Project Management
Learning outcomes:
After you complete this section you will be able to:
- Learn how to create an action plan to successfully complete your project
- Develop strategies to manage your time effectively
- Learn useful tips for successful team work
- Learn how to manage risks associated with completing a project
What is project management?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines a project as a “temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.” The ‘endeavour’ or ‘unique product’ in this case is your research project. It is about how you manage all aspects of writing your project so that you deliver a good piece of work by the deadline date for submission.
Project management (PM) involves setting clear goals, breaking down your project into bite-size tasks with clear deadlines, developing time management strategies to accomplish these tasks, and working with your supervisor and with other students. It also involves monitoring your project to ensure you are on schedule.
This short video gives tips on how to plan and monitor your project to ensure that you complete your research project on time.
To summarise:
In order to successfully complete your research project, you will need to:
- Set goals. An example of a goal is to list all of the tasks that you would like to accomplish in the first or second semester.
- Break down tasks. An example would be to arrange your tasks monthly and weekly and daily. If you have four writing goals for September, then you can place one in each week of the month. If you have two, then give yourself two weeks for each.
- Implement strategies for accomplishing your tasks.
- Monitor and adjust the project as you go along.
The library holds a number of books about project management for students which cover additional information about managing your research project. The following are recommended. Search the library’s online catalogue to find the books and their location in the library.
The next section is all about time management, looking at tips and tools to keep you on track.
