A scope of work in project management is a formal document that defines the specific tasks, deliverables, timelines and responsibilities required to complete a project. It establishes clear boundaries by outlining what is included and excluded, setting expectations for performance standards, acceptance criteria and work requirements.

The scope of work supports project planning, scheduling, budgeting and monitoring and reduces ambiguity between stakeholders and provides a contractual reference for managing changes, tracking progress and preventing scope creep throughout execution.

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What Is the Purpose of a Scope of Work?

The purpose of a scope of work (SOW) is to clearly define what a project will deliver, how the work will be performed and where responsibilities begin and end. It serves as a shared reference point for all stakeholders, helping align expectations before work starts and reducing the risk of misunderstandings later in the project. By documenting deliverables, timelines, assumptions and constraints, a scope of work creates transparency and supports more accurate planning, budgeting and scheduling.

A well-written SOW also functions as a control tool throughout execution. When questions arise or changes are requested, teams can refer back to the scope of work to determine whether the request is in or out of scope. This helps prevent scope creep, protects resources and supports objective decision-making. Ultimately, the scope of work provides structure and accountability, enabling teams to execute confidently and stakeholders to measure progress against agreed-upon criteria.

A scope of work is designed to:

• Define project deliverables and boundaries
• Clarify roles, responsibilities and expectations
• Establish timelines, milestones and assumptions
• Reduce risk, disputes and unplanned changes

When to Use a Scope of Work

A scope of work should be used whenever a project requires clear expectations, defined deliverables and accountability between parties. It’s especially important at the start of a project, before execution begins, to ensure everyone understands what work is included and how success will be measured. Projects involving multiple stakeholders, external vendors or complex deliverables benefit most from a scope of work, as it reduces ambiguity and supports smoother collaboration.

A scope of work is also critical when projects have fixed budgets, tight timelines or regulatory requirements, where changes can quickly increase risk and cost. Additionally, it should be created or updated when significant changes are introduced, such as revised objectives or expanded requirements. In these situations, a scope of work provides a documented baseline that helps teams manage change, prevent scope creep and maintain control throughout the project lifecycle.

With ProjectManager, make a WBS, design reports and build a project timeline in seconds with our online Gantt chart maker. Map your scope of work, create a budget, assign tasks, add dependencies and more. Then present to your team and stakeholders to get the project moving on the right foot. Try it free today.

What Should Be Included in a Scope of Work Document?

Below is an overview of the main components of a scope of work. You can add or remove some of these elements to better adjust to your project stakeholders’ requirements.

Project Background

Project background provides context by outlining the reasons a project exists, the problem it aims to solve and any relevant history or business drivers influencing the work. In a scope of work document, this section establishes a shared understanding of purpose, helping stakeholders align on objectives, assumptions and constraints before defining deliverables, timelines and responsibilities.

Purpose Statement

A purpose statement clearly describes why a project is being undertaken and what it aims to achieve. In a scope of work document, the purpose statement sets the foundation for all project activities by aligning stakeholders on objectives, guiding decision-making and framing the expected outcomes. It ensures that deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities are connected to the project’s overall goal, providing clarity and direction throughout execution.

Roles & Responsibilities

This section defines the primary participants involved in delivering the work described in the scope of work and clarifies their respective responsibilities. Clearly assigning responsibilities helps prevent gaps, overlaps and misunderstandings during execution and establishes accountability for decision-making, approvals and deliverable acceptance throughout the project.

Client 

• Defines business objectives and success criteria
• Provides timely approvals and decisions
• Supplies required inputs, data and access
• Reviews and accepts deliverables
• Identifies a primary point of contact and escalation authority

Project Manager

• Plans and coordinates the work within the defined scope
• Manages task sequencing and dependencies at a high level
• Tracks progress against milestones and timeline
• Coordinates communication and reporting
• Escalates issues, risks and scope impacts as needed

Project Team/Delivery Team

• Executes assigned tasks and work packages
• Produces project deliverables in accordance with quality standards
• Provides status updates and technical input
• Supports reviews, revisions and rework if required

Stakeholders

• Provide input, feedback or approvals as defined
• Participate in reviews and milestone checkpoints
• Support alignment with business, operational or regulatory needs

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total project scope into work streams, deliverables, subdeliverables and work packages. It organizes what work is included, not how it is scheduled.

In a scope of work, a WBS is important because it clarifies scope boundaries, aligns tasks to deliverables, reduces ambiguity, supports cost and schedule estimation and provides a common reference for acceptance, change control and contractual accountability across stakeholders, suppliers and project teams throughout delivery and governance processes globally.

Resource Requirements

Resource requirements identify the personnel, skills, tools, equipment, facilities and other assets needed to complete a project successfully. In a scope of work document, detailing these requirements ensures that the right labor categories and skill sets are assigned, necessary tools and equipment are available and any site or facility access is secured. It also clarifies which resources the client will provide, helping prevent delays and supporting smooth project execution.

ProjectManager has robust resource management features that allow organizations to allocate project resources, monitor their utilization rate and track costs in real-time project dashboards and reports. Get started today for free.

Project Deliverables

This is what your project delivers. Whether it’s a product or a service, it’s the reason you’re executing the project for your customer, stakeholder or sponsor. Whatever that deliverable is, and it can be some sort of document or report, software, product, build (or all of the above), you need to clearly identify each item here.

Project Milestones

A task list with dependencies identifies all project activities and illustrates the relationships and sequence between them. Within a scope of work document, it provides clarity on workflow, highlights critical steps, and flags potential bottlenecks. Showing how tasks rely on one another helps stakeholders understand timelines, assign responsibilities effectively and anticipate how delays in one area could affect overall project delivery.

Related: 38 Free Excel Templates for Business (Plus 10 Word Templates)

Project Constraints

Project constraints are the limitations or restrictions that affect how a project is planned and executed, such as budget, timeline, resources, or regulatory requirements. In a scope of work document, outlining these constraints helps set realistic expectations and guides decision-making. Identifying these limits allows stakeholders to plan effectively, manage risks and keep the project achievable within its established boundaries.

Project Assumptions

Project assumptions are conditions or factors considered true for planning purposes, even though they may not be fully verified, such as resource availability, technology reliability or stakeholder support. In a scope of work document, documenting assumptions helps set expectations and provides context for decisions.

They guide planning, highlight potential risks and serve as a reference point if conditions change, ensuring that project deliverables, timelines and responsibilities remain realistic and achievable.

Project Exclusions

Project exclusions are specific tasks, deliverables or responsibilities that are intentionally not included in a project. In a scope of work document, clearly stating exclusions helps prevent misunderstandings and sets boundaries for what the project will and will not cover. By defining what is out of scope, stakeholders can focus on agreed-upon objectives, reduce the risk of scope creep and maintain clarity around responsibilities and project expectations.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria are the defined standards a project’s deliverables must meet to be considered complete and satisfactory. In a scope of work document, they outline the acceptance standards, specify the review and approval process, identify the acceptance authority, and set expectations for any required rework. Additionally, acceptance timelines clarify when deliverables must be evaluated. Together, these elements ensure that stakeholders have a clear, shared understanding of what constitutes successful project completion.

Project Timeline

Think of a timeline as a road leading from the start of a project to its end. It’s a section of the document that delineates the major phases across the schedule of the project’s duration. It should also mark the points in the project when your deliverables are ready. As you can guess, it’s essential to scope out the overall plan of any project. This is best presented visually, like a rolled-up Gantt chart plan, so the stakeholders can see the high-level timeline.

Project Milestones

Projects can be long and complex, which is why they’re laid out over a timeline and broken down into more manageable parts called tasks. Larger phases of the project are marked by what’s called a milestone. It’s a way to help you monitor the progress of the project to ensure it’s adhering to your planned schedule. Define your key milestones on a timeline in the scope of work document, including project kickoffs, meetings, hand-offs, etc.

Project Reports

You’ll be generating reports throughout the project, delivered to either your team or customer, stakeholder or sponsor. These can include status reports, progress reports, variance reports and more. They’re a formal record of the progress of your project, but they’re also a means of communication beyond whether the project’s on schedule or not.

Depending on how you customize reports, there’s a wealth of data that can serve a number of different audiences. Define how you’ll be reporting on the project and when the stakeholders can expect them and from whom.

Related: 12 Free Action Plan Templates for Excel and Word

Scope of Work Template

Now that you know what’s included in this all-important document, download our free scope of work template for Word. It has everything you need to make a scope of work document for your own project, so your stakeholders know exactly what to expect in terms of schedule, deliverables and effort.

How to Write a Scope of Work

Now that we’ve listed the elements of a scope of work document, let’s go through the step-by-step process of writing one. These steps can help you create a scope of work for different industries such as construction or manufacturing.

1. Define the project goals: Before writing a scope of work, you should define what project goals will be accomplished through the execution of the project tasks that will be included in your scope of work.
2. Use a work breakdown structure to identify project tasks: The first step when writing a scope of work is to identify all your project tasks. This is done by using a work breakdown structure (WBS), a project management tool that lets you break down projects and work packages into individual tasks, so you can better plan and schedule them.
3. Determine your project deliverables: A project deliverable is a tangible or intangible output from tasks. They’re an important part of a scope of work as they’re the outcomes of the project.
4. Establish acceptance criteria for your project deliverables: Project deliverables must meet the acceptance criteria established by the project client, such as quality standards or functionality requirements.
5. Use the CPM method to create a project timeline: The critical path method is a project scheduling technique that allows project managers to create a project timeline and estimate project duration by identifying the longest sequence of tasks. It’s important that you use this or other project scheduling techniques to create a realistic schedule for your scope of work.
6. Establish payment terms for the project: You may include payment terms as a section of your scope of work.
7. Establish project reporting procedures: Effective communication between the project team and stakeholders is crucial, so your scope of work document should include a section that outlines how reporting will be conducted.

Scope of Work Example

This scope of work defines the specific construction activities, deliverables and boundaries for a municipal streetscape improvement project. It details the work required to upgrade pedestrian infrastructure, utilities and public amenities along a designated urban corridor.

Project Background

The city has identified deteriorating sidewalks, inadequate drainage and outdated street lighting along a high-traffic commercial corridor. These conditions present safety risks to pedestrians and limit accessibility. The project involves rehabilitating public right-of-way infrastructure to improve walkability, accessibility and stormwater management while maintaining traffic flow and business access during construction.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this scope of work is to clearly define the construction tasks, deliverables and execution boundaries required to complete the streetscape improvement project. The purpose statement document establishes a shared understanding of what work is included, how it will be structured and what constitutes completion, serving as the basis for coordination, measurement and change management.

Work Breakdown Structure

The work breakdown structure organizes the total scope of work into manageable components and work packages. It provides a structured view of all construction activities required to deliver the project, supporting planning, coordination and progress tracking.

Task List With Dependencies

This task list breaks down the work packages into executable tasks and identifies key dependencies that govern sequencing. Dependencies reflect regulatory approvals, physical readiness and coordination requirements that must be satisfied before subsequent tasks can begin.

Project Milestones

Project milestones represent significant progress points used to track advancement and coordinate inspections, approvals and stakeholder communication throughout execution.

Project Constraints

Project constraints define the fixed limitations that restrict how the work described in this scope of work can be executed. These constraints establish non-negotiable conditions related to schedule, operations, regulatory requirements and the project environment. All work must be planned and performed within these limitations.

Project Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria define the conditions that must be met for the completed work to be considered acceptable. These criteria provide objective measures for inspection, approval and formal handover.

Resource Requirements

Resource requirements identify the labor, equipment and materials necessary to complete the defined scope of work. These resources support planning, coordination and availability management.

Project Timeline

The project timeline summarizes the planned start and end dates for major phases of work. Dates are indicative and subject to adjustment based on field conditions and approvals.

Why Is It Important to Write a Scope of Work?

Here are some of the reasons why writing a scope of work is beneficial for projects.

Defines the Project Scope

The main purpose of a scope of work is to define the scope of a project. This means defining the work that’ll be done as well as project exclusions, activities or deliverables which aren’t part of a project.

Prevents Scope Creep

Scope creep is a risk that can affect any project. It occurs when additional project tasks are added to the initial project scope during the execution of a project.

These unplanned additions of tasks to the work plan cause extra costs and derail the project schedule. Scope creep can be avoided by having a clear scope of work that establishes what will and what won’t be executed. However, changes might be made to the project scope by using a change request, another important project management document.

Sets Clear Expectations for Project Stakeholders

Without a scope of work document, project stakeholders might have unrealistic expectations about a project, such as assuming certain tasks and deliverables will be done. Therefore, it’s important for project managers and project teams to make sure there’s a scope of work that lets stakeholders know what to expect.

For example, a scope of work is an important element of a project proposal, which is one of the project management documents that allow project management teams to explain stakeholders such as clients or project sponsors what they can expect from a project.

Related: Project Proposal Template

How to Manage Your Scope of Work With Project Management Software

It can feel overwhelming with so many tasks to keep track of, but project management software can simplify the process. In ProjectManager, you can import your spreadsheet or use one of our industry-specific templates to get you started.

A list of tasks is only a start. To bring order to that chaos, you’ll want to estimate duration by adding start and finish dates. We then automatically put your tasks on a timeline in our Gantt chart project view, so you can see the whole project in one place. Further rein in the tasks by prioritizing them, linking dependencies to prevent bottlenecks later in the project and setting milestones to break up the larger project into more manageable phases.

Collaborate at the Task Level

Tasks need people to execute them and move your project forward. You have your schedule, so onboard your team and start assigning them tasks. You can do this from any of our multiple project views. We offer collaborative tools that make teams more productive and help them work together. You can direct them with task descriptions and by attaching files to the task. Then, they can work together, commenting at the task level with other team members, who are notified by email. This is great for remote teams and even those working in the same room.

Track Progress to Stay On Time and Under Budget

Speaking of distributed teams, how can you keep track of their progress if you can’t check in on them? We solve that problem with great monitoring features, such as a real-time dashboard that shows you task progress, costs and other high-level views of the project. Our software takes status updates and automatically displays them in easy-to-read charts and graphs. You can even share them at stakeholder meetings to keep them in the loop.

For more in-depth data, we feature one-click reports that can be filtered to show just the data you’re looking for. Reports track project variance, workload and more. You’ll catch issues and resolve them quickly before they become problems that threaten to derail your project.

If you want that scope of work to be the beginning of a beautiful project, then try ProjectManager for free with our 30-day trial offer.

Video: Scope of Work Best Practices

In this video, Jennifer Bridges, PMP, shows you how to write a scope of work for project management. Follow her steps to get started or use our project plan and scope document template!

Here’s a shot of the whiteboard for your reference!

Scope of Work Tips

But before you get to writing, you need to make sure you follow these tips.

1. Be specific: explain the terms used clearly
2. Use visuals: a picture is worth a thousand words
3. Get sign-offs: make sure everyone who needs to okay the work, does

It’s not that difficult, but it needs to be thorough because you don’t want to have to play catch-up with paperwork when you’re in the heat of the project.
Pro tip: The SOW is essential to the project plan and is often included as part of the overall project plan, but it can be time-consuming to write. We’ve created dozens of project management templates to help you create all your project documents.

Related Project Planning Content

• Project Documentation: 15 Essential Project Documents
• How to Create a Project Execution Plan (PEP)
• How to Write a Scope of Work
• How to Write an Action Plan (Example Included)
• Alcance del Trabajo: ¿Cómo Escribir este Documento?
• Comment rédiger une portée des travaux (avec exemples et modèles inclus)
• Leistungsumfang erstellen – mit Beispielen und Vorlagen

If you need a tool that can help you manage and track your scope of work document, then sign up for our software now at ProjectManager.

