In today’s fast-paced business world, effective project management is key to driving success and reaching organizational objectives. At the core of successful project execution is project management itself. As businesses strive to deliver projects efficiently and effectively, selecting the right methodology is essential. PM², developed by the European Commission, is gaining recognition as an effective approach. Let’s explore the varied benefits that PM² offers.
Clear Communication and Information Sharing
PM² emphasizes improving communication and information sharing among project stakeholders. By fostering transparency and open dialogue, PM² ensures that everyone is aligned and informed. This leads to smoother project execution and cultivates a culture of open dialogue within the organization, promoting better collaboration and teamwork.
Set Clear Expectations from the Start
Clarity is essential in project management. PM² helps project managers set clear expectations early in the project lifecycle, reducing ambiguity and setting the stage for project success. By setting clear objectives and milestones from the beginning, PM² helps teams stay focused and on track throughout the project.
Defined Project Life Cycle
PM² provides a structured project life cycle framework. This structured approach benefits project management professionals by offering a systematic way to manage projects from initiation to closure.
Guidelines for Project Planning
With PM², project planning becomes more systematic and straightforward. The methodology offers guidelines and best practices for creating comprehensive project plans, ensuring that all aspects of the project are considered and addressed.
Monitoring and Control Activities
PM² introduces robust monitoring and control activities, allowing project managers to track progress, identify potential issues early on, and take corrective actions when necessary. This proactive approach ensures that projects stay on course and meet their objectives.
PM² Mindsets: The Key to Success
Beyond its methodologies and frameworks, PM² also focuses on cultivating the right attitudes and behaviors, known as PM² Mindsets. These mindsets help project teams navigate the complexities of project management and make the methodology more effective and comprehensive.
Project managers and teams following PM²:
- Are aware that project management methodologies are there to serve projects and not vice versa.
- Are result-oriented in relation to all projects and project management activities.
- Commit to delivering project results with maximum value rather than merely following plans.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, clear communication and accountability.
- Assign project roles to the people best suited for the benefit of the project.
- Invest in developing technical and interpersonal skills to become better project contributors.
- Engage project stakeholders in the organisational change needed to maximise project benefits.
- Share knowledge, actively manage lessons learned and contribute to project improvement.
Supporting artefacts
As you prepare to implement PM², the European Commission offers a range of templates designed to assist you in adopting the PM² methodology. These resources are crafted to streamline the implementation process, making it easier for organizations to integrate PM² into their project management practices effectively.
