My first project- taking over a half-way complex project 1

[DHKUK]

Hello all,

I need some help pls. I am given a project that is half way and quite complex. It is my first project and i don't have a PM degree. I didn't even study IT, but coincidentally ended up with this role.

Project is at the sign-off process and development is starting in a week's time. So far i've been sent lots of PM docs and spoken with the customer. Customer has its own project manager and IT team. We are doing a joint project where we will integrate our systems into theirs to a certain extent. Our development team is in far east, therefore time and language restrictions are high.

Can you help me with where to start and what to do? My boss left me to all my own, "just do it" sort of approach. All he wants is seeing results, although i don't even know where to start!

Thanks a lot

D

 

[BNPMike]

1 Identify the key stakeholders - interview them to find out what needs attention
2 Interview all your team leads
3 Get a clear picture on what are the key deliverables and where the critical path is.
4 Identify those people on the project who appear to know what they're doing, and support them.
5 At no stage let on you haven't a clue what you're doing.

Easy really - happens all the time...

 

[PDQBach]

I'd add just one item to BNPMike's list: find out who the SME (Subject Matter Experts) are for each area you'll be working in. You, as the PM, are expected to manage the resources; you aren't expected to be a master in every area. Any time you don't understand something, any time you get even the tiniest feeling that "something's missing" or "doesn't add up", go to those people. They have an important role to play; encourage them to play it.

As a final observation: they *all* want you to succeed. If you succeed, the project succeeds; if the project succeeds they will be seen as positive contributors and they will be seen to succeed.

 

[handyhelp]

I hope your project is going well !

Have a look at where and when your team need to get or give information from / to the customer. Make sure that you manage these collaboration points - be proactive and ask your team to tell you when and what is needed.

I have found that project management is communication, communication, communication. Talk to your team often to understand what they need you to do to make their delivery easier.

Don't hesitate to ask you team to explain the strange stuff - if you understand, then you can negotiate better for them.

I echo PDQBach's comment about the success of the project.

Handyhelp - trying to make a difference by helping others.

 

[TheICPM]

There's a ton of good information out there to guide a beginning PM. I have a great article that might help you located here:

http://www.theicpm.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=236

There's about 1400 more good articles as well.

Thanks
Shawn

Visit

http://www.theicpm.com

for all your Project Management needs.

 

[prjman]

Take a look at the PM Process, you will find everything that a PM should do on a project from A to Z.

http://www.pmhut.com/

- The Project Management Hut

 

[LouisvillePM]

QUOTE - find out who the SME (Subject Matter Experts) are - QUOTE

Getting to know your SMEs is great advice that I've found really works. It is the first thing I do on a project at any stage.

Coming in new:

- Get a general understanding of what areas your requirements touch
-Befriend your SMEs
-Ask questions, even stupid ones.


<a href="

http://louisvillepm.ning.com">Louisville's

Social Network for Project Managers</a>

 

[erikko]

i'll note your tips because im also starting as a project manager and kinda adjusting with the system

http://hilogic.net/

http://www.fiscal-wise.com.my/