Liz Cassidy

Project Management - Begin with the end in mind

As with any goal or activity to get any percentage chance of success, you need to know what the end point, or success,  is.
What are you aiming for? What is the purpose of beginning the activity?  The same applies with projects.

A project, be it a multi-million dollar construction development, or a scrapbook, needs to have an end point - that particular final event which marks completion. Whatever the scope the end point needs to be identified before the project begins.  It could be domestic, a new kitchen installed, decorated and working; paint a bedroom; install a water heater etc. It could be industrial, install and commission a piece of machinery; implement a safety management system; design and build an accounting package etc. Or it could be personal, run a marathon; drop 2 clothes sizes, walk the Kokoda Trail; climb Everest etc.

Each project is different and each has a unique defined end point. To be successful in managing a project, you need to define (or have defined for you) that end point. So begin with the end in mind.

Similarly to goal setting; the end point can be more easily defined using SMART as an acronym.

Specifically stated - Stated positively in present tense
Measurable - What will I see, hear, smell, taste, feel and touch upon completion
Achievable - Can I achieve it by myself, what input do I need from others?
Resources - What resources do I need?
Time based and Towards  - When precisely will this outcome happen?

Whilst it’s possible to hit an invisible target, it is much easier to plan and to hit a visible one. So get defining.

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