Project Managers who enter into a project have a definitive cycle they must follow.  This cycle helps guide Project Managers in what they need to accomplish to ensure that the project meets its projected timely end.

Different challenges, such as stakeholders or scope creep, can interfere with a Project Manager’s itinerary and this gives more reason to follow the 4 elements to that cycle.

Let’s explore each element and understand why they are important.

Planning

There is no escape from this: no matter what, planning ensures how we are going to do a project and this responsibility falls on the Project Manager. 

Before any project begins, much thought goes into why that project is being done; this is what formalizes the business case.

The business case is the foundation to starting a project and helps to develop a fine-tuned plan.

This plan will outline every step of the project including revisiting the overall plan followed by micro plans that are within the master plan.

Delegating

Once the Project Manager creates the plan and gets it approved, it is time to assign that plan to the respective parties.  The Project Manager must communicate effectively the expectations and when they are due.

Communication and relationship-building are crucial here, regardless if it’s with an internal team or contracted to a third party.  You want to ensure that good quality work is delivered and this means creating a team environment.

Monitoring & Controlling

In every stage of the plan, it is crucial to monitor the progress of both the master plan and the micro plans, in particular, when it has been delegated to your various teams and reported back to you.

Monitoring ensures that the plan is being followed and that quality is being met.  Moreover, this is where you will spot any unforeseen issues; this allows you to step in to create and suggest solutions.

The cycle doesn’t stop here, in fact, this where the cycle will repeat.  Throughout the project, you, as the Project Manager, will be repeating each element of the cycle till the end of the project.

This is vital because as you go through these cycles you will managing time, cost, risk, quality, scope and benefits; the cycle give you the ability to do this, which in turn, makes it possible to have a successful project.

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