Every project needs to be managed. Efficiency, perseverance and group work are only a few of the project management’s features. But what is project management and what does it comprise of? Let’s take a look.
To provide the description of project management, it is important to begin with the definitions of words: “project” and “management”. So what’s a project? It’s an enterprise, either individual or collaborative, planned in detail and taken in order to achieve a certain goal. Of course, it can refer to anything, beginning from class assignments, to elaborate projects carried on in business corporations. A project is a temporary process which can take only a few days or it can last couple or even many years. So what about management? It’s as simple as it seems – a practice of being in charge of things or people. So what’s up with Project Management? Project Management as we know it came
And what about management? It’s as simple as it seems – a practice of being in charge of things or people. So what’s up with Project Management? Project Management as we know it came into existence in the 20th century and in the 1950s became a distinct discipline being used in the tertiary sector of the economy and in generally understood business area. Today it mostly brings together people from varied regions – cities or even countries, each of them having a different field of expertise and cultural background. For this reason, it’s often performed remotely.
Project Management’s five stages
Achieving goals in the best possible way is the main aim of the Project Management, as well as making sure that every single aspect is done and dusted to the fullest. In order to accomplish that, project management is divided into five stages (according to PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge):
- Initiation
- Planning and design
- Construction
- Monitoring and controlling
- Closing
If followed according to the above phases, the project has a chance to become successful and professional. Yet these five steps are not the only determinant of a well-managed undertaking.
Organize your work
Project management requires lots of work having been done by many people. Productivity and coordination of a project can be enhanced by the use of project management software. Among it, we can find the project management and time tracking software of the types of desktop, web-based, personal, single user, collaborative, or visual.
Let’s take a look at three most popular brands of project management software.
No. 1 Evernote
Evernote is a freemium application allowing users to create, archive and download notes (preferably with file attachments) in different formats. It helps to organize important information with a simple and easy interface. The first several months of using the application are free; however, later you may need to pay fees to be still able to use it. Evernote supports most of the operating systems but is also available for all types of mobile phone system.
No. 2 Trello
Trello offers a wide range of solutions. You can create a personal account for your own needs and manage your chores, Or, you can establish a platform for your coworkers to exchange ideas, files, and things that are important in your job. The file and information transfer is immediate so you don’t have to worry about any delays! Trello also supports Android, iPhones, and iPads and is free.
Additionally, to make your work more pleasant, Trello’s “spokesperson” accompanies you in your project management. Isn’t that sweet?
Did you know?
TimeCamp is a part of Trello Power-Ups, a new directory for Trello’s add-ons! Now you can turn your TimeCamp and Trello integration into a real productivity powerhouse and easily manage all your projects and entire team with just one click!
No. 3 Asana
Asana allows working efficiently in a larger group (or smaller if that’s what you need). You can start with a free version to get the basic features, such as simple dashboard and search, unlimited tasks, projects, and conversations, or pay if you need access to more sophisticated options. Asana has a variety of great apps and integrations that make tracking your work much easier.
To sum it up
Project management is a discipline which expanded broadly in the era of internet and is still expanding thanks to the technological progress. With the world’s modernization, it sets more and more possibilities for developing a stable, efficient and dynamic way of management. The tools and software available on the market bring novelty to project management. They help to arrange tasks and coordinate projects, at the same time allowing you or your team to cooperate with others to improve the results. If you haven’t tried the project management software yet, give it a try and see for yourself that it won’t go to waste. Good luck!