The post How to Write a Scope of Work (Examples & Templates Included) appeared first on ProjectManager.

Why Is It Important to Analyze Failed Projects?

What good can come from failure? A lot, actually. Sometimes a project reaches too far beyond its means and fails, which is unfortunate but can also serve as a teaching moment. If project managers don’t learn from their mistakes, then they’re not growing professionally and will revisit the same problem in future projects, programs or portfolios.

Project managers and organizations can learn as much, if not more, from failed projects as they can from successful ones as long as the project management office makes project documentation, such as a lessons learned document, at the end of a failed project. A post-mortem analysis should be part of any project plan, and especially so when a project crashes and burns. There are valuable lessons in those ashes.

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Lessons Learned Template

Use this free Lessons Learned Template for Excel to manage your projects better.

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5 Most Common Reasons for Failed Projects

Failed projects rarely happen due to a single mistake. Most unsuccessful initiatives share common pitfalls that can be identified and mitigated early. Understanding the main reasons, such as scope creep, resource over-allocation and requirements volatility, helps project managers proactively plan, allocate resources and set realistic expectations to prevent failed projects and achieve business objectives.

Scope Creep

Scope creep in project management occurs when a project gradually expands beyond its original objectives without formal approval. New tasks, features, or deliverables are added incrementally, often without adjusting timelines, budgets, or resources. This uncontrolled growth is one of the most common causes of failed projects, creating confusion, delays and difficulty measuring progress.

It can derail projects by stretching deadlines, inflating budgets and overwhelming teams. When changes accumulate without control, priorities become unclear, deliverables slip and quality suffers. Projects at risk of failure often struggle to meet original goals, making scope creep a leading factor in many failed projects.

Resource Overallocation

Resource overallocation happens when team members or other resources are assigned more work than they can realistically handle. In project management, this imbalance can involve people, equipment or budgets. Effective allocation is critical, as mismanaged resources can slow progress and increase risks, making overallocation a frequent contributor to failed projects.

When multiple projects run simultaneously, overallocated resources lead to delays, mistakes and missed deadlines. Teams stretched too thin cannot maintain quality or efficiency, increasing the risk of failed projects. Burnout, errors and miscommunication further compound these challenges, making proper resource planning essential for project success.

Requirements Volatility

Requirements volatility refers to frequent or unpredictable changes in a project’s goals, deliverables or scope during execution. Often caused by evolving client needs, market shifts, or incomplete initial requirements, this instability can disrupt planning, resource allocation and team alignment, making it a common cause of failed projects.

Constant requirement changes create confusion, delay timelines and inflate costs. Teams may struggle to adapt, leading to rework, missed objectives and compromised quality. Without proper change management, projects experiencing high requirements volatility are at significantly higher risk of failure, making it a major reason for failed projects.

Cost Overrun

A cost overrun occurs when a project exceeds its planned budget due to underestimation, unexpected expenses, or poor financial tracking. In project management, uncontrolled costs are a leading factor in failed projects. Monitoring budgets, forecasting accurately and accounting for contingencies are essential practices to prevent cost overruns from undermining project success.

Cost overruns directly threaten project viability. When expenses exceed budgets, resources may be reallocated, deliverables cut or project scope reduced, leading to compromised quality. Persistent overspending can erode stakeholder confidence and result in project termination. Many failed projects cite cost mismanagement as a primary reason for not meeting objectives or achieving intended value.

Project Schedule Slippage

Project schedule slippage occurs when planned tasks or milestones fall behind their intended timelines. In project management, delays can be caused by resource conflicts, scope changes or unforeseen risks. If not addressed, schedule slippage can compound, affecting other tasks and making it one of the most common causes of failed projects.

When project timelines slip, deliverables may miss deadlines, dependencies are disrupted and costs can escalate. Extended schedules strain resources and create pressure on teams, increasing errors and reducing quality. Persistent schedule delays often result in unmet objectives, stakeholder dissatisfaction and in many cases, failed projects that never deliver the intended outcomes.

20 Top Failed Projects from History

Let’s look at the most notorious failed projects, not to gloat, but to see what they can tell us about project management.

1. Sony Betamax

The word Betamax has become almost synonymous with failure. But when it was first released, Betamax was supposed to become the leader in the cassette recording industry. Developed by Sony, Betamax was introduced in the mid-1970s but was unable to get traction in the market, where JVC’s VHS technology was king.

Surprisingly, Sony continued to produce Betamax all the way into 2016. Long before it discontinued the technology, Betamax was already irrelevant.

The Lesson

Betamax was an innovative product and it even got to market before VHS. But soon the market had options that were cheaper and better than Betamax, making it a failed project. Sony’s mistake was thinking that the project was complete once the product went to market. Project managers need to always follow up on their work, analyze the data and make an evaluation about what needs to be done to keep the project relevant.

2. New Coke

Coca-Cola is one of the most iconic brands in the world. It’d take a lot to tarnish that reputation. But that’s just what happened when New Coke was introduced in 1985. People didn’t know why the Coke they loved and drank regularly was being replaced.

The company knew why. They were looking to improve quality and make a splash in the marketplace. The fact is, New Coke sunk like a stone. It wasn’t like New Coke was just released without doing market research, though it might seem that way. In fact, the new recipe was tested on 200,000 people, who preferred it to the older version.

But after spending $4 million in development and losing another $30 million in backstocked products, the taste for New Coke evaporated as it reduced the available resources for the execution of Coca Cola’s entire project portfolio at the time. Consumers can be very loyal to a product, and once they get into a habit, it can be very difficult to break them off it in favor of something different.

The Lesson

It’s not that Coca-Cola neglected market research to see if there was a need to develop a new product, but they were blind to their own customers’ motivations. New Coke was a failed project because the researchers needed to do more than a mere taste test.

They needed to understand how people would react when the familiar Coke they loved would be discontinued and replaced by a shiny new upstart. Market research must be handled like a science and an art—and worked into the project plan accordingly.

One lesson is that project management software decreases the chance of a failed project. ProjectManager is award-winning project management software that allows you to monitor your work in real time to make more insightful decisions that can keep failure at bay. Use our real-time dashboards to track the health of your project, including such important key performance indicators (KPIs) as time, cost and more. There’s no time-consuming setup required as with lightweight software. Our dashboard is ready when you are. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

3. Pepsi Crystal

In 1992, Pepsi launched Pepsi Crystal. It was a unique soft drink in that there was no color. It was as clear as water. Pepsi hoped to take advantage of the growing trend for purity and health. Pepsi marketed the new drink as pure, caffeine-free and an alternative to the unhealthy traditional colas.

At first, sales looked good. The first year saw about $470 million in sales. Consumers were curious to find out if the taste was the same as Pepsi, which it was. Other colorless soft drinks started to introduce themselves to the market, such as 7Up and Sprite. But what Pepsi and the copycats didn’t take into account was how much sight influences flavor. Consumers found the product bland and sales tanked.

Pepsi Crystal was mocked on Saturday Night Live and Time Magazine listed it in its top-10 marketing failures of the 20th century.

The Lesson

Pepsi made the mistake of ignoring all the senses that are involved in the consumption of their product. They should have done more testing. If so, they would have realized the importance of the look of the product. Pepsi Crystal thought that a clear-looking liquid would indicate a healthy one, but what was registered by the majority of users was a bland one.

4. Concorde

The Concorde supersonic jet was a technological marvel, capable of flying faster than the speed of sound, but it struggled commercially. High operating costs, limited passenger capacity, environmental restrictions and safety concerns prevented it from turning a profit. Only 20 aircraft were ever built, and it eventually ceased operation.

The Lesson

Even groundbreaking innovations can fail if there isn’t a sustainable business model. Projects must balance technical feasibility with market demand, cost structures, and operational realities to avoid becoming failed projects.

5. Ford Edsel

Ford released its Edsel model in 1957. Since then, the name has become synonymous with project planning failure. That’s an accomplishment, but not the type that Ford was hoping for. This was supposed to be the car for the middle class and Ford invested $250 million into the Edsel.

Ford ended up losing $350 million on the gas-guzzler that the public found an unattractive alternative to other cars on the market. Part of the problem was that the first Edsels had oil leaks, hoods that stuck, trunks that wouldn’t open and more issues that soured consumer confidence in the product.

The Ford was a lesson in egos at the company ignoring what the research was telling them. Ford conducted many polls to find out what Americans wanted in a car, including a name. But executives went with Edsel. The design of the car didn’t even consult the polls.

The Lesson

If you’re going to do polling on what the public wants, it is a poor decision to ignore that data. So much time and effort went into coming up with the name, even hiring modernist poet Marianne Moore (who came up with nothing marketable), that Ford neglected to determine if there was even a market for this new car.

To better analyzed your own projects, try our free lessons learned template for Excel. Use it to identify what worked, what didn’t work, various impacts and what you can do better next time. Download yours for free today.

6. Airbus A380

Boeing’s Airbus A380 was viewed as a way for the company to outdo the 747. It spent more than $30 billion on product development in the belief that the industry would embrace a bigger plane that could hold more passengers and increase revenue.

In fact, the Airbus A380 has sold well short of its predicted 1200 units. The plane was headed for the scrap heap as it faced obstacles such as airports having to build special infrastructure and gates to accommodate that massive plane. Those project costs would be handed back to the airlines. That’s going to sour the deal and it did.

Then there were the technical issues. Qantas had to ground its entire A380 fleet after an engine blew up. You’d think that engineers would have thought beyond having more passengers seated on a bigger plane. But they didn’t.

The Lesson

The biggest lesson is that just because you build it doesn’t mean that anyone is going to want it. There wasn’t the demand Boeing believed there to be. Industries and markets are fickle. Just because airlines say they want something today doesn’t mean they’ll want it tomorrow. Boeing should have hedged its bets.

7. Big Dig (Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project)

The Big Dig aimed to reduce traffic congestion in Boston but became infamous for massive cost overruns, safety issues and delays. Poor planning, political pressure, unforeseen engineering challenges and coordination difficulties with multiple contractors caused costs to skyrocket to over $14 billion.

The Lesson

Large-scale infrastructure projects need realistic budgets, robust planning and comprehensive risk management. Without these, even necessary public projects can become failed projects that drain resources and damage public trust.

8. Healthcare.gov

The launch of Healthcare.gov in 2013 faced severe technical issues, crashing repeatedly under heavy traffic. Poor project coordination, lack of end-to-end testing, and insufficient communication between contractors contributed to a high-profile failure, frustrating millions of users and attracting national scrutiny.

The Lesson

Thorough testing, phased rollouts and clear stakeholder communication are critical. Even high-profile government initiatives can become failed projects when technical preparedness and execution planning are inadequate.

Related: 18 Free Stakeholder Management Templates for Excel & Word

9. World Athletics Championships 2019

Doha is the capital of Qatar and the site of the World Athletics Championships in 2019. The world’s best athletes went there to compete against one another, but the big event turned out to be an even bigger dud.

The problem was that the host nation was unable to sell most of the tickets to the event. Some of the greatest athletes in the world were forced to compete in stadiums that were nearly empty. It was a failure and an embarrassment.

The Lesson

Money is needed to plan for an event, but that investment is no guarantee that people will show up. The mistake was thinking there was a large enough fanbase to sell all the tickets. We keep coming back to this, but it deserves to be mentioned again: research is critical. It wouldn’t have taken much to determine if there were enough interested people to bring a return on the investment.

10. Garden Bridge

Vanity projects tend not to care about success or failure. They’re driven by ego and such was the case with the Garden Bridge. It was the brainchild of Boris Johnson when he was Mayor of London.

This construction project cost 53 million pounds, which is a lot of money, especially when considering it was never even built. The idea of a bridge made of gardens for city dwellers to enjoy is fine, but the over-optimistic fundraising targets and the ballooning costs led to its spectacular failure.

The Lesson

Projects must be realistic. It’s good to remember SMART goals, which is an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. If the project followed those constraints it might have been built or passed on before all that money was spent.

11. Apple Lisa

Before Apple became synonymous with the personal computer (and long before popular products such as the iPhone), it released Lisa. It costs $10,000 with a processor of 5 MHz and 1 MB of RAM. The first model sold only 10,000 units.

Lisa was fated to fail because it was really a prototype. It was marketed as a game-changer in 1983 from its popular, but command-line-based Apple II. The price is certainly one reason why this was not a realistic personal computer, but there were technical issues. It had an operating system that could run multiple programs but was too powerful for its processor. Lisa ran sluggishly.

The Lesson

The truth is Lisa was less a failure than an expensive lesson. Lisa led to the Macintosh, which was basically a less expensive and more effective version of Lisa. The lesson here is that one can learn from failure if it doesn’t bankrupt the company, that is.

12. Boeing 737 MAX

The Boeing 737 MAX was designed to be a competitive, fuel-efficient aircraft, but software flaws led to two fatal crashes and a worldwide grounding. Investigations revealed inadequate pilot training, miscommunication within teams and insufficient testing of automated systems.

The Lesson

Safety-critical projects require rigorous validation, transparent communication and strict adherence to regulatory standards. Cutting corners or rushing development can transform ambitious projects into failed projects with devastating consequences.

13. Dyson Electric Car

After four years and millions of dollars, James Dyson canceled his electric car project. It took that long to realize it wasn’t commercially viable. There is certainly a growing market for electric cars as the industry is motivated by consumers and government regulations to move from fossil fuels to more energy-efficient and sustainable alternatives.

There’s a boom in the production of electric cars, from major manufacturers such as Chrysler and Ford to startups such as Tesla. But sometimes the time isn’t right and no matter how good the idea is, it’s just not meant to be.

The Lesson

Timing is everything. But it’s also important to note how difficult it is to penetrate a market with established players. It takes a lot of capital and manufacturing expertise to start a car company and be competitive.

Related: 10 Free Manufacturing Excel Templates

14. Stretch Project

The Stretch project was initiated in 1956 by a group of computer scientists at IBM who wanted to build the world’s fastest supercomputer. The result of this five-year project was the IBM 7030, also known as Stretch. It was the company’s first transistorized supercomputer.

Though Stretch could handle a half-million instructions per second and was the fastest computer in the world up to 1964, the project was deemed a failure. Why? The project’s goal was to create a computer 100 times faster than what it was built to replace. Stretch was only about 30-40 times faster.

The planned budget was $13.5 million, but the price dropped to $7.8 million; so the computer was at least completed below cost. Only nine supercomputers were built.

The Lesson

While the project was a failure in that it never achieved the goal it set, there was much IBM could salvage from the project. Stretch introduced pipelining, memory protection, memory interleaving and other technologies that helped with the development of future computers.

Creative work is rooted in failure specifically because of the serendipitous discovery that occurs. This was a creative project, which might not have met its paper objective, but created a slew of useful technologies. So, aim for your goal, and who knows what good things you’ll discover along the way.

15. Denver International Airport Automated Baggage System

The airport attempted to implement a fully automated baggage system, but technical glitches, unrealistic timelines and poor integration caused widespread delays and partial manual operation for years. Costs ballooned far beyond initial estimates and the project became a cautionary tale.

The Lesson

Over-automation without proper testing and contingency plans can backfire. Complex projects benefit from phased implementation, realistic scheduling and risk mitigation to avoid failed projects that waste resources.

16. FBI Virtual Case File (VCF)

The FBI’s VCF project aimed to modernize its case management system but failed due to vague requirements, frequent scope changes and vendor mismanagement. The software was never fully deployed and the FBI had to start over with a new solution.

The Lesson

Clear requirements, stakeholder engagement and strong vendor oversight are essential. Even large government projects can turn into failed projects when planning and communication are insufficient.

