Project Milestones - Revision history

Svanhvit at 22:37, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T22:37:44Z

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	There is no right number of milestones or how much time there should be between them but if they are too many or too few, they lose their value. The project milestones should be fewer than the work packages or the deliverables but enough to measure if the plan is progressing as planned<ref name="Book 2"/>. Some people might suggest setting milestones around once a month to the plan. That can be a good guideline, but it is important to take professional experience into account. Some months could have a lot of activity while others can focus more on execution which leaves little left to set a milestone on. For the purpose of reporting it is useful to have at least one milestone for each reporting cycle<ref name="Balance"/>.		There is no right number of milestones or how much time there should be between them but if they are too many or too few, they lose their value. The project milestones should be fewer than the work packages or the deliverables but enough to measure if the plan is progressing as planned<ref name="Book 2"/>. Some people might suggest setting milestones around once a month to the plan. That can be a good guideline, but it is important to take professional experience into account. Some months could have a lot of activity while others can focus more on execution which leaves little left to set a milestone on. For the purpose of reporting it is useful to have at least one milestone for each reporting cycle<ref name="Balance"/>.

	Having milestones part of your project gives an opportunity to celebrate when project milestones have been reached. It can be in the form of handshake, note or lunch to take an example. By doing that there will be a more positive relationship between the team and the project manager and more trust which leads to a productive project<ref name="Project Manager"/>.		Having milestones part of your project gives an opportunity to celebrate when project milestones have been reached. It can be in the form of handshake, note or lunch to take an example. By doing that there will be a more positive relationship between the team and the project manager and more trust which leads to a more productive project<ref name="Project Manager"/>.

Svanhvit at 22:34, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T22:34:18Z

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	Some studies have come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between project planning and project success<ref name="PMI"/>. In addition, according to the Project Management institute almost 40% of projects failures is due because of poor planning<ref name="Monday"/>.		Some studies have come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between project planning and project success<ref name="PMI"/>. In addition, according to the Project Management institute almost 40% of projects failures is due because of poor planning<ref name="Monday"/>.
	Due to that fact it is very important that project managers use good planning methods because planning is one of their responsibilities<ref name="PMI"/>. Project milestones is a project management tool that project managers find useful to identify important events in the life of the project<ref name="Book"/>. So, project milestones help project managers to track deadlines and critical dates, see potential bottlenecks and see how time and resources are allocated. By using project milestones, it can also give more visibility to stakeholders so they can see better how the project is going as well as the project teams will have a better overview of what they are responsible for<ref name="Workflow"/>.		Due to that fact it is very important that project managers use good planning methods because planning is one of their responsibilities<ref name="PMI"/>. Project milestones is a project management tool that project managers find useful to identify important events in the life of the project<ref name="Book"/>. So, project milestones help project managers to track deadlines and critical dates, see potential bottlenecks and see how time and resources are allocated. By using project milestones, it can also give more visibility to stakeholders so they can see better how the project is going as well as the project teams will have a better overview of what they are responsible for<ref name="Workflow"/>.
	The focus in this article will be on explaining what project milestones are, how they can be used and how SMART goals can be used to make the project milestones more effective. In addition to that the article will discuss on how project milestones are applied as well as pinpointing advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the tool.		The focus in this article will be on explaining what project milestones are, how they can be used and how SMART goals can be used to make the project milestones more effective. In addition to that the article will discuss how project milestones are applied as well as pinpointing advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the tool.

Svanhvit at 22:25, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T22:25:28Z

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	'''3., AXELOS. 2017. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition. London: The Stationery Office Ltd.'''		'''3., AXELOS. 2017. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition. London: The Stationery Office Ltd.'''
	This book provides a set of standards and guidelines for project management. For example, the book gives insight to policies, procedures, methodologies, rules, techniques and life cycle phases that are needed to be able to practice project management.		This book provides a set of standards and guidelines for project management. For example, the book gives insight to policies, procedures, methodologies, rules, techniques and life cycle phases that are needed to be able to practice project management.

