Healthcare project management: from objectives to action

Healthcare project management is becoming essential for achieving objectives, optimizing resources, and ensuring continuous improvement in service quality.

Through a structured, results-oriented approach, project management in the healthcare industry allows ideas and strategies to become tangible, efficient actions.

The importance of healthcare project management

Healthcare project management is characterized by a high level of complexity. It involves multiple stakeholders, compliance with tight regulatory requirements, and continually facing technological and organizational challenges. 

For this reason, healthcare project management relies on proven methods to manage the typical variables of this field, such as time, cost, quality, and risk management.

Furthermore, the healthcare industry requires more adaptability than other domains: patient needs, advancing treatments, and technological innovation dictate dynamic and flexible planning. 

Under these circumstances, the healthcare project manager is entrusted with ensuring that each project is efficient and effective and contributes to the achievement of the company’s strategic goals.

Health project management: from objective setting to action

A successful health project always begins with a clear definition of goals. These objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-defined (SMART), as they are the compass that will guide all project management phases.

After the objectives have been defined, activity planning follows. With advanced project management tools, such as Gantt charts and Kanban boards, already integrated into Twproject, project managers can map each activity, assign resources, set priorities, and anticipate any critical issues.

The following step is execution, where the plan gets put into action. This may mean implementing new technologies, building healthcare facilities, managing prevention campaigns, or optimizing clinical and administrative processes. During this phase, continuous monitoring is essential to ensure that activities progress according to the plan, keeping the project efficient and effective.

Ultimately, the process ends with the evaluation and closure phase. Each completed project provides a learning opportunity: analyzing successes and mistakes allows for continuous improvement of project management processes in the health industry.

Healthcare project manager key skills

A project manager who works in the healthcare industry must possess a set of technical, management, and interpersonal skills. Some of the most important skills include:

  • Leadership: Leading multi-disciplinary teams and motivating them toward achieving goals.
  • Risk management: Timely identify and mitigate potential critical issues that could jeopardize the project.
  • Successful communication: Ensure a constant and clear flow of information among all stakeholders.
  • Analytical skills: Gather and interpret data to make informed decisions.
  • Industry expertise: Be familiar with healthcare regulations, clinical and administrative processes, and organizational dynamics.

A skilled professional who masters these areas can plan feasible projects, prevent bureaucratic headaches, and ensure that initiatives meet high quality and safety standards.

Main challenges of healthcare project management

Among the most significant challenges a project manager faces in the healthcare sector are:

  • Stakeholder management: in health care, the number of people and organizations involved in a project is extensive, each with its interests and expectations.
  • Regulatory compliance: every project must meet local, national, and international healthcare activities regulations.
  • Clinical variability: Clinical case uniqueness may impact the timing and manner projects are carried out.
  • Resource management: budgets and human resources are often limited, requiring continued optimization to keep projects running efficiently.
  • Stakeholder management: in health care, the number of people and organizations involved in a project is extensive, each with its interests and expectations.

Overcoming these challenges requires expertise and digital tools that support all phases of healthcare project management.

Digital tools for healthcare project management

Technological support is now mandatory. The increasing complexity of healthcare projects requires advanced tools that provide structured, agile, and regulatory-compliant management. Adopting project management software such as Twproject is critical to ensure efficient and effective operations.

The implementation of digital tools enables the project manager to:

  • Accurately plan activities, resources, and timing
  • Monitor project progress on an ongoing basis
  • Improve collaboration among clinical, administrative, and technical teams
  • Identify and prevent risks in real-time
  • Ensure compliance with current health regulations

With these tools, managers can transform the typical intricacies of healthcare projects into smooth and controllable processes, reducing errors and improving decision-making effectiveness.

Twproject: the ultimate solution for healthcare project management

Twproject is a flexible and robust project management platform. Through its modular structure and state-of-the-art functionality, you can use Twproject to manage the entire project lifecycle, from initial planning to closure, with a focus on data security and ease of use.

With Twproject, a project manager can:

  • Visually organize projects using Gantt charts, task lists, and Kanban boards
  • Monitor time and costs with built-in timesheet tools and automated reports
  • Manage teams, assigning tasks, roles, and responsibilities in a clear and traceable manner
  • Integrate health and operational documentation into a single secure, GDPR-compliant platform
  • Automate workflows, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up process execution

Furthermore, Twproject is highly customizable: you can tailor the software to the specific needs of your healthcare project, setting up bespoke workflows and customized dashboards.

Practical benefits of using Twproject in healthcare

Choosing Twproject for healthcare project management means achieving measurable benefits:

  • Improved operational efficiency through optimized management of activities and resources
  • Reduced project lead times with more accurate planning and real-time monitoring
  • Better internal and external communication, thanks to built-in collaborative tools
  • Greater quality of health service, resulting from more precise and responsible management
  • Guaranteed regulatory compliance, critical in processing sensitive data and clinical documentation

Also, Twproject supports healthcare organizations in adopting a data-driven approach: every action, task, and outcome is traceable and measurable, thus allowing the project manager to analyze data and continually improve project strategies.

Through more informed and structured project management, the healthcare industry can tackle current and future challenges in a practical way, turning each project into an opportunity for organizational growth and innovation.

Still in doubt? Well, you can try yourself with a free demo.

Differences between Project Management and Program Management: Full Guide

Project Management and Program Management are related and often interconnected disciplines.

Projects are like trains managed by a project manager who helps drive a team’s work to achieve goals and produce a finished product or service.

A program, in contrast, is like a set of trains running on different tracks but headed for the same station (or goal). The program manager is the stationmaster who coordinates the various trains.

A project manager orchestrates the success of individual projects, while a program manager oversees the strategy of all related projects. Here is a definitive guide to better understand each role and the differences between Project Management and Program Management.

What is Project Management?

The project manager is in charge of leading a team and ensuring that all tasks are completed on time and within budget.

Effective project management requires a thorough understanding of different methodologies and software that can streamline the workflow.

Also, the project manager needs strong leadership and communication skills to lead team members and keep them motivated

 successfully.

 Project managers can cultivate creativity and innovation by promoting a collaborative and supportive work environment, which can ultimately improve project outcomes.

Project managers are responsible for carrying out several key responsibilities.

These include:

  •  Define the scope, objectives, and expected results.
  • Develop a detailed project plan with clear milestones and schedules.
  • Assign tasks and responsibilities to team members.
  • Monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
  • Manage project risks and fix problems as they come up.
  • Communicate regularly with stakeholders to keep them informed.
  •  Promote effective teamwork and collaboration among team members.

What is Program Management?

Program management involves supervising a group of related projects and activities aligned with a common goal.

Unlike projects, programs often involve multiple interdependent projects.

Program managers are tasked with ensuring that all projects within the program are coordinated effectively to achieve the desired results.

They focus on strategic planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder management.

Program management is a complex and dynamic field that requires a unique set of skills and qualifications.

The role of a Program Manager extends beyond individual projects. Their responsibilities include:

  •  Define strategic objectives for the program.
  • Ensure effective communication and collaboration between project teams.
  • Manage program budgets and allocate resources.
  •  Identify and mitigate risks that may affect the overall success of the program.
  •  Monitor the progress of each project and the program as a whole.
  • Involve stakeholders and manage their expectations.

These duties require a program manager to have a holistic view of the program and its goals.

Similarities and differences between Project Management and Program Management

Understanding the nuances of Project and Program Management is key for organizations that want to deliver their initiatives effectively and achieve their strategic goals.

Similarities between Project Management and Program Management:

  • Goal planning and definition.
  • Priority setting and resource allocation.
  • Progress monitoring and risk management.
  • Team coordination and communication with stakeholders.

These shared points emphasize the fundamental principles underlying the success of projects and programs, highlighting the importance of structured planning, effective resource use, and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Differences between Project Management and Program Management

Even though some responsibilities overlap, there are major differences between project management and program management:

  • Project management focuses on individual projects, while program management involves multiple projects.
  • Project management is temporary, while program management is long-term.
  • Project management has a narrower scope, while program management has a broader strategic focus.
  • Project managers work primarily with project-specific resources, while program managers must manage shared resources.

These differences highlight the different skills and perspectives required of project managers and program managers to thrive in their roles.

In project management, the focus lies on completing activities within defined constraints, while in program management, the priority is aligning with organizational goals and creating long-term value.

Program Management vs Project Management: How do they interact practically?

Program managers and project managers collaborate when projects and programs overlap.

Program management and project management are separate but strongly interconnected roles within companies.

Project managers are in charge of implementing individual projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and with the expected quality.

Program managers, in contrast, oversee a set of related projects, known as a program, ensuring that they work together to achieve broader strategic objectives.

They interact daily through communication, priority alignment, and dependency management.

Whereas the project manager focuses on operational activities, the program manager has an overview and coordinates resources to avoid conflicts or duplication.

For example, if two projects require the same team, the program manager’s job is to rebalance the schedule so as not to slow down the entire program.

Also, feedback from project managers is essential to enable the program manager to adapt the strategy or recalibrate the objectives. Harmonious collaboration between project and program managers is therefore essential for short- and long-term organizational success.

Program Management vs Project Management: using a software

Both project managers and program managers can benefit from various software tools to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.

Both should choose a tool that suits their specific needs, helping them to manage resources successfully, monitor progress, and streamline communication between team members and stakeholders.

In a market offering a wide range of digital options, Twproject can be the right choice.

This project management software helps create and assign tasks and set and track deadlines for projects and programs.

This tool gives managers and teams a central place to communicate, share files, and collaborate in real-time. It makes it easy to have quick conversations and integrates with other tools for a smooth workflow. 

Twproject provides granular deadline management, task breakdown, cost tracking, and real-time progress monitoring

 for project managers.

A comprehensive overview benefits project managers by making it easier to identify project dependencies, allocate resources efficiently, and manage risks on a larger scale.

Automatic reports, interactive dashboards, and predictive analytics tools help you make faster, more informed decisions.

In short, Twproject improves operational efficiency and enhances consistency between projects and programs, boosting overall value for your company.

Work together with your team effectively

The best workload management software of 2025

Good workload management software can improve project planning and team performance.

Indeed, managing and monitoring the load of resources (workload) is a crucial activity for every project manager.

Being aware of how project activities are distributed, to whom and especially why is not something to be done empirically, but requires professional tools.

Ed è per questo che proveremo a darAnd that is why we will try to answer the question: what are currently the best software for workload planning?

But let’s briefly see what the main motivation is to manage this wisely and what the main factors to keep in mind are.

Workload management: why it is crucial

When starting workload planning and allocation, it is important to strike a balance between not overloading operators and optimising resources.

If you carefully plan not only the load of individual resources but also the workload of the company or department as a whole, the entire team will develop greater involvement and commitment.

Transparency in the assignment of tasks promotes teamwork and helps prevent burnout caused by overloading.

With this in mind, our advice is to reverse the perspective and place workload planning upstream in the planning of project schedules and phases.

Usually, the workload calculation is carried out after the phase planning, not considering that without adequate resource availability, the project will naturally incur delays and slippage.

In our opinion, the allocation of the workload to the resources should be the first aspect to consider when assessing the feasibility of the project itself.

In case feasibility is not guaranteed, an appropriate tool can help the project manager to reschedule dates or reconsider loads and thus ensure better success.

Key factors for workload management software

As we have seen, efficient workload management helps to assess the technical feasibility of the project and to involve the entire team, increasing productivity and satisfaction.

So what are the key factors that a good workload planning and monitoring software must offer?

We have identified three factors that we will now briefly examine.

1. Flexibility in planning

Every company is different, but even within the same company, projects affect the workload of employees differently.

There are classic projects with a start and end date, with an actual workload to be done by those dates. If not done for whatever reason, the daily work of the project activities must be redistributed over the following days until the end date of the project.

Then there are activities that are not planned within a certain period, but are determined for instance by an ‘hourly’ maintenance and service contract. These so-called ‘spot’ activities do not have a predetermined load and therefore only have to be considered in the workload when an ad hoc intervention is planned for a certain day.

Finally, there are the routine activities: meetings, mailing, supporting colleagues and so on. This type of work does not represent a real load because it does not automatically affect the following days if it is not done.

Having a tool that allows such a distinction of activities in the allocation of loads is crucial.

This is the only way to ensure flexibility in planning, making it much more realistic and consistent.

2. Comprehensive, real-time monitoring

The second point is that it is important to find a tool that integrates workload calculation with other project management tools, such as Gantt charts, assignments, ToDo’s, timesheets and so on.

This is firstly useful in order not to have to enter data several times, but also because, as we have seen, the workload estimate influences the feasibility of projects and helps to plan activities better.

Workload management can never be disconnected from the context, and therefore integration with other functions is a fundamental aspect to look for in a management tool.

3. Automation and optimisation

If the software used allows us to enter data in an intelligent and simplified manner, without having to repeat the same information within the various sections, the entire project management process will be optimised.

Process optimisation is the key objective to aim for when choosing a workload management tool.

We recommend looking for tools that favour data aggregation and enable automation processes (dynamic algorithms, reporting and conflict resolution, alerts, etc.) so that the investment pays off.

The workload load management software that we highlight in this short list are those that in our opinion best meet all these needs.

Let’s look at them closely and find out what they offer.

1. Twproject

Twproject software for workload management

Twproject is a workload management software integrated with many other project management functionalities.

It is an accurate, comprehensive and flexible platform that optimises workload management thanks to its automations.

The calculation of the workload of resources is formulated thanks to the duration of the project and the estimated work for each resource or each team.

Its time-optimisation algorithm cleverly redistributes the load in the event of overlapping assignments, thus avoiding affecting project schedules.

In the event of an overrun, Twproject reports the overload, leaving the project manager with the option of revising the timings or assignments.

The workload also interacts with planning tools, reporting data in an automated way and with data on the work done by employees (flexitime, unavailability, time-sheets, etc.).

Main features:

  • Load management for teams or departments: in addition to individual resources, the workload can be managed collectively.
  • Load optimisation: dynamic redistribution with an intelligent algorithm, which helps to avoid overloads whenever possible.
  • Load incidence differentiation: different redistribution depending on the type of activity (project, routine or spot).
  • Customisation: possibility of customising the work schedules of resources in any way.
  • Integration with planning tools: extraction of schedule information from calendar and Gantt chart.
  • Integration with assignments and ToDo’s: with assignments the load is distributed over days, with ToDo’s more specific indications regarding the timing of activities are added.
  • Integration with timesheets: information is automatically transmitted to the load analysis tools.
  • Automations: group actions for the approval of worklogs.
  • Notifications: effective in case of overload.
  • Conflict resolution: automatic and just a click away.
  • Use of filters: to select and display predefined teams and time intervals.
  • Data export: in various ways and formats.

Price: from €7.89 user/month.

Pros: gestireManaging the workload with Twproject helps to optimise input times and make accurate estimates. This tool meets various business needs and has an intuitive operation. It helps to carry out realistic and accurate workload planning.

Cons: We do not encounter any flaws.

Thanks to its automated functionalities and its ability to adapt to every need, Twproject optimises processes, avoiding overload and better planning the work of the team.

2. Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is a team workload management software that provides task management, load visualisation, automation, time tracking and advanced reporting capabilities.

In this platform, it is possible to create detailed tasks with assignment of specific responsibilities, deadlines, priorities and task dependencies. Tasks can be visualised in various modes (list, Kanban, Gantt).

It allows the automation of repetitive tasks or workflows, reducing the need for manual intervention and optimising time and resource management.

Main features:

  • Automatic planning: suggests how to distribute tasks according to the capabilities and availability of team members.
  • Automations: creates rules to automatically move tasks according to certain triggers (e.g. when a deadline approaches, the task moves to the next step).
  • Automatic notifications: send reminders and notifications internally or via email to avoid forgetfulness and delays.
  • Customisable reports: create specific reports to monitor workload.
  • Load charts: visual analysis of time spent on tasks to monitor and balance work.
  • Performance analysis: allows you to analyse how resources are utilised.

Price: from €49 per month for 5 users.

Pros: highly customisable workload management, with tools to monitor deadlines, priorities and execution times. Automations and workload visualisation simplify the distribution of tasks and prevent overload.

Cons: the platform can be complex to set up for new users, requiring some time to adapt to its many features.

A flexible solution, but one that may need an initial investment to be used to its full capacity.

3. Hive

Hive

Hive is a versatile platform for workload management, or “Resourcing” as it is called here, offering advanced tools to organise, monitor and optimise team activities.

With features such as real-time project visualisation, resource planning and task allocation, Hive helps to balance the workload efficiently.

Its peculiarity is that it starts with the allocations and determines the timing of the projects accordingly, thus giving a clear priority to the resources in the projects.

Its customisable interface allows teams to adapt the system to their specific needs, facilitating smooth and collaborative management.

Main features:

  • Resourcing dashboard: interface from which the project manager can obtain availability for assignments.
  • Load entry: automated procedure after indicating assignee, date and estimated time.
  • Workspaces: Usage tool for creating teams.
  • Filters: with the possibility of displaying the load in hours or in percentages
  • Reporting of overruns: by different colouring.
  • Customisation: display of assignments differentiated between team members.
  • Time and budget allocation: subsequent to workload planning.

Price: from $12 user/month.

Pros: well-designed interface and extensive customisation possibilities. Good system for those looking for a solution that puts project resources at the heart of planning.

Cons: what may be an advantage for some teams (planning from the load) may be limiting for others. Moreover, all management work is task-based and not project-based as a whole.

A suitable tool for those who wish to plan projects based on the availability of resources, using this as a basis for defining work schedules.

4. Toggl

Toggl

Toogl is a workload management platform that offers solid functionality and some useful automations.

Its main purpose is to optimise the balance between the team’s work capacity and the project load, adapting to business needs.

This tool is characterised by a well-designed visual interface, but may be complex for beginners.

It has a special focus on staff well-being, including an alert system designed to prevent burnout. Among the notifications, for example, one suggests when it is the right time to hire new members to lighten the workload.

Main features:

  • Availability overview: accessible on all team timelines.
  • Scheduling: rescheduling of tasks and reallocation of resources in Kanban mode.
  • Integrations: data import from Google Calendar.
  • Alerts: conflict notification.
  • Automatic customisations: filtered display by resource role.
  • Task management: central element in work time planning.

Price: from $9 user/month.

Pros: Toggl is characterised by a user-friendly interface and a well-designed workload analysis system. Its dashboard provides a clear and effective overview of activities, giving a complete overview.

Cons: despite the good interface, the navigation experience in Toggl could be improved. Furthermore, it is somewhat limited in its long-term planning functionality, making it difficult to manage future projects.

A quality software for those who wish to prevent overwork, but which is somewhat lacking in overall planning.

5. Zoho

Zoho

Zoho is a comprehensive workload management tool designed to help teams plan, monitor and collaborate efficiently.

This tool is made up of several parts that can be combined to form a different jigsaw puzzle as required.

It offers integrated workload functionality such as task management, Gantt charting, resource planning and deadline tracking. It also has detailed reports and real-time collaboration tools.

Its intuitive interface allows tasks to be assigned according to team availability, while automations simplify repetitive processes.

