Lesson 2 – Introduction to project management
Fig. 3 There is always an idea at the beginning – an idea for a project, so projects are a tool to respond to the impact of the environment. Available at: https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/hand-drawn-idea-concept_829848.htm
If we made the decision to carry out the project idea of ours, we should answer the following basic questions:
WHO -> What type of a group we are? Who is part of it? Are we specific in any way? What are our interests? What brings us together? etc. This is the answer to the “who” question and says who will be the organizer and implementer of the project.
WHAT? -> What do we want to achieve? What will be the result of our project? This is the essence, the meaning, the aim of the project.
WHY -> Why do we want to implement this project? What will change? What do we want to achieve? How will we measure it? What tasks do we have? So this is the goal of ours in the project.
FOR WHOM -> For whom are we doing what we are doing? Is it for ourselves? Or is there any group, entity, business benefiting from the project? This gives us an idea who is the target group.
HOW -> What exactly do we need to do in order to reach our goal and fulfil the tasks? Meaning that we need to have a plan and program.
WHEN -> When will we start and finish. We need a clear and realistic time scope to carry out all the activities and tasks set in the program.
WHERE -> Where will all this take place? The places where we will carry out the tasks and activities is also important.
HOW MUCH -> Who will be our partners in our project? With whom we will cooperate? Having the right partners engaged is a very crucial part of the project too.
WHO GIVES FINANCES -> Who will be financing our project? Do we know any private/for profit/non-profit organizations, foundations, funds or individuals willing to invest in our project? And what will they expect in return? Will our project produce income? Where to get initial financing and understanding what value we will create (if also financial) is also necessary in the very beginning.