3 Tips For Successfully Managing Purchasing Projects

PurchTips - Edition # 7 October 8, 2002

By Charles Dominick

Tip #1: Use Project Planning Software

Project planning software is a great tool for keeping your project organized. You can keep track of all of the things that need to be done, who needs to do them, when they will be worked on, and much more. You can create Gantt charts that offer a great graphical way of evaluating your project. For a great way to gain experience with project planning software, Next Level Purchasing, Inc. recommends that you acquire a copy of Microsoft's 60-day evaluation version of Microsoft Project. It is free and can be obtained from Microsoft's website at: http://www.microsoft.com/office/project/prodinfo/trial.msp

Tip #2: Break Down Your Project

Any project is essentially a set of individual, but related, tasks that are done in order to achieve a goal within a certain time frame. When you know what your goal is, determine which tasks need to be done to achieve that goal. Then, determine how long each task will take. This will give you a realistic view of whether or not you are capable of achieving your goal by its deadline. For example, you would not necessarily know that a goal of writing a report for your boss in one week is unrealistic unless you first determine that it will take three days to do research, three days to write the report, and two days to proofread the report.

Tip #3: Monitor Progress Against Your Schedule

Regularly compare the tasks that you have completed at a certain point in time against the tasks that you expected to complete by that time. This will enable you to identify any adjustments required to meet your deadline.

Spotlight On Professional Development Opportunities

Have you struggled with completing your purchasing projects on time? You probably would not have if you used Microsoft Project. By taking Next Level Purchasing, Inc.'s online class "Microsoft Project For Purchasing Professionals," you will not only learn how to use the software, you'll learn how to apply it to your purchasing work. You'll also learn project management principles that will enable you to successfully manage complex procurement projects and meet tough deadlines.

Here's what one student said about "Microsoft Project For Purchasing Professionals":

"I would strongly recommend this course to others! I appreciated the accessibility of the instructor.

Natasha Rountree, C.P.M.
Sourcing Specialist
Farmington, Connecticut

For more information on this and other online classes for purchasing professionals, visit:

www.NextLevelPurchasing.com

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