What is Project Delivery?

Project delivery in project portfolio management refers to the methods, processes, and procedures used to take a project from its initial conception to its final completion. It guides a project through various stages, ensuring alignment with objectives and meeting stakeholders’ needs.

Project delivery is a key aspect of project portfolio management, influencing the success of individual projects and the overall portfolio. It involves project management methodologies, lifecycle phases, teams, and tools.

What is the Project Delivery Framework?

Project delivery is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is a flexible framework tailored to a project’s specific needs. The choice of delivery method can significantly impact a project’s timeline, cost, quality, and success.

Project delivery involves recognizing project management methodologies, which form the foundation of the process. Each methodology offers distinct approaches influencing task scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management.

Project Management Methodologies

Project management methodologies significantly influence effective project delivery by guiding the planning, execution, and completion of projects. Below is a list of key methodologies, each offering unique approaches to achieve successful outcomes:

1. Waterfall

Waterfall is a traditional project delivery method that follows a linear sequence of phases, from project planning to project completion, ensuring each step is fully completed before the next begins.

2. Agile

Agile is an iterative project delivery system that focuses on flexibility and continuous improvement. It allows teams to adapt to changes in project scope and stakeholder needs throughout the project timeline.

3. Lean

Lean is a methodology for eliminating waste and optimizing processes to improve project performance. It ensures that resources are used efficiently to meet project goals.

4. Six Sigma

Six Sigma emphasizes reducing errors and enhancing quality assurance through data-driven decision-making, aiming to deliver high-quality project outcomes.

Project Lifecycle Phases

The project lifecycle consists of several phases that provide a structured approach to achieving successful project outcomes. These phases provide a roadmap for project delivery, guiding the project from start to finish. Each phase plays a crucial role in guiding the project delivery process from start to finish:

1. Project Initiation

This phase defines the project scope, goals, and objectives, establishes the foundation for the project, and secures necessary approvals from stakeholders.

2. Project Planning

Involves developing a comprehensive project delivery framework, including the project timeline, work breakdown structure, and scope statement, to ensure effective project delivery.

3. Project Execution

This phase focuses on implementing the project plan, managing resources, and maintaining stakeholder engagement to meet project goals and deliverables.

4. Project Monitoring and Control

Tracks project performance against the plan, addressing any project constraints and adjusting as needed to stay aligned with project objectives.

5. Project Closure

Involves the project handover, completing all project documentation, conducting a project review, and ensuring the project meets the agreed-upon outcomes before final closure.

How Project Teams Influence Project Delivery

Project teams are essential to project delivery, executing tasks and activities that drive the project toward its objectives. The delivery process must support teams, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to perform effectively.

Team Structure and Organization

The project delivery system must adapt to various team structures, whether cross-functional or hierarchical, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment with project goals.

Team Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly defined roles and responsibilities are crucial for project delivery, allowing team members to focus on specific tasks and contribute to achieving successful outcomes.

Team Communication and Coordination

Effective project communication and coordination are vital. They ensure that information is shared promptly and decisions are aligned with the project scope and stakeholder expectations.

Team Collaboration and Decision-Making

Collaborative decision-making within the team fosters alignment with project constraints and objectives, helping to maintain project performance throughout the project timeline.

Resource Allocation and Utilization

Efficient resource allocation and utilization are critical for project delivery, ensuring that teams have the necessary tools and support to execute the project plan effectively.

What are the Best Project Management Tools for Project Delivery?

Project management tools and software are integral to project delivery. They assist in planning, executing, and controlling projects, supporting task scheduling, resource allocation, progress tracking, risk management, and quality assurance.

Project Scheduling Tools

Project scheduling tools are key to keeping a project on track. They help plan and schedule tasks, identify dependencies, and optimize resource allocation. Tools like Gantt charts, critical path method (CPM) tools, and project management information systems (PMIS) provide valuable support in this area.

Project Collaboration Tools

Collaboration tools facilitate team communication and decision-making and help manage external communications with stakeholders and clients. Project management software, collaborative work management (CWM) tools, and team collaboration platforms are essential for effective project delivery.

Delivering Success

Project delivery is a structured approach that involves managing various elements, including methodologies, lifecycle phases, teams, and tools.

A thorough understanding of these elements and the ability to adapt the delivery process ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This contributes to the overall success of both the project portfolio and the organization.