Critical Path Methods [CPM] or Gannt charts are such standard techniques for project control that there are samples and software available from many sources. These are often viewed as useful tools for BIG business only. You can take the principles from a textbook and create your own in a spreadsheet. We plan to have some of these in our skills section in the future.
These linear programs provide a visual display of the time required for a series of tasks that must be completed before subsequent tasks can begin. Concurrent tasks can also be included. Slack times are built in to recognize the reality of delays.
Many times in a small business a formal or complex chart is not necessary. However, the principles can be applied to ensure projects involving more than one person are completed on schedule.
For instance, a task must be completed several weeks from now. The tendency for most people is to think that with a deadline weeks away there is no need to interrupt the urgent activities of this day or even this week. These are certain to be the same people who complain about the panic that precedes the final deadline.
The astute manager will do a simple calculation of the minutes or hours required for each separate task in the project. These requirements will be matched with the available (apart from the important and urgent daily routines) minutes and hours until the deadline. Signs, memos or other communications alert all contributors to the individual task(s) to be performed each day.
Unfortunately, you need a few successful projects before such a strict regime is fully accepted by all. Even then, the manager must resort to ongoing motivational hype.
In summary, the CPM principles should be applied to the smallest enterprise.
Stories from members will add great value to these maxims
Please post your story by emailing it to max@unclemaxsays.com.
Don't forget to sign up for our free newsletter.
© 2004-2006 UncleMaxSays.com
UncleMaxSays.com is a division of Kamloops International College Inc.
Privacy Policy Terms of ServiceSmall Business - Time Management - Business Plans - Business Plan Coaching
