Randolph, W. A., & Posner, B. Z. (1988). Sloan Management Review.


One reason managers must learn to handle projects more effectively is the rapid technological change the US continues to experience. Experience and research on effective project managers indicate the reason that they are successful is due to planning before managing; in contrast, ineffective managers try to complete a project without a well-designed plan. Good planning leads to smaller problems during implementation. Good managers keep the goal in front of people working on a project and know when to stop planning and initiate action. Principles used by effective managers to build a sound project plan include: 1. Set a clear goal. 2. Determine objectives. 3. Establish checkpoints, relationships, activities, and time estimates. 4. Draw a picture of the project schedule. After the plan has been developed, there are 6 additional principles of effective project management: 1. Direct people individually and as a team. 2. Reinforce commitment and excitement within the team. 3. Keep everyone informed. 4. Create agreements that vitalize team members. 5. Empower everyone on the project team. 6. Encourage risk taking and creativity.