Project Websites
The content probably already exists in electronic format. Making it
readily available only takes a small amount of time and has tremendous
advantages.
Advantages
- Project Manager can provide a universally accessible nexus for project information.
- Project Manager can eliminate uncertainty or provide definitive
information in a timely manner.
- By providing a location for definitive directives, the Project Web
removes from end-users the responsibility of managing information
timelines (e.g.: "email X was superceded by email Y which was
Auto-Archived somewhere...").
- It is very easy to formalize (and therefore facilitate compliance) with
project-specific deviations from standard practices.
- Helps eliminate the "I didn't know what we were doing, by what
standards, or where they are located" mentality.
- The content probably already exists in electronic format. Making it readily
available only takes a small amount of time and has tremendous
advantages.
Perceived Disadvantages
| Perceived Disadvantage |
Reality |
| "Managing a Website is hard and time
consuming" |
I.T. will be managing the "website."
The PM should just be communicating important issues. |
| "Coding HTML is complex and time
consuming" |
It is not much more complex than writing in
Microsoft Word. Adding two commands to your skillset, "Create
Hyperlink" and "Add Bookmark" will take you as far as you
need to go. |
| "Adding content is important, but web
pages require detailed cosmetic effort." |
If you don't add a picture to an email, you
probably don't have to add it to a web page. Keep it simple and it
takes little time over current methods. |
| "Web Pages (text + hyperlinks) is simple,
but designing a web is beyond what I am interested in or what I have time
for." |
Project Website templates can cover your needs
for you. Just fill in some blanks. You can have a technician
manage the content. |
|
|
Facilitating Project Websites
Provide PM Web Templates
A Template can be designed specifically for the organization and its typical
projects' needs. Much of the initial project specific information can be
automated via macros or in conjunction with other PM software or electronic
proceeds (as found in current project initiation procedures).
Keep PM Webs Simple
Keep the Focus on Communication
Keep the focus where it belongs: on communicating. Avoid the impulse to
regulate cosmetics. Project Managers should be communicating not jumping
through IT aesthetic hoops or creating animated GIF's. Keep content
relevant: "Bury" irrelevant information.
Provide Focused Training
Online Training or a short course is all that is necessary. Web editing
is little different than typing in Word, with the addition of using
hyperlinks. Anyone can master today's simple web editors in short time.
Specific Info that is useful on Project Webs
- Alerts!
- What's New
- Contact Information/Org Chart/Responsibilities
- Deadlines
- What's Changed
- Data Repository
Misc. Facilitators
Provide Simple Editing Software and keep the default interface simple.
For example, eliminate toolbars with "tweaky" buttons such as Bold,
Italic, Underline, Font, Font Size. Funnel users to the few buttons that
are better technique such as Styles.
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