Autor: Codenga 11.04.2024

What is a Project in IT?

A project can be defined as a temporary endeavor aimed at delivering a unique product, service, or solution. IT projects can have various goals:

• development of new software,
• system updates,
• implementation of new network infrastructure,
• data migration;

An important characteristic of IT projects is their temporary nature. Limited resources such as time, personnel, and budget must also be taken into account.

What Does Project Management Involve?

Project management involves a series of actions and processes aimed at effectively directing the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to completion.

Project Planning

Defining goals, scope, schedule, budget, and resources.

Project Team Organization

Establishing the project team and assigning appropriate tasks to team members.

Project Progress Monitoring

Tracking schedule implementation, monitoring resource consumption, assessing progress compared to established goals and project plan.

Quality Control

Ensuring that products or services delivered within the project meet established quality standards and customer expectations.

Risk Management

Identifying, assessing, and managing project risks. Taking preventive actions and planning strategies to respond to unforeseen situations.

Communication

Ensuring effective communication among project team members, project stakeholders, and other involved parties.

Reporting

Regularly reporting project progress, achievements, issues, and solutions to stakeholders.

Project Closure

Conducting project evaluation, verifying achieved goals, delivering project products for use, and disbanding the project team.

What Are Project Management Methods?

To increase the chances of successful project execution, various project management methodologies are employed.

Choosing the right method depends on many factors: project size, complexity, preferences of the project team, etc.

Waterfall Method

In this traditional method, project progress flows sequentially through a series of phases. Each phase must be completed before the next one begins.

Scrum Method

This is an agile project management method. Scrum divides the project into short iterations called sprints, which usually last from 1 to 4 weeks. During sprints, the team works on specific goals, and at the end of each sprint, delivers ready, testable product increments.

Kanban Method

This method is based on a visual management system that allows tracking the progress of work on tasks. Tasks are represented as cards placed on a board, usually divided into columns corresponding to different stages of the process. Work progresses through the board from one stage to another as tasks are completed.

Agile Method

Agile is an approach to project management that promotes flexibility, collaboration, and quick response to changes. It's more of a philosophy than a specific method and is often used in combination with other methods such as Scrum or Kanban.

What Does an IT Project Manager Do?

An IT Project Manager is a key figure in the process of implementing IT projects. They are responsible for delivering the project:

• according to requirements,
• within the established schedule and budget,
• in accordance with established quality standards.

The responsibilities of a Project Manager include everything described in the "What Does Project Management Involve?" section.

What Should a Project Manager Know?

It's worth taking a moment to consider the skills necessary for this position. They encompass a mixture of technical and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of project management methods
• Leadership skills
• Analytical thinking
• Ability to work under time pressure
• Negotiation skills
• Technical knowledge related to the project