Project management

Did you know that a significant number of projects fail, often due to inadequate project management? Research indicates that there are multiple reasons for project failures, which can be summarized as issues in project management. These include inadequate project planning and resourcing, poor communication during the project, insufficient risk management, and also a lack of project management tools. Projects that fall behind schedule or go over budget, or use more resources than planned, result in significant costs for companies.

We believe that projects can be managed effectively. Overall, project management can be performed so well that the chances of project success multiply. That's why, on this page, we have discussed project management in its entirety and covered different aspects related to the subject. These insights will help in successful project management. You can easily navigate through the article with the help of the table of contents, according to your interest.

Content 

• Project management and a project
  • Project definition - what is a project?
  • Definition of project management
  • The importance of project management in BtB business
• Different phases of project management
  • Project planning and objectives
  • Implementation, monitoring and reporting
  • Project closure and feedback
• Key tools and methods in project management
  • Kanban in projects
  • Scrum-method in projects
  • Lean -project management
  • Gantt -charts in projects
• Project management and budgeting
  • Creating a budget and cost management in project
  • Efficient use of resources in projects
• The Role of the project manager and leading the project team
  • What does the project manager do? 
  • Structure and roles within a project team
  • Motivating the project team
  • The importance of communication in project management
  • Tips for the project manager
• Customer-centric project management
  • Understanding the customer's needs as the starting point
  • Leveraging customer feedback in projects
• Project management software
  • What is a project management software?
  • How to choose a project management software for expertise-based work
• Trends in project management
  • Automation and artificial intelligence in project management
  • Virtual project management and remote teamwork
  • Responsibility in projects

Project management and a project

A clear definition for both the project and project management is essential for us to have a broad discussion about project management. The section also addresses the importance of project management for B2B companies.

Project Definition – What is a Project?

A project is a carefully planned series of work or actions aimed at achieving a specifically defined goal within a set timeframe. Generally, a project comprises a series of various activities that often need to be executed in a certain order to achieve the desired outcome. Projects are characterized by the temporary nature of the work, even though their durations can range from a few weeks to several months and even years. The complexity of projects varies and often correlates with the amount of required resources, the length of the time span, and also the level of project management needed. Smaller projects may include individual events or campaigns, while the largest projects can be complex undertakings, such as developing a new product or constructing infrastructure.

A project has a clear beginning and end. The objective of the project is meant to be achieved according to a project plan that often considers resources, time, and quality. A project is distinct from a company’s daily operations and is designed to achieve a particular, defined outcome.

Definition of Project Management

Project Management is the activity of organizing and monitoring a project (definition from Cambridge dictionary). Project management involves various methods, necessary skills, and tools that are utilized in the organization and monitoring of a project. Effective project management ensures that the project's content remains as planned and that it achieves its objectives. Additionally, the project is executed according to the project plan, whether it involves required resources (for example, workforce or external services), timelines, or the quality of work. Project management often employs various methods, tools, processes, and software. These help guide resources, timelines, and actions in a manner that ensures the project achieves its goals within the planned scope, schedule, and budget.

Project management covers several different areas, such as goal setting, resource planning and allocation, scheduling of various elements, risk management, communication planning and execution, and outcome tracking. Ultimately, project management ensures that the project proceeds systematically, problems are identified in a timely manner, and changes are made if necessary to achieve the project's goals. Often, a project manager is responsible for project management, although sometimes the responsibility may be distributed differently within the team.

The Importance of Project Management in B2B Business

Successful project management and leadership are cornerstones of B2B companies' success and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity. Project operations smoothly carry out complex ventures, ensure efficient use of resources, and manage risks. Especially for companies selling expert services as projects, successful project management is crucial for both customer satisfaction and financial performance. Quality project management, in turn, creates conditions for business growth and development.

Good project management also leads to more efficient work. Properly managed projects can help companies make the most effective use of resources, thus increasing productivity. Efficient, timely work also helps stay on budget. Financial consequences are always on someone's radar, whether it’s the employer, your own company, or the client. If you have provided a fixed binding price, any cost overruns fall on your employer. And vice versa for the client if the budget has been flexible, but significant cost overruns are rarely good news for the client. "95% of our projects are completed on schedule and within budget" is a strong argument in a sales situation.

