Controlling Project Planning:

  1. Choose the correct size for each activity: It is important to accurately determine the size or duration of each activity in the project. This involves estimating the time, resources, and effort required for each task.

  2. Identify critical paths: Critical paths are the sequence of activities that determine the overall duration of the project. By identifying the critical paths, project managers can focus on the most important tasks and ensure that they are completed on time to avoid delays in the project schedule.

  3. Set milestones in the plan: Milestones are significant points or events in a project that mark the completion of a major phase or deliverable. By incorporating milestones into the project plan, it becomes easier to track progress and evaluate whether the project is on schedule.

  4. Prepare periodic progress evaluation reports: Regular assessment of project progress is crucial to ensure that it is on track and identify any deviations from the plan. Periodic evaluation reports provide a snapshot of the project's status, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas that require attention.

  5. Don't overlook small tasks: While focusing on major activities and milestones, it is important not to neglect smaller tasks. Even minor tasks can impact the overall project timeline and success. Paying attention to these smaller details ensures that the project stays on track.

  6. If a task is not completed on time, it's not a problem: Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances may cause delays in completing certain tasks. While it is important to strive for timely completion, it's also essential to be flexible and adapt to changes. If a task is not completed within the originally planned timeframe, adjustments can be made to accommodate the delay.

  7. Always check and control the critical path: The critical path is a key aspect of project management as it determines the shortest duration required to complete the project. It is crucial to continuously monitor and control the critical path to ensure that any changes or issues are addressed promptly to prevent project delays.

  8. Maintain a change log for project modifications: As the project progresses, changes may occur in terms of scope, resources, or schedule. Keeping a change log helps in documenting and tracking these modifications. It provides a clear record of decisions made, reasons behind the changes, and their impact on the project.

  9. Start with a high-level plan and then break it down into weekly tasks: Begin by creating an overall project plan that outlines the major phases, milestones, and key activities. Once the high-level plan is established, break it down into smaller, manageable weekly tasks. This approach allows for better organization, prioritization, and tracking of progress on a weekly basis.

By following these guidelines, project managers can effectively control project planning and increase the likelihood of successful project execution.