How to best manage a project

Someone recently wrote and asked, "My organization is looking forward to next year 2007 projects particularly the "Redevelopment of the Land Information System" as well as the "Digitization of Lands Records". I need some assistance in any way at all on how best such kinds of projects can be managed and properly implemented.

Your advice and assistance is very much appreciated."

Below is my reply:
Hello ____

How to best manage a project is really the same process no matter what the subject or industry.
1. Document the project scope (in short, know what you are doing)
2. Identify stakeholders who are responsible for completing the project
3. Build a project schedule (create WBS, identify milestones and dependencies including external dependencies)
4. Agree on communication processes and procedures, status reporting, and escalation procedures
5. Implement controls so that you successfully deliver the project on time, within budget, and meets or exceeds the quality expectations. The types of controls really depend on the type of project, but in short the project will not manage its self so you need controls (such as daily or weekly status meetings, project schedule reviews and updates..etc)

For more information on details to consider for your project, please review the "Project Life-Cycle Phases" that you may link to from my home page www.e-projectmanagers.com (initiation, planning, execution & control, and close-out).

If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to ask me.

Best Regards,
Dora