A Simple Project Management Checklist

Anna Shalomova

PPM Consultant

Projects are essential to all organizations’ goals and objectives. Successful project completions according to targeted purposes account for optimum company performance. But only through a robust project management plan can companies perform better, accomplish goals faster, and be more efficient. Thus, when reviewing monthly project management reports, organizations want the best project management techniques. Project managers should drive project teams to perform consistently and competitively as required by modern business practices.

What can happen without an efficient strategy?

Due to poor project management, many organizations cannot keep up with the increased competition in modern business industries. As a result, there are signs of regression in each assessment report. Poor project planning, unorganized portfolio directories, and inefficient resource management are some of the shortfalls of each new report. Progress either remains at a standstill or worsens.

The team lacks coordination and synchronization. Project transparency and visibility are absent, discouraging project collaboration and affecting agile team performance. Thus, the project is incurring more loss than gain, which, in turn, promotes poor productivity and waste of investment. Against these backdrops, PMO directors seek to establish result-oriented project management strategies alongside renowned third-party project management tools that help improve project team performance and satisfy organizational goals.

Wait a minute

Many companies have experienced significant setbacks for failing to implement an effective project management plan. They have tried every possible strategy but without successful results. So, they search for a solution, just as you are now.

A simple project management checklist to implement best practices

The business world is inundated with project management techniques. Professionals have tested many project management tools for their reliability and trustworthiness. But how do you know which ones to implement and which to ignore? Here is a project management checklist with key techniques you can implement to improve performance.

• A Project Brief. Every PMO director must first put a project brief into play. It defines the aims, objectives, project lifecycle, key milestones, and success criteria.
• A Project Plan. Next, create a roadmap of actionable steps to achieve the project brief. This plan covers full details of all team members’ responsibilities, milestones (e.g., notable dates, achievements, tasks, budgets), work division, and other key specifics.
• Communication. Communication is crucial for business success, including project management. Ensure that there is communication among teammates, stakeholders, and clients. Effective communication fosters cooperation, trust, transparency, accountability, and a good working environment.
• Risk Assessment. Risk is active in every project and can cause irreparable harm. Therefore risk assessment and mitigation are critical. To reduce risks, first identify and study potential risks, then give detailed recommendations on how to avoid them.

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• Progress Tracking. During the progress tracking phase, take note of variance and scope creep. Due to uncertainties, conflict can occur in areas like budgets and timelines. Scope creep affects the project plan because of variance. These should be monitored and actively addressed to avoid the accumulation of loss. This is an opportunity to take your efficiency and results to your desired level.

With the project management best practice, you will get the best project results.

Benefits for organizations

By implementing the best project management practices, organizations experience a visible change in the modus operandi. Here are some of the key benefits for organizations implementing these techniques:

• There is minimal or no error in the execution of tasks.
• There is a good working environment which is beneficial to both PMO and teammates.
• There is efficient management of resources in the budget for project completion.
• It saves time and ensures all energy directed to a project yields excellent results.
• There is clear dissemination of information and communication.
• There is an increased likelihood of achieving project goals.

It can be hard to switch project management strategies. But with time and dedication, you will find implementing these best practices much easier and more productive.

Unfortunately, even the most efficient project management strategy doesn’t protect organizations from data loss.