Main features:

  • Customised views: multiple ways of displaying the load.
  • ‘Heatmaps’: ways of displaying the free time of each resource and graphs for resource utilisation.
  • Automations: task-related for the reduction of repetitive tasks.
  • Resource planning: optimisation of work distribution according to availability.
  • Reporting and analysis: performance monitoring and workload balancing.

Price: from $5 user/month.

Pros: high degree of customisation, allowing users to adapt both the tools and the data visualisation according to their needs. In general, it is a user-friendly and fairly intuitive platform.

Cons: In order to achieve complete management, it is often necessary to integrate several applications of the Zoho suite, which may be frustrating for some users. In addition, this dependency makes the entire system less compatible with third-party applications.

A combinable tool for those who want workload management to be customised according to the needs of individual teams.

6. nTask

nTask

As can be guessed from the name, this platform is based on the management of daily tasks, and therefore has many functionalities integrated with them, such as automation, reports, etc.

It allows the creation and assignment of tasks with deadlines, priorities and detailed descriptions. Tasks can be divided into subtasks, facilitating granular work management and improving resource balancing.

Workload management also starts from the tasks entered rather than from a general project schedule.

Tasks can in fact be allocated between resources with a sort of Kanban board showing the workload.

This aspect makes nTask more suitable for agile, small teams or self-employed workers.

Main features:

  • Workload display: Kanban-style load view
  • Free tasks: assignable via drag and drop
  • Rescheduling: according to parameters such as date change or resource commitment change.
  • Automations: it is possible to automate the creation of recurring tasks or the assignment of tasks to specific members when certain conditions occur.
  • Filters: for customising the view or sorting.
  • Reporting and analysis: detailed reports on task progress and workload and analysis to help optimise resource allocation.
  • Load setting mode: in percentages or FTE (Full-Time Equivalents).

Price: from $8 user/month.

Pros: nTask has good security and also information sharing functions. In the event of an overrun, it allows the user to choose how to resolve the conflict, as it has various possibilities for adjustment.

Cons: being designed for small teams or freelancers, it is not very user-friendly when there are several projects going on. It is also lacking in advanced reporting.

An agile tool with some useful insights, more suitable for freelancers or small teams than for large companies.

Bottom line

We have seen that workload management is a fundamental process because it identifies, monitors and manages the work of a team.

Within this framework, there are different approaches in carrying out the process and the various tools analysed here represent these methodological choices, ranging from those who apply an agile approach to those who adopt a more structured method.

We renew our recommendation to choose workload management tools that are:

  • integrated with all other project management tools, as workload planning is a key aspect in assessing project feasibility;
  • flexible enough to allow each project manager to plan the work of the team according to specific business needs;
  • customisable, as each project and each activity has unique characteristics that can affect how the workload is calculated and distributed;
  • automated for optimised management in terms of time savings and algorithm reliability.

If you found this short guide useful, please share your opinion or any of your requests in the comments.

And if you believe Twproject can be the best choice for managing your team’s workload, as it already has been for so many of our customers, give it a free trial here.

How to assign project management tasks

Organizing and planning project management tasks are critical, and if not executed properly, they can lead to project failure.

Being flexible and open to change will help keep the project on track and overcome obstacles.

In this article, let’s see how to assign project management activities properly to ensure efficient project planning.

The importance of assigning tasks in project management

In any project, success or failure often comes down to how efficiently tasks and responsibilities are assigned.

Sound assignment ensures that each project team member knows precisely what to do, how to do it, and when.

Tasks also should be assigned based on team members’ strengths and weaknesses.

By assigning tasks based on skills and experience, you can maximize their potential and improve overall performance.

When team members are aware of their unique responsibilities, they are more likely to take charge of their tasks and work towards achieving project goals.

In a nutshell, proper task assignment leads to better time management, greater efficiency, and improved quality of work.

Factors to take into consideration when assigning project management tasks

When it comes to assigning tasks and responsibilities for project planning, there are several factors that should be considered:

  1. Project goals

The first consideration is the project’s overall goals. Each task and responsibility should be aligned with these targets to ensure everyone is working toward the same goal. This also helps to prioritize tasks and determine which team members are best suited for specific duties.

triangolo dei vincoli di progetto twproject software di project management

2. Individual strengths and skills

When assigning tasks, it is important to consider each team member’s strengths and skills. This helps delegate tasks to the most qualified professional, ensuring that work is completed efficiently and effectively.

3. Time constraints

Yet another factor to consider is project time constraints. Some tasks may have tighter deadlines than others, so it is important to assign them accordingly and allot enough time for each team member to complete their tasks.

4. Costs and expenses

Resources must be budgeted based on their cost per hour. Therefore, it is critical to consider the impact of these costs on the overall project budget for each task.

5. Resource availability

Resource management is another key element to ensure project success. If a team member assigned to a particular task is on leave, the work will not progress, which may delay the entire project. The project manager must, therefore, carefully consider the availability of each resource.

6. Communication and collaboration

When assigning tasks, it is key to consider how team members will communicate and collaborate with each other. A sound project plan includes clear guidelines on who will supervise tasks and how updates will be shared among the team.

