The principles of successful project management: It takes careful planning, skilful leadership … and a little bit of luck
Human Resource Management International Digest
ISSN: 0967-0734
Article publication date: 18 October 2011
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this article is to describe how to manage a project successfully.
Design/methodology/approach
The article presents the advice of Ron Rosenhead, chief executive of Project Agency, a north London‐based project‐management training and development firm, who has years of experience as a project manager, trainer and commentator on the subject.
Findings
The key steps to successful projects are explained: identify the business case; define the project; close the project; and learn the lessons.
Practical implications
The article emphasizes the importance of: defining the project; clarifying project roles and having a clear project‐management structure; identifying and reducing risks; taking the people along with you; developing a robust project plan; delivering what you say you will deliver; dealing with project changes; and stopping project “dribble”. It explains how to avoid the social costs of loss of precious time and money through project “stray”.
Originality/value
The article provides a strategic, standard framework for project managers that allows them to: define, plan and control projects; recognize the role(s) they play and define other people's contributions to the project‐management process; recognize and reduce risks in all types of project work; and use a range of tools related to project management.
Keywords
Citation
Little, B. (2011), "The principles of successful project management: It takes careful planning, skilful leadership … and a little bit of luck", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 19 No. 7, pp. 36-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731111175597
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited