According to SHRM, a project is a series of tasks and activities that has a stated goal and objectives, a schedule with defined start and end dates, and a budget that sets limits on the projects dedicated use of resources (SHRM Learning System, 2012). Project teams are usually created with people with different skill sets that can contribute their expertise to the completion and implementation of the project (Free Management Library, 2008). Although projects can vary in scope and duration, there are three common characteristics of all projects: Stated goals and objectives, a schedule, and resource budget (SHRM Learning System, 2012). Through research, several models of project management have been identified. Some models are linear, with projects moving sequentially through four to six distinct stages. However, the traditional model of project cyclical, indicating that a project may move back and forth between stages as needed with some overlap in the process (Bartlett & Bartlett, 2008). It also allows for the evaluation of project outcomes to contribute to the organizations institutional learning and knowledge gained from the project to use in future projects (SHRM Learning System, 2012). Here is a cyclical model of project management as outlined by SHRM in Module One of the SHRM Learning System: occurs in short successions, with a share of the project being completed within a typical timeframe of under one month. Project management professionals use many tools to assist them. It is important to become familiar with and understand the tools available. Some include the: References Bartlett, J. E. & Bartlett, M. (2008). Integrating a Human Resource Information System. Retrieved on May 3, 2014 from www.shrm.org Free Management Library. (2014). Retrieved from www.managementhelp.org SHRM Learning System. (2012). , pp. 121. This website describes the Program Evaluaton and Review Technique (PERT) process. Provides examples of several project management tools. This article summarizes the reasons why organizations automate HR.