7. Flexibility and adaptability

It is important to bear in mind that project planning and management are not set in stone. Unexpected changes or challenges may come up, so it is critical to assign tasks and responsibilities in a way that allows for flexibility and adaptability. This will ensure that the project stays on track and can easily adapt to any unforeseen circumstances.

8. Risk management

Successful risk management helps identify and prevent potential problems that could undermine the project. A good project manager must be able to assess potential threats and take preventive measures to reduce negative impacts on business development.

Why choose project management software to assign tasks?

As we have discussed, task management is more than just creating a to-do list and ticking off tasks as they are completed.

In our current working environment, which is marked by complex projects and an increasing need to coordinate teams spread across different geographic areas, project management software has become essential to assign tasks.

Twproject is one of the most pioneering project management tools on the market. It offers numerous benefits that make it a must-have for any business.

One of the main benefits is the clear definition of tasks and responsibilities.

With this dedicated software, each task can be assigned in detail, indicating priorities, deadlines, and necessary resources. This clears up any confusion about who is supposed to do what and minimizes the risk of overlapping or forgotten tasks.

It also provides managers with real-time monitoring of task progress, identifying any bottlenecks and taking timely action to resolve them.

Centralized information is another key benefit.

Twproject helps collect all project data, including documents, communications, and updates, in a single platform. This facilitates communication among team members and reduces the need for unnecessary meetings to obtain up-to-date information.

Furthermore, tools such as the Gantt chart allow projects to be organized visually, enabling the identification of delays or overloads.

gantt chart project software management twproject

This project management tool offers state-of-the-art reporting features, which allow you to analyze team performance and identify areas for improvement.

By collecting data and creating visual reports, project managers can gauge the effectiveness of their strategies and optimize workflows based on actual metrics.

Therefore, it is becoming clear that using project management software to assign project management activities means better organization, greater transparency, process automation, and optimized collaboration.

Investing in such software is a strategic choice and a necessity to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.

Plan your projects with Twproject

The Tuckman model and the group development stages

The Tuckman model and the group development stages are a well-tested system for understanding how teams progress and develop.

This model is used in large companies such as Google and Facebook.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the group development stages defined by the Tuckman model.

What is the Tuckman model?

The Tuckman model is named after psychologist Bruce Wayne Tuckman, who developed this theory in 1965 to explain development dynamics in work groups.  

His study is based on the observation of teams in different contexts and the challenges they faced during their evolution.

The Tuckman model is a tool designed to help us understand the five stages of team development, which are:

1.   Forming

2.   Storming

3.   Norming

4.   Performing

5.   Adjourning

This system, therefore, describes these five predictable stages that a team experiences and explains how they can be used to improve the team’s performance. It is still largely used in business, education, and project management to understand and optimize group dynamics.

Even though every team is different and progresses at its own pace, these phases guide project managers throughout the project life cycle.

Understanding where the team members might fall on the scale will help the project manager manage the employees more effectively as individuals and as a collective unit.

Let’s take a closer look at the five phases of the Tuckman model.

Tuckman and the stages of group development

1. Forming (uncertainty, nervousness, curiosity, and enthusiasm)

In the forming stage, team members are just starting to get to know each other and learn their group roles and individual tasks.

It’s all very uncertain; no one is sure what they’re supposed to do, how they’re meant to behave, or even who the other group members are.

Think of it like being in a new environment for the first time: employees may look around and wonder if they’re in the right place or if their teammates are up to the task.

During this stage, team members must be supported in getting to know their teammates and discovering their strengths and weaknesses.

The training stage also involves examining the project’s fundamental aspects, such as objectives, activities, deadlines, etc.

The team must become familiar with these fundamental concepts before moving on to the next stage, Storming.

2. Storming (frustration, conflict, and competition)

The Storming stage is often the most uncomfortable.

Here, the team begins to realize that they are not working as well as they should and that individual personalities can impact productivity.

Different points of view emerge in this stage, which can result in conflict and a deeper mutual understanding.

Team members begin to discuss strategies, working methods, and expectations, sometimes leading to tensions that, if not managed correctly, can hinder collaboration.

This stage involves heated discussions, misunderstandings, and sometimes competition between members. Still, it is crucial for the group to establish clearer working dynamics.

The project manager plays a key role in facilitating communication, resolving conflicts, and promoting a trust-based environment so that differences become opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

To successfully overcome the storming phase, the team must learn to manage emotions, develop active listening skills, and find shared solutions. Establishing effective communication rules, encouraging the sharing of ideas, and promoting open dialogue help transform this critical phase into a productive step toward the group’s growth.

The mindset shifts from seeing oneself as an individual responsible only for one’s part of the project to recognizing that one is part of a group and each member is responsible for the final product.

3. Norming (cooperation, support, and problem-solving)

Things have now come together, and the team is close-knit.

Team members have overcome the conflict stage and are beginning to develop more stable and collaborative relationships. Mutual trust is growing, and a dynamic of support and respect is developing.

