Eassy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Eassy - Essay Example The best way through which a manager can be able to know the areas that they are strong in is through feedback analysis. Within a short period of about three years, this simple method can always show a manageable areas in which they are strong and those in which they are weak. With knowledge of one’s strength a manager should seek to improve their strength in order to maximize their productivity. A manager should also be aware of the ways through which their intellectual arrogance can lead to ignorance something that can be very costly to the business they run. People usually have different ways of doing things. It is important for a manager to know exactly how they usually work. The way in which people work is usually highly influenced by their personalities. However, the good thing is that a person can always change the way they work (Drucker, 1999). People might not be able to completely change the way they work, but they can be able to slightly modify the manner in which they work. A manager should be able to be aware of their own values. For instance, there are people who easily gain knowledge through listening while the other would easily gain knowledge through reading. People are rarely able to be good in getting knowledge through both means. This implies that a manager who does not know where their values are might end up opting for the wrong methods. With the lack of understanding of one’s values it is clearly evident that the manager will never be able to reach their full potential. However, a manager with the full knowledge of their values can always know those things that complement their values and bring out the best from them (Mintzberg, 1975). With full knowledge of oneself a manager can be able to know exactly where they belong. Some managers usually find themselves not being able to perform as expected of them. This is not always because they are incapable of performing, but because

What is meant by Project Planning and why we need a detailed project Essay

What is meant by Project Planning and why we need a detailed project plan for every project - Essay Example The present study would focus on project planning as an essential part of project management. It refers to the use of specialised tools such as Gantt Charts in order to plan and monitor the progress of a project. The use of project planning ensures that the project environment is stewarded continuously so that any known and unknown risks are monitored and dealt with in order to optimise the project cost and schedule. Typically, project planning begins with the definition of project scope. This ensures that fitting methods are determined in order to take the project to completion. Once project scope is well defined, the next step is to define activity structure. The various tasks required to execute the project are listed down as activities and the estimated time for these activities is listed down. These activities are grouped together and the resulting structure is known as the work breakdown structure (WBS). The WBS provides a fitting insight to how various tasks and activities are fitted together in terms of their dependencies on each other. Generally, the WBS tasks and activities are defined through the use of an activity network diagram. This tool allows the determination of the critical path which in turn provides information regarding: - all activities and tasks needed to complete the project that are arranged within a WBS; - the duration of time required to complete these activities and tasks; - the various kinds of dependencies between various tasks and activities. ... This optimisation is carried out in order to comply with the overall project goals and objectives. This process is known as resource levelling and it is carried out to ensure that all activities and tasks are carried out with the optimal use of resources and time. When resource levelling is carried out, the formed plan is known as the baseline. As the project proceeds, the baseline is used to compare the status of physical activities on ground with the agreed objectives. Generally, the baseline is used throughout the entire project life to both monitor and steward progress. The process used to compare actual progress to the baseline is better known as earned value management (Fleming, 2005). The major inputs required for the project-planning phase include the concept proposal as well as the project charter while the outputs are the project requirements, the project management plan and the project schedule. These inputs and outputs are used in tandem and may be revised as the project proceeds. Most projects that are executed are unique in nature and so entail unique requirements. This requires that projects are planned individually and executed accordingly including any changes that may be required as the project proceeds. 2. Need for Project Planning Planning is required for all sorts of processes that have economic value in order to ensure that these processes are competitive. The lack of planning lends credence to the fact that execution would be inefficient and would cost more than usual. In addition, projects are generally unique by their intrinsic design so that the tasks and activities are differentiated from one project to the other. When projects are being