			'''4.n.d. Using Milestones to Track Project Progress and Accomplishments'''
			This article is a good read for those who want to know more about Project Milestones. The article explains what Project Milestones are and how to use them as well as in the end of the article there are some tips when using Project Milestones.

	==References==		==References==

Svanhvit at 22:12, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T22:12:06Z

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	This section includes references for further reading on Project Milestones		This section includes references for further reading on Project Milestones

	'''1.~~'''~~ Andersen, E. S. (2006). Milestone planning—a different planning approach. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2006—Asia Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute		'''1. Andersen, E. S. (2006). Milestone planning—a different planning approach. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2006—Asia Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute'''
			In this article Erling S. Andersen explains why milestone planning is a better tool than the traditional network planning tool. The article explains what milestones and milestone plan are.

	'''2.~~'''~~ Verzuh, E., (2005) The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management, 2nd ed., New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons,		'''2. Verzuh, E., (2005) The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management, 2nd ed., New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons,'''
			This book provides guidance on the fundamental principles of PRINCE2. The book also emphasizes on how the method can fit multiple project sizes, environments and sizes.

	'''3.~~'''~~ , AXELOS. 2017. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition. London: The Stationery Office Ltd.		'''3., AXELOS. 2017. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition. London: The Stationery Office Ltd.'''
			This book provides a set of standards and guidelines for project management. For example, the book gives insight to policies, procedures, methodologies, rules, techniques and life cycle phases that are needed to be able to practice project management.

	==References==		==References==

Svanhvit at 21:07, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T21:07:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:07, 28 February 2021
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	==Abstract==		==Abstract==

	Some studies have come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between project planning and project success <ref name="PMI"/>. In addition, according to the Project Management institute almost 40% of projects failures is due because of poor planning<ref name="Monday"/>. Due to that fact it is very important that project managers use good planning methods because planning is one of their responsibilities<ref name="PMI"/>. Project milestones is a project management tool that project managers find useful to identify important events in the life of the project<ref name="Book"/>. So, project milestones help project managers to track deadlines and critical dates, see potential bottlenecks and see how time and resources are allocated. By using project milestones, it can also give more visibility to stakeholders so they can see better how the project is going as well as the project teams will have a better overview of what they are responsible for<ref name="Workflow"/>.		Some studies have come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between project planning and project success<ref name="PMI"/>. In addition, according to the Project Management institute almost 40% of projects failures is due because of poor planning<ref name="Monday"/>.
			Due to that fact it is very important that project managers use good planning methods because planning is one of their responsibilities<ref name="PMI"/>. Project milestones is a project management tool that project managers find useful to identify important events in the life of the project<ref name="Book"/>. So, project milestones help project managers to track deadlines and critical dates, see potential bottlenecks and see how time and resources are allocated. By using project milestones, it can also give more visibility to stakeholders so they can see better how the project is going as well as the project teams will have a better overview of what they are responsible for<ref name="Workflow"/>.
	The focus in this article will be on explaining what project milestones are, how they can be used and how SMART goals can be used to make the project milestones more effective. In addition to that the article will discuss on how project milestones are applied as well as pinpointing advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the tool.		The focus in this article will be on explaining what project milestones are, how they can be used and how SMART goals can be used to make the project milestones more effective. In addition to that the article will discuss on how project milestones are applied as well as pinpointing advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the tool.

Svanhvit at 21:04, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T21:04:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:04, 28 February 2021
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	==Abstract==		==Abstract==

