Project Management Software

See if RACI Matrix in Agile is useful or not to clarify roles, improve collaboration, and streamline decision-making for better project success. The post Raci Matrix in Agile Project Management appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

Projectsl businesses and even life itself are defined by a series of decisions. Each decision should, ideally, be the result of thorough research, counseling from the team and historic data. Managers use a decision log to keep stakeholders updated on who authorized a decision and how it came about. A decision log is a critical communication tool that all project managers, business managers, team leaders and decision-makers of any kind need to understand. You can use project management software, templates or simply a notepad to track decisions. But before we get into how to make one, let’s better understand the definition of a decision log. What Is a Decision Log? A deci…

Technology projects move fast and things change on a dime. Having a clear and structured plan is essential to aligning IT initiatives with broader business goals. That’s where an IT roadmap comes in. An IT strategy roadmap is a planning tool that outlines how an organization will evolve its technology over time, covering everything from infrastructure upgrades and software development to cybersecurity improvements and cloud migration strategies. Before we get to all that, though, we’ll define what an IT roadmap is, what should be included in one and how you can create one that supports both long-term vision and short-term execution. To help you get started, we’ve also in…

Creating and maintaining roadmaps is essential for aligning teams, setting strategic direction and communicating priorities across departments. Whether you’re planning IT initiatives, product development or broader business objectives, having the right roadmap template can save time and ensure clarity. In this roundup, we’ve gathered a selection of the best roadmap templates designed to support different functions and project types. These free roadmap templates provide structure while remaining flexible enough to adapt to your unique planning needs, so you can focus more on execution and less on formatting. Why Use a Roadmap Template? Using a roadmap template streamline…

All businesses must make money in order to remain solvent and stay in business. The need for profitability is clear—how you get there is the tricky part. One way is to deliver more value to your customers while creating less waste for the business. This is commonly called lean project management. What Is Lean Project Management? Lean project management is just like traditional project management in that it follows a structured project life cycle, uses formal project management documentation, and aligns with core principles, procedures standards for project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. However, what sets it apart is the integration of Lean m…

We tested the best Gantt chart software options out there to help you make the right selection for your projects. But before we get into our list of the best Gantt chart software, we’ll first explain what Gantt chart software is, what the key features are and why it is so beneficial when managing a project. What Is Gantt Chart Software? Gantt chart software is a type of project management software that’s used to schedule projects and track their progress using Gantt charts and other complementary project planning, scheduling, monitoring and reporting features. This software can either be cloud based or stored in your PC. Gantt chart software is commonly used in the proj…

Microsoft Project is one of the most commonly used project management software, but its popularity has decreased over the years due to its many drawbacks such as not working on Mac. Luckily there’s project management software for Mac that offers the same robust task management, resource management and time tracking features Microsoft Project does. Key Features to Look for in Project Management Software for Mac When evaluating project management software for Mac, the most important thing is to choose a solution that helps you manage as many aspects of your project as possible. In other words, you should choose the software that offers the best mix of project planning, sch…

Many project management software alternatives can be used to plan, schedule and track the execution of projects. However, not all project management software is created equal. Some have a full suite of planning, scheduling and tracking features, while others can only help with some project management activities. What Is the Best Project Management Software? That’s not an easy question to answer because what’s best for a project depends on the industry, project management methodology, the work style of the team and many other factors. However, we’ve sampled the best project management software products and rated each according to what they do well and where they’re lacki…

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…

I build content plans for a living, so I know a strong editorial calendar is more than a list of dates. It’s your team’s shared roadmap — bringing structure, visibility, and momentum to every project. From one-off campaigns to full content pipelines, the right template makes that magic happen. These three editorial calendar templates can… The post 3 Editorial Calendar Templates You’ll Actually Use (Picked by a Content Director) appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

In project management, even the best-laid plans are vulnerable to change. From unexpected delays to unplanned expenses or resource shortages, projects often face disruptions that can derail timelines and budgets. That’s where a contingency reserve comes in. Acting as a buffer against the unknown, contingency resources help project teams stay flexible and responsive when challenges arise. We’ll explore what project risks should be covered, what contingency resources are and why they matter to support stronger, more resilient project planning. What Is a Contingency Reserve? A contingency reserve is a specific allocation of time, money or resources set aside within a proje…

Assign and manage tasks effectively, track progress, and reduce bottlenecks as you prepare your next podcast episode with these podcast planning templates. The post 10 Podcast Planning Templates to Help You Produce Your Next Episode appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

Creating an IT strategic plan is a vital step for organizations looking to align their technology initiatives with broader business goals. As technology continues to evolve, having a clear, forward-looking strategy ensures that IT investments support long-term growth, efficiency and competitiveness. We’ll explore what an IT strategic plan is, how it fits into IT strategic planning, what should be included in the plan and who’s responsible for it. Whether an organization is scaling operations, improving cybersecurity or integrating new systems, an IT strategic plan provides a structured approach to decision-making and resource allocation. What Is an IT Strategic Plan? An…

