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3/4/2021 Full Width 1/2 READING AND RESEARCH Complete the readings and/or videos found in the list for this module. These will be used in the Discussion, assessment, and other activities. The readings are located at the link below this list. Bridges, J. (2019, December 12). What is the project management life cycle?com, Inc. project-management-life-cycle The content and associated video on this website explain the steps in the lifecycle of a project.

Davidson, J. (2019). Everyday project management. Berrett-Koehler Publishers. url= Chapter 3: “So, You Are Going to Manage a Project?†(10 minutes) Davidson defines “project†and discusses the skills necessary for project managers. Chapter 4: “What Makes a Good Project Manager?†(10 minutes) In this chapter, Davidson describes the traits displayed by successful project managers. Kogon, K., Blakemore, S., & Wood, J. (2015).

Project management for the unofficial project manager. Ben Bella Books. Chapter 2: “People + Process = Success†(10 minutes) This chapter suggests that while a great process is important, leadership is equally important. Key leadership traits are discussed. Chapter 4: “Planning the Project: Milestone or Mirage?†(10 minutes) The steps in successful project planning are presented in this chapter.

Martinelli, R. J., Waddell, J. M., & Rahschulte, T. J. (2017). Projects without boundaries: Successfully leading teams and managing projects in a virtual world.

John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 1: “Working in A Virtual World†(5 minutes) Working in a virtual team presents many challenges not faced in face-to-face teams. This chapter discusses those challenges and how to be successful as a virtual project team. McHale, B. (2020, March 3). A simple project checklist for occasional project managers.

Project Central. (2 minutes) As suggested in the title, McHale provides us with a simple 10-step model for managing projects. Portny, S. E. (2017). Project management for dummies (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. context=132654 Chapter 19: “Ten Questions to Ask Yourself as You Plan Your Project†(5 minutes) Portny provides us with 10 questions to guide us through the project planning process.

Richards, C. J. (2019). Select the right project management tool for your L&D projects. Association for Talent Development, 73(5), 20–21. (5 minutes) There are many project management tools available. Richards suggests criteria for shortening the list so that money isn’t wasted on tools that do not meet your requirements.

Wasson, K. (2020). The socially intelligent project manager: Soft skills that prevent hard days. Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Introduction (5 minutes) Wasson suggests that a socially intelligent approach is best when starting on a new project. View the following video that will be used in the discussions and/or assessment: Obeng, E. (2015).

What matters most to make projects work [Video]. minutes) Obeng recommends periodic project “health checks†to keep on schedule. Access all required readings (articles, videos, etc.) from this link ï. Key Terms Project management 3/4/2021 Full Width 2/2 Gantt chart Leadership skills in project management

Paper for above instructions

Understanding the Project Management Life Cycle

Project management is an intricate process that involves numerous phases aimed at ensuring that all project components work together seamlessly. It is critical for project managers to comprehend the project management life cycle, which serves as the backbone of all project activities. This paper will explore the various stages of the project management life cycle, describe essential skills and traits of successful project managers, and illuminate the significance of leadership and planning in project management.

Phases of the Project Management Life Cycle

According to Bridges (2019), the project management life cycle consists of five primary phases: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
1. Initiation: This phase involves defining the project's purpose and feasibility. The project manager and stakeholders collaborate to outline the project’s objectives and scope. Key outputs from this phase include a project charter, which formally authorizes the project.
2. Planning: During this phase, the project team devises the roadmap for achieving the project goals. Davidson (2019) emphasizes the importance of articulating a clear project plan that specifies tasks, timelines, resources, and budget. Proper project planning is vital for setting realistic milestones and expectations.
3. Execution: The execution phase involves implementing the project plan. The project manager directs team activities according to the plan, coordinating resources and stakeholders. Effective communication and leadership are essential in this phase to ensure that the team is motivated and aligned with the project goals (Kogon, Blakemore, & Wood, 2015).
4. Monitoring and Controlling: This phase occurs simultaneously with execution. The project manager must continually assess performance against the project plan to identify issues or potential risks. Portny (2017) suggests asking critical questions during this phase to navigate project complexities and ensure adherence to quality standards.
5. Closing: This final phase marks the conclusion of the project. It involves delivering the finished product, obtaining stakeholder approval, and documenting lessons learned. A structured closing process ensures that all deliverables meet the specified requirements, and the project manager can reflect on the process for future improvements (Martinelli, Waddell, & Rahschulte, 2017).

