外文翻译---项目管理的原则.doc

The Principles of Project Management Youve already got an understanding of the basic project life cycle, and weve just talked through some of the underlying principles of project management. But I bet youre itching to actually do something. In this chapter, which is taken from SitePoints new title, The Principles of Project Management, well talk about the work that comes before the project life cycle -- finding possible projects, working out which projects are worth pursuing, and getting to know the different groups of people who will be involved in any project. Finally, well discuss the process of actually initiating a project.. In each of the sections that follow, youll find a discussion of what the process is and why it matters, followed by tools and best practices that will help you get your project off to a flying start. Discovery: Finding the Projects Projects dont just spring from nowhere. Although many project managers only get involved when its already been decided that a project will be undertaken to achieve some end, there is, of course, a phase before this: discovery. Discovery is the process by which the organization reviews the available opportunities and decides which of them will become projects in due course. Ideally, the discovery process should ensure that the best opportunities are pursued -- not just those that were mentioned first, or those that have the loudest supporters. Where this process is undertaken, its usually combined with some sort of portfolio planning through which the potential projects are matched against the resources or capabilities of the organization itself. The eventual result is a list of projects that are truly the top priorities. The sad reality is that in many cases, theres either no process at all for discovery and portfolio planning, or the process thats in place doesnt result in the selection of projects that will deliver the most value. Its also true that as a project manager, your influence may be very limited at th