Have you ever heard the saying "putting the cart ahead of the horse?" If you wanted to move your cart forward, having the cart in front would not really help. In order to make progress, you would want to put the horse ahead of the cart.
Performing tasks in sequence is also an important aspect of IT projects. The phases of an IT project, also known as a software development lifecycle, make up the framework of an IT project. These phases, which are listed below in sequence, will help you to address the business needs of your project, and better define the activities that will occur throughout the project's entire life span.
1. Planning
First, you must look at the information technology needs of your company. These needs are determined during the planning phase of an IT project by using an information-gathering technique such as a questionnaire.
Keep in mind that the objective must address and remedy an issue or a problem within the company. Once you define the objective, you can put an action plan into place. A description of the development approach that the IT team will take and the estimation of the overall cost are factors that are determined during this phase.
2. Analysis
The analysis phase is the second phase in the software development lifecycle. This phase focuses on the functions the end system will need to perform.
Once you establish the performance needs, you will be able to develop and formalize a more detailed description of the system. The use of business, data, event, and process models during the analysis phase will ensure that both the development team and the end user are on the same track.
3. Design
The third phase of an IT project is the design phase. In it, the plan for the end system is developed. This plan should accurately define the implementation of the project without actually executing the project.
4. Construction
During the fourth phase of the project, the IT team actually constructs the project or system. In this construction phase, the team uses a process map that identifies the procedures that need to be completed to duplicate the agreed-upon plan.
5. Testing
The testing phase is possibly the most critical of all the IT project phases. It is in this phase that the team determines which tests to implement to ensure that the system being produced will be of the highest quality.
6. Rollout
The final phase in an IT project is rollout. It is during this phase that the team begins the activities for releasing the finished product to the end user. Planning for the rollout activities can help the process progress more smoothly.
For example, if another system is already in place, your team will need to thoroughly review the conversion process to ensure the smooth transition from the previous system to the new one.
Every organization should have a structure in place to deal with processes, principles, and guidelines for every IT project. The phases described above can provide a useful framework for the effective development and completion of your next IT project.
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Tag: PM206A52. Let me share all of you about #5 Tips for Project Management Success,, I hope you enjoy it
1. Plan your day using time management techniques
As a project manager, time management skills are essential because you are dealing with a wide range of tasks that demand a quick turnaround time. Planning your day will go a long way in keeping you organized and increasing your productivity. Assist your task planning by using project management software which helps you track the work of you and your team.
If you are not very tech savvy, a simple to-do list can also be a great organizational tool. Prioritize your most important tasks by putting them at the top of the list and less important ones at the bottom. Having a visual plan of your daily tasks helps to keep you on track and aware of time.
Related post: Free ebook 104 secrets to become a great project manager
2. Include stakeholders in important project conversations
While you will have plenty of responsibilities regarding the project, don’t neglect your clients.
Good communication is essential is keeping both parties informed of project progression, curtailing scope creep, and apprised of changing requirements. Some clients may have different expectations when it comes to communication, so make sure to establish the frequency and type of communication (like emails, phone calls, and face-to-face conversations) at the beginning of your project.
Establishing communication expectations early helps alleviate stakeholder uncertainty about communication frequency and delivery.
3. Regularly communicate with your team
Daily team communication helps keep misunderstandings and unclear requirements under control. Keeping your team informed in every step of the project is essential to project management success.
For example, a study published by Procedia Technology found that good communication skills were the cornerstone of project management. The study examined over 300 “construction project managers, architects, construction managers, engineers and quantity surveyors” and their successes and failures on various construction projects.
4. Anticipate project setbacks
Even the best-laid plans often go awry.
Remember that even with a high amount of planning and attention to detail, your project may still encounter some challenges. Pay attention to complaints from stakeholders or colleagues, and other warning signs, like a missed deadline or cost overrun, that there may be a problem.
Preventing a crisis will keep your project running smoothly, save you a lot of time, and keep you, your team, and your stakeholders confident in progressing with the project.
Unfortunately not every complication can be avoided. Crisis management skills are essential for dealing with the unexpected. Project managers need to be flexible and pragmatic. Improvise and make sharp decisions when needed.
Related post: 92 free project management templates
5. Stay focused on the details
A common problem project managers encounter is having the project aims not aligned with the organization’s objectives. A great project manager will strategize a plan for the project to lead back to the overall success of the business.
Know your project’s scope by heart and avoid wandering outside of the project’s requirements. It’s too easy to get lost in minor details and forget what your focus is, so a well-planned project scope is essential for success.
And final, you should use KPI to measure effectiveness of the project, here are full list: 76 project management KPIs
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