17. Challenger Space Shuttle

The worst failure is one that results in the loss of life. When you’re dealing with highly complex and dangerous projects like NASA, there’s always a tremendous risk that needs to be tracked. On January 28, 1986, that risk became a horrible reality as the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch.

The cause was a leak in one of the two solid rocket boosters that set off the main liquid fuel tank. The NASA investigation that followed said the failure was due to a faulty designed O-ring seal and the cold weather at launch, which allowed for the leak.

But it was not only a technical error that NASA discovered but human error. NASA officials went ahead with the launch even though engineers were concerned about the safety of the project. The engineers noted the risk of the O-ring, but their communications never traveled up to managers who could have delayed the launch to ensure the safety of the mission and its astronauts.

The Lesson

Managers are only as well-informed as their team. If they’re not opening lines of communication to access the data on the frontlines of a project, mistakes will be made, and in this case, fatal ones.

18. Computerized DMV

No one loves the DMV. If they were a brand, their reputation would be more than tarnished, it’d be buried. But everyone who drives a vehicle is going to have some interaction with this government agency. Unfortunately, they didn’t help their case in the 1990s when the states of California and Washington attempted to computerize their Departments of Motor Vehicles.

In California, the project began in 1987 as a five-year, $27 million plan to track its 31 million drivers’ licenses and 38 million vehicle registrations. Problems started at the beginning when the state solicited only one bid for the contract, Tandem Computers, locking the state into buying their hardware.

Then, to make things worse, tests showed that the new computers were even slower than the ones they were to replace. But the state moved forward with the project until 1994 when it had to admit failure and end the project. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the project cost the state $49 million, and a state audit found that the DMV violated contracting laws and regulations.

The Lesson

The problem here is a project that isn’t following regulations. All projects must go through a process of due diligence, and legal and regulatory constraints must be part of that process. If the state had done that and the contract bidding process invited more than one firm to the table, then a costly mess could have been avoided, and our wait at the DMV might actually have become shorter.

19. Queensland Health Payroll System

The Queensland Health Payroll System was designed to automate payments for thousands of employees but caused widespread errors, overpayments and underpayments. Poor testing, inadequate change management and system complexity led to operational chaos and financial losses.

The Lesson

Large-scale IT implementations require comprehensive testing, robust change management and careful contingency planning. Neglecting these factors can transform high-stakes projects into failed projects that disrupt essential operations.

20. IBM Watson for Oncology

IBM Watson for Oncology aimed to revolutionize cancer treatment using AI, but it failed to consistently deliver actionable results. Incomplete data, unrealistic expectations and over-promising of capabilities led to disappointing outcomes and skepticism from the medical community.

The Lesson

AI and data-driven projects must balance innovation with practical application. Overpromising capabilities without thorough validation can make even high-profile projects fail, damaging credibility and future adoption.

How ProjectManager Prevents Failed Projects

ProjectManager keeps your projects from failing with a suite of project management tools that shepherd your project from initiation to a successful close. Plan, schedule and track work, while managing teams, with our online software.

Plan Every Last Detail

Successful projects begin with a strong plan. But it can be hard to keep all those tasks and due dates working together on a realistic schedule. What if some tasks are dependent? It gets complicated. But ProjectManager has an online Gantt chart that plots your tasks across a project timeline, linking dependencies and breaking projects into digestible milestones.

Track Progress as It Happens

ProjectManager keeps you on track with high-level monitoring via its real-time dashboard and more detailed data with one-click reporting. Now when projects start to veer off-track, you can get them back on course quickly.

While we didn’t have an example, there are many projects that fail because they’re not equipped with the right tools for the job. ProjectManager is online project management software that gives project managers and their teams everything they need to plan, monitor and report on their project. Don’t let your next project fail; try ProjectManager with this free 30-day trial.

The post 20 Notorious Failed Projects & What We Can Learn from Them appeared first on ProjectManager.

This guide defines what project documentation is and why it’s important in addition to outlining the top 25 project documents that you should always create to plan and execute your projects.

What Is Project Documentation?

The term project documentation refers to the project management documents that are created throughout the project life cycle. These documents, such as the project plan, project schedule or project budget, define activities, procedures and guidelines that the project team should follow.

Project documentation has several purposes such as project planning, cost management or risk management. In addition, there are certain project documents that must be created at a specific project phase as they set the stage for the next step. For example, the project management plan must be created before the project execution phase can begin.

Project management software can help you organize and share information that is crucial to the success of your project. ProjectManager is project management software with advanced planning, tracking and reporting that has unlimited file storage and makes it easy to share product documentation with your team and stakeholders. All of its multiple project views share one source of information to keep everyone on the same page. Get started for free.

Let’s take a look at which project documents should be created at each project management phase.

Project Documentation by Project Phase

Projects vary in size and complexity and some require more comprehensive project documentation than others. Here’s an overview of some of the project documents that are usually created throughout the project life cycle.

• Project Initiation: Project charter, project summary, business case, project kickoff meeting agenda
• Project Planning: Project management plan, work breakdown structure, project budget, project schedule, change management plan, scope management plan, risk management plan
• Project Execution: Project status report, project execution plan, lessons learned template, timesheets, change requests, change orders
• Project Monitoring and Control: Project status report, lessons learned template, timesheets
• Project Closure: Project closure template, punch list

Now that you have an idea of the right project documentation for each phase of your project life cycle, let’s dive into some critical project management documents.

Top 25 Project Documents to Include in Your Project Documentation

Here’s a brief description of the important project documents and a corresponding project management template for each of them. Don’t forget to check our library of free project management templates, where you’ll find dozens of templates to build your project documentation.

1. Project Plan Document for Word

The project plan is the most comprehensive of all project management documents because it compiles the project documents that are created during the project planning phase. For example, your project plan should include your project budget and your project schedule.

2. Project Charter Document

The project charter is written during the project initiation phase and it sets the stage for the project plan. Project managers use project charters to provide a quick overview of the project to stakeholders, sponsors and clients.

3. Business Case Document

Just like the project charter, a business case is a document that’s created during the initiation phase to convince project stakeholders of the project’s value by explaining the potential benefits it could have for their organization.

4. Project Schedule

At a basic level, the project schedule defines the timeline for the execution of all project tasks. It can also include more details such as the resources needed for each task, who’s responsible for it, the float or slack your project has and the critical path. ProjectManager’s Gantt chart is the perfect tool for creating a detailed project schedule.

ProjectManager offers four kinds of dependencies, baseline tracking and real-time resource availability when assigning work. You can break down you project into subtasks and track costs for each phase to ensure you stay on track. Get started with ProjectManager for free and build a better project schedule.

5. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a fundamental example of project documentation. It breaks down the project’s scope into smaller, more manageable components. At the top is the overall project goal that is progressively broken down into smaller pieces. This tool helps organize complex projects and ensures they stay on track.

6. RACI Chart Document

RACI stands for responsible, accountable, consulted and informed. A RACI chart, also known as a RACI matrix, helps define roles and responsibilities for different tasks and deliverables within a project or process. It aims to eliminate confusion about who is responsible for what and improve communication. This is a valuable tool for projects of all sizes, especially those with multiple stakeholders and complex workflows.

7. Risk Register Document

This document allows you to register all potential project risks and includes a brief description of their potential impact and likelihood. A risk register is an important project document as it provides important information for your risk management plan that contains all risk management documents, strategies and guidelines.

8. Scope Statement Document

A scope statement defines the activities that will be executed to complete a project. It’s used by project managers to let stakeholders know what will be done and what won’t be done so that expectations are clear from the beginning. It’s part of the scope management plan, a comprehensive document that explains the procedures and guidelines related to the project scope.

9. Project Budget Document

The project budget is a critical project management document. To create one, you’ll need to estimate your project costs, which include labor, materials, equipment and anything that’s needed to execute the project.

10. Project Communication Plan

A communication plan sets all the guidelines for communication among team members and project stakeholders. It defines the communication channels to be used, the communication schedule and roles and responsibilities among other details to streamline the communication process throughout the project life cycle.

11. Project Execution Plan

A project execution plan (PEP) lays out exactly how a project will be delivered, including the tasks, timeline, resources and budget needed to move from plan to reality. This Excel template brings all execution‑phase details together: scope definitions, task lists, start and end dates, assigned team members, resource needs (labor, materials, equipment) and cost estimates.

12. Project Status Report Document

Project status reports are a must-have project management tool because they allow you to check the health of your project at any point in time and share data with stakeholders to keep them updated. Status reports are brief and include the most relevant information only.

13. Statement of Work Document

A statement of work (SOW) is a formal document that defines the full scope, deliverables, timeline and responsibilities for a project before any work begins. This template provides a structured format to capture all essential project details, including the project background, objectives, scope, deliverables, schedule and assigned responsibilities.

14. Project Closure Document

It’s always necessary to create project documentation at the end of the project closure phase. That’s because project managers need to close contracts, create a “lessons learned” document and get formal approval from stakeholders, among other important tasks. All of this must be documented so that nothing falls through the cracks.

15. Project Proposal Document

A project proposal is a project management document that provides a quick overview of the key areas of a project. Its main purpose is to convince potential stakeholders of the value of the project during the initiation phase. It should be a persuasive document that highlights the main benefits, goals and requirements.

16. Procurement Plan Document

A procurement plan is a detailed roadmap for acquiring goods and services that a project will depend on. This free template defines what must be procured, when and how purchases will be made, what contract types and vendor‑selection criteria will be used and how supplier relationships and deliveries will be managed.

17. Project Plan Document for Excel

Project plans are undoubtedly important, and sometimes, teams prefer to work in a familiar Excel format. This template ensures everyone involved knows what must be done, when and by whom, setting expectations clearly and aligning the team around a shared structure. With a solid project plan, you reduce risks of confusion, scope creep or missed deadlines and give your project the best chance of finishing on time and within budget.

18. Issue Log Document

An issue log is an example of project documentation that helps manage problems or obstacles that come up during a project. It’s a list or spreadsheet that’s used to document, monitor and resolve issues that could potentially impact the project’s schedule, budget, scope or quality. An issue log helps establish responsibility for resolving issues and creates a historical record for future reference.

19. Change Request Form

A change request form is a standardized project document that formally proposes, evaluates and approves alterations to a project’s original plan. It helps manage modifications to scope, budget, schedule or other project aspects in a controlled manner. This form helps mitigate the negative impact of uncontrolled changes and keeps the project on track with its overall goals.

20. Project Brief Document

A project brief is a summarized version of your project plan, geared towards an audience such as cross-functional teams or stakeholders who don’t need to dive into all the details of a project management plan but still need to have an understanding of the project goals, budget, roles & responsibilities, among other key aspects.

21. Project Requirements Document

Project requirements are the goals and specifications that are expected from a project to make sure all stakeholders are satisfied. Our free requirements gathering template will help you document all your project requirements.

22. Project Charter Document

A project charter is the foundational document that formally kicks off a project. It defines the project’s purpose, high‑level objectives, scope, key stakeholders, roles and responsibilities and initial constraints or assumptions. The Excel template provides a clear framework to document all essential project initiation details, including project name, sponsor, objectives, scope, deliverables, stakeholders and high-level schedule and budget estimates.

23. Project Overview Document

A project overview is a 1-page document that outlines the most critical aspects of a project, such as its timeline, milestones, budget, status and the team members’ roles & responsibilities.

24. Team Charter Document

A team charter is a project management document that shows the roles, responsibilities, deliverables and resources of a project team. It helps project managers understand the workload and objectives of each team member for better resource planning.

25. Stakeholder Analysis Document

Stakeholder analysis helps identify individuals with a vested interest in a project. A stakeholder analysis template is the ideal type of project documentation to use before the project’s execution phase. It analyzes the stakeholders who can be impacted by a project, decision or initiative. Use this template to better understand stakeholder needs, expectations and influence to develop effective communication and engagement strategies.

What’s Worth Documenting for a Project?

No matter your organization’s structure, the ability to record and document all aspects of a project is vital to being a successful project manager. Multiple reports, charts, graphs, documents, change requests and status updates need to be maintained throughout the project life cycle, and documentation works to stitch the disparate pieces of a project together and bring it to a successful finish.

However, your time is limited, and so is patience in most organizations for tedious paperwork. How can you maintain efficiency and effectively document the project? Consider the following to determine what’s worth documenting:

• Client-Related Everything – Imagine that a client suddenly questions a decision that was made months ago. The client says that they chose one direction but your company decided to go down another path during implementation. Clear documentation on client meetings, including notes with dates, times and attendees, helps resolve misunderstandings.
• Legal Dictates – For certain projects, legal teams are required to review documentation during the project. For public projects, there might be oversight and review processes that analyze a project after its completion. Know the documentation requirements your legal team needs before your project begins. Playing catch-up is risky in this kind of environment.
• The Right Amount of Process – While you don’t want to get lost in documenting so much of the plan and process that you’re not actually processing, you do want some definition around the project plan and goals. Let your organizational structure guide how many processes to document. For example, trying to operate process-free on a project that requires legal documentation will only get your project in trouble. When in doubt, the best approach is to document.
• Changes to the Project – Ongoing project reports are essential to document, especially as project goals shift. Ideally, you’ll have a real-time online project management tool so your resources and task changes are scheduled live and issues are captured as they occur. However, larger impacts to the project plan should be added to project documentation in a version-controlled manner.

Project Documentation Best Practices

So what are the best strategies you should use to keep your documentation effective, efficient and timely? To align your documentation according to best practices, you should:

• Take the Time – Use your calendar! Many people think that calendars are only for scheduling meetings. It’s not. Use it to schedule 2-3 hour blocks of uninterrupted time to assemble an essential document. Instead of taking calls or conversing with a coworker, take the time to get in the zone of writing. With focused time and attention, you’ll be able to make significant progress. Likewise, schedule 10-15 minute blocks in your calendar each week to review and update documentation.
• Have the Right Level of Detail – Putting documentation together for engineers is different from the documents you present to executives. Engineers need details you can provide, while executives don’t have time to be bogged down with details. They just want bullet points, the bottom line and the next steps. It’s up to you to determine the right level of documentation for the right audience.
• Use Smart Storage – Your documentation needs to be easy to locate. Documentation is useless if it’s buried under a rock where nobody can find it. This includes making sure that the infrastructure is in place to access the documentation online and that the folder structure and hierarchy are easy and intuitive to understand.
• Share with Others – Most people hate putting documentation together but love it when it’s packaged up for them. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that people actually read the documentation! Use your online project management software to store your documents online with the project, ideally in a collaborative, secure environment.
• Version Control and Up-to-Date – Keeping project documentation current and updated is challenging. It’s easy to get to the point of the initial version, but it’s painful to go back and update documentation and maintain version control. The biggest help is the document repository infrastructure you have in place. Automatic version control allows you to manage this process and the consumers of your documentation always trust that they have the latest version.

How ProjectManager Helps With Project Documentation

ProjectManager is work and project software that connects hybrid teams and fosters collaboration. All project documents can be stored on the tool and everyone who needs access to documents will have it. You can create project plans and so much more, making ProjectManager the only software you need for project success.

Make Project Plans on Interactive Gantt Charts

One of the most important project documents is your project plan. You can make and share this with our Gantt chart, which organizes all your tasks, links dependencies and plots milestones to help you stay on schedule. It even filters for the critical path. Our online Gantt charts deliver real-time data and are easy to share so everyone is always working from the most current data.

Monitor Your Project With Real-Time Dashboards

Your project documentation only sets the stage for the execution of your project. To keep to those plans, you need to have a way to monitor progress and performance in real time. Our live dashboard automatically collects, calculates and delivers real-time metrics for time, workload and more. Unlike other tools, there’s no setup necessary. You see what’s happening as the project unfolds.

