Compiled from: Help Missions Development Services www.hmds.or.ke
How to Successfully Manage Development Projects in Kenya When it comes to development projects in Kenya, there are several things that might run through the mind of many a project manager. The main thing that these managers are concerned with though is the success of the project in question. No one wants to have a project fail right in their face. Of course
there are many challenges that these project managers face during the management of the projects but still they need to be successful in the long run. Despite the challenges, there are several things that project managers who want to be successful must be committed to. By taking a few precautions and an excellent work plan, the desire of having a successful project in the long run can be achieved. The following are a few things to keep in mind when you want to successfully manage development projects in Kenya:
Write down the project plan
There is no project that can be successful without a plan. To successfully manage development projects in Kenya, the project manager(s) must sit down with the relevant key participants in the project and draw a project plan. In the project plan, there has to be a clear scope of the entire project; who the project is targeting (e.g. school, community, women, youth, or the entire nation), how long the project is going to take, what it will cost, how it will be executed and all the materials and resources required for the project to kick off.
Identify the project team
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A project manager cannot execute a project by himself he needs to work with a team. Once you have drawn the plan, identify the team that you need to work with. Know who is available and who will take up which responsibility. This makes it easier for you to manage the entire development project because you will know who to question in case something goes wrong in a particular sector. For instance if the tools and materials are not bought in time, you will not ask the workers in case the purchasing officer in for that project will have to explain the delay.
Lead your team to success
The role of a project leader goes beyond simple delegation of duties. You need to be the leader you want to see. Set the dynamics and standards of the project at hand and lead by example. As a project leader, put yourself in the shoes of a ship captain. You never know what lays ahead of you but you must be ready to sail the rough waters and bring your passengers safely by the shore. You need to be patient and understanding as you will be dealing with different people.
Analyze the milestones www.hmds.or.ke
Everything we do in life has its milestones. A good project manager must therefore sit down with his team members and analyze the possible milestones that they might face in the process of executing their project. Once you have identified a possible challenge(s), you need to critically analyze it and know how you will tackle it.
Execute the project as planned
Once you have done all the above, it is now time to execute the project. Follow the project and planned and only change the plan when it is extremely necessary. If and when you have to change it, do not do it alone. Remember your project is team work, therefore bring your team together and explain why you have to change the project plan. The plan has to be a realistic one and make sure everyone in the team comes to a consensus before you change it. Above all else, in order to successfully manage development projects in Kenya, every manager must ensure that they set the communication lines free. Be willing to listen to your team members as they might be having a strategy that can make the project execution much easier, faster and more successful. Be someone they can easily approach with comments, concerns and ideas.
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