Different Phases of Project Management

In this section, we explore the various stages of projects and project management. Project management comprises several crucial phases, each having its own significance in achieving a successful project. These phases help in organizing the workflow efficiently and ensure that the project progresses as planned, from inception to the achievement of objectives.

We have discussed the project phases in greater detail elsewhere.

Project Planning and Objectives

At the start of the project, it's important to define a clear, measurable goal, metrics, and decide on the scope of the project. The goal serves as the guiding objective throughout the entire project.

It is also a tool for project management, as the objective helps prioritize various tasks within the project. Metrics assist in evaluating the success of the project once it is completed. It's also good to have the scope of the project clearly defined, as misunderstandings often arise in projects about whether a particular item was included in the project proposal or not.

During the project, changes and clear additions may occur, providing a basis for the service provider to invoice more.

Generally, the resources required for the project have already been considered during the proposal stage. Otherwise, how could expert companies submit proposals without defining the amount of work required, necessary subcontractors, and purchases related to the project, etc. Once the scope and objectives of the project are known, resources needed for the project are carefully planned, and a phased project plan is created.

The project plan aids in project management. Projects that require specialized skills from multiple experts must be carefully planned and scheduled, often requiring different skill sets in a particular order. For example, in a marketing agency working on large campaigns, the production Art Director cannot execute material production before the Art Director and copywriter responsible for the visual identity have planned the campaign's concept, look, and key messages.

At this stage, it's often advisable to also create a written project plan. In the smallest of projects, this may not be necessary, but a project plan facilitates project management in the following ways:

• Common Direction – The project's objectives, resources, and responsibilities are clarified.
• Schedule Transparency – When the phases of the project are defined and scheduled in advance, both the client and the service provider can easily track whether the project is on schedule.
• Risk Management – It's advisable to identify and address risks in advance within the project plan.
• Quality Communication – A good project plan provides a clear foundation for communication among different parties involved in the project.
• Change Management – A written project plan enables change management. Any potential changes can always be assessed in relation to the original project plan, and if changes are decided upon, they can be updated in the project plan.

Implementation, Monitoring, and Reporting

This stage of project management involves following the project plan, adhering to timelines, and responding to changes. Often, projects have a designated project team working together. Typically, these teams represent various stakeholders, such as individuals from both the client and service provider.

A lot of communication and collaboration are needed within the project team at this stage. Regular meetings and monitoring are usually in place to ensure the project stays on schedule and budget. Stakeholders are openly reported on the project's progress. Any unexpected challenges or problems should be openly addressed as they arise, allowing for collective problem-solving.

Project Closure and Feedback

The project concludes when the defined objective is achieved. If the scope and objective were clear from the start, and all parties have a congruent view on them, it's generally easy to agree on the project's conclusion. Good project management practice includes evaluating the project's success against the set metrics at the end. Larger projects often involve multiple feedback sessions—e.g., one with the client and another with the internal team. Documenting achievements, learnings, and areas for improvement is essential for future endeavors. Written surveys are a typical tool for collecting feedback from both clients and internally. Continuous learning and improvement are crucial for the long-term development of project management.

Key Tools and Methods in Project Management

Project management and the leadership of projects are often complex entities, where it is beneficial to utilize efficient tools and project methods. The following discusses some of the key tools and methods that are particularly helpful in B2B companies' project management. Each company can choose the methods and approaches that best fit their needs, integrate them into their own project management processes, and ensure that the project management software in use supports these. Kanban, scrum, and lean are all so-called agile methods.

Kanban in projects

Kanban is a tool and an agile method that helps in organizing the content and tasks of projects through a visual board. The goal is to assist teams in managing the phasing of work as efficiently as possible and improve productivity.

The Kanban board is divided into columns, each representing a specific phase or status in the project. Tasks are displayed as cards or notes and move between the columns as they progress. For example, columns could be: "Unallocated," "Allocated," "In Progress," "Pending," and "Complete."

As a task progresses, it moves from one column to another. This provides the project team with a clear visual representation of what tasks are underway, what are the next steps, and how many various tasks are still remaining. The Kanban method can help identify bottlenecks and prevent work from piling up in one stage.

