Challenges In Project Management

Challenges in Project Management

1. Cost of project management and the relationship with goals

Cost of project management also known as project cost management (PCM). PCM is a set of activities that estimate, allocate and control cost within the project. It allows determining and approving budget for the project and controlling spending (McConnell, E. 2010). For example, the cost of construction project is vital to estimate, allocate and control cost of raw materials, equipment, salary and etc. An effective PCM allows each project to be specific and unique because that project requires specific funding. McConnell suggested that PCM should be treated as a process that consists of the three key processes, estimate, determine and control.

An undefined goal can lead the whole project and team to suffer and more costly to the project. When the high level management cannot agree to or support undefined goals, the project is impossible to success. Thus, the project managers must establish the clear goals and interpret clearly to team.

In November 1981, George T Doran published an article titled “ There's a S.M.A.R.T Way to Write Management's Goals and Objectives”. He suggested that goals and objectives should be included S.M.A.R.T criteria. The SMART definition is Specific, highlight out a specific target area to improve, Measurable, indicator of progress, Assignable, specify on the responsibility, Realistic, the outcomes must be realistic and achievable with available resources, and Time-related, point out when can be achieved. Critics argue that SMART doesn't fit for long term goals due to flexibility.

Although SMART is widely used by organization, but Scot Herrick pointed of three dangers that project management may face when the goals are unclear although it is SMART. First, unclear goals will stop projects to be done and there always a gap that project manager unable to achieve. Second, team members are unable to perform their skills. Third, unclear goals will bring more cost to

Project managers provide direction at every step of the project, so that each team leader can knows what is expected from the project manager. Effective communication in the project is crucial to everyone for its successful completion. It needs proper communication to increase confidence by creating clear expectations. Project team member required proper written and oral communication skills to communicate clearly to everyone in the team.

In addition, leadership is also a challenge in project management. Project management is traditionally about following best practices, methods, adhering to standards and adapting them where necessary and using processes to move an idea from the concept stage through to delivery and implementation. Furthermore，leaders in project management have a bigger picture view and needs to look at things holistically and they have different focus on teamwork, communication and motivation. This is why leaders are so important. They can control all outcomes of the whole