PROJECT MANAGEMENT USING AUTOPILOT.IO: MORE THAN JUST DEADLINES AND BUDGETS

Managing a project can be quite a daunting task to most people, not to mention to new companies and start-ups, but it can also be the pitfall of established, long-term businesses as they sometimes simplify and generalize it to just budgeting and deadlines. One thing is for sure though, project management is an essential part of a business and, in some cases, even the line between success and bankruptcy.

To understand why this is, we must first define the concept. Several sources defined it more than others, but the gist is this; Project management is the process of applying assets such as knowledge, skills, tools, techniques, etc. to meet the project’s requirements within given constraints. Sounds simple enough and yet, according to research, nearly 50% of all projects of some organizations fail just because of undervaluing project management. This can lead to delays, missed opportunities, or worse, preventing business growth. That is why we have created Autopilot. You can manage your tasks more and get organized.

So, what then is its importance?
To put it in a scenario, project management helps not only to drive the project and keep it moving forward, to ensure that there is enough gas to keep it moving along, and to fix anything that breaks down. Without it, the project slows down or even stop dead in its tracks. Convinced yet? Well here is a more detailed breakdown of why it is not only an essential, but probably the most important aspect of project management.

BUDGETING
We all know and hate it, but not understanding budgeting is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make for a project. While it may be a dream come true to have an unlimited budget, most of the time we have a set amount, sometimes even less than what we need. Here, we can lessen stress by knowing how much we have, how much extra we might need, and maybe even find economical alternatives without compromising on quality.

GOALS
The most common reason why projects fail is not being able to focus on the goals of a project. Unclear objectives will lead to breakdowns among the team, leading to delays, budget overruns, and failure. Proper project management can help in making sure that the team is focused on the goal, and that the correct strategy is applied.

ALIGNMENT
Too much risk and swerving on projects puts too much risk on the line, and ultimately might send it over the edge. When we align projects with specific business strategies, we ensure that we are not deviating too much from our goal, opportunities to grow and be better, and ultimately, our end results, which means that we hit our milestones, and eventually our return of investment.

PROCESS
Without process, the project and the team would implode. Project management ensures that we only handle what we can at a given time. This ensures that we care bringing in the best quality, as well as understanding what we need at very specific times. This also helps in times when we need to backtrack and change or re-do a specific part, because we have broken it down to its components and pieces, we do not need to scrap and start all over again. Not only will this automatically assure quality, but help keep the cost low, and save valuable time.

LEADERSHIP
Without project management, the project may start to move on its own, because it was given a push by the budget, or by people who can give ideas, but then it would eventually hit a wall, go over a cliff, or just go around in circles. A project should not only keep moving, but have a direction, a sense of control, and ultimately, a destination. With project management, not only will the right people be given the controls, but they can also inspire team members to do better or bring out the best in everyone. Leaders will also be mentors and critiques, providing positive and honest feedback to improve on mistakes and shortcomings, and teaching team members on what to do and how to do them better; to lend their knowledge and pass it on to the next potential leaders. And most importantly, leaders become a beacon, a battle cry, to which team members can look up to and gather around and move forward together.

Hopefully, this not only helps in allowing you to make decisions about taking project management seriously but inspire you to also to apply and develop our own project management skills. So the next time you are given a project and are thinking about saving that extra budget for that project manager who “just budgets and makes deadlines”, think carefully about it and hopefully it helps you achieve your goals, saves you more money than you thought you would, lands you more projects with your clients, and make you say, maybe it was worth it all along.