The Kanban tool can be used as an instrument for project management in various kinds of projects and teams, emphasizing continuous improvement and flexibility in workflow optimization. Typically, this method is used in software development, product development, and generally within the realm of knowledge work and projects.

Scrum Method in Projects

Scrum is an agile working method used for project management and teamwork. It is based on a flexible and iterative approach that helps the team deliver value quickly and adapt to changes. In Scrum, work is divided into short periods known as sprints.

This is a simplified explanation of the Scrum method:

1. Teams and Roles: In Scrum, there are three main roles: the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team. The Product Owner defines the tasks to be performed and prioritizes them. The Scrum Master helps the team adhere to the Scrum method. The Development Team is responsible for completing the tasks.
2. Sprints: The project is divided into small portions known as sprints. A sprint is a short period, usually ranging from 1 to 4 weeks, during which the team focuses only on specific tasks.
3. Backlog: The backlog is a list of tasks that need to be accomplished during the project. For each sprint, a subset of these tasks is selected for the team to implement.
4. Daily Stand-ups: The team holds a brief daily meeting, where they discuss what they have completed, what they will be working on next, and any obstacles that may hinder their work.
5. Sprint Review and Retrospective: At the end of each sprint, a sprint review is held to present the achieved results to the Product Owner and possibly other stakeholders. This is followed by a retrospective, where the team assesses what went well and how they can improve for the next sprint.

The Scrum method aids the team in project management by providing flexibility and rapid response capabilities. It continuously delivers value, and the team is given the responsibility to organize their own work. Scrum is especially popular in software development, but it can also be applied to other projects and teamwork scenarios.

Lean Project Management

Lean project management is an approach that focuses on efficiency, minimizing resources, and maximizing value in the implementation of projects. The goal is to essentially eliminate all that is "waste," meaning anything that does not add value to the project. With the Lean method, tasks are carried out as smoothly and with as few resources as possible.

In simple terms, lean project management means planning and executing a project in such a way that each phase and function are useful and deliver real value to the project's objectives. This is achieved by reducing unnecessary intermediate steps, waiting times, and allocating only the genuinely needed amount of resources to tasks. Continuous improvement and the utilization of feedback for future project planning are also emphasized in the Lean method.

Lean project management is based on ideas originating from lean production philosophy. This mindset is broadly applied across different industries, not just production but also project, service, and process management. Originally stemming from the industrial sector, the philosophy has spread to various industries and different types of processes.

Gantt Charts in Projects

A Gantt chart is a visual tool that helps represent tasks and their schedules in a project. It displays bars or columns that represent different tasks and how long they are expected to last.

Simply put, a Gantt chart helps you see what tasks should be done, how long they should take, and when they are planned to occur. This assists the project team and stakeholders in understanding the project's progress and timeline.

Often, various project management software includes Gantt charts, making it easy to visualize the flow of the project directly within the project management software.

Project Management and Budgeting

In our view, one cannot discuss project management without also considering budgeting. Financially successful projects are also characterized by successful budgeting, where different areas are planned realistically and, in addition, the implementation of the budget is regularly monitored during the project. It's also beneficial to set a budget and monitor resource utilization in internal projects. This section discusses how project management and budgeting should be implemented in B2B company projects.

Creating a Budget and Cost Management in the Project

In short, the project team could be guided in project management as follows: "Create a realistic budget that covers all phases of the project. Monitor costs and react quickly if it looks like the project will not stay on budget." Easier said than done.

Creating a budget and managing costs are absolutely central elements for the project's success. A properly prepared budget provides a clear understanding of the project's financial needs and should serve as a guideline for the financial side throughout the project. Accurate budgeting and its implementation require good collaboration from the entire project team, especially in terms of used work hours, and precise cost management from the project manager.

The level of budgeting detail depends on the scope of the project. In smaller projects, you can often budget in more detail. For example, you can estimate the work hours needed from different experts individually, but the larger the project, the more challenging this task becomes. It's also a good idea to examine the cost and work time implementations of previous similar projects, at least when similar projects have been done before. The budget should not be too tight; it's good to leave a buffer, as projects rarely execute without any surprises.

Cost management during the project requires continuous monitoring and reaction if needed. Technology and various project management software tools enable real-time cost monitoring, which supports budget management.

