Chapter 2.
How do I manage the research process? A systematic approach to project management
Key questions (1)
How can project management help me to manage my research project more systematically?
How do I develop and use a project plan?
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Key questions (2)
How can I monitor my projects progress?
How can I work effectively with other students?
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Understanding the project life cycle (1)
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Understanding the project life cycle (2)
Emotional project life cycle: 1. Enthusiasm 2. Despondency 3. Running down blind alleys 4. Panic 5. Elation 6. Deflation
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Objectives
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-framed
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Project breakdown structure
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Preliminary planning Requirements
Activity list (from project breakdown)
Estimates of times required Dependencies between activities
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Preliminary planning Principles
Every project must have a safety margin in the project schedule and the ONLY place to put in any safety margin is at the end of the project As soon as one activity is completed, regardless of whether it is early or late, the next activity should start straight away Forward and backward schedule to fit plan with time available
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Analysing and communicating plans (1) Analysis
Compile network diagram
Project duration Potential for parallel activities
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Analysing and communicating plans (2) Communication
Gantt Chart Work packages
Task lists
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Plan analysis
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Gantt Chart
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Monitoring progress
(1)
The plan provides the basis for monitoring
Plans change
Hows it going? (who is the best judge of project progress?)
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Monitoring progress
Manage your time
(2)
Set & keep to priorities Use support network Work at most effective Dont leave it all until the last minute
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Risk
What about opportunities?
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Working in teams
Principles
Clear elevating goal Defined responsibility Communications strategy Balanced portfolio of skills and attributes Foster collaboration Set high standards Deal with conflict as it arises
Meetings
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Learning outcomes
(1)
Apply project management ideas to your research project; Compile SMART objectives, basic plans and activity lists for your project; Draw a Gantt chart or network diagram
and analyse your project schedule;
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)
Learning outcomes
Keep your project on track;
(2)
Identify good practices for managing
a group project and dealing with
conflict.
Maylor & Blackmon (2005)