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Manage Projects
From time to time, libraries, archives and museums need to undertake projects that do not fall within their normal, day-to-day activities. This can include moving collections to another site on a temporary basis or checking that documentation is complete and up to date.
Successful project management ensures that individual tasks are carried out satisfactorily and that the work dovetails with the museum's overall strategy.
The first step is to identify a methodology that is suitable to the project in question, explains Nick Poole, MDA Director.
“Good project management is a question of preparation. Take the time to select an appropriate methodology and to explain it to everyone who is to be involved in the project. Set up clear lines of communication and identify who is responsible for what before the project begins. When the project is running, always refer back to the documentation you created at the start - it is all too easy to lose sight of the end goal when you are halfway through' - Read the full article
Getting Started
There is no 'right' approach to managing a project. A big part of achieving a successful outcome is basing your decisions on practical common sense. However, when you are halfway through a project, with suppliers, stakeholders and steering groups all demanding your attention, it can be quite hard to keep focussed on making the right choices.
The following resources are intended to provide an introduction to the key concepts in Project Management:
- What is Project Management? (MDA)
- Writing a Project Definition (or Project Initiation Document) (MDA)
- Generic Project Management process (MDA)
- Externally-funded Projects (MDA)
- The Project Plan (MDA)
- Managing Risk (MDA)
- Managing Quality (MDA)
- Cost/Benefits Appraisals (MLA)
Guidelines and Factsheets - Project Management Methodologies and Tools
There are many different methodologies available. Although they do vary in scope and purpose, most tend to be variations on the same theme - essentially prioritising sequential tasks and providing a mechanism for tracking and managing their delivery.
English Heritage guidance
English Heritage (EH) have produced the Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE) following a review of an earlier guidance document, Management of Archaeological Projects (English Heritage 1991), widely known as ‘MAP2'.
- Download and use The MoRPHE project managers' guide (EH)
Working with Contractors
The Museums and Galleries Commission legacy publication Working with Contractors (pub. 1998) remains an essential reference for anyone responsible for environmental and security protection during construction work in your organisation.
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