| Many people lead projects successfully based on self-taught skills, but without an in-depth practical knowledge of formal Project Management. Sometimes they have even taken Project Management courses which have been inappropriate for them.
As their projects become more complex, they often find themselves facing the kind of deadline where learning by trial and error and is not an option.
This is where Project Assistance from ProjectManagement.co.za can help. |
Preparing for a project
We want to quote on a project in an area of work where we have technical skills and experience. We want to ensure that we're planning correctly and not overlooking something which could create problems later.
I'm starting my own business. I realise that setting it up is in itself a project. I want to plan it to ensure that I get off to a smooth start. | During the project
I have an idea we may be behind schedule, but there are so many things that need to happen at once that it is difficult for me to see the overall picture.
We got the contract on very thin margins. My only hope now is to be able to claim for extras. I need to be able to justify my claims, and I'm not sure how to do the breakdown. |
At the start of a project
I've had problems in the past with too many people giving the orders and nobody wanting to take responsibility for anything. I've got a new project starting and I want to sort out these things in advance because I don't want the headaches I had last time.
I have a number of subcontractors reporting to me on a project, and I need to be able to show them when they'll be needed and where they'll be holding up other work if they don't finish on time. They tend to tell me their problems only once things have already gone wrong, and I want to reduce my risk this time.
My proposal was accepted, but I can already see trouble coming with some of the people involved. I want to do something about it up-front before things go badly wrong. | Working with Microsoft Project
I've created a Gantt chart in Microsoft Project, but I don't know how to put in the resources and to bring in the costs which I did in a spreadsheet. I'm also concerned that once we get going with the project, I won't know how to record what is actually happening and to report this back to my customer.
My client expects me to generate reports from Microsoft Project. I have installed the program, but I don't understand how to do what they expect.
I have guys who report to me who don't know Microsoft Project. I used to do the scheduling myself using this software, but I just don't have the time anymore, and what I need from them is actually more complicated than what I did myself. I need someone to set up templates which make provision for information specific to our own types of projects, and I need my guys trained as soon as possible. |