Project Management Manual

"Local Government Management Manuals" are a series of management guides designed as practical resources for local government officers. Each manual offers step-by-step guidance backed up by charts, diagrams and checklists. They are organized in loose-leaf or spiral-bound format in clear sections to help the reader refer immediately to information needed. This is a structured manual explaining how to use the project management approach to plan, co-ordinate and achieve success in major management initiatives, projects and change in local authorities. It offers step-by-step guidance on setting objectives, choice of management structures, appraisal and authorization, planning, presenting information, control, quality and getting the task done. Also included are case studies of recent and current projects from a range of local authority departments and services, and checklists and training points which can be used in training sessions. The manual contains: an overview of project management; detailed planning; clarifying the objective; the user's requirements; cost/benefit analysis; the activity plan; the project budget; presenting information; thinking about management; project roles; management structures; project teams; quality; control and authorization procedures; quality assurance; avoiding problems, contingency and risk; how to cope with problems; IT support for project planning; managing contractors or contracted projects.