Project Dev: Everything You Need to Get Started
You’ve got project approval and you're ready to start phase one. But before you move forward, ask yourself - has the project actually been developed? Take a step back and look at how it’s been built so far. “Project development” might not be a term you use often, but it’s important. Think of it like this: if project management is the construction of a house, project development is the blueprint. Without that blueprint, you're already setting yourself up for a shaky start.
What I Mean by “Project Development”
Project development isn't the same as project management. They overlap, but they’re not interchangeable.
Project management is how you use resources, skills, and tools to meet a goal. It usually kicks in once leadership defines the direction.
Project development is the process of shaping the project from idea to execution—setting the scope, building the plan, assembling the team, and figuring out how to get from concept to completion.
Software like ProjectManager or similar tools can help manage both sides, but development is more about what you're building and how you’re setting up to build it.
What a Project Development Manager Does
A project development manager—sometimes just called a project developer—works on the front end. They plan out everything from staffing and budgeting to marketing and ROI analysis. Their focus is usually on the broader business impact.
Project Development Process (In 5 Phases)
Initiation – Define the purpose, value, and scope. Identify stakeholders. Build the core team.
Planning – Build out the full project plan. Assign resources, budget, timelines, milestones.
Execution – Put the plan into motion. This is where the bulk of the actual work happens.
Monitoring & Control – Track progress, compare against the plan, make adjustments as needed.
Closing – Wrap things up. Evaluate performance, document lessons learned, release resources.
Best Practices for Project Development
Clarify every detail early: Who’s doing what? What are the major deliverables? How will progress be measured?
Get granular with planning: Build out task-level schedules, assign resources, budget by phase, and run a risk assessment.
Kick it off right: Confirm everyone has access to the right systems and information. Get buy-in. Set expectations.
QA and test your output: Check that deliverables meet requirements. Tie up loose ends before calling it done.
Review and report: Debrief with stakeholders. Collect feedback. Document everything for future reference.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Skipping early research or misaligning resources
Poor communication with team or stakeholders
Letting scope creep go unchecked
Failing to manage budget or schedule risks
Collecting vague or incomplete requirements
Final Thoughts
Project development is your foundation. Without it, project management doesn’t have much to stand on. Treat it like a critical phase, not a formality, and build your projects with a solid structure from the start.
Full Read by William Malsam | Aug 20, 2024 -- https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/project-development