Project Management Software

The words stakeholder and shareholder are often used loosely in business. The two words are commonly thought of as synonyms and are used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between them. These differences reveal how to appropriately manage stakeholders vs shareholders in your organization. For example, a shareholder is always a stakeholder in a corporation, but a stakeholder is not always a shareholder. The distinction lies in their relationship to the corporation and their priorities. Different priorities and levels of authority require different approaches in formality, communication and reporting. It’s important that these terms are well-defined to av…

Is leadership something you’re born with or can it be taught? It’s an interesting question, but one that you shouldn’t spend too much time stressing over. Even if you are full of charisma and people naturally line up to follow you anywhere, you could always hone your leadership skills with leadership training. Or, if you’re like the rest of us, who aren’t natural-born leaders, but find themselves in a position of leadership, you’ll want to study the techniques that rally teams to success. Leadership isn’t rocket science, but like rocket science, it can be taught. There’s a wealth of leadership courses available, online and in the real world. Some are free and others are…

Resource management is all about getting the materials, supplies, equipment and people you need to execute a project. It involves how you plan, schedule, allocate and manage those resources to best serve the project. But what exactly is resource management software? What Is Resource Management Software? Resource management software helps project managers keep track of the human resources, raw materials and equipment needed to complete a project. Before we look at a number of tools that claim to be the best resource management software, let’s define the key features a resource management software should provide. Then we’ll get to the best resource management software rank…

¿Cuál es el propósito de tu proyecto? ¿Qué se requiere? Estas son algunas de las primeras preguntas que debes hacerte, y se reúnen en una recopilación o elicitación de requisitos. Este proceso conduce al diseño y desarrollo de un proyecto exitoso. Descarga esta plantilla gratuita de recopilación de requisitos para Word y asegúrate de cubrir todos los aspectos fundamentales. Esta plantilla es solo el comienzo de tu proyecto, uno que requerirá mucha gestión para mantenerse bajo control. El tipo de software que utilices será clave, especialmente si esa herramienta se integra con otras y reúne la mayoría de las funciones necesarias en un solo lugar. Si utilizas un software …

Construction projects are unique. They tend to be long, complex and involve many different subcontractors who all work together. This has led to construction techniques and construction methods specific to the industry. Let’s explore what constitutes the modern method of construction by defining the best innovative construction techniques. We’ll also compare these modern construction methods to traditional construction methods and show how templates and construction project management software help implement them. What Types of Construction Methods Are There? Construction methods and construction techniques refer to the various processes, materials and strategies used t…

Imagine that you’re taking the lead on a new IT project that involves building a call center from the network to the servers. The call center itself will house hundreds of jobs and will bridge the gap between customer and product. There are many requirements for a big project like this and as a project manager, you keep track of them all. Requirements gathering is a step in the requirements management process, which consists of gathering, documenting and analyzing project requirements. We’ll start with a requirements gathering definition and then we’ll look into the process and tools you can use. /wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Requirements-Gathering-Template.png Get …

Projects are expensive. There are labor costs, material costs, overhead and operational costs. When a contractor bids on a construction project or a manufacturer takes on a job, they need to have an accurate forecast of the price for the project to make a profit, which is why job costing is so important. Making accurate estimates of construction costs requires an understanding of job costing, knowing what a job cost sheet is and what needs to be included in that costing sheet. We’ll go over all, plus explain when to use job order costing and provide an example of a job cost sheet to make sure the definition is clear. What Is Job Costing? Job costing or job order costing…

Whether you’re managing a project in construction or manufacturing, keeping costs down is paramount. The lower your costs, the higher your profits. It’s as simple as that. This is why cost control techniques are so important in project management and business administration. To understand cost control methods, let’s first define what cost control is and then we’ll explore the steps you can take to implement cost control. There are also a number of cost control techniques that can help, which we’ll also outline. Learn how strategic cost management techniques can help you better manage construction or manufacturing projects. What Is Cost Control? Cost control is a practic…

Construction contracts are legally binding documents between two parties outlining the terms and conditions of the working relationship between them, usually awarded after a construction bidding process. In this blog, we’ll explore the components, pros and cons of a cost reimbursement contract. What Is a Cost Reimbursement Contract? A cost reimbursement contract is an agreement between parties in a construction project that guarantees the owner reimburses the contractor for costs incurred while they work on the project. Reimbursement, however, is not unlimited. There is a ceiling. The contractor is not paid solely for the costs but is also guaranteed an additional payme…

Contracts specify the terms of the agreement between an employer and a contractor for the execution of a construction project. Because these agreements are so diverse, there are many different types of construction contracts, each with its own benefits. One of these is called a cost-plus contract. What Is a Cost-Plus Contract? A cost-plus contract is a construction agreement between an owner and a contractor, in which the project owner reimburses the contractor for all incurred costs and pays an additional fee, which corresponds to the profit the contractor makes for executing the project. This means the owner is not agreeing to a set budget for things like materials an…

Once a project is approved, it’s likely that the execution will require goods and services outside the purview of the organization managing the work. The process of soliciting bids from third-party vendors and contractors is done through a document called a request for proposal or, more commonly, an RFP. It is through this channel that project managers collect interested parties and make a decision on who to contract with for the project. The best way to get familiar with this process is by using an RFP template, which allows you to fill in the blanks in order to produce a thorough RFP. We will provide some RFP templates you can use below, but first, let’s better underst…

