Project Management Software

Whether a professional project manager or an accidental project manager who suddenly finds a project assigned to them, knowing how to manage a project is essential. You can never know enough for the journeymen and newbies should try to wing it. Let’s break down the process of how to manage a project step by step. Below are the 10 pieces that show how to manage a project successfully. While we recommend using project management software, for those not ready to upgrade, we end with free templates. 1. Define the Project Goals and Objectives Defining clear goals and objectives is the foundation of how to manage a project successfully. This step ensures all stakeholders have…

Need to know how to plan an event? If you’re planning a big event like a conference, we can help you successfully create, structure and lay out your event plan. This blog will cover everything you need to consider when planning an event, including event planning steps, tips and an easy-to-use event checklist. What Is Event Planning? Event planning is the process of putting on and managing a variety of events, from something as small as a meeting to as big as a convention and everything in between. When event planning you’ll be taking into account every aspect of that event, whether it’s a birthday party or a networking event. That means you’ll be estimating budgets, cre…

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…

Projects reach a successful completion by planning, but a plan alone isn’t enough to deliver on time and within budget. Costs, resources and performance must be tracked to ensure the actual effort aligns with the project plan. An S-curve is one tool that can help do that. To understand why, let’s first define an S-curve graph in project management. Then we’ll explain why it’s used and how to make one. To save readers time, we’ll also link to a free downloadable S-curve template for Excel, followed by an example to show how it’s used in real-life projects. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/S-curve-template-featured-image.jpg Get your free S Curve Template Use this free…

Google Sheets for project management is a flexible, cloud-based tool that allows teams to organize data, plan projects and track progress collaboratively. It’s a free and accessible option for teams of all sizes that need to create simple task lists, project timelines and budgets. With real-time updates and easy sharing features, Google Sheets helps teams stay aligned, monitor deadlines and communicate changes instantly, making it a useful starting point for basic project tracking and collaboration. Can Google Sheets Be Used for Project Management? Yes, Google Sheets can be used for project management. Teams often use it to create task trackers, Gantt charts and project …

Microsoft Planner is widely used by teams looking for a simple task management and collaboration tool within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. But while it’s easier to use than Microsoft Project, Planner has its own limitations. So, how to use Microsoft Planner effectively? This quick guide walks you through the main features and views so you can get the most out of the software. Understanding how to use Microsoft Planner is key to deciding if it’s the right fit for your team. While it’s helpful for basic task lists and lightweight planning, it doesn’t provide the robust project management features that larger teams often need. That’s why it’s important to explore whether Pla…

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…

What Is a Business Case? A business case is a project management document that explains how the benefits of a project outweigh its costs and why it should be executed. Business cases are prepared during the project initiation phase and their purpose is to include all the project’s objectives, costs and benefits to convince stakeholders of its value. A business case is an important project document to prove to your client, customer or stakeholder that the project proposal you’re pitching is a sound investment. Below, we illustrate the steps to writing one that will sway them. The need for a business case is that it collects the financial appraisal, proposal, strategy and…

Projects are made up of tasks. Each of those tasks needs to be completed to meet certain quality standards. However, they also have to be done safely and, often, under specific conditions or regulatory requirements. A method statement is a document that ensures tasks check these boxes. We’ll explain what a method statement is, when it should be used and what should be included to help with writing one. To ensure that nothing is left out of this process, readers can also download a free method statement template to help them get started. What Is a Method Statement? A method statement is a document that outlines the step-by-step process for completing a specific task or a…

Getting from one’s current state to the desired future requires understanding what needs to be done to get there. That is the basis of a problem statement, which is used in everything from project management to research projects. What is a problem statement and when should it be used? We’ll answer those questions and add what must be included. To help illustrate that, we’ll offer problem statement examples and even a problem statement template that you can for yourself. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Problem-statement-template-featured-image.jpg Get your free Problem Statement Template Use this free Problem Statement Template for Word to manage your projects bette…

The key to starting a project that will be delivered on time, on budget and meeting quality standards is simple: writing a project plan. How to write a project plan is not as simple. It involves smaller plans that all add up to a means of completing the project successfully. After defining what a project is, we’ll explain what should be included and the steps to writing a project plan. We’ll also include a free project plan template and a few others related to the planning process. What Is a Project Plan? A project plan is a structured document that outlines the objectives, scope, timeline, resources, risks and responsibilities needed to complete a project. It serves as…

What Is a Project Proposal? A project proposal is a formal project management document used to present a proposed initiative in a clear, structured way before work begins. It defines what the project is, what it aims to achieve and the high-level requirements needed to move forward. Rather than detailing execution, a project proposal establishes a shared planning framework that allows organizations and external stakeholders to review, discuss and refine an idea early. Because proposals are written for sponsors, clients or decision-makers, they must be tailored to their priorities and concerns. Understanding the audience is critical to presenting information at the right …

Academic researchers use a research plan for their thesis, dissertation or grant-funded studies. However, businesses and corporations also use a research plan for market research and product development. Even government agencies, policymakers and nonprofits use it. But what exactly is a research plan, what goes into it and why is it so important that organizations take the time and effort to conduct one? We’ll answer these questions and outline an example to show how it works in a real-life scenario. Finally, readers can download a free research plan template to help them get started. /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Research-plan-template-featured-image.jpg Get your fr…