In my years of experience working in marketing, I’ve learned that the success of a campaign depends on how well a team organizes and executes that idea across different tasks. For this, I use a marketing strategy template to give structure to my campaigns, especially when timelines and deliverables start overlapping. In this article, I… The post 7 Best Marketing Strategy Templates to Hit Deadlines & Campaign Goals appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

Just getting started with Wrike? Smart move, considering all of the functionality included in the Wrike app. Within a crowded marketplace, few other contenders offer the combination of features, customer service, and affordability we found in Wrike. The post What is Wrike? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

Here’s a fact: marketing budgets can make or break your company’s ROI, and it often comes down to how well you plan, track, and manage spending across campaigns. A marketing budget template gives you the framework to track spending and align campaigns with business goals. In this article, you’ll see how tools like monday.com support… The post 8 Free Marketing Budget Templates to Track ROI and Costs in 2025 appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

Project management examples show how planning, scheduling and execution principles are applied across different industries. They highlight real-world strategies for completing projects on time, staying within budget and achieving the desired outcomes. By examining project management examples from manufacturing, construction, software development and other sectors, teams can learn best practices and adapt them to their own work. These project management examples also demonstrate how tools and methodologies are used to manage complexity, coordinate resources and communicate progress. Whether it’s a small internal project or a large-scale initiative, seeing how other teams …

If you’re in the market for a software tool that can help simplify task management, then you’ve probably explored Microsoft Planner. It’s a task management tool that’s part of the larger Microsoft universe, which includes Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Project. It might seem as if Microsoft has cornered the market in project management until you take a closer look. While Microsoft claims to offer everything a project manager and their team require, the truth is they fall short in terms of price, usability and even features. That’s why people seek a Microsoft Planner Alternative. How Microsoft Planner Works Microsoft Planner is similar to many task management tools on the …

Creating an effective action plan example helps teams stay organized and focused as they work toward specific goals. An action plan example breaks work into clear steps with deadlines and assigned responsibilities, making it easier to monitor progress and keep everyone aligned. Whether you are managing a project, rolling out a new initiative or solving a problem, having a detailed plan ensures no task slips through the cracks. Action plan examples are widely used across industries because they create structure and accountability. They help managers communicate expectations, track deliverables and spot potential roadblocks before they derail the project. With the right ac…

A RACI template is a project management tool that defines roles and responsibilities across tasks using four categories: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. By creating a clear structure for decision-making, a RACI template helps avoid confusion and ensures every task has ownership and support. When first introduced, RACI charts were drawn out on paper or whiteboards for team alignment. Now, digital versions are available in project management software, though many teams still rely on spreadsheets. A RACI template in Google Sheets is a simple way to build a shared responsibility chart, and variations such as a RACI chart template for Google Sheets or a RACI…

Running a construction site takes coordination, attention to detail and clear communication between all stakeholders. From the moment equipment arrives on site to the final inspection, every phase needs to be carefully monitored to stay on schedule and within budget. Managing crews, deliveries and safety protocols while keeping the project owner updated requires a structured approach that minimizes downtime and keeps productivity high. Learning how to manage a construction site step by step ensures that no part of the process is overlooked. By breaking work into clear stages, project managers and site supervisors can plan resources, track progress and deal with issues be…

Smartsheet is a popular project management tool that describes itself as a “work execution platform.” This web-based application is best known for its unique use of project management spreadsheets. However, spreadsheets might not be the best project management tool to handle time tracking, resource management or task management, which makes project managers look for Smartsheet alternatives. Why People Seek a Smartsheet Alternative There are many project management software tools on the market that offer similar feature sets. If you’re looking for a Smartsheet alternative, look no further. We’ve taken a look at some of the best Smartsheet alternatives for you—but first, l…

Microsoft Project is used by many project managers, especially at large organizations where it’s legacy software. But MS Project can be difficult to use. So, how do you use Microsoft Project? Our guide goes through a step-by-step process to help you maneuver through the byzantine program. See if Microsoft Project is right for you. If not, it might be time to explore a Microsoft Project alternative. ProjectManager, for instance, is a Microsoft Project alternative that offers nearly all the same features as Project in a modern, easy-to-use platform. Collaborate with your team using Gantt charts, kanban boards, dashboards, roadmaps and more. You can even manage and track y…

Understanding stakeholders is critical to the success of any project. A stakeholder map helps project managers visualize who is involved, their influence and their level of interest in the project. By mapping stakeholders effectively, teams can prioritize engagement, anticipate challenges and allocate resources efficiently. Using stakeholder map examples can guide new managers in creating their own maps tailored to their projects. Stakeholder map examples vary depending on project size, industry and complexity. Some maps focus on influence versus interest, while others categorize stakeholders by role, department or communication needs. Examining different examples provid…

Managing a project is a team effort. Throughout the lifecycle of your project, it’s crucial to maintain communication with team members, executives, clients and other stakeholders. In order to do so, you will no doubt be sharing different types of files that contain data about the project. Depending on the project management tools that you use, you could end up with files of various types—and this can cause compatibility issues. One example of this is an MPP file. Unfortunately, since MPP files were not designed to be shared outside of Microsoft Project, the project management software that they are created in, trying to open an MPP file extension can cause confusion a…