The Project Management - Cube 1.1

The statement, "Tell me how your project began, and I will tell you how it will end," resonates deeply within the realm of research, capturing an essential truth about project management.

The PM-Cube serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals alike, facilitating effective project management by providing clarity on critical aspects of the project lifecycle. Insights reveal a significant gap in training, with over half of senior scientists expressing a desire for earlier exposure to project management principles in their careers.

This tool succinctly outlines key considerations across several domains:

• WHY: Understand the context behind your project's inception.
• WHAT: Clearly define your ambitions, objectives, and deliverables.
• HOW: Develop practical plans regarding scheduling, resources, and costs.
• WHO: Identify roles and establish collaborative working methods.
• ACT: With funding secured, mobilize your team and commence work.
• OK: Regularly review progress against your initial plan and determine next steps.

To effectively utilize the PM-Cube:

• Recognize that managing a research project resembles navigating a vast ocean; it requires adaptability and underscores the iterative nature of the process.
• Begin by outlining what is currently known, remaining open to revisit and refine your plans as necessary.
• A successful project often reveals its optimal path only in hindsight.

Engaging in project management represents a journey with opportunities for growth and learning along the way.