Project management, when approached correctly, is both an art and a science. Managers can use pre-made templates for outlines and ideas, but customization is key to creative project management solutions. Use a free sample Gantt chart or small business project plan to get an idea of the information to gather, but make changes to the template as necessary to reflect the individual needs of a project or a business.
Project Tracking Tools
Project tracking tools are available for free in a variety of locations on the Internet. Simply download the template and customize it as needed for each project.
- Gantt Sample Template - A Gantt template is used to provide an easy-to-understand visual of task progression. Each task is shown on the project timeline, with the amount completed and remaining illustrated in contrasting colors on a single bar or band. Download a Gantt sample chart here, and change it as needed for each project. For example, this Gantt template uses bars of contrasting blue and red to show progress in a project. Once the template has been saved, customize this template by changing the format of the bars and colors to a more satisfactory color scheme.
- Project Plan Template - A project planning template is another way to help with task management. In a complex project, most tasks depend on the completion of other tasks for success. A project plan not only provides individual task information, but also provides details about the interdependency of each task. This project plan template is very simple, and can be customized in a variety of ways to reflect the goals of each individual project, including a change in font, color-scheme and focus.
- Project Management Guide Template - The information provided by this project management guide allows project stakeholders to choose among a variety of creative PM options. The guide, which can be downloaded using MS Word, is a step-by-step walk-through of the entire project management process, with extensive details about each portion of a PM plan. With this information, task management and other aspects of a new project can be accomplished easily and creatively to improve the chances of a project’s success.
Creative Project Management Solutions
Creative project management solutions, such as the download and customization of free online project management templates, is a simple way for managers and small business owners to improve the PM process. A free template provides the information needed to complete a project, with the freedom to customize and improve the form for any need, which leads to a more successful process for stakeholders and workers alike. Looking for more small business templates? Try:
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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