Project Management – Managing client expectations vs ‘overkill’
I often get asked ask questions regarding the correction application of project management on client engagements. This topic comes up in RFPs, project kick-off meetings as well as after the fact during post implementation reviews. As you know there is no magical answer to the right amount or, the correct application of project management.The old adage “it’s an art not a science” holds true no matter when you address the topic with your client.
Bottom line, everyone does it a little differently. If you follow an industry standard PMBOK Methodology you’ll find that there are 4 four common components to managing projects and managing project processes:
So, how do I differentiate between being effective and having mounds of paperwork? Break project management down into the basic components above and then analyze the cost and the benefit of each component with your client. It doesn’t get simpler than that. You’ll have to come up with what the costs are with managing each component; usually pretty straight forward based on applied hours. However, the benefits are usually the costs of not doing something or, doing something incorrectly! Benefits are usually harder to quantify. To me, this becomes the differentiator between going deep with project management and not going deep enough.
Experienced project managers will apply the art in these situations and draw upon past experiences to balance the success of the project whereas new project managers will apply the science.Whether you’re a project management newbee or a PMP certified guru the most important element is communication with your client. Understand how each of the components will be applied and how they will be measured. The rest you can adjust as the project progresses.At the end of the day, if the client is happy with the way scope, issues, risk and quality are being monitored and measured you’ve found the art using the science!