In summary, creating a budget and managing costs are as important for the success of the project as any possible quality objectives set for the project's outcome. For example, is a project successful if the desired quality outcome is achieved but the project budget triples? Probably not.

Efficient Use of Resources in Projects

The financial success of projects, i.e., the efficient use of resources, has a significant impact on a company's business result, or the bottom line. Effective resource use is a strategic opportunity. Properly planned and utilized resources not only speed up the project's progress but also optimize its cost structure.

Technological solutions greatly facilitate project management. For example, resource monitoring and management have become much easier. Modern project management tools and software, offering real-time information on resource use, should be utilized in projects. This allows for quick and accurate decisions if there are phases in the projects where the need and use of resources do not proceed as planned. Flexibility is the keyword in this equation: the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations minimizes adverse effects and enables the project to proceed.

At best, efficient use of resources is a strategic competitive advantage, but achieving it requires conscious planning and real-time monitoring. Success also requires commitment from both management and the project team. For example, everyone working on the project can at least affect the project's efficient implementation with their own work contribution. The project manager's opportunities for influence are even broader than this. The task of the project manager may be to seek savings opportunities without compromising the project's quality or objectives. This may include, for example, the selection of cheaper suppliers, resource reallocation, or the adoption of technological solutions. Budget optimization requires creativity and the ability to identify areas where savings can be achieved without harmful effects on the project's success.

The Role of the Project Manager and Leading the Project Team

The essence of project management is seamless collaboration, efficient use of resources, and achieving goals as planned. In this framework, the role of the project manager is central. The project manager can be thought of as the engine that keeps the project wheels in motion and directs the team towards success. In this section, we delve into the multifaceted role of the project manager and particularly emphasize the importance of leading the project team.

What Does the Project Manager Do?

The job description and role of the project manager vary according to the industry, the company or organization involved, and the scope of the project. The project manager always has a central position in the entire project management: in planning projects, their implementation, and in achieving results. The project manager works closely with various teams to ensure the success of projects and the efficient use of resources. Typically, the project manager's tasks include:

• Plan and define project goals, timelines, and budgets in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Allocate responsibilities and tasks to team members, ensuring clear roles and expectations.
• Communicate effectively about the progress of projects, challenges, and solutions to stakeholders, such as clients and management.
• Monitor the use of resources and optimize their allocation to ensure the efficient progress of projects.
• Assess potential risks and plan how these risks can be managed and avoided.
• Guide team members, motivate them, and provide support as needed.
• Ensure adherence to project timelines and budgets, and make adjustments as needed.
• Evaluate and analyze the success of the project, hold any necessary feedback sessions, and gather items for future consideration, documenting them for upcoming projects.
• React quickly to changing situations and make decisions to ensure the project progresses as planned.

The Project Manager is often a person with excellent communication and teamwork skills, the ability to plan and prioritize efficiently. They think analytically and possess problem-solving abilities. Success in the role of a Project Manager is facilitated by flexibility and adaptability to changing situations, which often arise in projects.

Structure and Roles within the Project Team

The success of a project relies not only on quality project management but also on the functionality and dynamics of the project team. One of the most crucial tasks when acting as a Project Manager is to build an effective team and ensure that each member has a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. Sometimes the project team is predetermined, and the Project Manager may not necessarily be able to influence its composition. The structure of the project team can also vary between projects and organizations.

A project team should ideally be diverse in backgrounds and skill sets as this brings different perspectives, expertise, and experiences to the work. Different areas of expertise, backgrounds, and strengths complement each other, creating synergy and enabling the quality implementation of the project. The Project Manager's task is to identify the strengths of the team and direct their use towards achieving the project's objectives. This requires the ability to understand how different team members can best support each other and contribute to the overall goals of the project.

In a project team, it's important to define clear roles and responsibilities. Every member should understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from others. The Project Manager is responsible for guiding the team, allocating tasks appropriately, and ensuring that everyone is aware of their contribution to the project's success. Clear roles not only simplify project management but also facilitate communication and decision-making, as team members know who is responsible for what aspect.

The project team is united by a common goal. All team members share the ambition to achieve the set objectives for the project. A common goal serves as a motivator at best and allows for commitment to quality project progression. The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that the team understands the purpose and significance of the project as well as their individual role in its implementation. This promotes unity and mutual trust within the team.

