Project Management Model
Using the 4-D approach
Project Management Model
Using the 4-D approach
This project management model is useful for any project, but ideal when project management isn’t your day job!
There are numerous, comprehensive models in use. Though perhaps some are too comprehensive! When you’re a busy manager, and managing projects as well, often what’s needed is a clear but simple process to follow.
The 4D project management model provides such a process. The model is outlined below and you can click on the links at the bottom of the page to look at each of the steps in detail.
The project may be something you’ve been given to manage, with little say in its definition. Or it may be something you have generated yourself.
Either way, to complete a successful project, and thus be a happy project manager, beginning with proper planning time is critical. The importance of ensuring that outcomes are meaningful and worthwhile before you start cannot be overemphasized.
So after looking at the overview of the steps below, click on the “project management guidelines” link at the bottom of this page for a guide to starting off on the right track.
The 4 D Model
Managing a project is one of those situations where you have defined responsibility as the project manager to deliver something tangible in the organisation. You can make an impact both on your organisations performance and on you own reputation.
So it is vital to set off on the right path. Clarity in the aims, objectives and outcomes for the project are essential to start well and must be then supported by a well crafted plan.
Click on Project Management Guidelines to look in detail at the critical steps needed to define your project. Resist the tendency to jump straight in to action; time spent clarifying the aims, objectives and outcomes will save you much more time in the long run.
Make sure you are clear which way you want to go before you start!
You may also find it valuable to use a Project Management Checklist to help you think through all the issues when you start out on a project. This is particularly useful to support the 4D project management model when project management isn’t your day job.
Managing Projects and Change
This is one of the articles and tips in our managing change series. For some practical tips on how to manage change, look at our great-value guides (below). These include some excellent tools to help you change yourself, and manage change at work.
The best way to use these is to buy our Managing Projects and Change bundle, available from the store. We’ve bundled together five e-guides, available at half the normal price!
Read the guides in this order and use the tools in each. Then change it – on time, in budget!
5 guides, 136 pages, 25 tools, for half price!
