At the start of your project, ensure you ask the client what kind of reports they want. Automate or standardise your client reports if possible. Ask the right questions to get the best results for you and for the client.
Manage with contracts to improve your project success. Define scope and roles clearly. Putting a lot of the project work out to contract is one way, with the benefit of being able to control the schedule and cost by applying contract terms. Or contract internally.
Your company should have regular projects review meetings. This should include all the head project managers, production managers, installation managers, purchasing manager, tender manager, etc. The aim of this meeting …
Good communication is a key skill for a project manager. Good design of the product is assumed by the client. The key to keeping things running smoothly and making the …
Make sure that the contract specifies the length of time allowed for approvals or decisions. When drawings or documents are sent to the client for approval, you need to know …
Do what you say you will do, and do it when you said you will do it. Report to the client regularly and clearly. Keeping people informed significantly reduces project problems. Be reliable.
Avoid problems later by checking early in the project who is responsible for what aspect of the project and who has authority to approve what. Document this.
Problem: Verbal conversations don’t leave a paper trail for evidence of the topic of discussion or agreement. I have often found that a verbal conversation (by phone or in person) …
Clarify the expectations of your client. If you don’t you may find that they expect the project outcome to be a lot different than it really is. There is no …
Make sure you specify in contracts and specifications that contractors are responsible for obtaining all relevant building and plumbing approvals for their work. Put that in writing but also verbally …