Project Management:
This certificate can improve your credibility in managing projects. It shows your perception of effective project management. CAPM is valid for 5 years
PRICE: US $225.00
MPM: Master Project Manager:
This certificate is awarded to individuals who are highly qualified with a clear knowledge of project management. Those who undergo proper training and fulfill the requirements of the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) are issued with this certificate.
PRICE: US $300
Program Management Professional (PgMP):
This course, based on global best practice identified by PMI, will introduce delegates to the structure, components, and skills required to initiate and manage programs. It also differentiates between a project management approach, and a program management approach.
PRICE: US$800.00
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP):
You can recognize your agile principles knowledge and technique skills by the help of PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).
PRICE: US$435.00