Construction projects are won through the construction bidding process. In a nutshell, construction bidding involves a project owner who wants to build a construction project and contractors who can provide construction services. Managing the construction bidding process and expanding your customer base without breaking the bottom line is a delicate art. Whether you’re a seasoned construction professional or new to the business, you can always learn more about submitting a construction bid! What Is Construction Bidding? Construction bidding describes the process of bid submission and approval between a construction company and its customer, but it can also describe how …

All projects are risky ventures and so is running an enterprise. Unexpected events, whether internal or external, can impact the schedule, budget and operations. Risk can have an even greater impact on larger, more complex projects or the organization that implements them, which is why enterprise risk management is so important. An enterprise risk management framework can mean the difference between a successful or failed project. Enterprise risk management software is critical to delivering a successful project. But first, one must understand the risk management process and risk management strategy. What Is Enterprise Risk Management? Enterprise risk management (ERM) i…

Processes benefit businesses, enterprises and the field of project management, and one of the most important aspects of a successful process is seeing the process flow drawn out. A process flow diagram is a great tool to outline and clarify that process to everyone involved. But what is a process flow? We’ll explain, including the process flow diagram symbols and different types. Then, to further illustrate the advantage of using one, we’ll provide a couple of examples and throw in a free template to download. What Is a Process Flow? A process flow is a visual representation or diagram that shows the steps involved in a particular process. It outlines the sequences of t…

Construction is a field with a lot of disciplines. After all, it takes a lot of different craftsmen, engineers and more to assemble a building, bridge or any safe and integral structure. Every process is important to construction project management, especially construction engineering. But what is construction engineering and is it the same as civil engineering? Spoiler alert: it’s not. We’ll explain what a construction engineer is and how it differs from a civil engineer. We’ll then explore the different roles related to construction engineering management. What Is Construction Engineering? Construction engineering is the process of overseeing and managing a large-scal…

Leadership might be hard to define, but it’s easy to recognize. That doesn’t mean leaders are passive, resting on inherent abilities. True, some are born leaders and others learn how to become effective leaders. Both take work, and leadership assessment tools can help you on your journey. Leaders know that to lead they must keep up their leadership skills. But leadership isn’t only about inspiring others, it’s about knowing oneself. There are personality types, and there are leadership skills: it’s not one size fits all. As with anything, complacency is poison. Fuel for leadership is constant curiosity and regular assessment. As to the latter, there are many ways for a …

KEY TAKEAWAYS Today’s software solutions provide a range of valuable tools and features for project management. Google Sheets is an excellent example of a system that thrives as both a data analysis tool and a powerful resource for project managers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the capabilities and features Google… The post Mastering Project Management with Google Sheets: Guide & Templates appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

A project management dashboard is one of the essential tools for delivering projects as planned. That’s because a project dashboard is a visual representation of key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide a high-level overview of key project metrics. For those not ready to upgrade to project management software, there’s an alternative: Excel dashboard templates. Dashboard templates are designed to track a variety of different metrics that provide vital data for project managers and their teams. We have free dashboard templates that will help track budget, workload, progress and more. Monitoring this allows project managers to determine if the project is on schedule a…

When you start the planning process for a project, one of the first things you need to think about is: what can go wrong? It sounds negative, but pragmatic project managers know this type of thinking is preventative. Issues will inevitably come up, and you need a mitigation strategy in place to know how to manage risks when project planning. But how do you work towards resolving the unknown? It sounds like a philosophical paradox, but don’t worry—there are practical steps you can take thanks to project risk management. In this article, we’ll discuss strategies that let you get a glimpse at potential risks, so you can identify and track risks on your project. What Is Pro…

KEY TAKEAWAYS What is Construction Project Management? Construction project management is a type of project management that focuses on overseeing the implementation of a construction project from start to finish. The main goal of managing construction projects is to deliver results that meet the requirements set forth by clients—within the agreed-upon timeline, scope, and budget.… The post Construction Project Management (CPM) Complete Guide appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

KEY TAKEAWAYS Most of the organizations in different countries rely on PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) methodology for efficient management of a project from initiation to closure and evaluation phase. It is the most practiced methodology as it is the most suitable for management of projects of all sizes developed in different industries. This methodology… The post PRINCE2 Project Management & 7 Principles appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

KEY TAKEAWAYS Ensuring Accountability in Project Management As in any branch or division of a business unit, one needs to have a clear notion on the accountability and responsibility within the project management domain too. The project managers must be well aware of their responsibilities and the accountability towards the project whether it is a… The post Accountability in Project Management appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

There are many different types of construction. Most think of dwellings, but when driving past road crews tearing up the streets, that’s also an example of a construction project. In fact, there are many different types of construction projects. Let’s review different types of construction, defining and illustrating them so they are clear and understandable. We’ll also look at international building codes and how construction project management software helps deliver all types of construction more efficiently. 1. Residential Construction Likely the most familiar type of construction is residential. It refers to the process of building, renovating or remodeling homes and…

Discover the features and benefits of Zoho Projects software. Read our review to see if it's the right fit for your project management. The post Zoho Projects Software Review: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

KEY TAKEAWAYS The project management landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the latest project management trends is essential for success. By 2029, the project management software market is projected to grow from $6.54 billion to $10.86 billion, reflecting a surge in demand for digital tools. The freelance workforce is also expected to grow… The post Emerging Project Management Trends for 2025: Top Takeaways appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article