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Free Project
Management Tools
Many companies
have learned that sending their management staff to dynamic seminars
and having project management training professionals offer
consultation gets impressive results by using powerful Free Project
Management Tools that get results. Their employees have learned the
project management tools that affect your company. Free Project
Management Tools help them to plan, communicate, handle conflict,
and meet goals.
The Free
Project Management Tools typically taught include learning how to
utilize structural tools that delegate authority and tasks. Another
tool which falls under this category is skill in scheduling - the
tricks and routines that get projects completed within
deadline.
There are
several other important Free Project Management Tools that your
company management should learn how to use. Getting your staff
fluent in the use of the best business software is invaluable. When
it comes to choosing a project management course, make sure that
these basic tools are taught, above all
else.
There are a
variety of Free Project Management Tools in use today. Some Free
Project Management Tools require a computer with supporting
software, while others can be used manually. Project managers should
choose a Free Project Management Tools that best suits their
management style. No one tool addresses all project management
needs. Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) charts and Gantt
charts are two of the most commonly used Free Project Management
Tools. Both of these project management tools can be produced
manually or with commercially available project management software.
PERT is a
planning and control tool used for defining and controlling the
tasks necessary to complete a project. PERT charts and Critical-Path
Method (CPM) charts are often used interchangeably; the only
difference is how task times are computed. Both charts display the
total project with all scheduled tasks shown in sequence. The
displayed tasks show which ones are in parallel, those tasks that
can be performed at the same time.
Gantt charts
are used to show calendar time task assignments in days, weeks or
months. The tool uses graphic representations to show start,
elapsed, and completion times of each task within a project. Gantt
charts are ideal for tracking progress. The number of days actually
required to complete a task that reaches a milestone can be compared
with the planned or estimated number. The actual work days, from
actual start to actual finish, are plotted below the scheduled days.
This information helps target potential timeline slippage or failure
points. These charts serve as a valuable budgeting tool and can show
dollars allocated versus dollars spent.
Project
management software packages and other Free Project Management Tools
are readily available in today’s market. By one estimate, over 700
project management software packages exist for personal computers,
mainframes, mini- and microcomputers. Project management software
packages are useful tools, but should be chosen wisely. Buyers may
wish to consider compatibility with current technical environment;
user support; user friendliness; and reliability before purchasing a
package. Other features to consider include:
- Work
breakdown structure (WBS)
- Single source
data entry
- Calendar
support
- PERT and CPM
(Critical-Path Method) charting
- On-line
tutorials/training
- A database
information repository for multi-projects
- “What if”
performance capability
- Critical path
and compute slack time identification
- Graphics
production capability
- Support
capture of resources allocated to tasks
- Gantt chart
planned vs. actual comparison capability
- Milestones
plotting
- Network
enables
- Multiple
project capability
- Resource
leveling
- Individual
resource calendars
- Work
completed versus budgeted milestone
comparisons
When
you, as a project manager, accept responsibility for a project, you
accept the schedule, timeline, deadlines, resources, and
expectations set out at the start. Now you can make sure you're
asking the right questions for each project by utilizing the tools,
checklists, and information from projectmanagementsurvival.
Now
you can manage your risk project according to best practice
standards. You'll have the details and plans in place to handle
whatever arises during a project's duration—setting appropriate
expectations for timelines, milestones, and deliverables. And,
ensure success for each and every project with resources on:
- Ensuring you
have the necessary equipment and resources available
- Properly
documenting all project activities
- Identifying staff skills by roles needed
- Putting
quality controls in place
- Identifying
and estimating indirect costs
- Documenting
and prioritizing requirements
- And much more
Start and end
each project on a positive note—order your Templates and Tool Kits for Project
Managers today!
Explore the templates and toolkits
HERE
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