Questions
- Do you need to set-up a project delivery plan and monitoring process?
- How do you manage multiple stakeholders and meet project objectives?
- Does your funder require a written/financial project report?
What is project management?
As each project has its own requirements and objectives, different and suitable project management approaches are needed. A small project with a couple of team members holding an event will adopt a different methodology from a high-value contract that involves international research teams working together for years.
Regardless of their scale, all projects must have clear delivery plans, appropriate resources, and monitor and adapt their operations to meet their objectives while considering time, costs, quality, scope, benefits and risk.
Project management support
I know that projects can be demanding with many requirements throughout their lifecycles. My flexible approach to managing differing projects from start to finish has included:
- understanding objectives, the plan and contractual (funder) regulations
- establishing contract delivery plans and appropriate infrastructure to ensure compliance
- communicating with and managing teams and partners to meet project objectives
- mediating between external stakeholders and internal teams to ensure effective delivery
- building a proportionate internal project reporting process
- monitoring expenditure and project budgets and providing robust audit trails
- maintaining an overview of project activities and reports, and sharing findings
- editing (developmental and copyediting) reports to present results clearly
- identifying risks and issues and implementing resolution strategies
- organising events (venue, programmes and budget), including hosting and/or speaking
- preparing and chairing partnership meetings and recording progress/actions
- writing technical reports (activity and finance) and public facing summaries.
Not every project will need each of these stages. My approach will always be customised to meet your requirements.
My project management experience
I have over 20 years of experience in managing a variety of successful projects across different sectors, to achieve specific objectives and to comply with requirements and regulations. This has included high-profile contracts valued at over £1 million and others that were smaller, with a more local focus.
I have managed projects that have carried out pan-European research, shared findings from evaluation activities, organised events, developed e-learning courses, improved skills and employment prospects.
My project management benefits from my experience as a bid, report and website author, and developmental and copyeditor, as I can draw on skills from each role to structure and present activities, results and recommendations.
was used within the Europeana Space project
In my long career of working with dozens of project managers across the public, private and third sectors I can categorically state that Tim is one of the best examples I have had the privilege to work with. Highly diligent, technically proficient and agrees actions and then delivers them, balancing independence with check and consultation. All combined with a willingness to learn new skills.
Professor Nick Henry, Executive Director of the Centre for Creative Economies, Coventry University
In 2010 I passed the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam and in 2013 gained the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership. The training courses and study provided me with tools and ideas that have informed my subsequent project management.
When Hazel Bird asked me to test her Handling Complex Editorial Projects course, I was able to share ideas and knowledge from my own experience.
Case studies
The featured case studies include examples of how I project managed European Commission funded research, UK City of Culture 2021 knowledge exchange activities and E-learning content creation lessons.
I had the pleasure to closely work with Tim in two rather complex EC projects (Europeana Space and RICHES), which would have not been as successful as they were without his constant commitment and professionality.
He is truly goal oriented, with excellent management skills and an efficient problem-solving attitude that is joined with a friendly approach… I really hope there will be occasions to work together again in the future.
Valentina Bachi, Project Manager at Photoconsortium, formerly at Promoter S.r.l.
How I can help
Starting a new project can be daunting, but regardless of the size or scope, I can offer advice or take the lead. This includes establishing partnership and delivery plans that are informed by understanding the stakeholders involved, objectives and (contractual) requirements.
If a project is running behind schedule or a project manager has left after activity has begun, I can assess the situation to establish what has been done, what has worked well and what needs attention to get things on track.
Initial discussion
We can start with a free 30-minute exploratory call to get to know each other and discuss your project’s requirements and the help I can offer.
You can explain to me what you need – purpose, scope, stage of project, level of involvement and timescale – as well as any specific requirements. From there we can agree responsibilities and cost within a written brief.
I can offer project management support either at arm’s length or through involvement on a regular basis. I can help you get started, maintain momentum and achieve your project’s goals.
Europeana Space General Assembly in Venice
Developing an understanding
To manage a project effectively, it is important that I have a thorough understanding of what has happened, what is intended and contractual requirements.
You would need to provide me with information, meet with me (probably several times) to discuss the background, objective and concept, and then to answer questions when I develop a management structure. Without this interaction it would be difficult to support you.
Process
Our agreed brief will define how we work together. It will include the frequency and method for updates on progress and/or any issues that may arise. It is likely that we will be in regular contact to consider options and to make decisions.
As the ownership of the project remains with you, you will have the choice on how you accept my decisions and recommendations.
If I discover that the brief doesn’t fully cover the work needed, I will contact you immediately to discuss options.
Support options
Our initial meeting will inform my approach to your work. The reasons that the time needed will vary between projects include the:
- level of project management required – do you only need arms-length support?
- amount of background information shared in advance
- stage of the project and any deadline – is it yet to begin, midway through or concluding
- structural development – is a plan in place, does it need to be built or reworked
- detail of any contractual processes that need to be followed
- the combination of managed elements – activity, finances and/or stakeholders
- the design and/or management of events
- time taken for additional questions to be answered or for me to find and understand additional information.
My experience of writing, developmental editing and copyediting reports/webpages means that I can also help you to share results.
Cost of project management
The cost of the work will depend on factors that include the stage of your project, the required level of involvement, timescales (for sharing details and until any deadline), length and the best option for you.
There is no standard price, but before starting we will agree the brief for the work to be done and a related fee. My standard hourly rate is £53.30 per hour.