What Is a Scope of Work? A scope of work in project management is a formal document that defines the specific tasks, deliverables, timelines and responsibilities required to complete a project. It establishes clear boundaries by outlining what is included and excluded, setting expectations for performance standards, acceptance criteria and work requirements. The scope of work supports project planning, scheduling, budgeting and monitoring and reduces ambiguity between stakeholders and provides a contractual reference for managing changes, tracking progress and preventing scope creep throughout execution. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Scope-of-work-template.jpg Get yo…

A stakeholder communication plan outlines how project teams share information with stakeholders throughout a project’s lifecycle. It defines what will be communicated, who will receive updates and how often communication will occur. Having a stakeholder communication plan ensures alignment, prevents misunderstandings and helps maintain trust between project managers and their stakeholders. Whether managing small teams or large enterprises, this structured plan keeps everyone informed and focused on project success. /wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stakeholder-Communication-Plan-Template-Screenshot.png Get your free Stakeholder Communication Plan Use this free Stakeho…

The term stakeholder is familiar to those in project management. These are individuals, groups or organizations that have an interest in or are affected by the outcome of a project. However, not everyone understands that they can be broken down into internal stakeholders and external stakeholders. To understand the difference between internal and external stakeholders, we’ll first define both and offer examples of them in project management. Identifying them is only the first step. After that, we’ll spend some time explaining how to manage internal stakeholders and external stakeholders What Are Internal Stakeholders in Project Management? Internal stakeholders in proje…

IT change management is a structured approach to handling changes in an organization’s IT environment. Proper IT change management ensures that modifications to systems, applications or infrastructure are implemented with minimal disruption. By establishing standardized procedures, IT teams can manage risks, maintain compliance and keep services running smoothly. Understanding IT change management is crucial for organizations aiming to improve operational efficiency, reduce errors and enhance communication across IT and business teams while aligning changes with overall business goals. Implementing IT change management allows organizations to track changes systematically…

All businesses want to improve, or at least they should do so constantly to be competitive. Complacency might feel good in the moment, but that moment quickly passes, especially in the business world. Don’t be left behind. The question is how can one improvethe operations of a business to make it more efficient and profitable? There are many answers, from educational and physical fitness to spirituality. But is there a unifying theory of process improvement, and if so, can it be sustained? Have you heard of the kaizen method? It’s a set of principles and techniques for continuous improvement that helps organizations across industries be more productive. But before we div…

Key takeaways Navigating the complex climate of project management with tight timelines and limited resources is tricky, and with the demands of the process, effective leadership becomes crucial for success. Leadership in project management is more than just assigning tasks. It also involves creating a vision, inspiring and motivating the team, making informed decisions, and… The post Leadership in Project Management: Why It Is an Essential Skill appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

No project is wholly successful or a failure. Some aspects go well while others don’t. To ensure that the next project has fewer faults and more benefits, there’s something in project management called lessons learned. Let’s first define what lessons learned in project management means, then explain why they should be documented and how valuable information can be collected. Then we’ll show what needs to be included in lessons learned documents and link to a lessons learned register that can be used in a post-mortem. What Are Lessons Learned in Project Management? Lessons learned in project management are the insights and key takeaways gained from a project’s successes …

A line manager plays a central role in translating strategic goals into day-to-day action. They bridge senior leadership and frontline teams by directing work, removing obstacles and ensuring tasks are completed to standard. Strong communication and practical decision-making help the line manager keep teams focused, motivated and productive while meeting operational targets. Successful line managers balance people management with process oversight. They coach staff, monitor performance, allocate resources and support continuous improvement. This role requires both practical knowledge of the work and an ability to manage relationships across functions so teams deliver rel…

What Is Logistics Management? Logistics management is the process of managing the activities that are required to transport goods from its source to the final customer. That process involves a series of logistics activities such as order processing, material handling, packaging, warehousing, transportation and customer service management. The logistics management process is used for tangible goods such as raw materials, finished products, equipment and machinery to food or other consumable items. A person who works in this field is called a logistician or logistics manager. Who Is a Logistics Manager? A logistics manager plays an integral role in overseeing the flow of …

Creating a construction company organizational chart is one of the most effective ways to visualize how your business operates. Whether you run a small local contractor or a large general construction firm, having a clear picture of the roles and reporting structure keeps everyone aligned. An organizational chart for construction company use helps clarify who is responsible for what and how information flows across departments. This makes collaboration smoother and reduces confusion on job sites. A construction company organizational chart also supports better planning and growth. As your business takes on larger or more complex projects, your construction company organi…

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…

Successfully managing construction projects requires careful planning, organization and execution. From securing funding to creating detailed construction plans, each step influences timelines, budgets and overall project success. Following a structured approach helps teams anticipate challenges, allocate resources efficiently and achieve project goals while maintaining quality and safety standards. Whether you’re managing a small renovation or a large-scale development, these strategies provide clarity, reduce risks and improve communication among stakeholders. By understanding each phase of the project, you can make informed decisions, keep projects on schedule and min…