Project Management Presentation - · PDF fileTitle: MyGraphicsLab: Photoshop CS6 ACA - PS01_03_Presentation.pdf Keywords Created Date: 12/13/2012 1:39:22 AM

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Copyright © 2013 MyGraphicsLab/Pearson Education

MyGraphicsLab: Adobe Photoshop CS6 ACA Certification Preparation for Visual Communication

OBJECTIVES

This presentation covers the following ACA Exam Objectives:

1.3 Demonstrate knowledge of project management tasks and responsibilities.

1.4 Communicate with others (such as peers and clients) about design plans.


PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Project: “A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.” —Project Management Institute Most design work can be

considered projects because projects are temporary and produce something unique.

Project management is a profession with standards, terminology, and processes for completing project requirements successfully.

The Project Management Institute maintains standards and offers certification.


PROJECT DELIVERABLES

Deliverable: “Any unique and verifiable product, result, or capability … that is required … to complete a project.” —Project Management Institute A project deliverable is more

than just the end product. Deliverables are often due at

significant “milestone” points. The following deliverables are

typical in design projects: Specifications Sketches Comps


THE PROJECT PLAN

The project plan is a critical document for any project.

The plan is developed early in the project.

The following elements are typically included in the plan: Project scope and tasks Schedule and due dates Costs and resource allocation

Some form of the project plan is usually signed by all parties.

Any significant change to the plan generally requires a plan addendum or a formal “change request.”


PROJECT SCOPE AND TASKS

Project Scope: “The work performed to deliver a product, service, or result with the specified features and functions.” —Project Management Institute The scope establishes client

expectations of which tasks are—and are not—included in the project.

The scope is the foundation of your cost estimate and the project schedule.


PROJECT SCHEDULE AND DUE DATES

Project Schedule: “A schedule model that presents linked activities with planned dates, durations, milestones, and resources.” — Project Management Institute To develop a project schedule,

start with the end product and due date as well as any milestone deliverables and due dates.

Flesh out the schedule with descriptions and due dates of tasks required to produce the milestone deliverables by the due dates.


PROJECT COSTS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION

Resources for a project can be human (staff time) or material (computers, vendor services, supplies).

Human resource allocation describes which staff will work on which project tasks, for how long, and what their roles and responsibilities will be.

Project costs are estimated by adding human resources (staff hours x billing rates), plus the marked-up costs of material resources.

Even if you are a staff of one, estimate your time and costs.


PROJECT PHASES

Project Phase: “A collection of logically related project activities that culminates in the completion of one or more deliverables.” —Project Management Institute The following are typical phases

in a design project: Planning and analysis Designing Building Testing Implementing or publishing

Large design firms use software to develop and track projects.


PLANNING AND ANALYSIS PHASE

Without a good plan, it’s hard to know how to reach your goal.

Planning involves analysis ––not just how to get from point A to point B, but figuring out the best way to get there.

Planning is even more important when your budget is tight and so is your client’s.


DESIGNING PHASE

Project management concepts apply to all industries, so the designing phase is not just about graphic design.

For a design project, the goal of this phase might be client sign-off of the project’s design.

Also in the designing phase, systems are set up for monitoring the three main elements of the project plan: scope, schedule, and costs.


BUILDING AND TESTING PHASES

During the building phase, all elements of the project are produced according to the project schedule.

The testing phase is especially crucial for interactive projects, such as websites, to test functionality and usability.

Successful design projects require close monitoring of all three elements of a project plan: scope, schedule, and costs.

It’s important to be flexible, but if a project is veering off course, it needs immediate attention to get it back on track.


IMPLEMENTING OR PUBLISHING PHASE

The implementing or publishing phase begins when all the building and testing is done and the client has signed off on the final design of the product.

Now it is time to publish the website or print the annual report. Testing and monitoring continue during this phase, but large issues

should have been addressed by now. Client review and signoff are required in this stage too.


COMMON PROBLEMS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Two common problems in project management are scope creep and mismatch of methods to the project and/or the client.

No matter how specific the project plan is, clients often think of additional tasks later.

Sometimes, a method or approach that worked on a previous project won’t work for a new one, even when the projects are similar.


SCOPE CREEP

Scope Creep: “The uncontrolled expansion to product or project scope without adjustments to time, cost, and resources.” —Project Management Institute Each time a client asks to add a new task to the same project, evaluate

the task’s complexity against your resources. If the task is small and your existing resources can complete it easily,

you might agree. If the task is complex enough to affect the project costs and schedule,

consider a formal change request to the original plan and cost estimate.


PROBLEMS TO AVOID

Choose tools and systems wisely. Example: Tracking hours in your calendar works fine if you are a one-

person shop, but a spreadsheet or specialized software is needed once you hire staff and/or contractors.

Project management software is meant for large projects; perhaps all you need is a manual system of file folders.

A mismatched system is better than no system at all!


CLIENT COMMUNICATION

Through every project phase, client communication is key. Planning and analysis phase: At the initial client meeting, you learn the

client’s business, purpose, audience, and audience needs. Designing and building phases: At milestone points, you get client

feedback on your designs and clear up any misunderstandings. Testing and publishing phases: You and your client do final checks, and

the client signs off on the project. Maintenance phase: For websites and other projects, ongoing

maintenance is often part of the project.


CLIENT COMMUNICATION METHODS

When communication is crucial— such as during contract discussions and client reviews—these methods help you stay focused. Listen: Your client knows his or

her business and customers best.

Ask clarifying questions: If you didn’t fully understand an important client statement, ask for clarification.

Paraphrase: Restate the client’s statements in your own words (“So we have the same understanding, you said you prefer the images in design A and the color scheme in design B, is that right?”).


ASKING PEERS AND CLIENTS FOR FEEDBACK

Peer reviews: Schedule an informal meeting 1-2 days before a client review. Explain the client’s business and the project’s purpose. Ask what works, what doesn’t.

Client reviews: Schedule a meeting at each milestone point. Make sure the milestone elements are complete. Explain clearly what parts of the design are ready for review. Have a list of review items. Ask what works, what doesn’t.

Don’t take feedback personally!


PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUMMARY (1 OF 2)

Project management encompasses planning, monitoring, and implementing a project to client expectations.

Typical deliverables in design projects are specifications, sketches, and comps.

Key items in a project plan are scope and tasks, schedule and due dates, and cost estimates and resource allocation.

Two common problems in project management are scope creep and mismatch of methods to the project and/or the client.


PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUMMARY (2 OF 2)

Common project phases include the following: Planning and analysis Designing Building Testing Implementing or publishing

Communication is crucial through all project phases. Three important communications methods are:

Listening Asking clarifying questions Paraphrasing


Documents

Project Management Presentation - · PDF fileTitle: MyGraphicsLab: Photoshop CS6 ACA - PS01_03_Presentation.pdf Keywords Created Date: 12/13/2012 1:39:22 AM