The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management, 6th Edition

PART 4Controlling the Project

There is a time in the life of every problem

when it is big enough to see,

yet small enough to solve.

—Mike Leavitt

During the first two phases of a project, as presented in Parts 2 and 3, the focus is on creating a project environment that will lead to efficient work through careful planning. Now, in Part 4, Chapters 15–20, the project is underway, and the focus has shifted to keeping the project on track—controlling the project.

Controlling a project blends the art and science of project management—building a strong, committed team at the same time you are making progress against the plan. Controlling also involves discovering and solving problems while they are still small, measuring progress, and ensuring continued agreement on goals and expectations. The key to these control activities is communication—making sure that the right people have the right information at the right time. Strong communication among all stakeholders is what allows a project to evolve in an ordered way, instead of veering out of control.