Project control is a central part of project management, and understanding the basics of both can make all the difference when it comes to successfully heading up a project. For successful project management to take place, project control needs to be implemented throughout the project from start to completion.
At One Tech Engineering in Minnesota, our engineering and technical recruiters work with project managers every day to help them find the right company for their talents. In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about project control and project management To connect with our recruiters about project management jobs in Minnesota, give us a call today.
Project Control Versus Project Management
To understand the role of project control in project management success, it’s essential to start by breaking down the difference between the two concepts. While a project manager oversees the work of a project team and handles all of the major decision-making, a project controller has a slightly different role. A project controller is looking at ways to make sure the overall goals are achieved by making corrections, trouble-shooting, and keeping the project on task.
These are the primary considerations under the purview of a project controller:
● Project scheduling and deadline management
● Project cost and budget management
● Project quality, value, and deliverables
● Risk management
● Data collection and management
● Trend forecasting
● Overseeing progress reports
In short, a project manager might oversee everything, but a project controller keeps the project from going off the rails and makes sure everything is completely on track throughout the process.
Project Controlling Through Phases of Project Management
To keep a project on course, a project controller starts by looking at the big picture and creating a strategy throughout the various phases of project management. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how project control plays out through those phases:
1. Planning Phase
During the planning phase, a project controller will look at the overall process, identify stakeholders, outline the work involved, develop cost estimates, and develop a time estimate for each task.
2. Development Phase
During the development phase, schedules and budgets are solidified as the team begins to assemble to get the project going. Project control will look carefully at risk analysis for schedule and cost during this phase.
3. Implementation Phase
The implementation phases sees the plan begin to come into action. The project controller works on keeping the team on task and diagnosing project progress, budget, and quality issues throughout implementation.
4. Closeout Phase
During the closeout phase, the project has drawn to completion and it’s time for the controller to evaluate the processes and outcomes to inform future project decisionmaking.
Get Hired in a Project Management or Project Controller Position
Are you ready to take on your next big project? At One Tech Engineering, our technical and engineering recruiters are here to connect you with the job you’ve been waiting for. To get hired in project management, call and speak with our engineering recruiters at 952.884.9199, or contact us to discuss your ideal work environment today.