Go Deeper Into the Data With One-Click Reporting

When a high-level view isn’t enough, you can generate project reports with a keystroke. Get more information on your costs, progress and more. All reports can be filtered to show only the data you want to see. You can attach reports to stakeholder emails or print them out for presentations.

ProjectManager is a flexible tool that allows you to update your project documentation as needed as projects change. Everyone is updated with email notifications or in-app alerts, so there’s never any confusion about what’s expected. Use a tool that manages your project plan, resources, cost and team while storing all the project documentation you have to deliver success.

Related Content

• How to Write a Project Summary (Free Template Included)
• How to Write a Project Description: A Quick Guide
• How to Write an Executive Summary: A Quick Guide
• Ultimate Guide to Gantt Charts
• Ultimate Guide to Project Tracking
• How to Use a Project Decision Log for Optimal Results
• Documentation de projet : 15 documents de projet essentiels
• Projektdokumentation: 15 Wichtige Projektdokumente

Sure, documentation can be the bane of your project, but you need it. Some tools can help you do it easier, better and faster. The online software suite from ProjectManager is a great collaborative tool to create and store your project documentation for easier access and document sharing with your team. Get started for free.

The post Project Documentation: 25 Essential Project Documents appeared first on ProjectManager.

What Is Stakeholder Collaboration?

Stakeholder collaboration is a coordinated process in which project stakeholders and the project management team work together toward shared objectives. This joint effort blends technical insight, operational needs and strategic direction to shape decisions collectively. By involving both groups in discussions, reviews and problem-solving activities, collaboration builds stronger ownership and reduces disconnects. Within project management, this process creates clearer expectations, uncovers issues earlier and supports a more unified approach to guiding the project from start to finish.

With important projects and initiatives on the line, it’s essential to utilize the right tools for stakeholder collaboration. ProjectManager is designed to make stakeholder communication seamless, transparent and efficient, whether your stakeholders are team members, clients, leadership or external partners. With all project information in one shared platform, stakeholders don’t need to hunt down emails or documents. From Gantt charts that show timeline information to dashboards for executives who want high-level insight, our software enables everyone to see the project in the way that works best for them. Get started by taking a free 30-day trial.

What Are the Benefits of Effective Stakeholder Collaboration?

As stated above, stakeholder collaboration delivers value beyond simple information sharing between the project team planning and executing the project and stakeholders who actively take part in the project.

While stakeholders still need to leave the project team room for decision-making, when stakeholders actively participate, the project gains broader insight, smoother coordination and a stronger base of support when compared with projects where stakeholders are informed about the project but aren’t engaged. These partnerships help teams respond to uncertainty with greater confidence and ensure that decisions reflect the needs of everyone involved.

• Improved alignment between project goals and stakeholder expectations
• Faster decision-making due to clearer input and shared understanding
• Reduced resistance because stakeholders feel included in key discussions
• Earlier identification of risks and issues through diverse perspectives
• Greater accountability as responsibilities become more transparent
• More efficient use of resources thanks to coordinated planning
• Stronger support for approvals, changes and milestone sign-offs

Now that we have a better understanding of what stakeholder collaboration means in the project management field and why it matters, let’s zoom in on an important component of stakeholder collaboration, which is effective communication.

Related: 13 Free Stakeholder Management Templates for Excel & Word

Stakeholder Collaboration vs. Stakeholder Communication

Although stakeholder collaboration and stakeholder communication are closely connected, they serve different purposes within a project. Collaboration focuses on how stakeholders and the project team participate in shaping decisions—sharing insights, reviewing work and influencing the project’s direction.

Communication, on the other hand, is about how information moves between those same groups. It ensures that updates, expectations and responsibilities are delivered clearly and at the right time. Because it’s more specific, it can be considered a component of the larger stakeholder collaboration process.

In practice, collaboration cannot happen without communication, but communication alone doesn’t guarantee collaboration. A project may share frequent updates yet still struggle with engagement if stakeholders aren’t involved in discussions or problem-solving. By distinguishing these two functions, teams can design processes that both inform stakeholders and invite them to contribute meaningfully, resulting in stronger alignment and fewer disconnects as the project progresses.

With this distinction in mind, let’s take a closer look at what stakeholder communication involves and how it supports the overall collaboration process.

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Stakeholder Engagement Plan Template

Use this free Stakeholder Engagement Plan Template to manage your projects better.

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What Is Stakeholder Communication?

Stakeholder communication refers to the structured exchange of project information among individuals or groups with an interest in the outcome. Messages may address progress, risks, changes or upcoming activities, but the emphasis is always on delivering timely and relevant updates. In a project management context, this communication ensures every stakeholder understands how their role connects to the broader effort. Clear, predictable communication supports accountability and reduces misunderstandings during critical moments.

To better understand stakeholder collaboration, it’s important to define the following terms:

• Stakeholder communication strategy: Defines the overarching approach for sharing information with stakeholders, including goals, tone and guiding principles. It ensures communication stays consistent, intentional and aligned with how stakeholders prefer to receive updates.
• Stakeholder communication requirements: Specifies what information stakeholders need, the level of detail required and when updates must be delivered. Clear requirements prevent misunderstandings and help the team maintain predictable, transparent communication throughout the project.
• Stakeholder communication methods: Identifies the channels used to deliver information—email, meetings, reports, dashboards or collaboration tools. Choosing the right methods ensures stakeholders receive updates in a format that supports timely awareness and engagement.

In project management, these and other important stakeholder communication elements are described in a document known as a stakeholder communication plan.

What Is a Stakeholder Communication Plan?

A stakeholder communication plan outlines how project information will be created, shared and monitored throughout the project. It defines who receives updates, how often those updates occur and the channels used to distribute them. By documenting expectations early, teams prevent gaps that could lead to confusion or misalignment. Within project management, this plan acts as a roadmap for consistent messaging and ensures transparency as activities evolve and decisions are made.

What Should Be Included in a Stakeholder Communication Plan?

A strong stakeholder communication plan brings structure to how information moves through the project. Defining expectations early helps teams avoid guesswork, keeps messages consistent and ensures every stakeholder gets the right details at the right moment.

1. Stakeholder List & Roles

A clear list of all stakeholders, grouped by category (executive sponsors, team members, customers, vendors, regulators, etc.) and their roles in the project. This section should also specify influence levels, decision-making authority and points of contact so responsibilities remain transparent throughout execution.

2. Stakeholder Interests & Information Needs

Describe what each stakeholder cares about—progress, risks, budget, milestones, issues, approvals—and the level of detail they expect. Adding nuances such as preferred perspectives, sensitivity to specific risks or concerns about timeline shifts helps tailor messages that resonate with each audience.

3. Stakeholder Communication Objectives

State what the communication plan aims to achieve: align expectations, reduce misunderstandings, provide transparency, secure timely approvals, etc. Objectives should connect directly to project success and reflect what the team needs from stakeholders to maintain momentum and minimize disruptions.

4. Stakeholder Communication Methods & Channels

Specify how information will be delivered, such as email updates, meetings or stand-ups, reports (status reports, dashboards), project management tools and presentations or workshops. It’s helpful to match each channel to its ideal purpose so stakeholders know where to expect different types of updates.

5. Stakeholder Communication Frequency & Timing

Define how often each communication happens and when: weekly status report, monthly steering committee review, daily team stand-up, milestone-based briefings. You can also highlight timing dependencies, such as communications triggered by risk events, change requests or phase completions.

6. Message Content & Format

Explain what each communication includes: KPIs, milestones, risks & issues, change requests, budget status and next steps. Expanding format expectations—such as charts, bullet summaries or narrative explanations—helps standardize how information is presented across all project participants.

7. Responsible Person

Note who will prepare and send each communication (project manager, project coordinator, team lead, etc.). Identifying backup owners and support roles ensures continuity, especially during team absences or when rapid responses are required for emerging issues.

8. Feedback Gathering Mechanisms

Include how stakeholders can provide feedback or request clarification (email, meetings, comment threads in the PM tool). Encouraging two-way communication strengthens engagement and helps surface concerns early, allowing the team to make timely adjustments.

9. Escalation Process

Outline how critical issues get escalated, who is involved and how quickly they must respond. A clear escalation path reduces delays during urgent situations and ensures decision-makers intervene before risks escalate into larger project constraints.

10. Stakeholder Communication Matrix

A table summarizing stakeholder, information needed, format, channel, frequency and owner. This matrix becomes a quick-reference guide that keeps everyone aligned and makes it easier to onboard new team members or external partners.

Related: 37 Must-Have Project Management Templates for Google Sheets & Docs

11. Approval Requirements

Clarify which communications or documents require formal approval (e.g., a risk response, budget change, scope change). Stating approval thresholds prevents confusion and helps the project manager secure signatures or confirmations without unnecessary delays.

12. Plan Review & Updates

Describe when and how the communication plan itself will be reviewed and updated as the project evolves. Including checkpoints tied to major milestones or phase transitions ensures the plan remains accurate and relevant from start to finish.

Stakeholder Engagement Plan Template

This stakeholder engagement plan template provides a structured way to organize stakeholder collaboration and strengthen stakeholder communication throughout the project. By outlining roles, expectations and engagement methods, the template helps teams maintain alignment and anticipate stakeholder needs.

Each section supports clearer decision-making, reduces friction and keeps participants informed as the project evolves. With defined strategies, communication requirements and monitoring methods, project managers can maintain consistent participation from all groups. The result is a practical framework that improves transparency and supports a more cooperative project environment.

Free Related Stakeholder Collaboration Templates

Promoting stakeholder collaboration and stakeholder communication is fundamental for successful project delivery, which is why we’ve created dozens of stakeholder management templates for Excel, Word and Google Sheets. Here are some of them.

Stakeholder Analysis Template

This template helps project teams examine each stakeholder’s influence, priority and commitment level while also capturing preferred communication frequency and method. Users can organize motivations, concerns and expectations in one place, creating a clear picture of how each stakeholder affects the project and how engagement should be managed.

Stakeholder Map Template

This template uses a stakeholder matrix to position stakeholders across four quadrants—keep satisfied, manage closely, monitor and keep informed—based on their interest and influence. By visualizing their placement, teams can tailor engagement strategies and quickly determine which groups require the highest level of attention.

How ProjectManager Helps with Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication

Templates can be useful tools to stay in sync with stakeholders, but there are limitations. Why not try project management software instead? ProjectManager provides centralized project visibility for stakeholders, allowing you to build dashboards, Gantt charts and reports. Track project progress, costs, timeline, resource usage and more. With b

Centralized Project Visibility with Multiple Task Views

One of the most popular project views to keep stakeholders informed is the Gantt chart. It’s visual and intuitive, making it easy to see when key deliverables are planned, what tasks are dependent on others and roughly when things will be done. If other stakeholders prefer a list, board or calendar, they can work in the way that’s best for them. Regardless of the view used, all project data remains consistent across the software.

Guest Access & Real-time Collaboration

Built-in messaging and discussion features keep communication contextual and tied to the work. We also provide unlimited guest licenses that provide read-only access to certain project data. This means that if certain stakeholders such as vendors, clients, or external partners don’t need full editing rights, they can still view dashboards, reports and project status. Keep your stakeholders in the loop on important data without overwhelming them with details.

Related Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication Content

• 13 Free Stakeholder Management Templates for Excel & Word 
• How to Make a Stakeholder Management Plan
• Top 10 Stakeholder Management Skills for Project Managers
• Stakeholder Analysis 101 (Example & Template Included)
• Stakeholder Matrix: A Quick Guide With Free Templates

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment on tasks and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication in Project Management appeared first on ProjectManager.

Having a stakeholder communication plan ensures alignment, prevents misunderstandings and helps maintain trust between project managers and their stakeholders. Whether managing small teams or large enterprises, this structured plan keeps everyone informed and focused on project success.

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Stakeholder Communication Plan

Use this free Stakeholder Communication Plan for Word to manage your projects better.

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What Is a Stakeholder Communication Plan?

A stakeholder communication plan is a document that defines how project information will be distributed among stakeholders. It details communication methods, reporting frequency and the type of updates different stakeholders receive. The goal is to ensure everyone stays informed, engaged and aligned with the project’s goals. This plan reduces confusion and keeps decision-makers aware of progress, issues, and milestones.

Project management software simplifies stakeholder communication by centralizing updates, discussions and progress reports. With shared dashboards and automated notifications, teams can deliver real-time insights without relying on scattered emails or manual updates. Software tools allow stakeholders to view timelines, budgets and performance metrics from one source of truth, ensuring clarity and accountability across departments and projects.

ProjectManager is ideal for creating a stakeholder communication plan because it combines planning, tracking and collaboration tools in one platform. It lets managers assign communication responsibilities, schedule updates and visualize progress through AI-powered dashboards and reports. Customizable notifications, document sharing and workload tracking make it easy to maintain transparency within your team and for stakeholders. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

What Is a Stakeholder Communication Plan?

A stakeholder communication plan is a document that explains how information will be shared among project stakeholders. It outlines what needs to be communicated, who receives updates and how often communication occurs. The plan ensures that everyone stays informed and engaged throughout the project. It creates structure for managing expectations and helps avoid confusion or missed updates that could slow project progress.

When to Make a Stakeholder Communication Plan

Ideally, a stakeholder communication plan should be created at the start of a project during the planning phase. This ensures that communication expectations are set before work begins. Early planning helps identify all key stakeholders and determine the right level of detail for updates. Having a clear communication process early helps project managers maintain engagement and reduce issues caused by unclear or late information.

Why Is It Important to Write a Stakeholder Communication Plan?

Writing a stakeholder communication plan is important because it keeps all parties informed and aligned with project goals. It defines how updates will be shared, who will receive them and how feedback will be managed. A clear plan promotes transparency and trust among stakeholders. It also helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone knows the project’s progress and priorities at every stage.

Related: 13 Free Stakeholder Management Templates for Excel & Word

Who Is Responsible for Writing the Stakeholder Communication Plan?

The project manager is usually responsible for writing the stakeholder communication plan. They work closely with the project sponsor and key team members to identify stakeholders and their communication needs. The project manager ensures that the plan reflects each stakeholder’s role and level of involvement. They also oversee how communication is delivered and update the plan as the project evolves.

What Should Be Included in a Stakeholder Communication Plan?

A stakeholder communication plan should include details about who the stakeholders are, what information they need, when and how updates will be shared and who is responsible for communication. It should also define the communication goals and describe how feedback will be collected and used to keep everyone informed and aligned throughout the project.

1. Introduction & Purpose

This section explains the rationale for creating the stakeholder communication plan. It outlines how the plan supports project success by promoting transparency, alignment and trust among stakeholders. It also defines communication goals, such as ensuring consistent information flow, setting expectations and minimizing misunderstandings throughout the project life cycle.

2. Stakeholder Identification

This section lists all individuals and groups who have an interest or influence in the project. It categorizes them based on their role, authority and level of engagement. By identifying key stakeholders early, the project team can tailor communication efforts, address specific needs and build strong relationships that contribute to smoother collaboration and decision-making.

3. Communication Objectives

This section defines the purpose of project communications and what outcomes they should achieve. Objectives often include maintaining stakeholder alignment, managing expectations, supporting decision-making and keeping everyone informed of progress or risks. Clear communication objectives guide how messages are structured, delivered and monitored to ensure that every communication activity adds measurable value.

4. Communication Matrix

This section serves as the blueprint for all communication activities. It specifies who receives what information, how frequently, through which channels and who is responsible for delivering it. The communication matrix ensures accountability, consistency and efficiency by clearly mapping out the flow of information between stakeholders at every stage of the project.

