The principles of successful project management : It takes careful planning, skilful leadership … and a little bit of luck

Purpose – The aim of this article is to describe how to manage a project successfully. Design/methodology/approach – The article presents the advice of Ron Rosenhead, chief executive of Project Agency, a north London‐based project‐management training and development firm, who has years of experience as a project manager, trainer and commentator on the subject. Findings – The key steps to successful projects are explained: identify the business case; define the project; close the project; and learn the lessons. Practical implications – The article emphasizes the importance of: defining the project; clarifying project roles and having a clear project‐management structure; identifying and reducing risks; taking the people along with you; developing a robust project plan; delivering what you say you will deliver; dealing with project changes; and stopping project “dribble”. It explains how to avoid the social costs of loss of precious time and money through project “stray”. Originality/value – The article provides a strategic, standard framework for project managers that allows them to: define, plan and control projects; recognize the role(s) they play and define other people's contributions to the project‐management process; recognize and reduce risks in all types of project work; and use a range of tools related to project management.