Author: Matthew Theobald
Whatever the nature of the project that you undertake - from the design and build of an exhibition stand to the generation of a new software package - it is useful to consider that all projects have the same basic structure and life cycle; they will, of course have their own idiosyncysies which will have to be dealt with but they will all pass through a number of phases in order to reach their conclusion. The project may take hours, days or indeed years to complete, but again, they are all subject to the same organisational process.
Projects are, typically initiated in response to a problem or an opportunity to improve a product or situation. Before the project can begin the problem or opportunity will need to be defined e.g. "We need to increase our profile within the industry" or "we need to find a more effective way to promote new products".
Once the problem has been defined, potential solutions will need to be investigated and a suitable solution identified and a decision made to implement the solution. Only then can the project life cycle begin.
The project life cycle consists of the following key phases:
•Initiation
•Specification
•Design
•Build
•Installation/implementation
•Operation and review
Initiation
This is the most important phase covering the setting of objectives, budgetting, getting the required approval and setting the terms of reference.
Specification
This area can be defined in character by the word ‘WHAT?’ - What does the customer want to acheive?; What equipment do they require?; What finishes are to be used?; What locations are involved?; What are the deadlines? etc.
We are not, at this stage concerned with the HOW?
Design
This is the stage where we start to ask HOW? Technical experts, designers, engineers, carpenters, AV consultants may need to be involved to help shape the design of the project. This phase may result in the production of a detailed specification, technical drawings, 3 dimensional visual, scale models or prototypes. Before we can move forward from this phase the design must be agreed with the customer.
Build
This is where the bricks are laid, the code is written, the brochures are printed; Finally something tangible is created.
Installation/Implementation
The project has been designed and built and, hopefully, if the project has been sucessfully managed thus far, will be as specified. However at this stage it is customary to have a formal acceptance by the client. This may well include a period of transition - after all project management is about the management of change; you can design and supply a new software system but it will need to installed, users trained, and perhaps computers upgraded. With reference to my own industry, the design and build of exhibition stands, the implementation phase may be as simple as handing over the keys of the store to the client and showing them where the light switch is!
Operation and Review
Once your project has been in use for a period of time, you may be lucky enough to find it works perfectly and everyone is happy - in which case this section will be concluded quickly and easily. If, however, there are problems or deficiencies with the project, new requirements will need to be identified and the project cycle begins again.
Matthew Theobald has been working in the exhibition and display industry for over 20 years. Having been involved in the design and build of exhibition stands throughout Europe and having specialised for a number of years in large-format digital print he has a wealth of experience in this arena.
http://www.exdisplay.co.uk
Article Source:http://www.upublish.info/Article/Project-Management---an-Introduction/225752
About the Author:
Matthew Theobald has been working in the exhibition and display industry for over 20 years. Having been involved in the design and build of exhibition stands throughout Europe and having specialised for a number of years in large-format digital print he has a wealth
of experience in this arena. http://www.exdisplay.co.uk