Project Design and Management Knowledge and Project Management Skills
By Mohamed Msoroka
Assistant Lecturer of the University of Dodoma-Tanzania
College of Education
Department of Education Foundations and Continuing Education
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the topic of project design and implementation, where issues of project design and management knowledge and project management skills have been the main focus. In the process of analysis, the paper provides various aspects like the concept of project, features of project, major characteristics of project and the project life cycle phases. On the other hand, issues on project design and the Logical Framework Approach in project planning are emphasized. Moreover, the paper provides significant information on project management, where issues on project management process, stages/phases of project management, management skills and project management knowledge are discussed. The most important thing to bear in mind is that, the information provided in this paper is useful in any kind of project, and therefore including education projects.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Project
- Project life cycle phases
- Need assessment phase
- Project selection phase
- Planning and development phase
- Implementation phase
- Control phase
- Evaluation phase
- Closeout phase
- Project design
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to critically analyze project design and implementation, focusing on project design and management knowledge and skills. It explores the concept of projects, their characteristics, and the project life cycle. The paper also emphasizes project design using the Logical Framework Approach and discusses project management processes, skills, and knowledge.
- Project Definition and Characteristics
- Project Life Cycle Phases
- Project Design and Planning
- Project Management Knowledge and Skills
- Application in Educational Settings
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section establishes the context of project management within educational settings, highlighting the prevalence of projects in schools (constructions, renovations, etc.) and emphasizing the crucial role of educational managers in ensuring project success and sustainability. It underscores the importance of stakeholder involvement and the paper's aim to provide valuable project management knowledge and skills applicable across various sectors.
Project: This chapter defines a project as a temporary endeavor with a defined beginning and end, creating unique products or services. It delves into the features of projects, such as specific objectives, defined timelines, budget limitations, and resource consumption. Key characteristics discussed include the uniqueness of project outcomes and processes, and their temporary nature, involving distinct phases from initiation to closure. The chapter synthesizes various perspectives on project definition and characteristics, emphasizing their importance for effective management.
Project life cycle phases: This chapter outlines the seven phases of a project life cycle as described by Frame (1999): need assessment, project selection, planning and development, implementation, control, evaluation, and closeout. Each phase is detailed, outlining specific procedures and activities involved, such as stakeholder identification, proposal development, resource allocation, performance monitoring, and post-project analysis. The chapter emphasizes the importance of systematic procedures in each phase for successful project management.
Project design: This chapter explores the concept of project design, defined as the process of creating a conceptual framework for a project. It highlights the necessity of outlining the project broadly, emphasizing a systematic approach to planning and visualizing the entire project lifecycle from initiation to completion. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding how effective project design contributes to overall project success.
Keywords
Project management, project design, project life cycle, project management skills, project management knowledge, educational projects, stakeholder involvement, Logical Framework Approach, planning, implementation, evaluation, sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview on Project Management
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a text on project management, specifically focusing on its application in educational settings. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in this text?
The text covers various aspects of project management, including project definition and characteristics, the project life cycle phases (need assessment, project selection, planning and development, implementation, control, evaluation, and closeout), project design (using the Logical Framework Approach), and the necessary knowledge and skills for effective project management. A particular emphasis is placed on the application of these concepts within educational contexts.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
The key themes include the importance of understanding project characteristics, managing the project life cycle systematically, employing effective project design strategies, developing essential project management knowledge and skills, and ensuring stakeholder involvement for successful project outcomes, particularly within educational settings. The Logical Framework Approach is highlighted as a significant project design method.
How is the project life cycle described?
The text outlines a seven-phase project life cycle model (Frame, 1999), detailing the specific activities and procedures involved in each phase: need assessment, project selection, planning and development, implementation, control, evaluation, and closeout. Each phase's importance in contributing to overall project success is emphasized.
What is the focus on project design?
The text defines project design as the process of creating a conceptual framework for the project. It stresses the importance of a systematic approach to project planning, visualizing the entire lifecycle from initiation to completion to ensure successful project execution.
What is the significance of the educational context?
The text explicitly applies project management principles to educational settings, giving examples of projects like constructions and renovations in schools. It highlights the crucial role of educational managers in ensuring successful and sustainable projects and underscores the importance of stakeholder involvement in educational projects.
What are the key skills and knowledge emphasized?
The text emphasizes the importance of acquiring project management knowledge and skills, including planning, implementation, evaluation, and understanding the various phases of the project lifecycle. It highlights the need for a systematic approach and effective design for successful project management in any context.
What keywords describe the content?
Key words include: Project management, project design, project life cycle, project management skills, project management knowledge, educational projects, stakeholder involvement, Logical Framework Approach, planning, implementation, evaluation, sustainability.
- Quote paper
- Assistant Lecturer Mohamed Msoroka (Author), 2012, Project Design and Management Knowledge and Project Management Skills, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/188187
