PM Software Benefits

1. Get Up to Speed: Starting a new project or building an existing project takes time. But, project management software such as Project and Visio can provide a framework and a clear picture of what to do and when to do it. Even if someone steps in for the first time, PM software can get that person up to speed quickly.
2. Marketing: If you know what you’re doing with your business, then you want your clients to know about your expertise. PM software can prove valuable in its capacity for detailed planning and project tracking. You can use this information to tackle any new job and how you intend to market that job.
3. Keeps Information In-House: Take a tip from nonprofit organizations — if one person leaves, that organization still must move forward. While information is shared, it’s best to store that information in a program that is unbiased and that will never leave.
4. Objective Tracking: If you think your project was a failure, it could be that failure may be in your head. PM software can monitor progress to show that a person’s performance may be different than it appears…or that an event was more successful than anyone thought. Objective progress benchmarks keep subjective interpretation to a minimum, making it easier to see what’s really moving forward and what really may be holding a business back.
5. Training Tool: PM software can offer a consistent way to train new personnel on how you do things and the methodology you follow.
6. Save Time (and money!): Although it may take a little time to get a grip on some PM software programs, these tools will eventually save time and help you to avoid costly errors. You may be able to get certain things done more quickly with fewer steps (such as training) or with fewer people.
7. Stay on Schedule: PM software provides precise start or execution dates, times for stages of a project and tasks that need completion. This information alerts the business owner or employees to upcoming deadlines, allowing for time management success.
8. Project Collaboration: Project management software provides business owners and employees a way to collaborate on projects by sharing documents, timelines, status updates, and results. Everyone is on the same page, resulting in funneling efforts toward the same goal.
9. Communication: Not only can business owners communicate with staff, they can keep tabs on vendors, suppliers, and customers or clients. This ability to communicate is vital for any business, but it especially helps those business owners who must conduct all work alone.
10. Delegation: And, because many small business owners often do not have employees, PM software can become that tool that the owner can lean on — small business owners can use PM software to conduct all the tasks shown above. The only difficulty is inputting information…no PM software can work without contributions by its users.
11. Eliminate Paperwork: By using the collaboration, communication, and teamwork capabilities of your PM software, you can eliminate notes, mail, and even e-mail with these tools. One glance into a project management program can provide all team members with a way to understand tasks and deadlines.

Challenges to Using PM Software

A lack of training is one reason that many small business owners remain leery of using project management software. But, in many cases, the learning curve is short and simple. To make that package work “smart,” however, takes time and some training. Starting out simply is the best way to avoid disasters.

While most software can be customized for each user, PM software also provides transparency that may or may not be beneficial for small business owners. Trust among owners and employees can be challenged until everyone learns the program and understands the system. The upside to this transparency is greater accountability for work, details, and deadlines.

Another disadvantage of project management software is excessive features or a complicated learning format for a simple program. Many programs offer too many elements or offer features that aren’t needed for small businesses. These features can make the software difficult to learn and can also create another element of confusion

With that said, it may be worthwhile to check out some project management software to learn how it can help small businesses succeed.

Tools and Implementation

With a few clicks of the mouse, small business owners can utilize programs that can help track, update, and store information in multifaceted projects. They can integrate these programs with e-mail systems and generate reports. They can create schedules and recognize different classes of users, thereby allowing access to data based on their class. They even have built-in chat rooms. The best news is that most PM software programs don’t cost and arm and a leg. In fact, the following three programs are free.

1. Basecamp: With over 3 million active users, Basecamp is the benchmark of free online project management. It helps small businesses and large businesses, from wedding planners to hedge fund managers, stay organized. Basecamp remains, after nearly seven years of service, the simplest, fastest, and most scalable service available. The free plan provides you with the ability to track one project, with two “Writeboards” and 10 MB file storage.
2. Huddle: This online tool provides users with the ability to manage projects, store files, schedule and hold meetings, and facilitate communication through wikis and forums. Huddle’s gives small businesses many of the tools they’ll need to get organized. Despite some limitations in its entry-level offering, file management is exceptional and online collaboration is finely tuned. This is a free trial. Huddle will email you before your trial expires to set up a call to discuss your requirements and the options available to you.
3. AceProject: For small businesses aspiring to get and stay organized, this online basic project management tool provides an answer. You can keep tabs on projects, and manage employees, staff, and expenses. The free version allows unlimited active users on one project that requires up to 50 tasks. You get 250 MB of space, with all features enabled.

