Project Management

Best Practices by each knowledge area
All pointers apply to both client side PM and firm side PM.

Project intergration
Coming soon!

Human Resource Management
Communications

Communications can be both internal and external. Internal will be Project manager communicating with his/her team members and others within the company. External is between the firm and the client. All the below pointers apply for both internal and external communications. It could be very informal when it comes to internal communications but make sure to make it formal where & when necessary.

• Point of Contact: Though it may be known to all attendees at kick off, establish yourselves as the project manager and clearly state that you will be the main point of contact.
  
  PMs need to have a good plan for a second person for point of contact, just in case PM goes on a vacation or is not available for correspondence.
  
• Mode of communication: The best time to discuss expectations on communications is during the project kick off meeting. Communications is the main aspect for a successful project, 75-90% of the time PMs are communicating either with clients or internal team/s.
  Few Questions to ask client:
  
  How frequent would you like the project communications be? Most of the times it is adhoc but make sure to hear what the client has to say. It can be weekly/bi-weekly/dialy/monthly or adhoc.
  Prefered mode of communication, emails or phone (cell/landline)? Most PMs prefer written format or emails so there is a track of communication and documentation for what is said or agreed.
  Does the client like to be acknowledged? Some PMs prefer to be acknowledged but some think it is unnecessary so they don't care to be acknowlegded.
  
• Communicating with the team members: It is must for a project manager to keep in regular touch with the team members. I strongly recommend having a face to face time with team or if working remote talk over phone. Communicating just by emails isn't a effective way. Scope, important project mile stones, schedule and individual tasks should be properly communicated with the team.

Risk Management

Coming soon!