PLS Project Management

Scope of the project is defined along with the approach to be taken to deliver the desired outputs. The project manager selects team members based on their skills and experience. The most common tools or methodologies used in the initiation stage are Project Charter, Business Plan, Project Framework (or Overview), Business Case Justification, and Milestones Reviews.

Business objectives are defined after determining the nature of the project opportunity, identifying strategic alternatives, and identifying the potential risks and benefits.

Business case is produced.

The governance process is defined, stake holders identified and reporting frequency and channels agreed. The most common tools or methodologies used in the planning stage are Business Plan and Milestones Reviews.

A Feasibility Study is an initial step in the development of a proposed project to test its fundamental economic soundness and business/technical viability. During this stage, the project's objectives/purpose and general scope are defined.

Engineering, estimating, and other studies are carried out on the proposed project, or various alternatives, to determine whether to proceed.

This stage also involves:

• Feasibility Study
• Preparation of initial project plan and master programme
• Preparation of budgets and cost plan
• Preparation of project execution plan

During Concept Design, the preliminary design options are reviewed to determine which options to pursue. The preferred options are developed progressively in architectural, engineering, and cost estimating terms until a single option is selected as the basis for Scheme Design. This should include a detailed identification and assignment of each task until the end of the project. It should also include a risk analysis and a definition of criteria for the successful completion of each deliverable.

This stage also involves:

• Identification of early procurement and long lead items
• Identification of any requirement for specialist advice or resource relative to the specifics of the project
• Supplier / contractor pre-tender selection evaluation and recommendation
• Administer tender procurement activities

The Scheme Design stage is the architectural and engineering design effort required to support the remainder of the project.

Detailed Design entails the production of drawings, specifications, and other information needed for the procurement of equipment and services, demolition and site preparation, construction, testing, commissioning, and plant operation and maintenance.

This stage begins with the subcontractor bidding process, and proceeds through the complete construction of the project. Phased completions may be necessary for schedule-driven projects, with overlaps between Construction and Commissioning.

The planned solution is implemented to solve the problem specified in the project's requirements. In product and system development, a design resulting in a specific set of product requirements is created. This convergence is measured by prototypes, testing, and reviews. As implementation progresses, groups across the organization become more deeply involved in planning for the final testing, production, and support. The most common tools or methodologies used in the execution phase are an update of Risk Analysis and Score Cards, in addition to Business Plan and Milestones Reviews.

This stage also involves:

• Management and control of the construction
• Implementation process
• Change control management and assessment of the impact of changes to the project including schedule and cost
• Financial management and reporting
• Detailed programme and progress control liaison
• Early warning of project problems and risk management
• Identify, assess and control project risks and issues
• Monitoring and management of co-ordination between project and construction team
• Quality control
• Clear, consistent and regular easy to understand reporting on each project

Commissioning is the process at or near construction completion when a facility is tested to see if it functions as designed. Mechanical, electrical, and other systems are activated, and the site's operating and maintenance staff are trained to use them. Commissioning documentation is produced, and the data collected from systems is recorded.

In this last stage, the project manager must ensure that the project is brought to its proper completion. A written formal project review report is produced containing the following components: a formal acceptance of the final product by the client, Weighted Critical Measurements (matching the initial requirements specified by the client with the final delivered product), rewarding the team, a list of lessons learned, releasing project resources, and a formal project closure notification to higher management. No special tool or methodology is needed during the closure phase.

The Closeout process wraps up all loose ends, such as final snag list items and record documents, closes out any contractual obligations, and provides for the final financial accounting of the project. Closeout also involves assessment of the project, including surveying Customer satisfaction and capturing project learnings.