Created: 10 January 2022

Last Updated: 26 August 2023

All You Need To Know About Management in IT

Management is important in almost every field, from marketing or business to IT projects. Find out how to perform successful IT Project Management and what you should focus on. 

Keyword(s): IT Managment, IT Project Management

What Is an IT project and IT project management?

First, let's answet the question: What is an IT project? 

An IT project is a type of project that is connected to infrastructure, information systems and computers. IT projects are often involved with web development, software development, database management (1), etc. Basically it covers all the topics related to information technology. 

That leads to another question: What exactly is IT project management?

IT project management defines all the elements that need to be done in order to make a service or product a success. That means planning, scheduling and monitoring of all IT projects. What is important, IT project managers often have to deal with issues, such as risk, necessary software updates, etc. That is why IT projects require slightly different skills and management tools in comparison with typical projects.

The six phases of an IT project

The six phases of an IT project are based on the six phases of project management, which are used in conjunction with the IT phases to manage the project. The phases are:

1. Initiation

The first phase is responsible for defining why is the project needed, and more specifically what are it's objectives. After that, we create a project proposal, which includes a written business plan, that has to meet the main needs of the project. 

2. Definition

After the project proposal approval, we go to the definition phase, in which all the objectives of the project are being finalized along with all of project requirements being idetified. We can also outine the project scope and create a plan. In this phase, it is also common to set budgets and determine resources.

3. Design

The third phase - design, happens when the team sits together and finds the way to achieve their set goal. Design phase is full of creating different designs and prototypes and choosing the one that fits the project best. 

4. Development

Next phase is development. It begins when the development team has assigned all the tasks and selected project management tools that they will be using. This phase focuses on making the plan very clear, so it can help avoid issues in the next phase, which is implementation. 

5. Implementation

When the final deliverable of the project is developed, we are in the implementation phase. The project team is now ready to comlete their tasks and IT project manager is there to monitor their work, having control of the project: recources, cost, risks and quality. 

6. Follow Up

The team is done with the implementation and the final project is delivered to the client or stakeholder. Now starts the follow up phase, which includes setting up support team, training to end-users and finally, ending the project. 

Most IT projects are managed with a traditional, waterfall methodology (3). An agile framework however, enables to minimize risk and increase functionality. 

What does an IT project manager do?

An IT project manager is responsible for overseeing an organization’s IT department and managing teams to run IT projects efficiently - on time and within budget. Some of IT project manager tasks are:

• Setting project goals and creating plans 

• Maintaining the project schedule and budget

• Managing resources

• Assigning tasks to team members

• Developing strategy to deliver projects on time and within budget

• Using IT project management tools to track progress and performance

• Leading regular meetings with team and stakeholders

IT project managers should have advanced knowledge of operating systems and network administration. They also should have well-developed communication skills and be able to explaing technical issues in a clear and undertstandable way. Other required skill is good scheduling, budget setting and planning. 

Remember to keep tasks organized on a timeline

A visual tool to organize tasks in essential for IT teams. It helps them with prioritizing, being up to date and later on - successful delivery of the project. 

How to Manage an IT Project

There are many ways to manage an IT project, though some of the elements are quiet universal. Take a look at some of the essential elements of IT management:

1. Collect requirements

Before even starting the project, you need to define its scope, create a budget and find out what are the stakeholder's requirements. It all needs to be written down and attached to the particular project file. 

2. Select the team

Once you've collected the project's requirements, you can start creating a team. What you should focus on is choosing people with accurate skills and experience for the project. 

3. Use a Kanban Board

Use a kanban board to keep control over the workflow during the project.

4. Monitor the progress

The project need to be monitored, to make sure, that it goas according to the plan.

5. Make Changes

Projects are ever-changing. When the stakeholders require certain changes, you and your team need to apply them. 

6. Get Reports

During the project, it is important to track the progress and keep both your team and stakeholders updated. 

As you can see, IT project management is similar to regular project management, yet it requires specific skills and tools, that are characteristic for software development. Therefore being an IT project manager requires knowledge about infrastructure and web development. To practice those skills and increase your knowledge about IT management, sign up for one of our training in IT service management field and become a successfull leader.

External resources:
1. Informatica https://www.informatica.com/services-and-training/glossary-of-terms/database-management-definition.html
2. IBM https://www.ibm.com/topics/software-development
3. SolDevelo Foundation https://soldevelofoundation.org/the-most-popular-project-management-methodologies-3/

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Advised Skills Research Team - Blog Author 
The Advised Skills Research Team is a professional group dedicated to investigating and publishing information on the latest trends in technology and training.
This team delves into emerging advancements to provide valuable insights, empowering individuals and organizations to stay ahead.
Their work significantly contributes to the ever-evolving landscape of technological education and workforce development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): IT Managmenet and IT Project Managemenr

1. What is IT Management?
   IT Management refers to the discipline where all information technology resources of a firm are managed according to its needs and priorities. This includes tangible resources like computer hardware, software, data, networks, and data center facilities, as well as the staff who are hired to maintain them.
2. How does IT Project Management differ from general IT Management?
   IT Project Management is a subset of IT Management that focuses on planning, organizing, and directing the resources (both human and technological) to ensure the successful completion of specific IT projects. While IT Management takes a broader approach overseeing all IT assets, IT Project Management is centered around specific projects with defined start and end dates.
3. Why is it crucial to integrate IT Project Management into IT Management?
   Integrating IT Project Management into IT Management ensures that IT projects align with the organization's strategic goals, priorities, and resources. It helps in streamlining processes, reduces redundancy, ensures optimal resource allocation, and guarantees that projects are completed in a timely and budget-conscious manner.
4. How can IT managers ensure that projects stay aligned with business objectives?
   IT managers can ensure alignment by regularly communicating with business stakeholders, establishing clear project objectives from the outset, and setting up a robust project governance structure. Regular review meetings, clear documentation, and continuous feedback loops also play crucial roles in ensuring projects remain aligned with business goals.
5. How does IT Management tackle the challenges of rapidly changing technology landscapes?
   IT Management deals with this by implementing continuous learning and training programs, staying updated with the latest industry trends, and adopting flexible and scalable IT infrastructure. Regular system audits, technology assessments, and strategic planning sessions can also help organizations stay ahead of technological shifts.
6. What are the key skills required for successful IT Project Management within the broader realm of IT Management?
   Apart from the technical know-how, successful IT Project Management requires strong communication skills, leadership abilities, time management, problem-solving capabilities, and an understanding of business processes and objectives. The ability to manage risks, stakeholders, and handle dynamic changes are also essential.