5. Communication Channels

This section identifies the various tools, platforms and methods used to share information. Examples include meetings, email updates, dashboards, reports and collaboration software. By defining the most effective communication channels for each audience, the plan ensures that stakeholders receive timely, accessible and relevant information in the format they prefer.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

This section defines who is responsible for preparing, approving and delivering project communications. It clarifies accountability within the communication process, typically outlining roles for the project manager, sponsor and team members. Clearly defined responsibilities help prevent confusion, ensure consistency in messaging and maintain the flow of accurate information across all stakeholder groups.

7. Communication Activities Schedule

This section outlines the timing and frequency of communications throughout the project. It may include recurring status reports, review meetings or milestone updates. A structured communication schedule helps maintain stakeholder engagement, ensures timely reporting and aligns communication activities with key project phases or deliverables, promoting predictability and reliability across all interactions.

8. Feedback Gathering Methods

This section details how stakeholders can provide feedback, share concerns or request clarification. Examples include surveys, meetings and direct communication channels. Establishing feedback mechanisms fosters two-way communication, helping the project team understand stakeholder perspectives, address issues early and continuously improve the effectiveness of project communications and overall stakeholder satisfaction.

9. Escalation Procedures

This section describes how critical issues, delays or conflicts are communicated and escalated to the appropriate decision-makers. It defines escalation levels, responsible parties and response time expectations. A clear escalation process ensures that urgent matters are handled efficiently, minimizing disruptions and maintaining stakeholder confidence in the project’s communication and management systems.

10. Monitoring and Updates

This section explains how the communication plan’s effectiveness will be evaluated and adjusted as the project evolves. It includes methods for tracking communication performance, gathering feedback and updating the plan based on lessons learned. Continuous monitoring ensures that communication strategies remain relevant, efficient and aligned with changing stakeholder needs and project conditions.

Stakeholder Communication Plan Template

Download this free stakeholder communication plan to ensure that everyone involved in a project stays informed and aligned. This template outlines key elements, including project goals, stakeholder identification, communication objectives and a matrix specifying frequency, channels and responsible parties. By using this structured approach, project teams can maintain transparency, manage expectations and foster collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

It also defines feedback mechanisms, escalation procedures and monitoring activities to track communication effectiveness. Roles and responsibilities are clearly assigned, ensuring timely updates and accurate reporting. With a plan like this, projects run smoothly, risks are minimized and stakeholders remain engaged and supportive from start to finish.

Stakeholder Communication Plan Example

In the Downtown Office Expansion Project, effective communication was crucial to coordinating multiple stakeholders—from city officials and contractors to financial analysts and the executive board. To ensure information flowed efficiently and transparently, the project team developed a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan.

This plan outlines who needs what information, how and when it should be shared and who is responsible for delivering it. The following tables present the structure of that plan, demonstrating how clear communication channels, defined responsibilities and consistent feedback loops helped maintain alignment, minimize misunderstandings and keep the project progressing smoothly toward its milestones and objectives.

1. Introduction & Purpose

2. Stakeholder Identification

3. Communication Objectives

4. Communication Matrix

5. Communication Methods & Channels

6. Roles and Responsibilities

7. Schedule or Calendar

8. Feedback Mechanisms

9. Escalation Procedures

10. Monitoring and Updates

Free Related Stakeholder Management Templates

These free stakeholder management templates help project managers plan, track and improve communication with key stakeholders. Each template focuses on a specific aspect of stakeholder management, making it easier to organize data, assess influence and develop engagement strategies that keep projects on track and stakeholders informed.

Stakeholder Analysis Template

Download this free template to identify stakeholders, assess their influence and interest and prioritize communication efforts effectively.

Stakeholder Map Template

Use this visual template to help project managers plot stakeholders based on influence and interest, making it easier to tailor communication strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement Plan Template

This free template helps to develop a detailed plan for engaging stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, specifying communication methods, frequency and responsible parties.

ProjectManager Is Ideal for Managing Project Stakeholders

ProjectManager centralizes stakeholder information in one platform, making it easier for project managers to track communication, engagement and feedback. With real-time dashboards, you can see which stakeholders are up to date, identify gaps in communication and ensure everyone stays aligned with project objectives. This centralization reduces errors and improves overall project transparency, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged at every stage.

Streamline Stakeholder Communication

With ProjectManager, you can automate updates, schedule reports and send notifications directly to stakeholders. The platform allows you to assign communication responsibilities, set deadlines and monitor responses, ensuring timely and consistent engagement. Customizable dashboards display the status of stakeholder interactions, helping project managers maintain alignment and quickly address any concerns before they impact project progress.

Track Stakeholder Engagement

ProjectManager provides detailed analytics on stakeholder interactions, showing which stakeholders have read updates and participated in meetings. Use workload charts, timesheets and team pages to monitor engagement levels and resource allocation related to stakeholder activities. Reports and dashboards allow managers to adjust strategies, prioritize communication and improve overall stakeholder satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

Related Stakeholder Management Content

A stakeholder communication plan is part of the larger stakeholder management process. For readers who want to further their understanding of that subject, look below. There are links to articles with other stakeholder management templates, stakeholder map examples and more.

• 13 Free Stakeholder Management Templates for Excel & Word
• 5 Stakeholder Map Examples with Analysis
• Stakeholder Mapping 101: How to Make a Stakeholder Map
• How to Make a Stakeholder Management Plan
• Top 10 Stakeholder Management Skills for Project Managers
• What Is Stakeholder Management?

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post How to Write a Stakeholder Communication Plan: Example & Template appeared first on ProjectManager.

In this blog, we’ll look at how much project managers make around the world and what factors influence their salaries. From education and certifications to location and project scope, these variables all play a role in shaping project management pay scales.

How Much Does a Project Manager Make?: Determining Factors

So, how much does a project manager make? Several factors determine this, including experience, education, certifications and the industry they work in. For example, project managers in IT, construction or engineering typically earn more due to the complexity and technical nature of their projects. Location also plays a major role since the cost of living and demand for skilled managers differ greatly across countries and cities.

Regardless of salary, project managers must invest in reliable project management software to manage tasks, track progress and stay within budget. The right tool simplifies communication, improves resource allocation and reduces administrative workload, allowing managers to focus on strategic decision-making instead of manual coordination.

ProjectManager is the best software for project managers who want to boost productivity and efficiency. It offers powerful tools like online Gantt charts that link dependencies, filters for the critical path and sets a baseline to track progress in real time. Workload tracking and real-time dashboards provide complete visibility into project performance. With multiple views for teams, instant reporting enhanced by AI and built-in collaboration features, ProjectManager helps project managers deliver projects faster while staying on budget. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

While project management software is a must to get the job done, landing the position means having several skills, experience and other factors. Here’s a list of some of the more important things that employers are looking for in a project manager.

Project Management Certifications

Certifications can significantly impact how much project managers make. Credentials like PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile certifications validate a professional’s expertise and increase their earning potential. Employers view certified project managers as more skilled in methodologies, risk control and stakeholder communication, making them more competitive and likely to command higher salaries.

Work Experience

Experience plays a major role in determining how much project managers make. Entry-level project managers earn less since they are still learning to handle project complexity. With time and successful project completions, they gain valuable insights into budgeting, scheduling and leadership, leading to higher pay and opportunities to manage larger projects.

Seniority Level

Seniority strongly influences how much do project managers make. Junior project managers typically handle smaller teams and budgets, while senior managers oversee large programs or portfolios. As responsibility and decision-making authority increase, so does compensation, with senior project managers often earning the highest salaries due to their strategic and leadership roles.

Industry or Sector

The industry in which a project manager works directly affects their income. Fields like IT, construction and finance tend to offer higher pay due to the complexity and scale of projects. Project managers in manufacturing or education may earn less, but opportunities for growth and stability remain significant across industries.

Location or Region

Geographic location is one of the most important factors in how much project managers make. Salaries in major cities or developed countries are higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Remote or rural regions may offer lower pay, though they can provide better work-life balance and flexibility.

Company Size

How much do project managers make? The company size influences this answer because larger organizations often have bigger budgets and more complex projects. Managing cross-departmental initiatives or global programs demands greater oversight, which leads to higher salaries. Smaller firms may pay less but can offer more diverse responsibilities and faster career growth opportunities.

Related: 40 Project Management Skills: Soft, Hard & Technical Skills

How Much Do Project Managers Make in the US?

The pay for project managers in the US varies by experience, industry and location. On average, the total pay typically lands around $105,000, a number that reflects base salary plus typical additional pay such as bonuses or profit sharing. Here’s a breakdown according to various job sites.

Glassdoor

Glassdoor data shows that project managers in the U.S. typically earn between $80,000 and $138,000 per year, with a median total pay of around $105,000. Most base salaries fall in the $65,000 to $110,000 range, while bonuses, commissions and profit sharing usually add another $15,000 to $29,000. Senior project managers at top-paying companies can earn significantly more; in some cases, total compensation exceeds $200,000 a year.

ZipRecruiter

Data from ZipRecruiter notes that project managers in the US earn annual salaries ranging from approximately $38,500 at the low end to as high as $162,000 or more in top-paying roles. The average salary reported is around $105,000 per year. These numbers include both base salary and typical bonuses or commissions. The wide range shows that a project manager’s pay can vary greatly depending on experience, industry and location.

Salary.com

Salary.com reports that in the U.S., project managers typically earn around $75,758 a year on average. Entry-level roles start near $62,900, while experienced managers can reach $82,800 or more. These figures cover base pay only—bonuses, profit sharing, and factors like location or industry can push total compensation even higher.

Indeed

According to Indeed, the average base salary for a project manager in the United States is approximately $94,987 per year. Reported lows start around $60,535 and highs reach about $149,047. These numbers come from more than 40,000 salary reports collected over the past three years. A project manager’s position within this range is influenced by factors like industry, location, experience and additional earnings such as bonuses.

PayScale

According to PayScale, U.S. project managers usually earn around $82,500 annually, with most salaries falling between $46K and $111K. That’s just the base, as bonuses and profit sharing can boost it further. Where you work, your experience and any certifications you hold can make a big difference in your paycheck.

How Much Do Project Managers Make in the UK?

Project manager pay in the UK varies with experience, industry and location. Junior roles earn less, while senior positions in high-demand sectors can bring in more. Using project management tools can boost efficiency and help maximize earning potential.

Glassdoor

According to Glassdoor, the average total pay for a project manager in the United Kingdom is approximately £49,243 per year. The typical pay range falls between about £37,981 at the 25th percentile and £65,245 at the 75th percentile. Top earners reach up to around £85,274 or more. These figures reflect salaries across industries and experience levels and location plays a strong role in compensation.

Salary.com

Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for a project manager  in the United Kingdom is about £43,343. The reported salary range spans from approximately £37,932 at the 25th percentile to £49,723 at the 75th percentile. These numbers represent base salaries only and don’t account for bonuses or other variable pay. Factors like location, industry and experience can all have a big impact on a project manager’s total earnings.

Indeed

Indeed data shows that project managers in the UK typically earn around £49,500 a year, though entry-level roles start closer to £38,000 and experienced professionals in top-paying sectors can reach £73,500 or more. Salaries vary widely depending on location, industry and experience, making it important for project managers to understand where they stand in the market.

PayScale

PayScale reports that the average annual salary for a project manager in the United Kingdom is about £49,178. Reported lows begin around £37,000, while the higher end can approach £57,000 for experienced professionals. Variations stem from factors such as industry, location and project scope. These figures reflect base salary only and typically exclude bonuses, profit sharing or additional compensation packages.

Related: 32 Must-Have Project Management Templates for Google Sheets

How Much Do Project Managers Make in Canada?

Project managers in Canada earn salaries that vary widely depending on factors like industry, experience and region. Understanding these salary ranges helps aspiring and current project managers gauge their earning potential and plan their career paths effectively. Certifications, company size and the complexity of projects managed can also influence compensation.

Glassdoor

Glassdoor data indicates a typical salary range for project managers in Canada between CA$70,258 (25th percentile) and CA$114,203 (75th percentile), with an average of CA$88,918 per year. Top earners report figures up to about CA$145,643 annually.

Levels.fyi 

Levels.fyi shows the salary range for project managers in Canada from approximately CA$90,716 (25th percentile) to CA$135,037 (75th percentile), with a median total compensation of CA$112,931.

Indeed

According to Indeed, the average base salary for a project manager in Canada is approximately  CA$92,993 per year. The site reports entry‑level project managers earning around CA$61,619 while lead project managers average around  CA$111,889 annually. Salaries vary widely by location, industry and years of experience.

Talent.com

Talent.com reports that the average salary for a project manager in Canada is approximately CA$138,510 per year. Entry‑level positions begin around CA$57,000 annually, while top earners report salaries up to CA$315,860 or more, depending on experience, industry and region.

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How Much Do Project Managers Make in Australia?

In Australia, project managers typically earn an average salary of around A$130,000 per year, though this can vary depending on factors like industry, experience and location. Entry-level roles usually sit below that figure, while senior positions can earn significantly more. Knowing these salary ranges gives professionals a better understanding of their earning potential and helps them plan their career growth more confidently.

SEEK

According to SEEK, the salary range for project managers in Australia typically falls between AUD $120,000 and AUD $200,000 per year, depending on industry, experience and location. Some advertised roles list salaries around AUD $100,000 to AUD $130,000 for mid‑level positions, while senior roles in construction or infrastructure can offer upwards of AUD $180,000 or more. These figures reflect base salary and may exclude bonuses or other benefits.

Indeed

Indeed reports the average base salary for a project manager in Australia at approximately A$130,602 per year, based on 2,200 salary submissions. The highest reported earnings in cities like Perth reach around A$153,762, while entry‑level roles start near A$93,301. These figures reflect differing industries, levels of experience and geographic cost variations.

MASTT

According to MASTT’s 2025 salary guide, project managers in Australia typically earn between A$140,000 and A$150,000 per year, with senior or directorial roles reaching A$190,000 to A$200,000 or more. This range varies based on project complexity, certifications and sector, such as infrastructure or mining.

Levels.fyi

Levels.fyi notes that project managers in Australia have a median total compensation of about A$138,266 per year. The 25th percentile is approximately A$115,321, while the 75th percentile is around A$171,582. Some reported packages reach up to A$191,000 for highly experienced professionals in top roles. These figures include base pay as well as bonuses, stock awards or other incentives.

How Much Do Project Managers Make in New Zealand?

Project manager salaries in New Zealand can vary quite a bit depending on your industry, experience and where you’re based. On average, project managers earn around NZ$111,500 per year, with entry-level positions starting at about NZ$58,000 and senior roles often exceeding NZ$150,000. We’ve outlined these figures to help professionals get a clearer picture of their earning potential and make more informed decisions about their career development.

PayScale

PayScale notes that the average base salary for a project manager in New Zealand is approximately NZ$101,560 per year. The range spans from around NZ$71,000 at the lower end to about NZ$141,000 at the high end. These figures reflect reported data for IT project managers and may vary by industry, certifications and years of experience.

Indeed

According to Indeed New Zealand, the average base salary for a project manager is approximately NZ$115,000 per year. Reported low figures start near  NZ$68,000, while high earners reach around  NZ$150,000 or more, depending on experience, industry and location. These numbers are based on multiple salary entries across New  Zealand and show how much a project manager can make in that market.

Glassdoor

Glassdoor data shows that project managers in New Zealand typically earn between NZ$103,000 and NZ$152,000 a year, with a median salary of around NZ$125,000. Most base salaries fall in the NZ$100,000 to NZ$140,000 range, plus an extra NZ$3,000 to NZ$12,000 in bonuses or other compensation. These numbers give a good snapshot of what professionals across different industries and experience levels are earning.

