Project Management in under 8 minutes (2024)

Project Management can be simple! You don’t need lots of Maths, or forms, or PRINCE2, just the common sense APM method which I have explained here as a twelve step process for planning and then doing your project.. This 8 minute talk tells you all the main points, but of course there is more to learn than this – if you think it looks good then come on one of my courses!

The 12 steps are

  1. define the project
  2. list the tasks
  3. estimate the cost and time of each task
  4. plan the dependencies and longest route
  5. speed up the project plan if necessary
  6. create a Gantt chart (I love Gantt charts)
  7. check you have the resources required
  8. think about risk

Start the project

  1. monitor progress
  2. monitor cost
  3. adjust your plan if necessary
  4. review and learn from what happened

Check out my on-line project management course at http://youtu.be/YqHX8i72x1U

Also available:

Book: Instant Guide to Project Management – kindle or paper version

10 day mini-course on your phone

Training course for a group from your organisation

Training course that individuals can join

Audio programme – download MP3

Project Management in under 8 minutes (2024)

FAQs

How much time does project management take? ›

How Long Does It Take to Become a Project Manager? Becoming a project manager generally takes 1-4 years, depending on the path. Earning a bachelor's degree in project management typically takes four years for full-time students. A project management certificate program often takes less than one year.

How much time should be spent on project management? ›

It depends from many factors. On average I estimate 10 to 20% of PM work. But it is important to understand what does fit under PM work. In most of the cases people tend to think that it is how much project manager spends his time on a project.

Should a project manager take minutes? ›

In conclusion, project managers play an essential role in meetings and taking minutes. Whether they are responsible for taking minutes or delegate that responsibility to someone else, they ensure that the meetings are structured, focused on the desired outcome, and efficient.

What is a sample answer for project management? ›

Sample Answer:

"I think that having a fine balance of soft skills and hard skills is crucial to being an effective project manager. I owe my success in previous roles to this combination of skills that can apply to any managerial position. Communication is of the utmost importance as well as organisational abilities.

Is project management exam hard? ›

The questions on the exam are scenario-based and require a thorough understanding of the PMP framework as well as practical experience with managing projects. Many PMP exam takers report that the exam is difficult, with a passing rate of around 60% on the first attempt.

What is the pass rate for the PMP exam? ›

The Project Management Professional (PMP) exam is renowned for its difficulty, testing not just your knowledge but your ability to apply project management principles in real-world scenarios. With a pass rate of around 60% on the first attempt, conquering this exam requires strategic preparation.

What is the 8 80 hour rule in project management? ›

Another good measure is the “8 – 80” rule, which recommends that the lowest level of work should be no less than 8 hours and no more than 80 hours. Level of detail for work packets should be documented in the WBS Dictionary or the Project Management Plan.

What is the 80 20 rule for project managers? ›

Otherwise known as the 80/20 rule, the Pareto rule is a tool that can be used to improve project management efficiency. The rule states that 80% of the results of a project come from 20% of the work. Therefore, by focusing on the 20% of work that is most important, we can improve the efficiency of a project.

What is the minimum time to complete a project called? ›

The critical path is the longest sequence of tasks in your network diagram that must be completed if the project is to be delivered on time. It can also be defined as the shortest amount of time needed to complete the project. This is essentially the same thing.

What is a minute in project management? ›

Meeting minutes are a written record of all information presented and discussed during a meeting. They contain a summary of all the main points that meeting attendees discussed and any decisions that were made, which provides an agenda for the team to prepare for the future of their project.

Do project managers take notes? ›

Taking good meeting notes can help you stay organized, track progress, and communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders. By following these tips, you'll be able to take effective meeting notes and ensure that your projects run smoothly.

Do you take notes during meetings? ›

You could have the most productive meetings with your team, but you risk your teamwork having no impact if you aren't recording and sharing key takeaways, decisions, and action items. In a world where hybrid work has never been more prevalent, note-taking is central to keeping your team engaged, informed, and on task.

What is the most important thing a project manager does answer? ›

As a project manager, it's your job to lead team communication in every aspect. This means ensuring you effectively communicate information and expectations to project team members. But it also means ensuring that team members communicate effectively with you and each other.

What is project management in one sentence? ›

Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget.

What makes a good project manager? ›

An exceptional project manager is skilled in communication, adept at conveying clear information and actively listens. They effectively tailor the project's vision to diverse audiences.

Is project management a stressful job? ›

Not surprisingly, project management can be incredibly stressful. We're responsible for delivery on time, on budget and scope but often have to deal with limited or poorly equipped resources, unrealistic client expectations and a to-do list that could easily reach the moon and back.

Is project management long hours? ›

On average, Project Managers often work between 40 to 50 hours weekly. Their workload, however, can fluctuate significantly with project phases, deadlines, and organizational demands.

How long does project management course last? ›

6 months of full-time study to complete a Graduate Certificate of Project Management. 12 months of full-time study to complete a Graduate Diploma of Project Management.

Is project management job worth it? ›

Project management can be a rewarding and well-compensated profession for those who enjoy: Organizing and planning: Project managers are responsible for setting goals, creating plans, and coordinating tasks. Problem-solving: They often encounter challenges and must find solutions to keep projects on track.

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