Behind failed projects, there is often a common factor: problems in communication, a lack of communication altogether, and poor teamwork. Challenges for project teams can stem from unclear information flow, ambiguous roles, and a lack of open dialogue. The combined effect of these factors can quickly weaken a team's ability to adapt to changes, identify risks, and make quick decisions. Therefore, strengthening communication and promoting team unity are crucial measures for ensuring the success of projects.

Motivating the Project Team 

The Importance of Communication in Project Management

In project management, the importance of communication is emphasized. Effective and open communication serves as glue that keeps various aspects of the project together and stakeholders updated. Communication is not just about sharing information; it is also about interaction and building understanding. In this section, we explore the role of communication in project management, particularly from the project manager's perspective, and highlight each team member's responsibility to actively participate in communication.

The project manager serves as the cornerstone of communication, ensuring that information flows seamlessly in different directions. At the beginning of the project, the project manager ensures that there are clearly agreed-upon communication methods and channels. If these are not settled at the outset, everyone knows what this leads to — desperate searches for information with questions like "Was it in Slack, Teams, email, Drive, another archive, or where…?" The project manager ensures open information flow, not only within the team but also between stakeholders and the team. This requires the ability to listen, ask questions, and react promptly.

However, communication is not solely the project manager's task. Every team member has the responsibility to actively participate in communication. This means reacting and sharing information when there is a need for it. Each team member's ability to be proactive in communication is crucial, ensuring seamless information flow within the team. This helps avoid challenges in communication and ensures everyone is aware of changes and decisions.

This two-way nature of communication is important to understand. Quality communication is not just top-down information dissemination, but also bottom-up sharing of information, feedback, and posing questions. The project manager does not merely convey messages; they also listen to team members' views and take them into account in project management. This creates an open and trusting atmosphere, promoting teamwork and effective decision-making.

The importance of communication in project management goes far beyond merely sharing information. It is about building interaction, understanding, and collaboration. The project manager acts as the coordinator and guiding force of communication, but every team member has the responsibility to actively participate in communication. Two-way communication forms the basis for effective project management and helps achieve common goals.

Tips for the Project Manager

We have created the following tip list or "checklist" to ease the daily life of a project manager and ensure that different areas are comprehensively covered.

1. Make Objectives Concrete. Define clear objectives and metrics for the project at the outset. It is good to have both qualitative and quantitative metrics.
2. Create a Comprehensive Written Project Plan. The better the project is planned in advance, the smoother the execution usually goes. A written plan provides support and security, and it is easy to refer back to during the project. Make sure that the project has a defined objective, schedule, and clear responsibilities. Review the project plan with the team and ensure that everyone genuinely internalizes it, especially their own role in the project.
3. Plan Budget and Timelines Wisely. Avoid making overly tight budget and schedule estimates. Break down the project phases and tasks into clear units. Remember, plans may change along the way, so be prepared to be flexible and adapt.
4. Trust Your Team and Build Trust. If the project team is new, get to know the strengths and working methods of your team members. Build trust among team members and give them responsibility. Open communication and collaboration increase team commitment and motivation.
5. Communicate Clearly, Openly, and Regularly. Keep all parties, including the team, clients, and subcontractors, updated on the project’s progress and possible changes. Transparency fosters understanding and helps avoid misunderstandings.
6. Be Flexible. Projects will surely evolve during their implementation, so don't expect everything to go exactly according to plan.
7. Raise Your Hand in Case of an Error. If you make a mistake, or your team does, it is advisable to communicate this quickly and openly. This allows you to collectively consider how to move forward. Assistance should be sought and welcomed. If you notice challenges or resource shortages, seek solutions together with the team and stakeholders.
8. Leverage Your Team's Skills in Planning. Discuss decisions and plans with your team. Give room to their ideas and participation. An inclusive approach increases team spirit and commitment.
9. Conduct a Proper Debrief Feedback Meeting. Hold a proper debrief feedback meeting both with the client and the team. Time should be invested in project evaluation and feedback to improve future projects. After the project, evaluate what went well and what could be improved, so you can continually refine your operations.
10. Utilize Project Management Software and Methods. Simple spreadsheets rarely suffice for project management. It is advisable to use project management software not only in the proposal stage but also in planning, monitoring, and reporting. A good project management software eases communication, resource management, and real-time project leadership.