Levels.fyi

According to Levels.fyi, the median total compensation for a Project Manager in New Zealand is NZ$136,231 per year, with a typical range between approximately NZ$131,000 (25th percentile) and NZ$159,000 (75th percentile). Some reported packages for senior or high-impact roles reach up to around NZ$338,000. These figures reflect total compensation, including base salary, bonuses and other incentives.

Free Templates for Project Managers

Project managers can streamline their workflow and improve efficiency using free templates. These resources help plan projects, track budgets and visualize schedules, making it easier to manage tasks, resources and timelines effectively. Below are key templates that every project manager can leverage to keep projects on track and ensure team alignment.

Project Plan Template

Download this free template for defining project goals, scope, deliverables and timelines. Project managers can map out each phase of the project, assign responsibilities and set milestones. Using a project plan template ensures clear communication with stakeholders and a well-documented plan to guide execution and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Project Budget Template

Use this free project budget template to estimate and track costs for resources, labor and materials. It helps monitor actual versus planned expenditures, identify cost variances and maintain financial control. This template is essential for preventing budget overruns and making informed decisions about resource allocation and cost management throughout the project.

Gantt Chart Template

This free Gantt chart template provides a visual timeline for project tasks and milestones. Project managers can assign start and end dates, track progress and manage dependencies between tasks. Using a Gantt chart template improves scheduling, enhances team coordination and allows stakeholders to easily understand the project’s timeline and status at a glance.

ProjectManager Is the Perfect Tool for Project Managers

ProjectManager gives project managers a comprehensive platform to manage multiple projects simultaneously. With multiple project views, including Gantt charts, kanban boards and task lists, managers can visualize workflows, monitor progress and adjust schedules quickly. This flexibility ensures better planning, improved collaboration and more efficient decision-making across teams and projects.

Manage Resources Efficiently

With robust resource management tools, project managers can assign tasks, monitor workloads and balance team capacity effectively. The team page and workload charts provide real-time insight into who is available and who is overbooked. This allows managers to allocate resources optimally, prevent bottlenecks and ensure deadlines are met without overloading staff.

Track Progress and Costs

ProjectManager offers advanced tracking features, including AI-powered dashboards, customizable reports and timesheets for logging labor hours. Managers can monitor project budgets, labor costs and overall progress in real time. Tools like AI Project Insights enable data-driven decisions, early identification of risks and accurate reporting to stakeholders, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

Content Related to Project Managers

Now that you know how much project managers make, let’s focus on how to become one, how to ace the interview and other necessary skills to land that position. The links below provide a lot of useful information.

• How to Become a Project Manager (And Get a Job)
• Best 30 Project Manager Interview Questions and Answers
• Project Manager Resume: Examples & Template Included
• Project Manager Titles – A Quick Guide
• Project Manager Job Description & Free Examples

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post How Much Do Project Managers Make Around the World? appeared first on ProjectManager.

While there have been challenges to its rule, and many who have surpassed it, Microsoft remains a giant in this industry. No discussion of project management software would be complete without including Microsoft Project.

But what is Microsoft Project and what are its key features? Let’s explore Microsoft Project so you can determine if it’s the right project management software for you. If it doesn’t check all of your boxes, you may be better off with a Microsoft Project alternative.

What Is Microsoft Project?

Microsoft Project is project management software that’s used to create schedules, project plans, manage resources and keep track of time. It has features such as Gantt charts, kanban boards and project calendars for project management professionals.

The software is offered as two desktop editions, each with varying levels of functionality. While it provides robust planning tools, it is often considered complex, costly, and less collaborative compared to modern cloud-based solutions, which can limit accessibility for wider teams.

Microsoft Project is also referred to as MS Project, Project Standard or Project Professional, which are the two official names of the current versions of the software. This distinction is important, as Microsoft offers other products with similar names, such as Microsoft Planner, Project Server, and Dynamics 365 Project Operations.

Microsoft Project Plans & Pricing

Microsoft Project was once offered through subscription services such as Project Online and Project for the Web. These products have since been discontinued, and Microsoft Project is now only available as a desktop application in two editions: Project Standard 2024 and Project Professional 2024.

• Project Standard 2024: $679.99 one-time license purchase
• Project Professional 2024: $1,129.99 one-time license purchase

Many argue that this pricing structure is not convenient for many teams because prices can go up exponentially as you add team members. There are many Microsoft Project alternatives in the market such as ProjectManager, which have the same project portfolio management features for less.

If you’re looking for a less expensive and more flexible project management software, there’s ProjectManager, work and project management software that’s collaborative and lets you work how you please. Unlike Microsoft Project, we offer a collaborative, intuitive platform with multiple project views—managers can plan projects on Gantt charts or the sheet view while teams can use kanban boards, calendars or robust task lists to manage their work. Get started today for free.

Microsoft Project Views

Like ProjectManager, Microsoft Project offers multiple views for project managers and teams though its platform is not nearly as collaborative. Here’s a simple description of MS Project’s offered views.

• Grid View: A spreadsheet-like view used to plan and manage projects with task lists, start and finish dates, durations and dependencies. It allows filtering, grouping and sorting for flexible task organization.
• Board View: A visual kanban-style board for managing workflow and task status. Note: this view was more prominent in Project for the Web, and in the current desktop editions of Microsoft Project, equivalent functionality may require customization or third-party integration.
• Timeline View: The traditional Gantt chart for scheduling tasks over a project timeline. In Microsoft Project Standard 2024 and Project Professional 2024 you can create multiple timeline bars, highlight task paths, and visualize the critical path.
• Network Diagram View: Displays tasks and dependencies in a flowchart-style diagram, useful for understanding relationships at a glance.
• Calendar View: Shows tasks laid out across a monthly or weekly calendar, helpful for deadline-driven projects.

Microsoft Project Features

There are plenty of features that project managers and their teams need to better manage their work and MSP has a number of them. However, to get a full picture, here’s a list of the key features available to customers who are willing to pay the price.

• Project Planning: Use Gantt charts, task dependencies, milestones and multiple timelines to plan work. Microsoft Project’s planning engine automatically adjusts dates when changes occur, offering more control than Microsoft Planner.
• Communication & Collaboration: Microsoft Project Standard 2024 does not support real-time coauthoring, but files can still be shared, exported to Excel, or printed. For real-time communication, Microsoft Teams remains the complementary solution.
• Coauthoring: Available in Microsoft Project Professional 2024, which allows files to be shared and updated through SharePoint or OneDrive. In Project Standard 2024, only single-user editing is supported.
• Reporting: Pre-built reports to track progress, cost, resources, programs and portfolios. Custom visual reports can also be generated in Excel or Power BI.
• Roadmap: The Roadmap feature in Microsoft Project Professional 2024 allows you to track high-level goals, phases and milestones across multiple projects, offering visibility into portfolios.
• Timesheets: Timesheet collection is not built into Microsoft Project Standard 2024. This functionality is included in Project Professional 2024, which supports capturing project and non-project work for reporting and payroll.
• Resource Management: Microsoft Project Standard 2024 lets you assign and track resources against tasks, monitor workloads and costs. Project Professional 2024 expands this with advanced features like resource pooling, engagements and enterprise-level management.
• Baselines & Tracking: Set project baselines and measure actual progress against planned schedules, helping managers identify slippage or budget overruns.

Here’s a table that summarizes the views and features offered by Microsoft Project, distinguishing between Project Standard 2024 and Project Professional 2024.

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Project

Nothing is perfect. Even Microsoft Project has its drawbacks. If you’re thinking of trying it for yourself, take a moment to consider its pros and cons.

Pros

• One of the biggest pros is that it’s a Microsoft product so it integrates with the company’s other products including Microsoft 365, Skype and SharePoint.
• It has a similar interface to other MS products.
• It’s been around for a long time, and its features have developed over time.
• It’s part of Microsoft and has the reliability and support that’s associated with an established company.
• It has financial management tools that help project managers with estimating budgets.
• It can be licensed as a desktop application. While this might make it seem more like a dinosaur, there are still organizations that prefer this over a purely cloud solution.
• It has templates to help users get started, which saves time.

Cons

• Microsoft Project has limited cloud functionality compared to modern SaaS tools. Even with SharePoint integration, it lacks the flexibility and ease of use that fully cloud-native solutions provide.
• It’s difficult to learn and use. There’s a lot of time and effort, and even intensive training, that must first be invested in the software before project managers and their teams are comfortable using the software. This adds time to the project during the implementation stage.
• It’s expensive. The one-time license costs are high, and for Professional 2024, the price is even higher if you want collaboration features. This quickly adds up as you buy licenses for team members who require access to the software in order to take advantage of its collaborative features. Otherwise, it’s more of an expensive tool solely for the project manager.
• It’s not easily shareable. As mentioned earlier, files are saved in an MPP, a proprietary format, so that if you’re not using MS Project, you can’t read those files. This would be less of a problem if the software was less expensive, but if you must have an MS Project license to view an MPP file, then it adds up. This creates a lot of unnecessary hurdles when sharing project files.

Microsoft Project FAQ

Is Microsoft Project Free?

No, Microsoft Project is not free. It’s only available as a one-time purchase: Microsoft Project Standard 2024 costs $679.99, and Microsoft Project Professional 2024 costs $1,129.99. In fact, the price is higher than most comparable project management software.

Is Microsoft Project Included in Microsoft 365?

Microsoft Project is part of the larger suite of Microsoft Office products, yet it is not packaged with other Office software such as Word, Excel and Outlook. There are two editions available, the Microsoft Project Standard 2024 and Microsoft Project Professional 2024 versions. Both share a unique file format, called MPP.

Does MS Project Work on Mac?

Currently, the desktop version of Microsoft Project isn’t compatible with Mac computers, but there is a workaround if you need to run MS Project for Mac. You can use a virtual machine or simply find a Microsoft Project alternative.

ProjectManager is the best MS project alternative for Mac, because it provides even more features than Microsoft Project in a fully online collaboration environment that’s easier to use.

ProjectManager Is the Best MS Project Alternative

If you feel like MS Project isn’t the perfect fit for you, don’t worry. ProjectManager lets you plan projects online in an easy-to-use format that’s ideal for collaboration. You can import and edit MPP files via our Microsoft Project integration.

Share Plans With Team and Stakeholders

Unlike MS Project, our software is collaborative to the core. You don’t need to sign up for SharePoint or break the bank buying licenses for all your team members. Managers can make plans on our interactive Gantt chart, even filtering for the critical path. Once a baseline is set, you can track progress in real-time. Then just share the plan with your team and stakeholders. It’s that easy.

Automate Busywork and Keep Teams Productive

Our software is easy to use and there’s no training. It’s plug-and-play. In fact, we’ve added custom workflows and task approvals to streamline your business processes and keep teams focused on more important matters. Managers can create as many triggers as they want to set off actions and then authorize who can change the status of a task to control the quality of the work being done.

Collaborate and Work Better Together

While ProjectManager doesn’t have a desktop application, its cloud-based software can be used anytime, anywhere. Hybrid teams love our software because both traditional and agile teams can use it to work together. Teams can comment at the task level, share files and stay updated with email notifications and in-app alerts. There’s a single source of truth so everyone is always on the same page.

ProjectManager even offers hands-on support from a knowledgeable support team. It’s all part of the package when you use our tool, as well as onboarding and training for business and enterprise plans. Maybe it’s time to take down the Goliath in the industry and work with a tool that helps you rather than gets in your way.

More Microsoft Project Alternatives

While there are no other Microsoft products with the same features as Project Standard 2024 or Project Professional 2024, Microsoft does offer some project task management tools that can still be helpful.

Microsoft Planner Basic

Microsoft Planner Basic can serve as a feasible replacement for Microsoft Project when teams need straightforward task organization rather than advanced project scheduling. Its kanban-style boards let users create tasks, assign owners, set due dates, and track progress visually.

Microsoft Planner Premium

Microsoft Planner Premium extends the functionality of Planner Basic with AI-driven features, advanced task tracking, and more sophisticated project visualization, making it a stronger alternative to Microsoft Project. Premium users benefit from templates, task prioritization, workflow automation.

Microsoft Project Server

Microsoft Project Server is a comprehensive enterprise solution that can serve as a full replacement for Microsoft Project, especially for organizations requiring centralized project and portfolio management. Though it requires server infrastructure and setup, its ability to provide enterprise-wide visibility and control makes it a robust alternative to Microsoft Project.

Microsoft Lists

Microsoft Lists offers a collaborative way to manage projects, making it a feasible alternative to Microsoft Project for teams that need customizable task tracking. While it lacks advanced scheduling features like Gantt charts, its adaptability and low learning curve make it effective for teams seeking a lighter replacement to Microsoft Project.

Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do can serve as a lightweight alternative for Microsoft Project when individuals or small teams need simple task management rather than advanced project scheduling. It allows users to create task lists, set reminders, track deadlines, and sync across devices within Microsoft 365.

Related Microsoft Project Content

• Microsoft Project: Plans, Training and How to Download
• Top Microsoft Project Management Software
• Best Microsoft Project Alternatives
• Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives
• Microsoft Project Server: Pros, Cons and Best Alternatives
• Microsoft Project Viewer – How to View & Edit MPP Files Online
• MPP File Extension: What Is It & How to Open It
• What Is Microsoft Lists? Uses, Features and Pricing
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations: Pros, Cons and Best Alternatives
• ¿Qué Es Microsoft Project? Usos, Funciones y Precio
• Qu’est-ce que Microsoft Project ? Utilisations, fonctionnalités et tarifs
• Was ist Microsoft Project? Verwendung, Funktionen und Preise

ProjectManager is a cloud-based project management software, which automatically reflects status updates when they’re posted. Project managers have the tools to control the planning, monitoring and reporting of the project’s progress, and team members can collaborate with features that are simple to understand. Try ProjectManager today with this free 30-day free trial.

The post What Is Microsoft Project? Uses, Features and Pricing appeared first on ProjectManager.

Action plan examples are widely used across industries because they create structure and accountability. They help managers communicate expectations, track deliverables and spot potential roadblocks before they derail the project. With the right action plan example, teams can work more efficiently, avoid duplication of effort and stay on schedule even when challenges arise. In this guide, we’ll explore nine action plan examples from different industries and provide a free template you can use to create your own.

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Action Plan Template

Use this free Action Plan Template to manage your projects better.

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Key Elements of an Action Plan Example

Every action plan example is made up of key components that keep work organized and moving forward. These elements clarify what needs to be done, who is responsible and when tasks should be completed. By including all the core parts of an action plan, teams can coordinate efforts, avoid confusion and ensure that work stays on track from start to finish.

While you can build a simple action plan on paper or in a spreadsheet, project management software makes it easier to plan and execute every step. Software gives you the ability to assign tasks, set deadlines, manage dependencies and track progress in real time. This eliminates guesswork and helps teams see how their work impacts the overall project.

ProjectManager is an ideal tool for creating and managing any action plan example because it offers Gantt charts, task lists, kanban boards and calendars that make planning more visual and interactive. Teams can collaborate in one place, share files, comment on tasks and get notified when work is completed. Real-time dashboards and customizable reports keep managers informed and help them make adjustments quickly when priorities shift. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

To build a strong action plan, make sure you include all of the following elements.

• Goals and Objectives: Clear statements that define what the plan aims to achieve.
• Action Steps: Specific steps or phases that outline how the goals will be met.
• Action Items: Individual tasks assigned to team members for completion.
• Key Performance Indicators: Metrics that measure progress and success throughout the plan.
• Timeline: A schedule that sets deadlines for each step and task.
• Resources: The people, tools and materials required to execute the plan.
• Costs: The budget needed to complete each action step and the overall plan.

