FAQ's About Project Management
What is a Project?
A project is work which happens within a defined timeframe (a start date and an end date) and is work that only takes place once. In other words, an organization's day-to-day, ongoing activities are not considered to be a project.
What is Project Management?
Project Management applies a logical, structured approach to planning and implementing a project. The process of project planning is a formalized project plan which outlines the scope of the project, the timelines for the various phases and activities of the project, the resources required to carry out the project and the expected outcomes of the project.
What is the difference between Project Management services and Strategic Planning services?
Both Project Management services and Strategic Planning services generate written plans. Both Project Management services and Strategic Planning services deal with the forward-planning for future organizational processes and activities. The main difference between the two services is that Project Management services deal with discrete "blocks" of work which have specified start and end dates, whereas Strategic Planning services examine the much broader picture of what direction an organization is or should be moving and how any transitions can best be made.
Under what circumstances should an organization consider engaging a project management consultant?
That really depends on what in-house expertise an organization already has available to engage in planning and implementing new projects. For example, it may benefit a business to hire a consultant to examine the feasibility of getting involved in a completely new line of work (market conditions, personnel requirements, liability factors, existing impediments, etc.).
Why hire an outside Excalibur to provide project management services?
As an external agency Excalibur can provide expertise from the perspective of an impartial, independent observer. Pre-existing group and individual biases which may exist within the existing management structure of an organization will not have the same impact on the outcomes of the planning exercise if an outside agency is brought in to provide project management services.
How much does it cost to purchase Excalibur's Project Management services?
The cost for various Project Management exercises will vary considerably, depending on the complexity of the project (which translates into the amount of time required). An initial assessment will be provided by Excalibur at no charge to the potential client. Following the initial (free) assessment, applicable fees for any further work will be clearly outlined in writing to the potential client before moving forward.