Employees feel comfortable and get along (in most cases) with each other. Communication becomes more open and effective, with members actively listening to each other and constructively looking for solutions to problems.

Since the group established shared leadership, the team is now more productive, focused on achieving common goals, and autonomous.

Shared leadership is a key element in this stage. Team members feel more involved in decision-making and work management, which helps create a sense of collective responsibility and keeps motivation high.

To strengthen team bonding further, it’s a good idea to organize team-building activities, which help consolidate interpersonal relationships and improve collaboration. Furthermore, the project manager must continue to monitor the group, providing support and positive feedback to maintain a peaceful and productive work environment.

 4. Performing (creativity, innovation, and delivery)

This stage is characterized by high trust and creativity, unity of purpose and commitment, and a clear understanding of the team’s objectives. By now, team members have developed a well-defined work method and can operate autonomously and efficiently.

They work together smoothly, balancing individual skills and group collaboration.

Conflict is managed constructively, and the team can circumvent difficulties to find solutions.

Problem-solving becomes an everyday practice, and the group faces challenges with a spirit driven by innovation and determination. Each member feels like an integral part of the project and actively contributes to the collective success.

At this point, productivity is at its peak. The team has learned to communicate effectively, and all the employees work together to achieve results enthusiastically. The leader takes on a supporting rather than a managing role, providing guidelines and tools to optimize work without constantly intervening.

This stage is also a time when the team can experiment with new approaches and strategies, increasing their capacity to innovate. The sense of belonging and mutual trust are at their highest levels, making the group resilient and high-performing.

The project manager must ensure that things run smoothly. This means scheduling regular meetings and check-ins to keep everyone on track.

This phase can last years, but if a team member leaves or a new one joins, you will most likely have to start from the beginning.

5. Adjourning (reflection, realization, and disbanding)

This is the final stage of the Tuckman model and involves preparing the team for disbanding.

This means that all activities have been completed or are in the final stages of completion.

During this stage, team members begin to focus on their own goals, rather than the group’s.

They may start thinking about how to work with another group or whether they want to continue working with the same people on a new project.

Some members may feel satisfied and proud of their work, while others may feel lost at the conclusion of an intense work experience.

At this stage, it is important to hold a debriefing to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. The project manager can facilitate reflection sessions, celebrate the team’s successes, and ensure members feel valued for their contributions.

How the Tuckman model is implemented in project management

As we have discussed, the Tuckman model consists of five fundamental phases in developing a team and is widely used in project management to improve the dynamics of group management.

This model is often adopted in project management software, as it helps to understand team dynamics and optimize collaborative work.

Using project management software such as Twproject during these stages can help optimize collaboration and workflow.

For example, in the Forming stage, this tool can support role, objective, and activity definition, providing a clear perspective of the project.

On the other hand, the activity management and internal communication features during the Storming phase help resolve conflicts and improve cooperation.

In the Norming phase, Twproject helps promote team coordination, while in the Performing phase, dashboards and automation improve productivity and progress monitoring.

Lastly, in the subsequent Adjourning phase, Twproject helps collect feedback, archive documents, and analyze lessons learned, facilitating the project’s finalization.

Thanks to Twproject, teams can tackle challenges more structuredly, keeping efficiency high and guaranteeing project success.

Try it for free.

Work together with your team effectively

How to optimize work organization in teams

Efficient teamwork organization is a key process for achieving project success.

An effective team stimulates unique strengths and allows individuals to reach their full potential.

In this article, we will cover how to optimize work organization in teams and what tools to choose to maximize work performance.

Why is work organization in teams important?

While having a team composed of the brightest individuals, productivity and quality of work will most likely suffer without effective teamwork.

Good organization allows tasks to be distributed fairly, optimizing each member’s skills and reducing the risk of overload or duplication of effort.

It also facilitates communication, avoiding misunderstandings and improving coordination among team members.

A well-organized team can easily meet deadlines, adapt to changes, and tackle challenges flexibly.

Finally, a clear and structured work organization increases motivation and a sense of responsibility, contributing to a positive work environment and individual and collective growth.

8 strategies on how to optimize work organization in teams

organizzazione del lavoro in team twproject

1. Build mixed and inclusive teams.

 Creating diverse teams rather than groups of people with similar ideas is important.

At first, it might seem easier to work with like-minded employees, thus avoiding possible arguments. However, people with different backgrounds are more likely to bring different perspectives and experiences.

If all team members think alike, come from similar backgrounds, and have the same opinions, the work that is produced is likely to be one-sided and less creative.

With multiple points of view, you can achieve more in-depth decision-making, potentially creating more innovative work.

2. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each team member

When employees are unsure of their duties and responsibilities, it often creates tension within the team.

Each team member must know exactly what they are responsible for so that there is no overlap in tasks.

If multiple employees work on the same task due to confusion of responsibilities, valuable time will end up wasted.

