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There are many definitions of project management. This post try to pisk out some most common that widely accepted and understood. Also listed here the job description and main activities that project management job must cover.

Definitions of Project Management:
* PMBOK (Project Management — Body of Knowledge as defined by the Project Management Institute — PMI):“Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements.“

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Feasibility studies are preliminary investigations into the potential benefits associated with undertaking a specific activity or project.

The main purpose of the feasibility study is to consider all factors associated with the project, and determine if the investment of time and other resources will yield a desirable result. While considered a preliminary study, it is not unusual for a feasibility study to be highly detailed.

When a business is considering a new operation or the launch of a new product, the feasibility study is a logical tool to employ before any resources are invested in the new project. One of the most important aspects of the study is to make sure that the total investment needed to successfully bring the project to completion is considered. Often, this will include addressing components such as cash reserves, labor, construction, production facilities, outsourcing, and the cost of raw materials. Only when the feasibility study has addressed the total cost of completing the project can the study progress to the next level.

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RFP is also known as request for proposals, request for bids, request to bid, invitation to bid, ITB, invitation to tender, ITT, invitation for bids, IFB

A request for proposals (RFP) is basically a publication of detailed requirements by a prospective buyer in order to receive vendor offerings.

Common Sections of an RFP

1. Statement of Purpose
   Describe the extent of products and services your organization is looking for, as well as, the overall objectives of the contract.
2. Background Information
   Present a brief overview of your organization and its operations, using statistics, customer demographics, and psychographics. State your strengths and weaknesses honestly. Don’t forget to include comprehensive information on the people who will handle future correspondence.
3. Scope of Work
   Enumerate the specific duties to be performed by the provider and the expected outcomes. Include a detailed listing of responsibilities, particularly when sub-contractors are involved.
4. Outcome and Performance Standards
   Specify the outcome targets, minimal performance standards expected from the contractor, and methods for monitoring performance and process for implementing corrective actions.
5. Deliverables
   Provide a list of all products, reports, and plans that will be delivered to your organization and propose a delivery schedule.
6. Term of Contract
   Specify length, start date and end date of the contract, and the options for renewal.
7. Payments, Incentives, and Penalties
   List all the terms of payment for adequate performance. Highlight the basis for incentives for superior performance and penalties for inadequate performance or lack of compliance.
8. Contractual Terms and Conditions
   Attach standard contracting forms, certifications, and assurances. You may include requirements specific to this particular contract.
9. Requirements for Proposal Preparation
   A consistent structure in terms of content, information, and documents types simplifies things for the people evaluating the proposals. Therefore, you should request a particular structure for the proposal and provide an exhaustive list of documents you want to receive.
10. Evaluation and Award Process
    Lay down the procedures and criteria used for evaluating proposals and for making the final contract award.
11. Process Schedule
    Clearly and concisely present the timeline for the steps leading to the final decision, such as the dates for submitting the letter of intent, sending questions, attending the pre-proposal conference, submitting the proposal, etc.
12. Contacts
    Include a complete list of people to contact for information on the RFP, or with any other questions. Incorporate their name, title, responsibilities, and the various ways of contacting them into this list.

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These ten rules will help improve your construction projects. Are these ten rules the top ten? It is up to your decide, but not take too long. Share these rules with your team. Your team members are sure to help you carry them out.

Are you a project manager or going to manage your projects?

These ten rules will help improve your construction projects. Are these ten rules the top ten? It is up to your decide, but not take too long. Share these rules with your team. Your team members are sure to help you carry them out.

1. Adopt practices for exploring a variety of perspectives.
We think we see what we see, but we don’t. We really see what we think. Remember the blind men and the elephant. Make it your habit to inquire what others see. You’ll see more together.
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Good time management is very important to a successful project manager. The best project managers ensure they are productive for most of their time and avoid time-wasters at all costs. Here are some tips for project managers that can help you manage your time more effectively.

Good time management is very important to a successful project manager.

The best project managers ensure they are productive for most of their time and avoid time-wasters at all costs. Here are some tips for project managers that can help you manage your time more effectively.

Create the Plan

What does this have to do with time management I hear you ask? Well, if everyone knows what they are doing and have a plan with regular milestones to focus on, you as project manager will spend a lot less time dealing with issues brought about through a lack of clarity.
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 What qualities are most important for a project manager to be effective? Over the past few years, the people at ESI International, world leaders in Project Management Training, have looked in to what makes an effective project manager.

With the unique opportunity to ask some of the most talented project leaders in the world on their Project Leadership courses ESI have managed to collect a running tally on their responses.

Below are the top 10 Qualities of a project manager in rank order according to frequency listed.

Inspires a Shared Vision

An effective project manager is often described as having a vision of where to go and the ability to articulate it. Visionaries thrive on change and being able to draw new boundaries. It was once said that a leader is someone who “lifts us up, gives us a reason for being and gives the vision and spirit to change.” Visionary leaders enable people to feel they have a real stake in the project. They empower people to experience the vision on their own. According to Bennis “They offer people opportunities to create their own vision, to explore what the vision will mean to their jobs and lives, and to envision their future as part of the vision for the organisation.” (Bennis, 1997)
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Since there may be a definable difference between ‘homeowner’s insurance’ and ‘hazard insurance’, it pays to ask the insurance broker about coverage before agreeing to the contract.

Hazard insurance, also called homeowner’s or property insurance, provides coverage for specific natural hazards, such as fire, wind, earthquakes and vandalism. Many homeowners purchase a ‘comprehensive’ form of insurance first, which may cover almost all possible damages, but then seek additional hazard insurance for specific dangers. Those who live in flood plains may buy hazard insurance for water damage, for example, while homeowners in California may add earthquake insurance.

Since there may be a definable difference between ‘homeowner’s insurance’ and ‘hazard insurance’, it pays to ask the insurance broker about coverage before agreeing to the contract. Some comprehensive policies already provide coverage for certain hazards, so additional hazard insurance may not be strictly necessary. Others may not fully cover hazards specific to the area, such as damage caused by a breeched dam or vandalism during construction. Truly comprehensive home insurance should cover both liability and physical damages. Hazard insurance is usually geared towards physical property damage, rather than owner liability for accidents on the premises.
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