Thursday, November 5, 2015

Excellent Project Managerial Skills
Wow, when we heard the news everyone was ecstatic!!! After years of request and proposals, the answer was finally yes! We will get a new simulation lab with all of the latest electrical/electronic equipment used for our classrooms. We will be able to effectively show our students how to troubleshoot and repair the actual equipment that they will be working on when they arrive at their place of work. The equipment is obsolete and the official word has come down that the entire agency will be getting a face lift. How exciting right!!! STOP! No one had any idea how much work was involved to complete this project successfully.

This was a long and difficult project which I thought was well planned. From the beginning, the project manager kept everyone informed of the phases and the process of the project. She was always communicating with team members and answered all questions. She was continuously at the various sites inquiring about the work and noting if there were any barriers or limitations that prevented work from being accomplished. She wanted everyone to stay on schedule and she expressed that fact at every meeting.

She kept a copy of the project plans on her at all times. She took notes and could tell the team members what the short term and long term plans were at any given moment which ensured all members were on the same page. Her strategy to complete this project was razor sharp. In contrast to strategies, objectives are results to be achieved through the performance of a project. Objectives may include the creation of products and services or the impact realized through the application of these products and services. Clear specific objectives are extremely useful, but project managers must also be able to update and refine objectives as a project progresses. (Portny, S. E., Mantel, S. J., Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., Sutton, M. M., & Kramer, B. E., 2008).

Lastly, she had an excellent person in her corner, the project champion, the Contract Manager. Sometimes the best champion is one whose support is never called into service. Just knowing that this person supports a project helps others appreciate its importance and encourages others to work diligently to ensure its success. (p.15) She possessed the six attributes of a successful project manager which included the gift of foresight, they are organized, they know how to lead, are good communicators, they are pragmatic and empathetic. You’re the best Ms. Canning!

Reference
Portny, S. E., Mantel, S. J., Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., Sutton, M. M., & Kramer, B. E. (2008). Project management: Planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.



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