How to Make Project Decisions

"A decision is only an idea if it does not have a funded plan"

Are you managing a project or working in an organization "that just can't make decisions"? If so, perhaps you need a new approach to recognizing the difference between IDEAS and DECISIONS.  

Most project managers learn how to manage Risks, Issues and Actions (click here for more information).  However, making project decisions can be tricky. And many decisions need to be made outside the four walls of the project. 

Ideas vs. Decisions:  Let's say one of the project decision-makers has a good idea.  Everyone nods their heads in agreement. The project manager documents the "decision".  And then.... often... nothing happens.  The decision-maker wonders why the project manager isn't listening!

In this scenario, a DECISION has NOT been made.  Rather, an IDEA has been articulated. 

Managing Decisions: The Practical Project Manager knows an idea is not a decision until it is supported with a funded action plan.

Step 1: Documents ideas. Record an action item to verify approved funding & resources along with an implementation plan to transform the idea into something real.  


Document Ideas


Step 2: Obtain funding and develop an implementation plan.  Analyze internal and external project factors to clearly understand impacts.  Determine the cost or funding needs of the decision (in terms of budget, timeline, resource allocation, or scope changes).  Adjustments in the overall project may need to be made to accommodate the decision. 


Facilitate Analysis and Funding

Step 3: Document and communicate outcomes.  Decisions can be documented in the project's Issue/Risk/Action log.  Document all outcomes for ideas: ideas that are approved as decisions, not approved, or are placed on hold.  Work activities can be incorporated into the project schedule.  


Document Decisions

22 comments:

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    1. Tag: PM203A55. Let me share all of you about #5 Tips for Project Management Success,, I hope you enjoy it

      1. Plan your day using time management techniques

      As a project manager, time management skills are essential because you are dealing with a wide range of tasks that demand a quick turnaround time. Planning your day will go a long way in keeping you organized and increasing your productivity. Assist your task planning by using project management software which helps you track the work of you and your team.

      If you are not very tech savvy, a simple to-do list can also be a great organizational tool. Prioritize your most important tasks by putting them at the top of the list and less important ones at the bottom. Having a visual plan of your daily tasks helps to keep you on track and aware of time.

      Related post: Free ebook 104 secrets to become a great project manager

      2. Include stakeholders in important project conversations

      While you will have plenty of responsibilities regarding the project, don’t neglect your clients.

      Good communication is essential is keeping both parties informed of project progression, curtailing scope creep, and apprised of changing requirements. Some clients may have different expectations when it comes to communication, so make sure to establish the frequency and type of communication (like emails, phone calls, and face-to-face conversations) at the beginning of your project.

      Establishing communication expectations early helps alleviate stakeholder uncertainty about communication frequency and delivery.

      3. Regularly communicate with your team

      Daily team communication helps keep misunderstandings and unclear requirements under control. Keeping your team informed in every step of the project is essential to project management success.

      For example, a study published by Procedia Technology found that good communication skills were the cornerstone of project management. The study examined over 300 “construction project managers, architects, construction managers, engineers and quantity surveyors” and their successes and failures on various construction projects.

      4. Anticipate project setbacks

      Even the best-laid plans often go awry.

      Remember that even with a high amount of planning and attention to detail, your project may still encounter some challenges. Pay attention to complaints from stakeholders or colleagues, and other warning signs, like a missed deadline or cost overrun, that there may be a problem.

      Preventing a crisis will keep your project running smoothly, save you a lot of time, and keep you, your team, and your stakeholders confident in progressing with the project.

      Unfortunately not every complication can be avoided. Crisis management skills are essential for dealing with the unexpected. Project managers need to be flexible and pragmatic. Improvise and make sharp decisions when needed.

      Related post: 92 free project management templates

      5. Stay focused on the details

      A common problem project managers encounter is having the project aims not aligned with the organization’s objectives. A great project manager will strategize a plan for the project to lead back to the overall success of the business.

      Know your project’s scope by heart and avoid wandering outside of the project’s requirements. It’s too easy to get lost in minor details and forget what your focus is, so a well-planned project scope is essential for success.

      And final, you should use KPI to measure effectiveness of the project, here are full list: 76 project management KPIs


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