"Hopefully, these more comprehensive tips will help you navigate complex projects successfully to the finish line.

Customer-centric project management

Customer-centric project management is at the core of emphasizing the ability to create and maintain strong customer relationships while steering projects toward a successful outcome. Even if your company is in so-called project business, where the customer naturally orders one project at a time, it is still worth investing in the customer relationship. When the customer notices that their needs and expectations are always a priority, they trust your team and are likely willing to continue collaboration in future projects. Thus, the project becomes not just a single performance but part of a larger development trend that adds value to both the project and the customer. Customer-centric project management therefore lays the foundation for long-term, valuable customer relationships.

Customer-centric project management is an approach to projects that places the customer's needs and expectations at the center of the project. In this section, we look at the principles and strategies of customer-centric project management. We consider how a competent project manager can combine efficient project management and strong customer relationship development. Customer-centric project management can not only achieve but also exceed customer expectations. We also provide practical advice for implementing customer-centric project management in different projects.

Understanding the customer's needs as the starting point 

The project's success starts with understanding the customer's needs and expectations carefully, as this stage provides a solid foundation for the entire project's planning and execution. Clear identification of customer needs enables proper goal setting and resource allocation. Typically, understanding the customer's needs begins, or at least should begin, at the start of the sales process.

Industries vary and often the nature of the projects varies too. The project team does not always deeply understand the customer's industry or the nature of the business. Successful cooperation requires continuous interaction and learning throughout the project. It requires open communication and the ability to listen to the customer carefully. Changes and refinements in needs can emerge along the way, and the project manager's ability to adapt to them is crucial.

Understanding and integrating the customer's needs into the project is not just one-way. Successful customer-centric project management also requires active participation from the customer. For the project to be implemented in a customer-centric manner, much is also required from the customer. The customer needs to be willing to interact and share in-depth information about their industry and business logic and laws. A customer-centric approach does not necessarily mean that the customer is always right. Instead, it means that you strive to understand the customer's needs and goals as well as possible.

Understanding customer needs lays a solid foundation for customer-centric project management. It not only ensures the success of the project but also creates a strong foundation for trust and long-term collaboration. Customer-centricity also affects the project's communication. Clear and continuous communication with the customer helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps all parties up to date. Additionally, as the project progresses and needs are refined, a customer-centric approach enables flexibility and quick response.

Leveraging Customer Feedback in Projects

In customer-centric project management, the role of customer feedback is invaluable. As the project progresses, it's crucial to continually gather feedback from the client, as this provides valuable insights into how well the project meets their needs and expectations. Customer feedback reveals strengths and areas for improvement.

Feedback collection can occur in various ways, such as regular meetings, surveys, or informal discussions. The project manager's ability to listen carefully and read between the lines is key in this regard. Positive comments reinforce well-executed aspects, while potential concerns or suggestions for improvement offer the opportunity for timely response.

Customer feedback should not merely be received but also thoroughly processed and analyzed. The refinement of this feedback into appropriate actions is of utmost importance. Through collaborative efforts between the project manager and the team, concrete steps can be identified to adjust the project based on customer feedback.

One important aspect of leveraging customer feedback is also learning. Each project offers the opportunity to learn something new and carry these learnings into future projects. By analyzing feedback and observations, the project manager and team can continually improve and avoid repeating the same mistakes. In this way, utilizing customer feedback not only improves individual projects but also enhances the entire organization's expertise and operations.

In summary, integrating customer feedback into projects not only solidifies a customer-centric approach but also promotes ongoing development and growth. In project management, it's important to cultivate a culture that values and encourages continuous improvement. This means that every project provides an opportunity to learn and perform even better in the next project. The organization should support this culture by providing resources and time to facilitate continuous learning and development.

Project management software

What is a project management software?

A project management software is a tool or software that supports the planning, tracking, and management of projects. It provides a unified platform where different aspects of a project, such as schedules, resources, tasks, and costs, can be managed. The software enables efficient collaboration, communication, and information sharing among the team, as well as real-time insights into the project's status. This helps organizations optimize resource utilization, reduce errors, improve project efficiency, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Project management software is a crucial tool in modern business, offering numerous advantages for managing a company's projects. Below, the benefits of project management software and its impact on organizational operations are discussed in greater detail.

