When you have a large scale project to manage, it can quickly become very overwhelming. In order to make it a success, it will require plenty of planning and organization. The good news is there are plenty of tips and tools out there that can help to make the job a lot easier. Below you'll find everything you need to know about handling the logistics of a large scale project.
Learning from other companies
Before you start planning your large scale project, it can help to take a look at how other companies have managed. Airblast AFC are a great example. They frequently take on large scale projects, handling everything from the initial design of a product, utilizing blast rooms, overseeing servicing and training. They have a case studies section which shows the type of projects they have undertaken. If you look online you will come across many large scale project case studies and they should help to give you some idea of how various projects are managed.
Creating a detailed plan
As featured on the UDemy blog, before you start a project you really need to create a detailed plan. It should be as detailed as possible. Even the best, most qualified team will fail if they don't have a good plan in place. Break down everything that needs to be done in small milestones. It should clearly highlight the budget for the project, responsibilities of each team member and include deadlines for each milestone.
Setting a budget
The budget for the project needs to be set well before you actually start work. It helps to identify any potential problems that may crop up with the budget along the way. You are essentially walking yourself through the entire budget before you start. Always plan for the worst too. You need to ensure your budget will stretch if the worst case scenario happens. Once you have created a budget plan, you will be able to use it as a rough template for all future projects.
Your core costs should be looked into first. This means adding up the cost of the project for everything that absolutely needs to be done. This should include things such as software and equipment needed, staff and travel expenses. Once you have come up with a budget, be sure everyone else in the team understands the scope of what is available to spend.
Tracking the project
As you go along, it's important to regularly track the progress of the job. This helps you to see whether your team is behind on any particular task and whether you are still due to meet your goals. Project management software can make tracking your goals much easier.
Managing the logistics of any large scale project is difficult. However, putting in the time to plan ahead will really help to make the job easier. Don't forget to plan for the worst and have a backup plan if anything goes wrong at various stages in the project.
