In today’s world, there are enough strong factors that are resulting into the vital need to apply project management practices to address the challenges and opportunities for business development. The project is sometimes defined as non-routine, a singular event that is being limited in time, resources and conditions of performance to meet the needs of the customer order fulfillment. One characteristic of project management is that it has a starting and completion point, and that it inevitably passes through the four distinct steps: defining objectives, planning, execution of tasks, delivery to the customer. Effective project management begins with the selection of projects and their priority in relation to objectives and strategies of the organization. Successful implementation of the project requires good accounting of both technical and socio-cultural factors of this process.
To illustrate the absolute importance of such factors, below are some highlights of a ‘Chaos’ investigation : Projects for software development- «The Standish Group International» is a research and consulting enterprise specializing in software solutions for the matters of trust management and electronic commerce. The company’s experts have analyzed the reasons for success and failure of projects to develop and implement this kind of software and have published their conclusions. Their information was code-named “Chaos” and has shown that 31% of projects to develop the software do not reach their completion. In addition, 58% of projects cost 189% of their initial estimated price. As for successful completions, only 16% of projects were on time and prices not exceeding the estimated budget. In large companies, the successful completion rate was even lower- only 9%. According to calculations of «The Standish Group», in 2000 the U.S. companies and government agencies have spent $ 81 million due pending unfinished projects. The data was presented in the “Chaos” paper that was based on figures derived from research and personal interviews. The respondents were senior executives in the field of information technology. Studies were conducted in large, medium and small size companies in all business areas, such as banking, securities operations, manufacturing, retail and wholesale trade, health care, insurance services, as well as in the power structures of local, regional and federal level. 365 respondents were reviewed and 8380 drafts analyzed.
In accordance with a detailed comparison of successful and unsuccessful software projects, «The Standish Group» has developed a system of possible success, which highlighted the key issues that can affect the outcome of the project. The criteria for success were measured on the basis of data obtained from managers in the information technology area. The most important criterion- the “interest of the buyer” had received 19 points on the scale of success, the least significant- “hard-working personnel that is focused upon the project implementation ” – had received 3 points.
Current world is revolving on business. For some people it is the way of making money, for others – it’s a job to make living, and for some of them – this is a style of their life. In any case business is an activity which needs to be managed. Professional project managers are those experts who help business owners to arrange their activities. Project managers who are eager to become real experts, no doubt will be interested in PMP training. Of course, passing PMP exam is not that easy task but if you are serious about that you can take advantage of PMP simulation. All this, together with Internet technologies being the wonderful source of information, will assist you to prepare and successfully pass the PMP course.