	Some studies have come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between project planning and project success<ref name="PMI"/>. In addition, according to the Project Management institute almost 40% of projects failures is due because of poor planning<ref name="Monday"/>. Due to that fact it is very important that project managers use good planning methods because planning is one of their responsibilities<ref name="PMI"/>. Project milestones is a project management tool that project managers find useful to identify important events in the life of the project<ref name="Book"/>. So, project milestones help project managers to track deadlines and critical dates, see potential bottlenecks and see how time and resources are allocated. By using project milestones, it can also give more visibility to stakeholders so they can see better how the project is going as well as the project teams will have a better overview of what they are responsible for<ref name="Workflow"/>.		Some studies have come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between project planning and project success <ref name="PMI"/>. In addition, according to the Project Management institute almost 40% of projects failures is due because of poor planning<ref name="Monday"/>. Due to that fact it is very important that project managers use good planning methods because planning is one of their responsibilities<ref name="PMI"/>. Project milestones is a project management tool that project managers find useful to identify important events in the life of the project<ref name="Book"/>. So, project milestones help project managers to track deadlines and critical dates, see potential bottlenecks and see how time and resources are allocated. By using project milestones, it can also give more visibility to stakeholders so they can see better how the project is going as well as the project teams will have a better overview of what they are responsible for<ref name="Workflow"/>.
	The focus in this article will be on explaining what project milestones are, how they can be used and how SMART goals can be used to make the project milestones more effective. In addition to that the article will discuss on how project milestones are applied as well as pinpointing advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the tool.		The focus in this article will be on explaining what project milestones are, how they can be used and how SMART goals can be used to make the project milestones more effective. In addition to that the article will discuss on how project milestones are applied as well as pinpointing advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the tool.

Svanhvit at 20:59, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T20:59:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:59, 28 February 2021
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	It is very important for the project manager to be able to keep track of all the project milestones. There are a couple of methods that can be used, and it depends on the project manager and the team which method is best suited for them. Here are some examples:		It is very important for the project manager to be able to keep track of all the project milestones. There are a couple of methods that can be used, and it depends on the project manager and the team which method is best suited for them. Here are some examples:

	Paper: Writing plans down on paper can be beneficial. For example, for meetings that are in person it would make it easier for everyone to see how the project is set up when it is written down. To make each milestone stand more out they can for instance be color coded.		Paper: Writing plans down on paper can be beneficial. For example for meetings that are in person, it would make it easier for everyone to see how the project is set up when it is written down. To make each milestone stand more out they can for instance be color coded.

	Email: There are some project managers and teams that like to use email to keep track of the project. One of the benefits of using email is that anyone in the email chain can right away reply with some questions they might have or suggestions for the project. Furthermore, there is also the possibility to go back and review old inputs.		Email: There are some project managers and teams that like to use email to keep track of the project. One of the benefits of using email is that anyone in the email chain can right away reply with some questions they might have or suggestions for the project. Furthermore, there is also the possibility to go back and review old inputs.
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	Many of the online management systems use some form of Gantt charts which are also known as Bar charts. For each project it would be advisable to have both Gantt charts that show the project schedule and one that shows Milestone chart<ref name="Indeed"/>.		Many of the online management systems use some form of Gantt charts which are also known as Bar charts. For each project it would be advisable to have both Gantt charts that show the project schedule and one that shows Milestone chart<ref name="Indeed"/>.
	The Gantt chart for the project schedule lists activities on the vertical axis and lists dates on the horizontal axis. The activity durations are then marked according to their start and finish dates with horizontal bars. The milestones are also marked in, to mark them in ~~the diamonds~~ symbol is often used. This chart gives a good overview of the project.		The Gantt chart for the project schedule lists activities on the vertical axis and lists dates on the horizontal axis. The activity durations are then marked according to their start and finish dates with horizontal bars. The milestones are also marked in, to mark them in a diamond symbol is often used. This chart gives a good overview of the project.
	Milestone chart is also a Gantt chart, but it only identifies the milestones<ref name="Book 3"/>. It is good to have a chart that only shows the milestones for the stakeholders they often do not want to see the whole schedule but just the main parts<ref name="PMI"/>.		Milestone chart is also a Gantt chart, but it only identifies the milestones<ref name="Book 3"/>. It is good to have a chart that only shows the milestones for the stakeholders they often do not want to see the whole schedule but just the main parts of the project <ref name="PMI"/>.


