Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify the strategic and operational needs of the project during the planning phase.
- The project's strategic context and requirements are identified and considered.
- The organisation's strategic and business plans and their output requirements are identified and considered.
- Client requirements and the impact of legislation and industry codes and standards are identified and fully explored.
- A risk management analysis is conducted and a risk management plan is developed and documented.
- Prepare the project plan.
- Precise specifications and terms of reference for the project are defined and documented.
- Project budget is identified, specified to a level that can be used for the management of sub-tasks, and documented.
- Skills needed for the successful completion of the project are defined.
- Physical and other resources required to support the project are defined, documented and secured.
- Timelines, schedules and critical path for the project are developed and documented, taking into consideration contingencies and planning for time slippages.
- A consultation strategy or process that will be used to inform clients, contractors and other interested parties of the project's progress, and seek their input as required, is defined and documented.
- Assemble the project team and commence work.
- Appropriate project team members are secured and briefed regarding the project, their roles, levels of delegated responsibility and the outcomes to be achieved.
- Effective communication processes are put in place to coordinate work and inform team members of progress.
- Clear reporting processes for team members are identified and communicated.
- Manage the project.
- Project progress is monitored according to project plan requirements, using appropriate project management tools and methodologies.
- Team members are supported and their output is managed against the key performance indicators identified in the project plan.
- Corrections, changes and additions are made to the project plan in light of changing circumstances to ensure project aims and outcomes are met.
- Resourcing to support the project is monitored and corrections are made to reflect changing circumstances.
- Reporting of overall project progress is made to senior management and/or funding bodies as required and in line with the project plan.
- Finalise the project.
- The project is finalised in line with the project plan.
- Required handover to staff members responsible for the ongoing implementation or maintenance of project products or services is conducted efficiently, effectively and in line with organisational procedures.
- Project team members and relevant stakeholders are debriefed about the conduct of the project and the outcomes achieved.
- A report is prepared analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the project plan and the conduct of the project.
- Use the project to contribute to improved policies and processes.
- Opportunities for wider organisational learning, including changes to processes or policies generated by the project, are identified and analysed.
- Opportunities for future further developments following project completion are forwarded for consideration by senior management.
- The strategic impact of the project is considered and fed into the organisation's ongoing strategic planning processes.