How do you choose a program that’s right for you? Play around wit any one of the programs listed above, or search for others that allow free trials before you purchase. And, the program choice will depend upon what you’re after. Ask for product demos and the chance to test drive the software. Finally, always verify the technical support available and its cost. In the end, you may still save time and money, and learn that you can get by without help if you have a software program that can act as receptionist, timekeeper and file cabinet.

To help illustrate this, we have listed 30 potential career paths with a degree in project management. They include everything from the entry level to the ones that pay well into the six-figure mark.

Potential Entry Level Career Paths With a Degree in Project Management

1. Intern
   As with many careers, there are internships available for project managers. Check out Employment Crossing to learn about the latest opportunities. The site also has many other project management jobs available.
2. Intern Jobs
   Visit this site to get a global database of internships and entry-level positions for students, recent graduates and career changers. Jobs both inside and outside the U.S. are featured. You can also post your resume and get other options.
3. Go Abroad
   Use this site to find both work and educational jobs abroad. They have options for everything from students to volunteers to interns. With a tagline of “your next job could be your greatest adventure,” it is worth a look.
4. Construction
   If your area of project management involves any kind of building, time spent on a job site can be valuable. Check out Construction Jobs to get loads of jobs in the industry for everyone from experienced tradesmen to entry level workers. Post your resume or register for an account to begin.
5. Computer Jobs
   If looking to go into project management on the tech side, a job in the industry can be found here. They have loads of jobs available and even allow specialty searches for loads of categories, including project manager. You can also choose to view jobs from popular locations.
6. Project Scheduler
   Focus on just the scheduling in this project management career. They are often tasked with creating the schedules for a project and working with others to ensure its completion. This page is an actual job description for a scheduler for Ellis Don.
7. Cost Estimator
   They develop the cost information that business owners and managers need to make a bid for a contract or to decide on the profitability of a proposed new project. Training varies by industry, but can often require some experience or a degree.
8. Career Rookie
   They specialize in matching those just starting out on a career with jobs. There are loads of channels on jobs from internships to jobs with specific companies, such as AT&T. They also have advice, resources, and videos.
9. Experience
   Get just that with a visit here. They have sections for jobs, internships, and even employers looking for those eager to start a career. They even have the top internships and job searches available on the homepage.
10. College Recruiter
    Still in project management school? Then check out this site to get the leading job board for college students searching for internships and recent graduates hunting for entry-level jobs and other career opportunities. You can even search outside the U.S. or by school.

Potential High Paying Career Paths With a Degree in Project Management

11. Chief Operations Officer
    As high as a project manager can climb without becoming the CEO, the COO looks after daily optimization of various operations in different departments of a firm. Serious education and experience are required for this job. However, those who do get hired in this position can get a salary of anywhere from $130,000 and $300,000 per year.
12. Engineering Manager
    If your project management experience also has some engineering, check out this high paying career. They are responsible for plans, coordination, research, design, and production activities. Ask Men shows the salary for this job can be as high as $140,210 per year.
13. Marketing Manger
    If you have a background in both marketing and project management, check out this career. They identify, create, and evaluate strategies to promote their company’s services and products and increase sales. BLS findings show that the median annual salary for marketing managers was $110,030 as of May 2009.
14. Certified Project Manager
    If you have taken and passed the credentials for the Project Management Institute’s PMP certification, you can be well compensated. These professionals average a yearly salary of $101,695. Requirements include 35 hours of qualifying project management education, years of experience, and passing an exam.
15. Certified Associate in Project Management
    Still don’t qualify for the above? Then try one of the other certifications from the same institute. This one has fewer restrictions and offers a yearly salary of $101,103.
16. Industrial Production Managers
    They plan, direct, and coordinate production of a vast array of goods and manufacturing. Many have a college degree in business, management, or related area. Median annual wages for industrial production managers were $83,290 in May 2008.
17. Operations Manager
    An operations manager typically ensures smooth operation of various processes that contribute to the production of goods and services of an organization. According to Operations Manager.com, they can earn anywhere between $43,151 and $147,986, which averages at $95,568 per year. You can get loads more on the career at their site.
18. Australian Project Manager
    Because the U.S. isn’t the only area that needs project managers, visit here. The job of project manager was on the list of both highest paying and most in demand jobs in the country, coming in second only to business analysts. Learn more with a visit here.
19. Construction Managers
    Supervise everything from residential to commercial building in this career. The average annual salary was $79,860. A degree and tons of work experience is often the requirement.
20. Database Administrator
    They use database software to store and manage information and will often set up database systems in addition to making sure those systems operate efficiently. Education needed is in computer science or management information. Knowledge of business functions is also essential in this job that pays an average annual salary of $72,900.

