Do you take the right steps when leading projects? Read our action list to find out how to plan, budget and implement effectively.

• Define clear objectives.
• Appoint a project manager; choose an individual who will champion the project, and motivate and manage the project team.
• Identify what personnel and other resources the project requires.
• Break down large projects into smaller, manageable stages.
• Clarify the outcomes the project must achieve; set performance criteria and standards for the project as a whole and for each stage.
• Identify the key risks — for example, potential technical problems — and what you can do to minimise them; plan how you will cope with problems.
• Budget costs for each stage; include personnel costs, overheads, materials and equipment.
• Set timescales for each stage.
• Identify the critical path — which activities must be completed before others can be started, and which can be undertaken in parallel.
• Include a contingency allowance — for both costs and timescales — to allow for identified risks and unexpected problems.
• Identify the overall project duration and costs.
• Confirm that it is worth proceeding with the project, taking into account the costs, timescales and risks you have identified.
• Monitor progress against plans and performance targets as the project proceeds; adjust your plans as necessary.
• Complete the project; evaluate its success and what you can learn from it for the future.

Cardinal Rules

Do:

• set clear objectives and performance criteria
• set budgets and timescales
• allow for contingencies
• monitor progress against plans

Don’t:

• tackle large projects without intermediate goals
• ignore the risks
• expect projects to proceed without problems and delays

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