The aim of this term paper is to explain project management and to discuss the structure and methods.
Projects are important operations, often with long-term effects. Their implementation causes considerable effort. Project management represents the potential to carry out these projects successfully, on time and economically. Due to the increasingly complex, often temporary tasks and the ever-shorter product life cycles, the importance of project management has steadily increased in recent years.
One possibility to use resources and costs flexibly, offer projects. They are temporally limited and therefore manageable for companies. Nevertheless, projects do not always go according to plan. Therefore, in the phase of project implementation, it is particularly important to get and use regular detailed information about the project.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Project management basics
2.1 Definition “management”
2.2 Definition “project”
2.3 Definition “project management”
3. Major tasks in project management
3.1 Project planning
3.2 Project organization
3.3 Project objective
3.4 Project controlling
3.4.1. Project structure plan
3.4.2. Milestone plan
4. Magic traingle in project management
4.1 Performance / scope
4.2 Measurement of project results
5. Process of a project at “Deutsche Telekom Außendienst GmbH”
6. Summary and conclusion
7. Bibliography
Objectives and Topics of the Term Paper
This term paper aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of project management by analyzing its foundational definitions, core tasks, and practical implementation within a corporate environment. The research focuses on how project management methodologies can be effectively applied to ensure the success of complex business operations.
- Fundamental definitions of management, projects, and project management
- Core project tasks including planning, organization, and objective setting
- Analysis of project controlling techniques such as structure and milestone plans
- Exploration of the "Magic Triangle" concept regarding cost, time, and quality
- Case study of project processes at Deutsche Telekom Außendienst GmbH
Excerpt from the Book
3. Major tasks in project management
“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised” 10. This quotation from the motivational speaker Denis Waitley expresses exactly what project management is – unpredictable. It is important to have a concept and the right project team members around you. Of course, nothing ever works the way its planned, but it is essential to set milestones, monitor and document your progress, and ultimately learn from experiences to make the project a success.
3.1 Project planning
To plan a project, it is necessary to consider the individual phases.
The initialization phase is the first phase of a successful project implementation. The project ideas are presented, and the client and the project manager decide together, if the concept is worth projecting. It must be decided, whether the project should be carried out in a clear line, or whether other sectors are also affected and therefore it is a cross-segment project. Furthermore, the question arises how many resources must be provided to other sectors in the case of an overarching project. Moreover, in this phase the objectives are defined. 11 How they are related to the corporate strategy and to the overall assessment. The structure of the product and the project must be created as well as the identification of requirements, restrictions and limitations of the involved parties. The objectives with execution criteria must be clearly stated to evaluate the economic viability. 12
To be able to start a project, the project manager must first submit an application, which defines the objectives and general conditions of the project. In addition, the project team is compiled. To ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the project, an environmental analysis can be implemented. This analysis aims to identify potential influencing factors. Furthermore, it can be determined which individuals or departments need to be involved in the project. 13 At the end of the phase, appointments for the presentation of the results and the interim results must be determined. Finally, the signing of the client is the goal of a successful preparation phase.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter highlights the growing importance of project management due to complex, temporary tasks and identifies the paper's objective to explain project structures and methods.
2. Project management basics: The fundamental concepts of management, projects, and project management are defined to establish a common terminology for the reader.
3. Major tasks in project management: This section details the critical aspects of planning, organizing, objective setting, and controlling, including specific instruments like the project structure plan.
4. Magic traingle in project management: It explains the interdependent relationship between the objectives of cost, time, and quality/scope, noting the limitations of simultaneous optimization.
5. Process of a project at “Deutsche Telekom Außendienst GmbH”: A practical case study illustrates the complex internal processes and organizational flow of projects within this specific subsidiary.
6. Summary and conclusion: This final chapter reflects on the necessity of effective project management and recommends further professional training to reduce project failure rates.
Keywords
Project management, Planning, Controlling, Magic Triangle, Project objective, Milestone plan, Project structure plan, Deutsche Telekom, Implementation, Resource management, Operational efficiency, Professional Business English, Project organization, Performance, Risk management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this term paper?
This paper examines the essential principles and phases of professional project management, offering both a theoretical overview and a practical look at how these processes are implemented within a large corporation.
Which key topics are covered in the work?
The work covers basic definitions, project planning phases, organizational structures, project controlling tools, and the challenges of managing resources within the constraints of the "Magic Triangle."
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The aim is to clarify how proper management structures and methodical applications can lead to successful project outcomes and to discuss the practical challenges faced by project teams.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analysis of project management standards (such as DIN 69 901) combined with an enterprise-specific case study to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
What does the main body address?
The main body breaks down the project lifecycle into phases, explains the responsibilities of the project manager, and details the specific mechanisms of controlling and resource management.
Which keywords characterize the work?
The paper is defined by terms such as project management, the Magic Triangle, controlling, resource management, project planning, and practical operational implementation.
What is the "Magic Triangle" mentioned in the text?
The Magic Triangle refers to the interdependencies between cost, time, and quality/scope, where improving one factor often negatively impacts the others, making their simultaneous optimization impossible.
How is the "Deutsche Telekom Außendienst GmbH" project process described?
The text outlines a complex coordination path involving sales, service consulting, regional work preparation, and technical implementation, emphasizing the interdisciplinary cooperation required for project completion.
Why is project controlling vital according to the author?
Controlling is described as essential for economic assurance, allowing for the analysis of past deviations and the steering of current project phases to ensure final objectives are met.
What recommendation does the author give for the future of project management?
The author emphasizes the importance of ongoing training courses to prepare staff for market demands and suggests that small and medium-sized enterprises should seek external expertise when needed.
- Citation du texte
- Cindy Russmann (Auteur), 2019, Project management. Basics, phases and practical application, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/535263
