1. Define clear objectives.

2. Appoint a project manager; choose an individual who will champion the project, and motivate and manage the project team.

3. Identify what personnel and other resources the project requires.

4. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable stages.

5. Clarify the outcomes the project must achieve; set performance criteria and standards for the project as a whole and for each stage.

6. Identify the key risks - for example, potential technical problems - and what you can do to minimise them; plan how you will cope with problems.

7. Budget costs for each stage; include personnel costs, overheads, materials and equipment.

8. Set timescales for each stage.

9. Identify the critical path - which activities must be completed before others can be started, and which can be undertaken in parallel.

10. Include a contingency allowance - for both costs and timescales - to allow for identified risks and unexpected problems.

11. Identify the overall project duration and costs.

12. Confirm that it is worth proceeding with the project, taking into account the costs, timescales and risks you have identified.

13. Monitor progress against plans and performance targets as the project proceeds; adjust your plans as necessary.

14. Complete the project; evaluate its success and what you can learn from it for the future.

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Do's & Don'ts

Do:

Set clear objectives and performance criteria.

Set budgets and timescales.

Allow for contingencies.

Monitor progress against plans.

Don’t:

Tackle large projects without intermediate goals.

Ignore the risks.

Expect projects to proceed without problems and delays.

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