1. Construction Project Action Plan Example

A construction project action plan example organizes every phase of the build from site preparation to final inspection. It starts with clear goals and objectives, such as delivering a new office building on time and within budget. The action steps are divided into phases like design, permitting, procurement and construction. Each phase contains action items such as submitting plans, ordering materials and scheduling crews.

Success is measured with key performance indicators like on-time milestone completion and adherence to cost estimates. A detailed timeline maps out start and finish dates for every step. The plan identifies resources, including subcontractors, equipment and permits, along with the costs associated with each. This approach ensures that stakeholders have a clear roadmap and can make timely decisions to keep the project moving forward.

2. Strategic Action Plan Example

A strategic action plan example aligns long-term organizational goals with actionable steps. Goals and objectives may include entering a new market or increasing customer retention. The action steps break these big goals into manageable initiatives such as market research, product development and new marketing campaigns.

Action items are assigned to department heads or teams who own their part of the strategy. Key performance indicators measure progress toward growth targets or ROI. A timeline ensures initiatives are launched in the right order, while resources and costs are allocated based on company priorities. This plan gives leadership visibility and helps them monitor execution across the organization.

Related: 12 Free Strategic Planning Templates for Excel and Word

3. Operational Action Plan Example

An operational action plan example focuses on improving day-to-day processes. The goals and objectives may be to boost efficiency or reduce waste in a production line. Action steps could include staff training, upgrading machinery and updating SOPs.

Specific action items, such as scheduling training sessions and ordering parts, are assigned to supervisors. Key performance indicators like throughput rates or defect reduction measure results. A timeline sets deadlines for implementation, while resources such as technicians, tools and spare parts are planned. The costs are tracked to keep improvements within budget and ensure ROI.

4. SMART Action Plan Example

A SMART action plan example ensures that goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Each goal and objective follows this framework to keep work realistic and focused. Action steps are outlined in a way that supports each SMART goal.

Action items are written clearly so there’s no ambiguity about who does what. Key performance indicators are measurable targets that show if the plan is on track. A precise timeline with deadlines is critical for the “time-bound” aspect. Required resources and costs are included to ensure goals remain achievable within available constraints.

Related: Free SMART Goals Template

5. Corrective Action Plan Example

A corrective action plan example is created when something has gone wrong, such as a quality failure or compliance issue. Goals and objectives are aimed at solving the problem and preventing recurrence. The action steps may include root cause analysis, retraining staff and updating procedures.

Action items are very detailed because timing is often critical. Key performance indicators focus on confirming the issue has been resolved, such as zero defects over a set period. The timeline is usually short to mitigate risk quickly. The plan lists resources like investigators, trainers or consultants and specifies costs to implement the fix.

6. IT Disaster Recovery Action Plan Example

An IT disaster recovery action plan example minimizes downtime during a system failure or cyber incident. Goals and objectives include restoring critical systems quickly and protecting data. Action steps cover everything from backups to communication protocols and system testing.

Action items include notifying key stakeholders, switching to backup servers and verifying restored data. Key performance indicators measure recovery time objectives and system uptime. The timeline is precise, often measured in hours or minutes. Required resources include IT staff, cloud services and recovery tools, with costs tracked to ensure continuity planning remains sustainable.

7. Event Management Action Plan Example

An event management action plan example keeps every detail organized leading up to a conference, trade show or corporate event. Goals and objectives could include audience size, sponsorship targets or engagement metrics. Action steps involve venue booking, vendor coordination, marketing and logistics.

Action items are broken down to tasks like sending invitations, ordering signage and scheduling staff. Key performance indicators measure registrations, attendance and post-event feedback. The timeline works backward from the event date to ensure nothing is missed. The plan assigns resources such as event planners, AV teams and catering while tracking costs to stay within budget.

Related: 12 Free Event Planning Templates for Excel and Word

8. Manufacturing Action Plan Example

A manufacturing action plan example improves production efficiency and output. Goals and objectives may focus on reducing downtime, increasing throughput or implementing lean manufacturing practices. Action steps include equipment maintenance schedules, workflow redesign and staff training.

Action items assign responsibility for tasks like preventive maintenance, quality checks and process audits. Key performance indicators track metrics such as cycle time, defect rate and OEE (overall equipment effectiveness). A well-structured timeline ensures changes are implemented with minimal disruption. The plan lists resources, including operators, technicians and tools, while accounting for costs to keep initiatives financially viable.

9. Excel Action Plan Example

Excel can be a useful tool to present the key elements of any action plan. This Excel project action plan example shows how a marketing team can structure the launch of a new website from research to design and execution. The plan begins with clear goals—boosting brand visibility, driving organic traffic and improving customer engagement—supported by measurable objectives.

Each action step is broken into prioritized tasks with deadlines, assigned team members, KPIs and estimated costs. From hiring a marketing specialist and segmenting the audience to creating site architecture, designing the UI and preparing SEO, the plan keeps everything organized. This ensures accountability, resource allocation and progress tracking throughout the website development process.

The timeline view shows how tasks are sequenced and the duration of each activity. From short two-week research efforts to a six-week design phase and a focused one-week launch window, the schedule makes it clear when milestones need to be met. Ongoing tasks such as content creation and site monitoring are also included, ensuring that post-launch work doesn’t get overlooked.

The resources table highlights the departments, tools and estimated costs required at each stage of the project. By detailing HR involvement, marketing software, web development tools and graphic design needs, the plan ensures the team understands what’s required to execute tasks effectively. Tracking costs alongside resources also makes it easier to manage the budget while keeping everyone accountable.

Action Plan Template for Excel

Download this free action plan template for Excel to organize everything you need to achieve goals in your projects. The template includes sections for listing action steps and the tasks or action items under each step. It also lets you assign ownership, status, priority and phase for each action item. The timeline fields allow you to enter start dates, due dates and planned hours so that tasks are scheduled realistically. Resources required and estimated costs are captured too so you can budget more accurately.

This action plan template for Excel is flexible enough to handle various types of action plans—project action plans, corrective action plans, strategic plans or contingency plans. You’ll also find built-in fields for tracking priority levels and assigning who is responsible for each task. Because tasks are laid out clearly in spreadsheet rows, it’s easy to update status and see progress. And since it’s Excel, you can customize it to your needs while still having all the core elements in one place.

Related Project Management Templates

Action plans are just one piece of effective project management. To help you get more done, here are some related templates that can work alongside your action plan template. These tools can improve goal setting, task tracking and budget monitoring so projects run smoothly from start to finish.

SMART Goals Template

Download this free template to define goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. By structuring objectives this way, teams have clear targets and a way to measure success.

Task Tracker Dashboard Template

Use this free dashboard to monitor task progress in real time. It gives you a visual view of what’s in progress, what’s completed and what may be overdue so you can take action quickly.

Budget Dashboard Template

This template helps you track project costs against your planned budget. It provides insights into where funds are being spent and alerts you when spending is approaching limits.

How ProjectManager Helps Plan, Schedule and Track Action Plans

Managing an action plan example is easier when you can see tasks from multiple perspectives. ProjectManager offers multiple project views—task lists, kanban boards, calendars and Gantt charts—so teams can work the way they prefer. Gantt charts connect tasks with dependencies and show the critical path, while kanban boards allow you to visualize workflows. Calendar and list views make it easy to stay on top of deadlines and priorities.

Robust Resource Management and Cost Tracking Tools

ProjectManager’s resource management tools help you allocate people and resources efficiently. Workload charts show who is overallocated so you can rebalance tasks and avoid bottlenecks. Cost tracking features let you compare actual spending against your budget in real time and adjust before overruns occur. With all resources and costs visible in one place, you can make data-driven decisions that keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Real-time Project Dashboards and Reports

Dashboards give you an instant view of project health by tracking key metrics like task progress, workload and costs. Real-time reporting makes it easy to generate updates for stakeholders without manually compiling data. You can customize reports for status, variance and other KPIs to ensure everyone stays informed. With ProjectManager, you can identify risks early, take corrective action and keep your action plan moving toward successful completion.

Related Content

Action plan examples are helpful to learn how to plan and execute projects. For readers who care to go further, below are some recently published articles on how to write an action plan, what contingency planning is and much more.

• How to Write an Action Plan (Example Included)
• 18 Free Project Planning Templates for Excel and Word
• What Is a Transition Plan? Example & Template Included
• What Is an Implementation Plan? (Template & Example Included)
• Creating a Tactical Plan for Your Business
• How to Make a Process Improvement Plan (Free Template)
• What Is Contingency Planning? Creating a Contingency Plan

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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These project management examples also demonstrate how tools and methodologies are used to manage complexity, coordinate resources and communicate progress. Whether it’s a small internal project or a large-scale initiative, seeing how other teams succeed provides inspiration and practical guidance. Below are seven project management examples from across industries that illustrate effective project planning and execution.

Key Elements of These Project Management Examples

These project management examples share several common elements that ensure projects run smoothly and achieve their objectives. From clear goals to well-defined timelines, understanding these key components helps project managers plan, execute and monitor projects effectively. Each element plays a role in minimizing risks, optimizing resources and maintaining stakeholder alignment.

Using project management software makes managing these elements easier and more efficient. Instead of tracking details manually across spreadsheets or documents, software consolidates information, automates calculations and provides real-time visibility. This ensures that project managers can monitor progress, identify bottlenecks and make adjustments quickly without losing control of the project.

ProjectManager is the ideal software for managing project management examples because it combines Gantt charts, multiple project views, dashboards and reporting tools in one platform. Gantt charts allow managers to visualize dependencies, track milestones and set baselines to measure variance. Meanwhile, features like resource management, customizable dashboards and automated reporting make it easy to stay on top of all project elements and deliver projects on time and within budget. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

Before we get to the examples, here’s a list of the project management elements that can be found in each, regardless of the industry.

• Project Goals and Objectives: Clearly define what the project aims to achieve, providing direction for the team and a benchmark for success.
• Project Scope: Establish the boundaries of the project, specifying what is included and excluded to prevent scope creep.
• Project Deliverables: List the tangible or intangible outputs the project will produce, ensuring expectations are clear for stakeholders.
• Project Resources: Identify the team members, equipment and materials needed, allowing for proper allocation and workload management.
• Project Cost: Plan and monitor the budget to keep expenses under control and make informed financial decisions throughout the project.
• Project Stakeholders: Determine who is impacted or involved, ensuring proper communication and alignment with all parties.
• Project Timeline: Outline the schedule, milestones and deadlines to track progress and maintain accountability for task completion.
• Project Risks: Identify potential issues or obstacles that could impact the project and develop mitigation strategies to minimize their effect.

7 Project Management Examples from Across Industries

Project management examples across industries show how structured planning, execution and monitoring principles can be applied to a variety of contexts. Each industry has unique challenges, from managing resources and timelines to navigating stakeholder expectations and risks. By examining these examples, teams can learn how to adapt best practices and tools to deliver successful outcomes consistently.

While the specific deliverables and resources may vary, these examples share core project management elements: goals and objectives, scope, deliverables, resources, cost, stakeholders, timelines and risk management. Understanding how these elements are applied in real-world projects helps teams identify lessons learned and improve efficiency in their own projects.

1. Construction Project Management Example

In a construction project, the goal might be to build a commercial office building on time and within budget. The project scope includes design, permitting, foundation work, framing, electrical and plumbing systems, finishing and inspections. Deliverables are completed building structures, safety reports and compliance certifications.

Related: 20 Free Excel Construction Templates

Resources include architects, engineers, laborers, heavy equipment and materials. Project costs are monitored through budgets and procurement systems. Stakeholders include investors, contractors, local authorities and tenants. A detailed project timeline is developed using milestones such as foundation completion, structural framing and occupancy permits.

Potential risks include weather delays, labor shortages, supply chain issues and regulatory changes. By managing these elements carefully, construction teams ensure that each phase progresses on schedule, costs are controlled and stakeholders are kept informed, reducing risk and improving overall project success.

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Construction Schedule Template

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2. IT Project Management Example

An IT project may involve developing a new software application for a client. Goals include delivering a functional, scalable and user-friendly system. Scope defines the modules, integrations and platform support included. Deliverables consist of design documents, code repositories, testing results and deployment packages.

Resources include software developers, UX designers, testers and project managers. Project costs cover software licenses, hardware, development hours and testing tools. Stakeholders are clients, internal teams and end-users. The project timeline maps phases from requirements gathering to deployment.

Risks include bugs, missed deadlines, changing client requirements and integration issues. Using these elements, project managers can allocate resources effectively, monitor progress and communicate clearly with stakeholders to ensure a high-quality software product is delivered on time and within budget.

Related: 17 Free IT Project Management Templates for Excel, Word & More

3. Manufacturing Project Management Example

A manufacturing project might focus on launching a new product line. Goals include producing high-quality units at scale while meeting cost and timeline targets. Scope covers product design, prototype development, production planning, quality assurance and distribution. Deliverables include prototypes, production schedules and final products.

Resources include engineers, production staff, raw materials and machinery. Costs are tracked through material, labor and overhead expenses. Stakeholders include suppliers, management, regulatory bodies and customers. The project timeline identifies critical production milestones such as prototype approval, pilot runs and full-scale manufacturing.

Risks involve equipment failure, supply delays, quality issues and workforce shortages. Properly applying project management elements ensures smooth production, cost control and timely delivery, reducing risk while meeting customer expectations.

Related: 18 Free Manufacturing Excel Templates

4. Marketing Project Management Example

A marketing project could involve launching a multi-channel campaign. Project goals focus on brand awareness, lead generation and engagement metrics. Scope defines the channels, messaging and assets included in the campaign. Deliverables include social media content, email campaigns, ad creatives, press releases and analytics reports.

Resources include designers, copywriters, media buyers, project managers and analytics tools. Project costs cover advertising spend, content production and technology subscriptions. Stakeholders include marketing teams, management, clients and external vendors. Timelines outline key milestones such as campaign launch dates, content deadlines and performance reviews.

Risks include missed deadlines, budget overruns, creative misalignment and low engagement. Using these project management elements ensures that marketing campaigns are delivered effectively, resources are optimized and performance is continuously monitored for improvement.

Related: 15 Marketing Templates for Planning, Strategy & More (Free Excel Downloads)

5. Event Project Management Example

In event management, the goal is to deliver a successful conference or public event. The scope includes venue selection, logistics, programming, vendor coordination and attendee management. Deliverables are event schedules, floor plans, promotional materials and feedback reports.

Resources include event coordinators, vendors, speakers, volunteers and equipment. Costs cover venue, catering, marketing and staffing. Stakeholders include attendees, sponsors, vendors and internal teams. The timeline sets deadlines for registrations, setup, rehearsals and the live event.

Risks involve weather, technical failures, scheduling conflicts and safety concerns. Applying project management elements ensures the event runs smoothly, attendees have a positive experience and all logistical and financial objectives are met.

6. Research Project Management Example

For a research project, the goal might be to produce a study that addresses specific scientific questions. The scope covers experimental design, data collection, analysis and publication. Deliverables include research proposals, datasets, reports and peer-reviewed articles.

Resources involve researchers, lab technicians, equipment, software and funding. Project costs are tied to materials, personnel and operational expenses. Stakeholders include academic institutions, funding agencies, collaborators and journal editors. Timelines outline key stages such as proposal submission, data collection, analysis and manuscript submission.

Risks include equipment failure, experimental errors, data inconsistencies and regulatory hurdles. Managing these elements ensures the research is conducted efficiently, results are reliable, and findings are disseminated on schedule.

Related: Best Project Management Software of 2025 (Comparison List)

7. Healthcare Project Management Example

In healthcare, a project might focus on implementing an electronic health record (EHR) system. Goals include improving patient care, data accuracy and regulatory compliance. The scope includes software selection, infrastructure setup, staff training and system integration. Deliverables are functional EHR modules, training manuals and compliance reports.

