What Is Project Management?

On the surface, project management probably seems simple enough to the uninitiated. Find out what has to be done, make a timetable, do a rough calculation of costs and away you go. But those successful project managers who have learned this complex discipline the hard way will tell you there is a lot more to do in order to guarantee success.

It is the application of skill sets, knowledge, techniques combined with various tools, all applied towards achieving a defined finished goal. The process includes the integration of The Five Project Management Process Groups, these processes are:

1. Initiating the project and defining objectives
2. Planning the project tasks
3. Executing work
4. Project Monitoring and Controlling
5. The Closing project process

The route typically taken to become a qualified project manger is by sitting the PMP Cert Exam. There are may courses online and you can buy test exam papers and the PMBOK guide to prepare for the final examination. I can't recommend the PMBOK guide enough, it covers the subject of project management in great detail and makes getting to grips with this sometimes complex subject easy to do.

To apply the five process groups successfully towards the projects end goal, the project manger will have to have a clear understanding of all the project requirements. She will have to address the key stakeholders expectations and needs throughout the project cycle, to do this she will know the project:

1. Project Initiation

2. Define Scope

3. Budget

4. Quality control

5. Schedule

6. Communication

7. Risk

8. Human Resources

9. Procurement of materials and tools

To avoid the worse case scenario (a failed project!), it is essential that the five process groups are executed correctly. If this is not done your project can fail for many reasons, but in particular, over spending, failing to meet expectations of key stakeholders and missed deadlines. For those who succeed to plan and mange a medium to large sized project, you can look forward to a career in the industry, recognition as a 'person who gets the job done', and an excellent project management salary.