Methods & Tools

A collection of essential project management skills, methods, tools and competencies for success.

Project Management

Creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The successful implementation of any Six Sigma project depends on the ability of Six Sigma professionals such as black belts to break down a large project into smaller manageable sub-projects. This breaking down of mammoth projects into several smaller projects is technically referred to as work-breakdown structure (WBS).

Estimating Project Costs

Many techniques, books and software packages exist to help with estimating project costs. A few basic rules will also help ensure that an accurate and realistic estimate is produced.

Funding Proposal

If you are already familiar with the ubiquitous Project Brief and would like to try something new, here's an idea. Why not try writing a Funding Proposal.

How to Create a Gantt Chart Using Microsoft Excel

Since the initial introduction of Gantt charts, they have become an industry standard as a key project management tool for showing the phases, tasks and activities that are scheduled as part of a project over time. This video presentation shows a step by step guide to creating a Gantt chart using Microsoft Excel 2007.

Project Management Tools

A Gantt chart, Logic Network, PERT chart and Work Breakdown Structure are common tools used when planning a project.

Project Planning A Step by Step Guide

The key to a successful project is in the planning. Creating a project plan is the first thing you should do when undertaking any kind of project. Often project planning is ignored in favour of getting on with the work. However, many people fail to realise the value of a project plan in saving time, money and many problems.

Progress Reporting

Progress reporting is a key element of project management. Reports should be issued by the Project Manager and circulated to all stakeholders on a regular basis.

General Management

Pareto Analysis Step by Step

The Pareto principle is the idea that by doing 20% of the work you can generate 80% of the benefit of doing the whole job. Or in terms of quality improvement, a large majority of problems are produced by a few key causes. Pareto Analysis enables you to see what 20% of cases are causing 80% of the problems and where efforts should be focussed to achieve the greatest improvement.

PEST Analysis

PEST is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the impact political, economic, social, and technological factors might have on a project. It involves an organisation considering the external environment before starting a project.

SMART Goals

Once you have planned your project, turn your attention to developing several goals that will enable you to be successful. Goals should be SMART - specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic and time-based.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to a project. It involves specifying the objective of the project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favourable and unfavourable to achieving that objective.

Using Feedback as a Tool

As a project manager it is important to be able to give and receive feedback effectively. Feedback is best given on a one to one basis soon after the event that triggers its need.