There are so many aspects to project management. Its a complex yet simple subject. Many project managers will have different perspectives as to what is important in IT project management. Project management associations and institutes have differing views as well. Despite these different views, there are common threads that run through each view.
Ironic? No. Just as a situation can be viewed in many different ways, a job can be accomplished in many different ways too.
IT project management encompasses the technical aspects of IT, which is about well designed architectures, well translated and implemented codes. It encompasses good project management practices such as a clear and well thought-out plan and schedule, contracts that are clearly agreed upon, expectations of the end goal well communicated and agreed. THere are many more facets to IT project management.
All these sound logical and usually requires common sense. However, for those who have been involved in IT projects know that "what will go wrong, will". Despite the difficulties, there are always ways to workaround and get the project delivered to expectations and within time and budget.
In each of these facets of IT project management, there are nuances and issues to be addressed. Some are complex issues that go beyond the technical realm. It requires human interaction, negotiation and effectiveness.
An IT project is like an army mission. Many supporting roles are required such as logistics, long range weapons, foot-soldiers, planning on deployment and timing of troop movement, attack and defence plan. All these have to work in tandem. The commander cannot focus on only one aspect and 'hope' that the other aspects of the mission will go well. The commander needs to know each and every aspect well in order to mobilize troops and make necessary adjustments for a successful mission.
Likewise for IT projects. Most project managers I know focus only on areas they are comfortable with, either on the plan and schedule, or technical, or contract. This is where project go awry.
A competent project manager needs to know every aspect of the project well. He may not be fully competent in a certain area, in which case, he needs to engage the helps of his team leads to provide him with accurate information...and go down to the ground to verify. Nothing beats real information from the ground.
When a project manager doesn't manage a project from a holistic perspective, he cannot manage effectively. WHen the project begins to fail, he will not be able to confidently steer the project to a successful completion. THis is one typical cause of project downfall.
Whether in projects or personal life, situations and projects must be looked at in a holistic manner. Neglecting an area can lead to a stagnation or detriment to the project or personal life.
Bernard
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