Other Potential Career Paths With a Degree in Project Management

21. IT Project Manager
    Be the head of an information technology team in this career. These managers run complex projects, create strategies for completing goals, and function as the leader. Other job titles for this career path include IT operations manager and IT division manager.
22. Health Project Manager
    They oversee the implementation of a specific health project and ensure that stated goals and objectives are met. They also oversee the financial and logistical aspects of the project. This specific position was for a health project manager in Kenya to help out in a refugee camp.
23. Legal Project Manager
    This career path focuses on legal projects. This blog details all the tricks of the trade for legal project managers, and this entry outlines four effective traits of legal project managers.
24. Military Project Manager
    Private companies aren’t the only places that need qualified project managers. The military too also takes on and even trains project managers. This page has jobs offered for those in military project management.
25. Non-profit Project Manager
    Also known as the program manager, this career involves running a program or project for a non-profit organization. The PM often leads the staff in administering services and fitting the budget. This blog entry has the description for a project manager for the HR Council.
26. Environmental Project Manager
    They are experts in the environment and organizational management who oversee environmental projects. These projects can include cleaning waterways, restoring soil, forest regeneration, and wildlife restoration. While some can be scientists, others can be government workers, and all need a background in science and the environment, as well as project management.
27. Project Management Office
    PMO work involves a wide range of job duties and encompasses a team or work group. There are several career paths available here including manager of project managers, project administrator, or business manager. The PMO manager is considered the lead career path here.
28. Social Media Manager
    Really love Facebook, Twitter, and the like? This project manager implements and develops a company’s or employer’s social media strategy. It can include brand awareness, inbound traffic, and encouraging product adoption.
29. Civil Project Manager
    Build something of use to the community in this career path. They can work on everything from bridges and canals to freeways and roads. The blogger at Civil Engineering has more.
30. Bilingual Project Manager
    If you speak a second language, this could be the career path for you. They often help make transitions and help offices who speak different languages work together. This specific job posting was a graduate internship for a project manager in London.

And the above 30 potential career paths with a degree in project management are just the beginning. To learn more about the average salary of a project manager, click here.

To show you how the iPad can be used for more than launching virtual birds at targets, we have collected 25 incredibly useful iPad apps for project managers. Both the future and present project manager can find loads of help, in both the free and paid options, in scheduling, tasking, managing, billing, and much more.

Free Incredibly Useful iPad Apps for Project Managers

You don’t need a single penny to try out and take advantage of these project management apps.

