Project Management

From Canonica AI

Introduction

Project management is a discipline that involves the planning, organizing, and managing of resources to bring about the successful completion of specific projects. It is a strategic competency for organizations, enabling them to tie project results to business goals and thus, better compete in their markets.

History of Project Management

The history of project management is as old as civilization itself. The Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, and the Roman aqueducts are all examples of ancient projects. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that project management as we know it began to take shape.

A picture of the Pyramids of Giza, an example of an ancient project.
A picture of the Pyramids of Giza, an example of an ancient project.

Project Management Approaches

There are several approaches to project management, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These include the traditional approach, the Agile approach, the Lean approach, and the Six Sigma approach, among others.

Project Management Knowledge Areas

Project management is divided into several knowledge areas, each of which includes a set of processes that need to be managed. These include project integration management, project scope management, project time management, project cost management, project quality management, project human resource management, project communications management, project risk management, and project procurement management.

Project Management Processes

Project management processes fall into five groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. These processes interact with each other and with the processes in the other knowledge areas.

Project Management Tools and Techniques

There are many tools and techniques that project managers use to manage projects. These include Gantt charts, PERT charts, CPM, and WBS, among others.

A picture of a Gantt chart, a common project management tool.
A picture of a Gantt chart, a common project management tool.

Project Management Certifications

There are several certifications that project managers can obtain to demonstrate their expertise in project management. These include the PMP, the CAPM, and the ACP, among others.

Project Management Software

Project management software is a type of software designed to help project managers and teams collaborate and meet goals on time while managing resources and cost. Examples include Microsoft Project, Basecamp, and Asana, among others.

Conclusion

Project management is a complex discipline that requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. However, with the right approach and tools, it can lead to the successful completion of projects, bringing significant benefits to organizations.

See Also