The Planning/Control Cycle

Planning sets in motion activities to accomplish the planned objectives. Control functions direct and monitor activities for deviations from plans (i.e., attainment of objectives). Planning uses feedback from controls to improve/alter plans and implement corrective actions where necessary.

The Basic Planning/Control Cycle

Management by Objectives and Project Planning

Management by Objectives (Peter Drucker): A comprehensive management system based on measurable, participatively set objectives

The MBO Cycle

Step 1: Setting objectives

Step 2: Developing action plans

Step 3: Periodic review

Step 4: Performance appraisal

MBO’s Strengths and Limitations

Project Planning and Management

Project: A temporary endeavor to achieve a particular aim

The Project Life Cycle

Conceptualization: Setting project goals and objectives

Planning: Organizing facilities and equipment, personnel and task assignments, and scheduling

Execution: Beginning actual work on the project

Termination: Turning the project over to the end user and phasing out project resources

The Project Life Cycle and Project Planning Activities

Roles, Challenges, and Strategies for Effective Project Managers

Project Management Software

Important attributes: flexibility and transparency

—  Identify and schedule need-to-do activities.

—  Dynamically shift priorities and schedules.

—  Provide critical path analysis.

—  Provide flexibility for plan modifications.

—  Set priority levels.

—  Manage all resources flexibly.

—  Merge plans.

—  Issue manager alerts for project slippage.

—  Automatically record time to map against project.

—  Identify time spent on activities.

Project Management Guidelines

—  Projects are schedule-driven and results-oriented.

—  The big picture and the little details are of equal importance.

—  Project planning is a necessity, not a luxury.

—  Project managers know the motivational power of a deadline.