1. Project Wizards Merlin
   Is it possible that a free project management app received four and half stars out of five? Check out this article from Tech Radar to see why. The app has the rare distinction of being a project management application aimed at professionals and designed specifically and exclusively for the Mac platform.
2. My Projects LITE
   As reviewed by the iPad Apps Dude, this is a top performing project management app that is free of charge. It allows users to easily manage tasks, projects, priorities, workflow status, and more. It can also import and save as a CSV file.
3. Idea Sketch
   Those who need to be freer in their iPad apps will appreciate this choice. With a simple interface, Idea Sketch takes the complex arrangement of ideas and allows you to doodle your way to project management. You can create multiple drawings and link to each as you wish, as well as many other features.
4. Paper Desk Lite
   Save a tree while you project manage with this app. It is described as “the best note taking app” by Computer Shopper. A standout feature is letting users combine text, audio, and graphics on virtual paper.
5. E-task Project App
   Get online management tools which you can arrange for maximum production here. The app works with an E-task account and iPad or iPhone. You can also create and maintain timesheets.
6. Project Manager
   A simple title for a simple app. Built by Nicholas Hu because “he likes you,” it is a simple and intuitive project management system. Each project gets a list of action items and each item has other detailed sub items for easy use.
7. Gantt Lite
   Even student project managers know about the importance of Gantt charts. Do them the 2.0 way with the help of this app. The bloggers at i2e Consulting even have an instructional video on the app.
8. Dragon Dictation
   Still priced at free, it is no wonder that this app is constantly on everyone’s top ten list. It can turn simple voice notes into text and you can even email the transcripts to yourself. It even taught Sarah Porter-Pennington to lose her Southern drawl so that the app could understand her.
9. Webex for iPad
   Go beyond a phone call or video conference with this app. From Cisco, it lets you attend meetings on Webex with audio, content sharing, chat, and two way real video. The video even switches dynamically based on who’s talking.
10. Dropbox
    Because any device can crash, including your iPad, it is important to back up important information. Fewer apps than this one are more used or celebrated for accomplishing this task. It can also sync with your computer and iPhone for easy sharing.
11. Action Method
    The free task management app has been utilized by project managers. With the best in price tags, it also combines with the main site. Reviews enjoy it for its simplicity.
12. TrackerBot
    If you are a project manager who loves Pivotal Tracker, you will love this app. It is especially designed to take advantage of its capabilities and the iPad. The combination of the two is intended to treat virtual objects exactly as you would physical.

Paid Incredibly Useful iPad Apps for Project Managers

If you have a few extra dollars to invest in a project management education or career, check out these apps arranged by price tag.

13. Square
    One of the rare iPad apps that puts its money where its mouth is, you only pay when you use it. The app functions as a credit card scanner and can turn your iPad into a cash register. Free to get, it charges 2.75 percent per transaction.
14. Expense Tablet
    Need help tracking all of your expenses? With only $0.99, you can use your iPad to help with budgeting and expensing like never before. The easy to use application allows you to type in your budget for the month and distribute it to the items necessary.
15. Simple Outliner
    Those who need an outlining app that lets them do just that should have a look at this $2.99 app. It has no alarm or reminders for those who want to work without the fuss. And there is even a tutorial that can show you how to use it to its fullest.
16. Project Planner HD
    If you’re working on a ton of projects at the same time or multitasking, check out this app. For $2.99, it has excellent graphics and functionality. It was given four and quarter stars out of five by iTracki.
17. Web Projector
    There are loads of apps that can turn your iPad into a projector but can cost a lot. This iPad app was top rated by Teach With Your iPad and only costs $2.99. It displays office formats, PDFs, and videos from sites.
18. Clients
    If you are a project manager that has loads of clients, use $2.99 and this app to organize them. Whether you are the boss or individual, this app offers task and contact management for the busy person. Other features include client map, creation of billing items, and great interface.
19. Omni Invoice Review
    Is “create invoice” constantly on your to-do list? Then grab $4.99 and this app to help cross it off. It can create on the spot quotes to give to clients or can help create invoices later to give when the job is complete.
20. Bento
    Why should project managers spend $4.99 on this app that is raved on by teenagers? Because Bento can help you organize all of your tasklists and timelines into one app so you never forget. It offers a variety of capabilities such as contacts, customers, diet, digital media, equipment, events, and many others.
21. Keynote
    Both notetaking and presentation combine on this $7.99 app. It contains animated charts and transitions to help you make great presentations. It got seven out of ten stars from Best iPad Reviews.
22. Numbers
    If it’s all about the bottom line, then it’s all about Numbers. For $9.99, you can see why this iPad app is one of the leaders in spreadsheet software. Gonink also has more on why you should get it.
23. Pages
    Anyone looking to do any kind of serious work on their iPad will want this app. For the price of $9.99, it allows you to do what many document creating programs, such as Microsoft Word, can do. It also allows you to create complex charts and graphs, add pictures and even embed spreadsheets into documents.
24. Project Pad
    Patrick Jordan of iPad Insight takes a deeper look into this $9.99 app. A few of the features include creating multiple projects, tasks within the project, percentage, assignment, and many others. It is also compatible with Gantt charts and takes advantage of many of the touch options.
25. SG Project Pro
    But which app do actual project managers prefer? Mike Riley takes that question head on with his review of SG Project app. For $39.99, he believes it earns its price.

And the above 25 incredibly useful iPad apps for project managers can be used by anyone from students to home business owners and everyone in between.