I have never been to Rome to see some of the remains still there from the time of the great Roman Empire over 2000 years ago. I have however been to Bath and wondered at the remains there. The Romans knew a thing or two about project management. Some of the rules they laid down are still good today. Unfortunately, many people in the year 2001 do not apply the fundamental rules of project management for their businesses. Just imagine Nero saying to his army chief ' Pop off, Lurkious and conquer those Gauls and at the same time design and build Bath for me. Yes I know you are a fighter, but you can find a few minutes to design and build a city to last over 3000 years'. It didn't happen, we know he used people skilled in the various disciplines dedicating themselves to detail planning and meticulous management to achieve the objective on time. After all how long can an Emperor wait for a hot bath?

Most projects in manufacturing involve effecting change through a project whilst the day to day has to go on seamlessly. Customers still need supplying, quality maintaining, employees managing and profits maintaining. Rarely can a project be managed by the day to day team. What is a project? Moving factory, buying and installing a new machine, raising output, changing systems suppliers and introducing a new model are all examples of projects. Projects of any size need to be carefully planned and managed in order to ensure that the task is completed to the specified timetable, within budget, safely, within legislative requirements and good practice is adhered to. A few do's and don'ts:

• Prepare a careful plan within realistic time frames.
• Try to use one of the computer project management programmes.
• Establish resource responsibilities and do not 'flog willing horses'.
• Establish a realistic financial budget including cash flow.
• Prepare a detailed plant layout.
• Prepare detailed machine and building specifications and, really important, performance targets. Be sure machinery is tried out and tested both at the supplier and in your factory to meet your demanding specification. Retainers are usual in most other industries to focus the supplier on getting it right.
• Be sure the final outcome provides a steep change in performance, profitability, market share or whatever is your objective.
• Carry out risk assessments.
• Involve everyone. Consult and communicate.
• Use visual management to control the project and keep copious records.

The above are just a few of the basics of project management. If you want to know more or have a project on the horizon call David Amos or Fiona Lund on 01453 521621. Yes I know that the Roman Empire declined. This was because they got soft and put aside the rules, regulations and disciplines that served them so well. Another lesson?