Project Management In Small And Medium Sized Enterprises

The book aims to diagnose EU projects' management processes in small and medium-sized enterprises. It also attempts to identify an effective management model of SMEs implementing EU projects as a factor determining the acceleration of growth in the development of entities operating on the market.

The growing importance of projects in organizations, combined with difficulties in their implementation, is accompanied by the need for professional knowledge in the field of project management. It results from the complexity of project management problems and the difficulty of knowledge that must be applied. However, surprisingly little is known about this topic, especially in the context of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Project Management in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A European Perspective attempts to fill this specific research gap. The book analyses the process of managing projects being implemented by small and medium-sized firms from Europe, identifies organizational processes, and verifies which elements of these processes require improvement. It concentrates on issues around the multifaceted characteristics of project management, with particular emphasis on the process of managing European small and medium enterprises. The book is the result of many years of empirical research and consists of two main parts: A systematization of concepts, terminology, and thus knowledge in the field of project management, with particular emphasis on the phases of planning, organizing, as well as leading and controlling in the project, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, with particular emphasis on their specificity and role in the modern European economy. A systematization of concepts, terminology, and thus knowledge in the field of project management, with particular emphasis on the phases of planning, organizing, as well as leading and controlling in the project, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, with particular emphasis on their specificity and role in the modern European economy Verification and development of such model procedures in the management of projects so that the SME enterprises’ functioning will be efficient and effective. There is a close relationship between the two parts. The theoretical part is the foundation on which practical considerations are later carried out. Integrating theoretical and practical issues, the book introduces new content to the literature and has the practical value of indicating how to manage projects in SMEs in the European Union. It also examines the decision-making processes related to project management in these organizations.

Using a narrative style, Philip R. Diab, PMP, past Chairman and PMI Board of Directors member, provides a framework that helps inform leaders of small- and medium-sized organizations of the benefits of project management and how easy it can be to tailor the body of knowledge to meet their unique needs. Small- and medium-sized organizations’ adoption of best practices in project management are critical not only to the growth of the profession, but also to financial and economic stability. Sidestep Complexity outlines key critical factors and demonstrates that leadership in project management is at the heart of achieving organizational success.

Smaller companies are abundant in the business realm and outnumber large companies by a wide margin. To maintain a competitive edge against other businesses, companies must ensure the most effective strategies and procedures are in place. This is particularly critical in smaller business environments that have fewer resources. Start-Ups and SMEs: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a vital reference source that examines the strategies and concepts that will assist small and medium-sized enterprises to achieve competitiveness. It also explores the latest advances and developments for creating a system of shared values and beliefs in small business environments. Highlighting a range of topics such as entrepreneurship, innovative behavior, and organizational sustainability, this multi-volume book is ideally designed for entrepreneurs, business managers, executives, managing directors, academicians, business professionals, researchers, and graduate-level students.

Big companies can afford project failures, smaller ones can't. One bad project could bring the whole business down. Over ninety nine percent of businesses in Europe and the US are small and medium enterprises with less than 250 staff. They are an important source of employment, growth and innovation for these economies. Projects represent a significant percentage of turnover for SMEs - estimated at 30% - and so represent a high risk to the viability of these companies, if poorly run. This book takes its readers though a lighter form of project management, designed to manage the risk of projects and put a repeatable process in place, without imposing the huge bureaucratic overheads implied by most project management methodologies. Small businesses can gain a competitive edge over their rivals by becoming better organised, controlling project costs and giving their customers the confidence that they are dealing with a professional Project Manager. Not only does this make the business run better and impress customers, but morale and retention increases when staff work in an organised set up. The book also covers both the Agile and Waterfall development approaches and compares and contrasts the advantages of each.

Project management can help companies become more efficient and profitable. But as a seasoned project management consultant, educator, and writer, author Joseph Phillips teaches that the how of successful project management looks different for every business. Grounded in years of his real-world experience, Project Management for Small Business introduces readers to the core principles and techniques of project management adapted and simplified to be most effective for smaller enterprises. With repeatable practices for planning, executing, and controlling projects in an environment where one team member may be wearing multiple hats, this practical how-to helps you avoid the potentially devastating effects of wasted time and materials. Among many other useful skills, you’ll learn how to define project requirements and scope; create a project schedule based on resource availability; estimate and budget for project costs, identify and minimize project risks; manage workflow; communicate effectively; and control project change. Classic project management models often prove too cumbersome for smaller businesses with limited staff resources, tight budgets, and next to no time to devote to learning a complex new system. Project Management for Small Business skips the complicated theory and goes straight to the heart of what it really takes to make a project--and your business--a success.

Today’s leading organizations recognize the importance of research and development (R&D) to maintain and grow market share. If companies want to survive into the future, they must accelerate their R&D-to-market cycles or find themselves behind the competition. Project Management for Research and Development: Guiding Innovation for Positive R&D Outcomes explains how to apply proven project management methods to obtain positive outcomes in R&D and innovation projects. It addresses the specific factors companies must consider when using project management to scope, define, and manage R&D projects. It also offers best practices and case studies that illustrate actual applications of theory. This book details methods to help readers optimize results in R&D through the use of structured processes derived from the project management field and other complementary disciplines. Each chapter includes diagrams, surveys, checklists, and question-answer forms to guide readers in determining where their activity falls along a project spectrum and to help them structure their own R&D project. The methods presented in this book can easily be applied to innovation projects and creative endeavors. As there are limited sources of information on how to utilize project management methodology effectively in these types of projects, this book is an ideal resource for anyone looking to add structure and proven methods to enable R&D, innovation, and other creative activities.

This open access book explores the concept of Industry 4.0, which presents a considerable challenge for the production and service sectors. While digitization initiatives are usually integrated into the central corporate strategy of larger companies, smaller firms often have problems putting Industry 4.0 paradigms into practice. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) possess neither the human nor financial resources to systematically investigate the potential and risks of introducing Industry 4.0. Addressing this obstacle, the international team of authors focuses on the development of smart manufacturing concepts, logistics solutions and managerial models specifically for SMEs. Aiming to provide methodological frameworks and pilot solutions for SMEs during their digital transformation, this innovative and timely book will be of great use to scholars researching technology management, digitization and small business, as well as practitioners within manufacturing companies.