16 Points to Project Management Maturity

Taken from Project Management, A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling by Dr. Harold Kerzner, PhD.

1. Adopt a project management methodology and use it consistently.
2. Implement a philosophy that drives the company toward project management maturity and communicate it to everyone.
3. Commit to developing effective plans at the beginning of each project.
4. Minimize scope changes by committing to realistic objectives.
5. Recognize that cost and schedule management are inseparable.
6. Select the right person as the project manager.
7. Provide executives with project sponsor information, not project management information.
8. Strengthen involvement and support of line management.
9. Focus on deliverables rather than resources.
10. Cultivate effective communication, cooperation, and trust to achieve rapid project management maturity.
11. Share recognition for project success with the entire project team and line management.
12. Eliminate non-productive meetings.
13. Focus on identifying and solving problems early, quickly, and cost effectively.
14. Measure progress periodically.
15. Use project management software as a tool – not as a substitute for effective planning or interpersonal skills.
16. Institute an all-employee training program with periodic updates based upon documented lessons learned.