Essential Skills and Traits of a Project Manager

A successful project manager should possess a diverse skill set. Davidson (2019) identifies critical skills, such as technical project management knowledge, leadership, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and risk management.
1. Leadership: Kogon et al. (2015) argue that leadership is pivotal in achieving project success. Effective project managers inspire and motivate team members to perform at their best. They create a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and creativity, essential for overcoming project challenges.
2. Communication: The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is paramount for project managers. A socially intelligent project manager can tailor their communication style to suit various stakeholders, ensuring clarity and comprehension, as highlighted by Wasson (2020).
3. Problem-Solving: Projects often encounter unexpected challenges. A skilled project manager must be adept in critical thinking and problem-solving to navigate obstacles. They must also foster a culture where team members feel comfortable bringing issues forward.

Importance of Leadership and Planning in Project Management

Leadership and planning are critical components of successful project management. Kogon et al. (2015) assert that without a robust project plan, even the most skilled team may falter. An effective project plan serves as a guiding document that aligns all stakeholders toward common objectives.
Leadership plays a significant role in motivating teams and ensuring project alignment. A project manager who exhibits strong leadership qualities can significantly boost team morale. Davidson (2019) notes that traits such as decisiveness, adaptability, and empathy are indicative of a good project manager.
In the context of virtual teams, as discussed by Martinelli et al. (2017), the challenges can be more pronounced since team members may not share the same physical workspace. It is, therefore, important for project managers to harness technology to facilitate communication and team cohesion in a virtual setting.
Planning is indispensable for effective project management; Portny (2017) suggests that a thorough planning process allows project managers to anticipate potential pitfalls and allocate resources effectively. A comprehensive project plan includes detailed timelines, budget forecasting, risk assessment, and quality assurance measures.

The Role of Project Management Tools

In today’s digital landscape, project management tools have become essential for managing tasks and resources. These tools facilitate collaboration among team members and streamline workflows. Richards (2019) emphasizes that selecting the right project management tool based on specific project needs is crucial to prevent wastage of resources and maximize productivity.

Conclusion

The project management life cycle is vital in guiding project managers through the intricacies of their responsibilities. Leadership, planning, and effective project management tools are all essential components for project success. By understanding the various phases of the project management life cycle and developing the necessary skills, project managers can lead their teams to successful project completion.

References

1. Bridges, J. (2019). What is the project management life cycle? Retrieved from [https://www.project-management-life-cycle.com](https://www.project-management-life-cycle.com)
2. Davidson, J. (2019). Everyday Project Management. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
3. Kogon, K., Blakemore, S., & Wood, J. (2015). Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager. Ben Bella Books.
4. Martinelli, R. J., Waddell, J. M., & Rahschulte, T. J. (2017). Projects Without Boundaries: Successfully Leading Teams and Managing Projects in a Virtual World. John Wiley & Sons.
5. McHale, B. (2020). A simple project checklist for occasional project managers. Project Central.
6. Portny, S. E. (2017). Project Management for Dummies (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
7. Richards, C. J. (2019). Select the right project management tool for your L&D projects. Association for Talent Development, 73(5), 20–21.
8. Wasson, K. (2020). The Socially Intelligent Project Manager: Soft Skills That Prevent Hard Days. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
9. Obeng, E. (2015). What matters most to make projects work [Video].
10. Kogon, K., Blakemore, S., & Wood, J. (2015). Chapter 4: "Planning the Project: Milestone or Mirage?" in Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager. Ben Bella Books.
By understanding these concepts, project managers can better navigate the complexities of their roles and lead successful projects.