Project control is the most difficult part of project management, after project closing.
Project managers who are responsible for software development projects using the waterfall method will need more than luck to ensure a successful project delivery. My first projects were similar to mine, which is why I believe it is important to follow best practices.
Continue reading: What is Project Management?
What is Project Control?
Project control is a collection of processes that allow project managers to receive timely information about the project so they can take corrective actions to keep it on track. The communication-intensive processes rely on status reports and other project management feedback systems.
Project Monitoring and Control is a phase of project management. However, project managers can apply it at all stages of a project’s lifecycle, from Initiation through Closing. According to the PMBOK Guide, project control refers to the process of comparing actual and planned performance and taking corrective actions that will result in the desired outcome.
Project control is the process of monitoring and managing core elements of project management such as scope, quality, time and cost. It encourages monitoring and comparing actual results against the planned objectives, requirements, risks and schedules of project projects.
Continue reading: 5 Phases of the Project Management Lifecycle You Need to Know
Project Control: The Do’s and Don’ts
Project control is iterative. It ensures regular tracking. It is also easy to manipulate and is susceptible to project scope creep. Despite best intentions and efforts, many organizations fail to meet their project targets.
Good project management practices can make the difference between a long-overdue, costly project and one that is completed on time and within budget. These are some ways to manage this stage of the project with minimal disruption to the client and no negative impact on the project’s cost, quality, or scope.
DO: Keep track of your progress regularly
Project managers must keep track of the progress of their projects. They should receive updates from the team on a daily and weekly basis. It is important to update clients on a regular basis, at most on a weekly basis.
DO: Document Consistently
Documentation is essential for the team. All phone calls, meetings, as well as informal discussions, should be included in the documentation. The project manager can summarize key points and send it to all stakeholders by email if a stakeholder has reached a decision. This helps to keep things in perspective and avoids making assumptions.
DO: Have a single point of contact
The communication between the client and the team should be managed by the project manager. Many software development projects involve the development team working in client premises. This allows the client to communicate directly with the developers. The development team may have to change priorities or add tasks in order to meet undocumented client needs.
DO: Adhere To Priorities
The team must have a clear understanding about the essential tasks and their schedules. They should avoid any form of gold plating. All the “nice-to-have” features are rarely more useful or valuable if they are not used for their intended purpose.
DO: Communicate Openly
Clear and open communication between the project manager and the team is essential. Regular, timely feedback is essential for project control. The process is there to protect the project. Team members need to understand this. They should also be able to explain the reasons behind the formal procedures and the steps they should take if the client makes suggestions or amends.
DON’T: Say ‘No’ Outright
The project manager shouldn’t say “no” too quickly to clients. They can reserve a small amount of n
