Small projects face unique challenges. PMBOK(r), Guide is not enough. Or any other. You will need to follow a specific workflow in most cases. It includes tools and practices that have worked in the past. They are not necessarily the best.
How can you approach small-scale project management? Sincerely
(Source: iStock.com/m-gucci)speaking it the same logic as for the larger projects. It is important to understand the life cycle of the project. It is also important to consider the efficiency and effectiveness of the tools and processes.
This article will discuss the considerations you should make to find the perfect small-scale project management strategy.
But, before we begin:
There are two distinct types of smaller projects:
Small-scale project in a large organization. They usually follow a predefined framework.
A small project within a small company. This is where the project management framework is developed over time, usually based on gained experience and expertise.
These tips are mainly useful in the second case, which is a smaller project.
1. Know your internal stakeholders
It all starts with stakeholders. But, you must also pay attention to internal stakeholders.
A small project usually has only a few stakeholders. It could be a client manager or the client. The client may also combine the traits of a customer with a sponsor or user.
Your efforts should be directed at involving internal stakeholders in your project. Small companies are often lacking in subject matter experts. It is often difficult to get their attention and time for your project.
This is a good thing. It is best to only do it once. Most of the information will be the same for all your projects. However, you shouldn’t take the expertise of experts as a given. Their involvement could be vital for your project.
2. Prepare a Communications Plan Upfront
Small-scale projects are often short-term. There is little time to waste. Communication during the initial stages is still inefficient.
Also, take a look at the following.
On a large project you will usually see people who have at least some experience in the area. Your client and key stakeholders will therefore be people who are proficient in management.
You may have customers who have never managed a project. They may not even know the nature of the project.
This is a serious risk.
They don’t realize how much time they will need to communicate with you.
Be prepared to provide at most a draft of your communications plan. It is important to set expectations from the beginning.
My suggestion is to try to avoid email as much as possible. Emailing back and forth is better than using a collaboration application.
3. Collect Requirements
The requirements will change dynamically if you take into account the previous points. Customers will learn more about the project, and the capabilities of the team.
There will be many changes during the process.
Transparency is key to ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of any changes made to the requirement.
It is important to use a tool that tracks changes to the original document. You can use a simple MS Word document or Confluence page to track changes. It can also be done manually. You can mark all changes at either the end or start of a document.
Another important aspect you need to communicate is
Revision of the project plan is required for any changes to the requirements that your team has analyzed and estimated.
4. Create Scope Baseline
Scope creep is a problem with all small-scale projects.
Your estimate will be impacted by many small tasks that are not visible on large projects. You must clearly define the scope of the project if you want to complete the project on-time and within budget.
Here you can find