Resources include IT staff, clinical staff, trainers, hardware and software. Costs cover software licenses, hardware, training and implementation services. Stakeholders are doctors, nurses, administrative staff, patients and regulatory bodies. The timeline includes key milestones such as system design, pilot testing, full deployment and review.

Risks involve data migration errors, staff resistance, downtime and security concerns. Using structured project management ensures the EHR system is implemented efficiently, enhances patient care and meets compliance requirements on time and within budget.

Free Project Management Templates

Free project management templates give teams a structured way to plan, execute and track projects efficiently. They save time, reduce errors and provide a consistent format for documenting project goals, timelines, resources and deliverables. Whether you are managing a small project or a large initiative, these templates help streamline processes and keep everyone aligned.

Project Plan Template for Word

Download this free project plan template for Word to outline your project from start to finish. It includes sections for objectives, scope, milestones, deliverables, resources and risks. Its easy-to-use format is ideal for creating professional project documentation that can be shared with stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

Project Plan Template for Excel

Use this free Excel project plan template to track tasks, budgets and timelines in a spreadsheet format. It allows for easy calculations, conditional formatting and visual tracking of project progress. This template is flexible and can be customized to fit projects of any size or complexity, giving managers full control over data organization.

Gantt Chart Template

This free Gantt chart template helps visualize project schedules, task dependencies and deadlines in a clear timeline format. It allows teams to see overlapping tasks, monitor critical paths and track progress against planned milestones. This template is essential for keeping projects on schedule, allocating resources efficiently and ensuring the timely delivery of project goals.

ProjectManager Is Designed for Project Management

ProjectManager is designed to help teams plan, execute and track projects with ease. It consolidates all aspects of project management into one cloud-based platform, giving managers and teams real-time visibility into progress, resources and risks. By centralizing tasks, timelines and communications, ProjectManager eliminates the confusion and inefficiency often caused by juggling multiple spreadsheets or disconnected tools.

Plan and Organize Work Efficiently

With multiple project views including task lists, kanban boards, sheets and calendars, ProjectManager helps managers organize work in the way that suits their team best. Task dependencies, milestones and priorities can be easily set and tracked. This resolves common pain points such as missed deadlines, unclear responsibilities and overlooked tasks. Users can filter and sort tasks, share updates instantly, and ensure every team member knows what needs to be done next.

Track Progress and Optimize Resources

ProjectManager provides real-time dashboards and customizable reports that give detailed insights into task completion, resource utilization and project costs. Baselines can be set to track schedule and budget variance, while workload charts help managers balance assignments and prevent burnout. This solves common challenges like overallocated staff, unexpected delays and uncontrolled costs, allowing teams to make informed decisions, adjust priorities quickly and keep projects on track.

Related Project Management Content

Project management strategy is what separates a successful project from a failed one. This important subject requires more than just a cursory understanding. For those who want to dig deeper into this topic, below are recently published articles on principles of project management, key concepts and more.

• 14 Key Project Management Principles & How to Use Them
• Introduction to Project Management: Key Concepts
• Project Management Basics: Definitions, Methods and Tools
• The 5 Project Management Phases: A Quick Guide
• Importance of Project Management for Organizations

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post 7 Project Management Examples from Across Industries appeared first on ProjectManager.

Choosing among different project management strategies depends on the type of project, the size of the team and the level of flexibility required. Some strategies emphasize speed and adaptability, while others prioritize planning and control. Understanding the pros and cons of each project management strategy helps leaders pick the approach that best fits their objectives and organizational culture.

What Are Project Management Strategies?

Project management strategies are structured approaches that guide how projects are planned, executed, monitored, and completed. They serve as roadmaps for organizing tasks, managing resources, and ensuring project objectives are met within scope, time, and budget constraints. In practice, the term “strategies” is often used interchangeably with “methodologies,” since both describe systematic ways of working that provide rules, processes, and best practices for managing projects effectively.

Different project management strategies exist to suit various types of projects. Traditional strategies, such as waterfall or critical path, emphasize linear planning and detailed scheduling, making them well-suited for projects with fixed requirements. Agile, scrum and kanban are adaptive strategies that prioritize flexibility, collaboration, and incremental delivery. Others, like lean or Six Sigma, focus on efficiency and quality. Choosing the right strategy helps project managers align teams, control risks, and increase the likelihood of project success.

Project management software is essential for successfully applying any project management strategy because it turns planning into action and provides a single source of truth for the entire team. Instead of working with static files or outdated templates, software keeps tasks, resources and timelines connected in one place. This allows managers to adapt quickly, track progress in real time and ensure that the chosen project management strategies are executed consistently across every stage of the project.

ProjectManager is an ideal platform for putting a project management strategy into practice because it combines flexibility with powerful features. Its online Gantt charts make it easy to map out schedules, set dependencies and update timelines instantly as work changes. This helps teams manage complex initiatives while keeping stakeholders aligned. Beyond Gantt charts, our software also offers dashboards, workload tracking and multiple task views, giving managers the tools to apply project management strategies more effectively and deliver successful outcomes. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

8 Proven Project Management Strategies for Managing Projects

Every project requires a clear approach to stay on track, meet deadlines and achieve objectives. Project management strategies give teams a roadmap to follow, ensuring that everyone understands how work will be planned, executed and delivered. These strategies vary in focus, from detailed planning to flexible adaptation, but each has its place depending on the type of project and the environment in which it is run.

Choosing the right project management strategy is about matching the method to the project’s challenges. A small team working in a fast-paced environment may benefit from agile, while a complex initiative with strict regulations might require waterfall or critical path. Below we explore eight proven project management strategies, along with their pros and cons, to help you determine which approach best fits your goals.

1. Waterfall Project Management Strategy

The waterfall project management strategy is a linear approach where tasks are completed in sequence, moving from planning to design, execution and delivery. This project management strategy emphasizes upfront documentation and detailed scheduling, making it ideal for projects with fixed requirements and limited need for change. Each phase must be completed before the next begins, creating a structured process that is easy to follow and manage.

Pros of This Project Management Strategy

Waterfall provides clarity because every stage of the project is defined before work begins. Stakeholders know what to expect, budgets are easier to plan and timelines are set from the start. This strategy works well in industries such as construction or manufacturing where predictability is crucial. Its structured approach reduces ambiguity and ensures compliance with strict regulations.

Cons of This Project Management Strategy

The downside of waterfall is its lack of flexibility. If requirements change mid-project, it is difficult and costly to make adjustments. Delays in one stage ripple into others, making it less adaptable in dynamic environments. Teams may also lose visibility into progress once planning ends, as testing and feedback are usually postponed until late in the process.

2. Agile Project Management Strategy

The agile project management strategy focuses on adaptability and collaboration, breaking projects into short iterations or sprints. Teams deliver small, usable increments of work that can be reviewed and improved along the way. This project management strategy is especially effective in environments where requirements evolve quickly, such as software development, because it allows teams to adapt continuously to customer feedback and changing priorities.

Pros of This Project Management Strategy

Agile improves flexibility and responsiveness by embracing change rather than resisting it. Teams can test ideas, adjust scope and deliver value faster, which keeps stakeholders engaged. Collaboration is built into the process, encouraging daily communication and feedback. The strategy also promotes continuous improvement, helping teams refine both the product and the process.

Cons of This Project Management Strategy

Agile can be challenging for organizations used to strict planning and documentation. Without strong communication and alignment, projects risk scope creep or unclear priorities. Teams may also struggle with estimating timelines and budgets since changes are frequent. Larger organizations may find scaling agile difficult if multiple teams or departments are involved.

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Agile Sprint Plan Template

Use this free Agile Sprint Plan Template to manage your projects better.

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3. Critical Path Project Management Strategy

The critical path project management strategy identifies the sequence of tasks that determines the overall project duration. By mapping out dependencies and calculating the longest path of activities, managers know which tasks must be completed on time to avoid delays. This project management strategy is widely used for large, complex projects where timing is crucial and multiple workstreams are interconnected.

Pros of This Project Management Strategy

Critical path provides clarity on which tasks are essential and which have scheduling flexibility. It helps managers prioritize resources and make informed decisions about where to focus attention. By knowing the critical path, teams can reduce risks of delays and manage dependencies more effectively. It also supports better forecasting for completion dates.

Cons of This Project Management Strategy

One drawback is the need for accurate data. If estimates for task duration are incorrect, the entire critical path may be flawed. The method also requires constant updates as conditions change, which can be resource-intensive. Smaller or less complex projects may not benefit as much from this detailed level of scheduling.

4. PERT Project Management Strategy

The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) project management strategy uses probabilistic time estimates to plan tasks and schedules. Instead of relying on single estimates, it considers optimistic, pessimistic and most likely durations, producing a weighted average. This project management strategy is useful when task durations are uncertain and projects involve research, innovation or experimentation.

Pros of This Project Management Strategy

PERT offers a realistic view of time management by considering uncertainty in task estimates. It helps teams prepare for best- and worst-case scenarios and provides more accurate forecasting. Using a statistical approach supports decision-making in projects with many unknowns. It also enhances risk management since variability is built into the planning process.

Cons of This Project Management Strategy

PERT can be time-consuming to implement, requiring detailed data collection and calculations. If inputs are inaccurate, the results can be misleading. The strategy may also overcomplicate simpler projects, where straightforward scheduling techniques would suffice. Teams without experience in statistical analysis may find it challenging to apply correctly.

5. EVM Project Management Strategy

The earned value management (EVM) project management strategy integrates scope, schedule and cost to measure project performance. By comparing planned value, earned value and actual cost, managers can assess whether a project is on track. This project management strategy is particularly valuable for projects with strict budget oversight or government contracts where accountability is essential.

Pros of This Project Management Strategy

EVM provides objective metrics that show performance in real time. Managers can identify variances early and take corrective action to control costs and schedules. It improves transparency with stakeholders by offering clear, quantifiable data. EVM also enhances forecasting by projecting future performance based on current trends.

Cons of This Project Management Strategy

The main drawback is complexity. EVM requires rigorous data collection and a disciplined approach to tracking. If the baseline plan is inaccurate, the results will not be meaningful. Implementing EVM can be resource-intensive and may overwhelm smaller teams without the tools or expertise to support it.

6. Kanban Project Management Strategy

The kanban project management strategy visualizes work using a board with columns that represent different stages of the process. Tasks move from one column to another as they progress, making it easy to see bottlenecks and manage workflow. This project management strategy emphasizes continuous delivery, efficiency and transparency, making it popular in both software and manufacturing environments.

Pros of This Project Management Strategy

Kanban is easy to adopt and provides instant visibility into team workloads. It helps teams identify inefficiencies and balance capacity by limiting work in progress. Because tasks are tracked visually, communication improves and accountability is clear. Kanban also supports gradual improvements without requiring radical process changes.

Cons of This Project Management Strategy

Kanban can lack structure for larger, more complex projects. Without strong discipline, teams may overload the board or fail to prioritize effectively. It also does not provide detailed forecasting for schedules or budgets. For organizations needing strict governance, Kanban may feel too informal.

7. Six Sigma Project Management Strategy

The Six Sigma project management strategy focuses on quality improvement by identifying and eliminating defects in processes. It uses data-driven techniques and statistical analysis to improve efficiency and reduce variation. This project management strategy is especially effective in manufacturing, operations and industries where precision and quality control are critical.

Pros of This Project Management Strategy

Six Sigma drives measurable improvements in quality and efficiency. By using structured methodologies like DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), it ensures a systematic approach to solving problems. It reduces costs by minimizing waste and defects and enhancing customer satisfaction. Six Sigma also promotes a culture of continuous improvement within organizations.

Cons of This Project Management Strategy

Implementing Six Sigma can be complex and resource-heavy, requiring training and certification. Its emphasis on data collection and analysis may slow down decision-making. It can also be too rigid for creative or fast-moving projects that require flexibility. Smaller teams may find it difficult to sustain the level of rigor needed.

Related: The Best Project Management Software

8. Lean Project Management Strategy

The lean project management strategy emphasizes delivering value by eliminating waste and optimizing resources. Originating from manufacturing practices, lean focuses on maximizing efficiency, reducing unnecessary steps and empowering teams to continuously improve. This project management strategy applies to a range of industries seeking to streamline processes and deliver more value to customers.

Pros of This Project Management Strategy

Lean improves efficiency by cutting out non-essential activities and focusing only on what delivers value. It empowers teams to identify improvements and fosters a culture of accountability. Lean can be scaled across organizations, from production floors to service industries, making it versatile. It also aligns well with customer-focused goals by emphasizing value delivery.

Cons of This Project Management Strategy

The challenge with lean is sustaining momentum. Teams may struggle to balance efficiency with flexibility, especially in dynamic environments. Without strong leadership, lean initiatives risk fading over time. It may also overlook long-term strategic planning in favor of short-term efficiency gains. Implementing lean requires cultural change, which can be difficult to achieve.

Free Project Management Templates

Project management strategies are easier to apply when you have the right tools to organize tasks, timelines and resources. Free project management templates give teams a simple starting point, whether they’re planning a new initiative, tracking budgets or scheduling deliverables. These ready-made tools save time, reduce errors and bring structure to projects of any size.

While templates don’t replace the power of project management software, they can help teams get started quickly and stay aligned. Here are three of the most popular free project management templates to guide your planning and execution.

Gantt Chart Template

Download this free Gantt chart template to provide a visual timeline of your project by mapping tasks against their deadlines. It helps managers see the order of activities, identify dependencies and track progress over time. This template is especially useful for scheduling projects with multiple phases or milestones because it makes the plan clear and easy to share with stakeholders.

Project Plan Template

Use this free project plan template to organize the essential details of your project in one place. It typically outlines objectives, tasks, roles, responsibilities and deliverables, giving everyone a roadmap to follow. This template supports communication and ensures that all team members understand the scope and direction of the project before work begins.

Project Budget Template

This free project budget template tracks estimated and actual costs across resources, labor, equipment and materials. It helps managers control spending and stay within financial limits while providing visibility into where money is going. With this template, teams can avoid cost overruns and maintain accountability throughout the life of the project.

How ProjectManager Helps Implement Project Management Strategies

ProjectManager makes it easier to apply project management strategies by providing teams with the structure and flexibility needed to execute plans effectively. One of the most important aspects of any project management strategy is making sure resources are allocated correctly.

Our software offers workload management tools that show team capacity in real time, helping managers assign tasks based on availability and skill. This avoids bottlenecks, prevents burnout and ensures that project management strategies focused on efficiency and productivity are supported by accurate data on resource usage.

Boost Visibility With Multiple Project Views

Different project management strategies require different perspectives on work, and our software delivers by offering multiple project views. Teams can use task lists to break work into manageable steps, kanban boards to visualize flow or calendars to track deadlines. These options make it easier to tailor the platform to the project management strategy in play, ensuring that teams stay aligned while working in the format that suits them best.

Track Performance in Real Time

Tracking is critical to every project management strategy. Dashboards display live data on costs, progress and workload, while reports can be generated instantly for deeper insights. Timesheets ensure accountability and accurate billing, supporting project management strategies that prioritize transparency and measurable outcomes. With these tools, managers can identify issues quickly and keep projects on track.

Related Project Management Content

Project management strategy is what separates a successful project from a failed one. This important subject requires more than just a cursory understanding. For those who want to dig deeper into this topic, below are recently published articles on principles of project management, key concepts and more.

• 14 Key Project Management Principles & How to Use Them
• Introduction to Project Management: Key Concepts
• Project Management Basics: Definitions, Methods and Tools
• The 5 Project Management Phases: A Quick Guide
• Importance of Project Management for Organizations

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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