The PMBOK identifies the links between processes. The most important 2 items for a project is to Start and Stop as a project has a start and an end.
Starting a project consists of the Initiation which is where you determine if a project should be undertaken or not. This can be an internal project or it can be whether you want to bid on a project. Once it is determined that you go forward (have the requisite funds) then Planning can commence.
Once Planning is complete the project Execution can start. A key ingredient to success is the feedback loop of project Control that fine tunes the project as work progresses. This is the management of cost and schedule to attain the level of quality that is envisioned for the project.
Finally, there must be a plan to complete the project, as it has a finite life.
Key Items for Project Intiation
Have a Project Manager engaged at the earliest possible point, no later than 80% probability of win
Produce a Project Charter / Statement of Work (SOW) / Contract
Compile a Project Plan draft (Organization, Schedule, Roles & Responsibilities, Deliverables, etc)
Assemble and brief core staff and front end teams
Perform a Risk Assessment - Identify and articulate possible issues and jeopardies
Set or Re-Set Customer Expectations
Key Items for Project Planning
Engage outside vendors and 3rd parties, if required
Schedule and conduct a Kick Off meeting with the Internal team
Schedule and conduct a Kick Off meeting with the customer
Complete all details of the Project Plan with key milestones
Identify customer requirements and map from the Project Charter to the Project Plan
Identify and document customer expectations
Key Items for Project Execution and Control
Manage the Team (Sales, Engineering, Subcontractors)
Monitor, track, and manage key milestones
Track the critical path to deliver on time and in budget
Manage both the customer's needs (requirements of the contract) and expectations (that lead to scope creep)
Proactively escalate potential or actual implementation issues
Communicate regularly with the Customer at both the project and executive level and Report on ‘On Time Performance’
Key Items for Project Completion
Produce a Project Completion checklist and/or document
Conduct 'Lessons Learned' and deliver as a report
Request the completion of a Customer Satisfaction survey or form
Formally close out the project by closing out financial systems