Holistic Project Management in a Single System

Project management software functions like a command center, integrating various aspects of a project into a single manageable entity. All information related to the project, such as schedules, resources, tasks, and costs, is available in the same system. This reduces data fragmentation and streamlines decision-making. Typically, project management software also includes projects that are in the sales stage.

Real-Time Resource Management Across Multiple Projects

The software provides real-time information on resource availability and capacity, such as the availability of employees with specific skill sets. This enables optimal resource allocation and minimizes overload, ensuring efficient and balanced work across projects. With the same system, you can easily manage all the projects you have on your desk.

Enhance Communication and Team Collaboration

Software solutions facilitate communication and collaboration among team members. Shared communication platforms reduce errors in communication and ensure that all parties remain updated on project progress and changes.

Monitor and Report in Real-Time

Project management software enables precise real-time monitoring of project progress. This helps to identify potential problems and delays early on, enabling rapid response and corrective action. Reporting ensures that management and desired stakeholders have a clear picture of the project's status and performance.

Save Costs, Optimize, and Operate Efficiently

The software reduces costs caused by errors and delays. Better resource allocation and utilization improve the organization's financial performance and efficiency. Project management software also offers the possibility of continuous improvement through historical data. Data-driven decision-making helps optimize processes and achieve even better results.

In summary, project management software is an indispensable tool for effective project management. It enables resource optimization, precise tracking, communication, and collaboration, while also offering capabilities for real-time monitoring and reporting.

How to Choose a Project Management Software for Expertise-Based Work

1. Identify and Define Your Organizational Needs and Goals for Project Management Software

Begin by clearly defining your needs and objectives for the project management software. What features do you need in your daily work? Do you have particular requirements for reporting, resource allocation, or scheduling? Once you know what you need, you can focus your attention on software options that offer these features.

Also, consider the needs and requirements of your organization. Engage with other team members and stakeholders to determine their needs and the challenges they face. This will help you select a software solution that best serves the organization as a whole.

For example, consider including the following features in your requirement specifications:

• Task and Schedule Management: The software should offer the ability to create and manage tasks as well as schedules. Clear views on task progress and schedule changes are essential.

• Resource and Employee Management: The software should enable resource management and tracking of employee time allocations. This ensures the right people are in the right roles.

• Project and Account Management: Managing multiple projects and client accounts simultaneously is crucial. The software should offer clear views into various project statuses.

• Reporting and Analytics: A robust project management software will provide comprehensive reporting features and analytic tools. These help you monitor project progress, profitability, and other metrics.

• Collaboration and Communication: Features for team collaboration, discussions, and information sharing are important. The software should support inter-team communication and collaboration.

• System Integrations: Check how the software can be integrated with other systems in use, such as financial systems.

• User Interface Usability: The user interface should be intuitive and easy to use. Usability affects how quickly your team will adopt the software.

• Mobile App: A mobile application can be especially useful for on-the-go access to project information.

• Security and Access Management: Make sure the software offers adequate security measures and the ability to manage access rights for different user groups.

• Customer Support and Training: Verify the type of customer support offered by the software provider. Comprehensive training materials are also useful.

• Pricing

Note that each organization and project is unique, so choose project management software that best meets your specific needs and preferences.

2. Compare Different Options, Test, and Evaluate

Once you've identified your needs and organizational requirements, compare the features and functionalities of different project management software options. Pay particular attention to how well the software supports the unique aspects of expertise-based work, such as managing multiple projects and resource allocation. Many software options offer a free trial period, which you should take advantage of. Test the software in practice to evaluate its usability, functionalities, and suitability for your needs. This gives you a better idea if the software is the right choice.

3. Consider Costs

Cost is naturally a significant factor. Compare the prices of different software in relation to the features and benefits they offer. In the comparison, consider both one-time and recurring costs. One-time costs could include setup and training fees, which might be worth the investment if they make the system easier, faster, and more efficient to use. In most comparisons, focus primarily on ongoing operating costs.

By considering all these aspects, you'll be better positioned to choose a project management software that aligns with your expertise-based work requirements.

