Key concepts in project management

CHAPTER 1

Key Concepts in

Project Management

Key Topics

What is project management?

Who is a project manager?

A project manager’s roles

What is quality management? 5

5

5

5

EmpACT | Project Management 1.0. Introductory Guide for Youth Workers | 21-29 Nov. 2019 @ Nice, France

What is project management?

PM is a series of actions implemented within a certain time frame in order to address needs or problems by allocating human, material, informational, financial and communication resources. The most important publication on the topic is the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK).

Who is a project manager?

The person who has the overall responsibility for the successful initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closure of a project.

Being a project manager means dealing with international organizations and partners from all corners of Europe. Often, due to the lack of experience and skills, language barriers, time pressure and other factors, the project managers have real difficulties in understanding and cooperating with diverse partners during all phases of a project.

What is quality management?

Quality management is defined by the following standards or pillars: EQYP5 - European Quality in Youth Projects (See reference in the link below).

1. Nonformal learning. A range of core learning principles, methodologies and approaches, commonly emphasising the learner’s intrinsic motivation, voluntary participation, critical thinking, and democratic agency.

2. Project management. Making sure that the SMART objectives set for the project are achieved, disseminated, and evaluated.

3. Partnerships. Partners should agree on shared goals and values and establish regular communication among themselves.

4. PR and Communication. Interaction with the audience and stakeholders should be regular, consistent, and visible.

5. Financial Planning. Efficient, realistic, and well documented. For more information, refer to the principles set out in section 5).

Quality can be ensured by using set and agreed procedures and checks, which must be applied on all stages of the project by those responsible for the implementation of each activity.