Project Management Tools: Reliable Methods Meet New Technology
What are your favorite project management tools? When it comes to
making projects successful, there are many different tools and methods
you can use. However, some of them are so basic to success that they get
used in all manner of projects, across a huge variety of industries and
types.
Let's look at some of the most valuable tools for delivering on project commitments:
1) Gantt Charts
These exceptionally simple charts are a surprisingly powerful way to develop the framework of a project's schedule. They can be expanded so that they easily and visually demonstrate how every phase of a project works together. More sophisticated Gantt charts can also help demonstrate the key points at which different teams and team members will have to collaborate closely.
2) Task and Milestone Definitions
Tasks are the building blocks of projects. Each individual task leads towards a deliverable, which can usually be thought of as a specific milestone. Defining your tasks should be done early on so that you can map them onto a schedule. You may also need your tasks defined so you can make a compelling case for the resources your team needs to succeed.
3) Calendars
Once you have the project's milestones and deliverables worked out, it's important to take the next step in scheduling by developing calendars. Calendars can consist of overall project goals and deadlines or they can focus on the work of a single team. Even individuals can have their own calendars, although it can be more challenging to keep these "square" with larger ones.
4) Ticketing
Deriving from the work of so many different online applications, ticketing is an important way to understand what's "most important" about a project. Ticketing is a form of escalation that helps project directors take action on immediate priorities and guide team members to solutions. Many of the best applications for project development incorporate some form of ticketing.
Taking the Next Step in Tools for Projects
Of course, these tools are only as good as the leaders and teams that put them into practice. To achieve good performance in the face of project ambiguity, you need to be able to deliver the human touch.
The best online project management tools can help you implement any of the tools above, while still giving you the opportunity for hands-on leadership that people respond positively to. No matter what your favorite tool is, it's possible to bring it online.
Let's look at some of the most valuable tools for delivering on project commitments:
1) Gantt Charts
These exceptionally simple charts are a surprisingly powerful way to develop the framework of a project's schedule. They can be expanded so that they easily and visually demonstrate how every phase of a project works together. More sophisticated Gantt charts can also help demonstrate the key points at which different teams and team members will have to collaborate closely.
2) Task and Milestone Definitions
Tasks are the building blocks of projects. Each individual task leads towards a deliverable, which can usually be thought of as a specific milestone. Defining your tasks should be done early on so that you can map them onto a schedule. You may also need your tasks defined so you can make a compelling case for the resources your team needs to succeed.
3) Calendars
Once you have the project's milestones and deliverables worked out, it's important to take the next step in scheduling by developing calendars. Calendars can consist of overall project goals and deadlines or they can focus on the work of a single team. Even individuals can have their own calendars, although it can be more challenging to keep these "square" with larger ones.
4) Ticketing
Deriving from the work of so many different online applications, ticketing is an important way to understand what's "most important" about a project. Ticketing is a form of escalation that helps project directors take action on immediate priorities and guide team members to solutions. Many of the best applications for project development incorporate some form of ticketing.
Taking the Next Step in Tools for Projects
Of course, these tools are only as good as the leaders and teams that put them into practice. To achieve good performance in the face of project ambiguity, you need to be able to deliver the human touch.
The best online project management tools can help you implement any of the tools above, while still giving you the opportunity for hands-on leadership that people respond positively to. No matter what your favorite tool is, it's possible to bring it online.
Choosing the right project management tool
is never an easy task. Phil has dedicated over ten years to teaching
leading organizations on how to best utilize web based project
management.
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