Trends in Project Management

Project management is in a state of constant change as new technologies, work models, and environments shape the way projects are planned, managed, and executed. In this section, we explore the trends in project management that are impacting current work methods and future project work. These various trends not only offer new opportunities for efficiency and innovation but also challenge traditional ways of thinking, opening doors to a more sustainable future in project management.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Project Management

Automation and artificial intelligence have already changed and continue to change the way projects are planned, monitored, and managed. As companies strive for increased efficiency and better results, technological possibilities have become central in project management. Automation and AI bring several advantages that help optimize processes, minimize errors, and free up time for more creative, human-centric work.

One of the most significant benefits of automation in project management is the reduction of routine tasks. Repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as generating reports, updating schedules, and tracking resources, can be automated, allowing project managers to focus on strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication. Automation also reduces the risk of human error and enables real-time data usage in decision-making.

The role of AI in project management has grown considerably, particularly in data analytics and forecasting. AI can quickly process vast amounts of data and identify trends that can help project management teams make better decisions. Additionally, AI can offer recommendations on resource allocation, schedule optimization, and risk management.

Project management software has embraced the opportunities provided by automation and AI by integrating them into their workflows. For instance, AI-powered software can analyze historical project data and provide estimates on the costs, schedules, and risks of future projects. Furthermore, automated notifications and alerts keep the project team up-to-date on changes and deviations.

While automation and AI bring many advantages to project management, it's essential to remember that they can't fully replace the human role. AI can streamline processes and offer analytical support for decision-making, but humans bring creativity, empathy, and experience, which remain irreplaceable factors in the success of projects.

Utilizing automation and AI in project management requires an organization to be open to new technologies and willing to train staff on their usage. It's crucial to choose project management software that offers a wide range of automation and AI features but also allows customization to meet the organization's needs. Users must understand how to use these features effectively and how they can improve the quality and results of projects.

Virtual Project Management and Remote Teamwork

In the era of digitalization, virtual project management and remote work have emerged as key trends in modern business operations. Global networks, technological advancements, and evolving work cultures have enabled project management and teamwork to be executed independent of time and location. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of remote work and virtual project management across organizations.

Virtual project management involves planning, coordinating, and monitoring projects through digital tools. Project teams can collaborate regardless of their geographic locations, opening up opportunities for diverse teams and international projects. However, this requires ensuring robust collaboration and communication so that all team members are on the same page and feel included.

Remote work, on the other hand, offers flexibility in terms of workplace. Project managers can lead teams and oversee projects without the need for physical presence at the office. This opens the door to attracting top talent from around the globe, thereby enhancing diversity and innovation within projects. However, functional tools and clear processes are crucial to ensure smooth team collaboration and efficient project management.

A shift in management and communication strategies is essential for successful virtual project management and remote work. Project managers must ensure that teams have access to the necessary technologies and resources to work effectively in a remote setting. Moreover, fostering an open and trusting atmosphere where team members can freely express their opinions and seek help when needed is vital.

Responsibility in Projects

Responsibility should underlie corporate activities and, by extension, should be an integral part of quality project management. Here, responsibility refers to the balancing of economic, ecological, and social well-being in a manner that fulfills current needs without negatively impacting future generations.

Project-level responsibility manifests in several ways. One of the most important aspects is environmental friendliness and minimizing carbon footprint. Projects should aim to select materials, methods, and practices that have the least environmental impact. Improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy sources should also be priorities.

Social responsibility entails caring for people and communities involved in or affected by projects. This might relate to employee rights and well-being, community engagement, and respectful interaction with stakeholders. Ethical principles and stakeholder needs should be respected throughout the project lifecycle.

Acknowledging responsibility in projects requires awareness, planning, and ongoing monitoring. Project managers must consider responsible practices in project planning, resourcing, and decision-making. This may involve assessing environmental impacts, stakeholder collaboration, and responsible procurement and operational methods.

Incorporating responsibility into projects is not merely an ethical obligation but can also offer business advantages. More customers and stakeholders are valuing sustainable solutions, allowing companies to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Moreover, sustainable practices can lead to cost savings and new business opportunities.

In conclusion, responsibility has become a significant trend in project management, requiring a holistic approach and collaboration among all parties involved. More and more, vendors are being asked the question: "How does your company address matters of responsibility?".