Have you ever been tasked with handling a huge project and you successfully handled it but failed miserably in the next one?
That is the thing with project management: you cannot just wing it and it is pivotal in the success of any company projects. It also helps to save costs and minimise errors.
What is project management, and why is it important?
A project manager is a professional whose main role is to lead a project from inception to completion. They are responsible for the planning, execution, management of people, resources, and every other aspect pertaining to the specific project.
Project management, therefore, is the application of skills, tools, knowledge, and techniques to meet the objectives of a particular assignment.
That said, why do companies need a project manager? And, how important is a project manager?
To best answer this question, I spoke to a project manager with seven years of experience in handling high-profile projects. Here is what he had to share on the importance of a project manager;
1. Clear focus and objectives
Project managers are there to provide much-needed direction to ensure that at every phase of a project, each contributor knows what’s expected of them. Before starting a project, one must lay out a clear plan of what needs to be done, the timelines, and metrics to measure the overall success.
As an effective project manager, you’re able to effectively plan before the project begins. Subsequently, this leads to orderly and chaos-free project execution.
2. Realistic project planning
Every project requires an allocated budget and strict deadlines. Some managers will work with an estimated budget and vague deadlines. This is a recipe for disaster.
With training in project management, you’re able to set expectations that can be met with the budget and resources provided. This ensures successful project completion with minimal or no hitches.
3. Effective resource utilization
Very few companies can fulfill sales and profit goals, efficiency and productivity objectives, and shareholder expectations without skilled project managers. An excellent project manager will ensure a greater sense of ownership and professionalism among team members, and increased productivity and profitability. To succeed in executing a project, you need to carefully utilize the resources available. When you can effectively do this, the project will run through smoothly.
How effective you are at utilizing resources will determine the success of your project.
4. Management of risk
Oftentimes, you can begin a project with the best strategy but fail to recognize potential risks that could hamper the progress and success project. With proper and practical training, you can stay ahead of any risks and threat to your project.
Certainly, the role of a project manager is integral to any project, but can anyone become a project manager?
You can learn project management if you’re;
- A professional working or wishing to work in the NGO sector
- Fresh graduate who wants to pick up practical skills in project management
- A professional looking to learn practical project management
Project managers can easily master the best strategies through training programs. Ultimately, project management is a key bit to any project. Learning practical project management skills will help you position yourself in the completive job market.
Enroll for the upcoming Project Management Course at Corporate Staffing Services and grow your skills in project management.
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