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	* The milestone plan includes all the project milestones, but the project milestones only say half of the story. To be able to reach those milestones an activity plan must be made or a to do list as mentioned before. So, the milestone plan is limited in that aspect but at the same time it is good to have them in separate plans<ref name="PMI"/>. It is good to have one plan that shows all the activities and the milestones so the team members will have a good overview like the Gantt chart for the project schedule like previously mentioned. At the same time, it is also good to have one that only has the milestones like milestone chart for the stakeholders for instance. <ref name="Book 3"/>.		* The milestone plan includes all the project milestones, but the project milestones only say half of the story. To be able to reach those milestones an activity plan must be made or a to do list as mentioned before. So, the milestone plan is limited in that aspect but at the same time it is good to have them in separate plans<ref name="PMI"/>. It is good to have one plan that shows all the activities and the milestones so the team members will have a good overview like the Gantt chart for the project schedule like previously mentioned. At the same time, it is also good to have one that only has the milestones like milestone chart for the stakeholders for instance. <ref name="Book 3"/>.

	* Using project milestones is a reactive control system. Which means the team engages first in the project activities and then they are evaluated in relation to the project goals. If the team underperforms massively, they will have to do it again to correct it. So, it is very important that the project manager is monitoring the project closely throughout the whole process but not just around the milestones are due<ref name="Book 4"/>.		* Using project milestones is a reactive control system. Which means the team engages first in the project activities and then they are evaluated in relation to the project goals. If the team underperforms massively, they will have to do it again to correct it. So, it is very important that the project manager is monitoring the project closely throughout the whole process but not just around when the milestones are due<ref name="Book 4"/>.

	* In theory and by looking at the milestone plan each milestone must be completed one by one which would make it a limitation. But in practice that is not the case, the team can start working on milestone ~~five~~ before milestone 4 is finished<ref name="PMI"/>.		* In theory and by looking at the milestone plan each milestone must be completed one by one which would make it a limitation. But in practice that is not the case, the team can start working on milestone four before milestone three is finished<ref name="PMI"/>.

	==Advantages to project milestones==		==Advantages to project milestones==

Svanhvit at 20:29, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T20:29:58Z

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	It is very important for the project manager to be able to keep track of all the project milestones. There are a couple of methods that can be used, and it depends on the project manager and the team which method is best suited for them. Here are some examples:		It is very important for the project manager to be able to keep track of all the project milestones. There are a couple of methods that can be used, and it depends on the project manager and the team which method is best suited for them. Here are some examples:

	Paper: Writing plans down on paper can be beneficial. For example, for meetings that are in person~~. It~~ would make it easier for everyone to see how the project is set up when it is written down. To make each milestone stand more out they can for instance be color coded.		Paper: Writing plans down on paper can be beneficial. For example, for meetings that are in person it would make it easier for everyone to see how the project is set up when it is written down. To make each milestone stand more out they can for instance be color coded.

	Email: There are some project managers and teams that like to use email to keep track of the project. One of the benefits of using email is that anyone in the email chain can right away reply with some questions they might have or suggestions for the project. Furthermore, there is also the possibility to go back and review old inputs.		Email: There are some project managers and teams that like to use email to keep track of the project. One of the benefits of using email is that anyone in the email chain can right away reply with some questions they might have or suggestions for the project. Furthermore, there is also the possibility to go back and review old inputs.

Svanhvit at 20:27, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T20:27:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:27, 28 February 2021
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	* Given the project milestones status will the project still be finished on time as planned?		* Given the project milestones status will the project still be finished on time as planned?
	By asking those question the project manager will have a better overview of the project, what is going well and what is not going that great. So, the project manager will have a better knowledge on how to get the project back on track or how to, keep the project on track.		By asking those question the project manager will have a better overview of the project, what is going well and what is not going that great. So, the project manager will have a better knowledge on how to get the project back on track or how to keep the project on track.

	====Step 5: Post project review====		====Step 5: Post project review====

Svanhvit at 20:26, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T20:26:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:26, 28 February 2021
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	* Given the project milestones status will the project still be finished on time as planned?		* Given the project milestones status will the project still be finished on time as planned?
	By asking those question the project manager will have a better overview of the project what is going well and what is not going that great. So, the project manager will have a better knowledge on how to get the project back on track or how to, keep the project on track.		By asking those question the project manager will have a better overview of the project, what is going well and what is not going that great. So, the project manager will have a better knowledge on how to get the project back on track or how to, keep the project on track.

	====Step 5: Post project review====		====Step 5: Post project review====