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  #1  
Old 04-07-2011, 05:35 PM
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Muliti-Project Planning

Hello Forum,
I have an opportunity to take on 2 projects at the same time by 2 separate clients. Does anyone have experience with management of 2 separate projects simultaneously? I.E., management tool, methodology, structure development, etc.
thanks,
MI-4
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  #2  
Old 04-11-2011, 11:26 AM
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My biggest advice is make sure you are organized. One project already involves a lot of work so with two projects that are not interconnected and from different clients is even harder. I recommend you use a management tool to keep all the information in one place. Create the projects seperately and keep the information for each one together so you can access it easily. Set realistic goals for each of them that you can achieve each day so that you are not left behind in either one. Lastly maintain a strong and consistent communication with both clients so you are updated on any changes and monitoring the project more effectively.
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Old 04-18-2011, 10:14 AM
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Quote from claumcg View Post:
My biggest advice is make sure you are organized. One project already involves a lot of work so with two projects that are not interconnected and from different clients is even harder. I recommend you use a management tool to keep all the information in one place. Create the projects seperately and keep the information for each one together so you can access it easily. Set realistic goals for each of them that you can achieve each day so that you are not left behind in either one. Lastly maintain a strong and consistent communication with both clients so you are updated on any changes and monitoring the project more effectively.
Yes you have to be organized.

Not only do you have to keep realistic goals... it's important that you create actionable and measurable goals. Need to see how close you get to your overall outcome.
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Old 04-26-2011, 12:42 AM
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Keep the respective stakeholders informed - so communication will play an utmost important role in the projects management. Understand what best interval suits the respective stakeholders to ensure they are not surprised at any stage on the projects status
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Old 04-27-2011, 05:09 AM
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Organization is surely important, but I must tell: Communication, Communication, Communication.

Although your managers (project sponsors) described you the project, you should write down the project goal and get their signatures on it. Not only the document, but also make sure that the project goal is understood by all stakeholders clearly.

After having this, regularly inform all stakeholders about the status of the project, tell team members what they should do (and why) clearly. If any changes occurs (surely it will occur), communicate it with the project sponsors, showing them the time and cost impact of such changes.
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Old 06-27-2011, 01:39 AM
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Re: Muliti-Project Planning

Hey MI-4,
When managing multiple projects of any scale, effective communication and organization play a big role. Personally, I use [URL="http://www.microsoft.com/project/en/us/project-professional-2010.aspx"]Project Professional 2010[/URL], a project management software by Microsoft to help maximize the efficiency and quality of my projects. This software helps to plan new projects alongside current ones, monitor ongoing work, and promote collaboration. Right now they have a free 60-day trial offer running for Project Professional 2010. I definitely recommend trying out this project management software for your multiple projects!
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Old 07-06-2011, 07:13 AM
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You also need the right software tools. Managing one project is hard, managing two is even harder. The right software tools can help with the process, communication, documentation, content management and project planning.
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Old 07-23-2011, 04:47 AM
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Hi MI-4,

I concur with previous replies regarding communication. I have been using Microsoft Project since version 2 (way back in the 1980's). It's like anything else, use what you are used to, so I'm a little biased, but I have been using MS Project for up to 5 projects at one time. Particularly useful for consolidation and multi-project resources pools

Be clear though, the planning tool used is not the biggest hurdle when managing multiple projects...

A bit of advice in addition to the previous 'communicate' comments...

The biggest challenge I found was managing my time, and coming up with realistic estimates of my project management activities on each project.

You see, each project will have issues and hot spots that need your focus from time to time, so even IF the projects are equal in terms of cost, time, importance, complexity and risk, you will need to allow for utilization peaks in your time and commitment. This is difficult to forecast.

My major learning was I didn't factor in enough transition time of my own as I switched (often on a daily basis) between projects. You have to get 'in the zone' when switching projects, plus you may need to be in different places (travel time?).

As a simple start with two projects, plan in one whole day of focus for each, leaving three days left per week. This will give you and the team their day of direct contact, and will serve as your main status, update, corrective action, and forecast day.

That will leave you three days (believe me, this will get swallowed quickly) to manage issues, risks, changes, etc on either, plus will allow you planning, strategy, updates and communication (reporting, etc) time.

Good Luck!

Dave
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Last edited by Dave Litten; 07-23-2011 at 04:57 AM.
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  #9  
Old 09-20-2011, 04:07 AM
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Being organized is very important. Projects are important tool for any company. If various projects are undertaken at the same time & not managed & organized properly, none of them can give desired output. So, proper planning & organization of project is compulsory. If possible, dont pick two or many different projects at one time.
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  #10  
Old 02-18-2013, 01:53 AM
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hi

A well customized project management software can help you . For more information please follow my signature link.
Thanks
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