1. Study
The initial part of any project involves critical activities aimed at understanding the stakeholders, audience, goals, requirements, limitations, caveats, and more. This phase sets the foundation for the project's success by ensuring that all key factors are identified and addressed early on.
2. Plan
The project plan is a living set of documents that requires constant updates and adjustments to reflect the current status of the project, the outcomes of previous and ongoing activities, and the availability of resources. Regularly updating the plan ensures that all team members are aligned with the latest developments and can make informed decisions.
3. Execute
For any project, the principle of Divide and Conquer almost always works if properly applied. An impossible task can be broken down into several very difficult ones. An obstacle can be overcome by brainstorming with team members with varied backgrounds and experiences.
4. Control
The core of project management is maintaining constant control over all aspects of the project. This involves checking, tracking, and confirming the progress of ongoing tasks against the plan. It requires adapting the plan to align with the actual project status as needed. Clear communication of the current planning, progress, and activities to the team and stakeholders is essential. Additionally, it involves continuously identifying and mitigating risks to ensure the project stays on track.