3. Build trust within your team

It is hard to work productively if the atmosphere is tense.

For this reason, trust is very important when you want to lead a team to success.

Trust among team members can thrive with something as simple as having dinner together or partaking in team-building activities.

It is also important to encourage team members to interact with each other outside of work. This will build trust and boost employee morale and satisfaction with their work lives.

4. Promote clear and frequent communication

Although this may seem like superfluous advice, it is one of the first to be overlooked.

Certainly, maintaining clear and frequent communication, especially with large and/or remote teams, is easier said than done.

However, communicating clearly will ensure that all team members are on the same page, leading to more accurate work completed in a shorter time.

Effective communication also helps build team members’ trust, improving their overall performance.

5. Grant teams autonomy in decision-making

Having confidence in team members to make their own decisions is important for building trust and improving teamwork.

If people do not have the freedom and power to make decisions concerning work in the company, they will begin to feel resentment and, in the worst cases, begin to obstruct work.

It is important to give team members the freedom to make their own decisions, always within a person’s role and capacity, to keep them involved and engaged.

6. Manage team meetings wisely

Regardless of how often they are held, team meetings should be used to plan, brainstorm, reflect, and share ideas.

No matter how often teams meet (depending on the type of project), each meeting should have a structured plan.

There is nothing more frustrating than having frequent meetings that lead nowhere.

7. Don’t be afraid to reorganize team dynamics

If certain roles and/or responsibilities are not working for some team members, it is important to make some changes.

The project manager should not be afraid to reorganize and reallocate tasks to improve team dynamics and productivity.

If employees fill roles in which they are not successful, this will negatively impact the entire team because generally, each person’s work depends on the work of one or more other team members.

Therefore, human resource management is important, as is ensuring that all team members are in suitable roles that allow them to use their skills and show their full potential.

8. Provide your team with learning opportunities

It is important to provide the team with appropriate training and guidance to maximize the benefits of teamwork in the workplace.

Providing learning opportunities will improve teamwork skills and increase employee engagement and job satisfaction.

Workshops, trainings, and conferences outside the organization are great ways to ensure that employees understand the importance of teamwork and how to be effective team members.

Optimizing work organization in teams with Twproject

The strategies seen in this article will enable improved work efficiency in teams.

However, there’s a tool you can use to simplify this process even further: Twproject.

Twproject is project management software that adapts to business needs and allows you to maintain 360-degree control of your project.

Among its features are team planning tools that help prioritize tasks, manage workloads, and set clear deadlines.

Even with well-defined workflows and effective collaboration, challenges and critical issues can still arise suddenly, leading to distractions and inefficiencies that slow progress.

One of the most critical aspects is data overload, making it difficult to identify relevant information.

For this reason, Twproject provides advanced tools for managing views and using smart filters, allowing you to display only what is really needed for each project. (Learn more about this in the article. Free yourself from data overload by optimizing views with project filters.)

That is why project management software such as Twproject helps the project manager and team members maintain focus, optimize workflows, and ensure that projects are completed on time.

In today’s increasingly dynamic and competitive market, where speed and dexterity are pivotal success factors, having a tool that optimizes project management is no longer an option but a strategic necessity.

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The technical feasibility of a project: how to assess it with the allocation of resources

The allocation of the right resources to a project according to their skills and availability makes it easier to assess the technical feasibility of the project.

In fact, during the project feasibility study, the allocation of resources relates to the technical sphere and is crucial for verifying whether the company has the appropriate skills to meet the project requirements.

It is essential to consider the people involved in a project right from the planning stage, as it is they who determine the success or failure of the initiative.

This makes it possible to plan resources more effectively, facilitate communication and prevent conflicts.

A careful assessment of the human factor helps to create a collaborative working environment and better manage internal dynamics, contributing to achieving project goals more efficiently and harmoniously.

Recreating the corporate structure

It is precisely because we consider the human factor to be fundamental that at Twproject we have implemented a tree-based system for the input of human resources.

This system makes it possible to reconstruct the company structure by grouping personnel into groups and sub-groups, each of which has its own function within the company.

Recreating the corporate structure, or in the case of individual projects the project organisational structure, is not an end in itself.

We will see later how and why it is useful to assign a project phase directly to a team and not to a single resource.

This is what a resource card looks like in Twproject. In addition to belonging to the company and a possible department or sub-group, we can also insert a series of tags, which summarise the specific competences of the person.

adding resource card

For example, within the IT department, the manager can enter which programming languages the resources are familiar with, which tools they use, and so on.

Resource tags are a key element in the search for resources to allocate to projects, which can be displayed when using a special team filter.

Let us now see how all these tools for allocating resources can help to assess the technical feasibility of a project when we distribute activities.

Allocating a project phase to a department (and thus to its resources)

When the project manager comes to schedule resources in projects, Twproject offers a useful option.

If we have grouped personnel according to the company structure, we can also assign a project phase to an entire department.

To do this, we will select from the Gantt chart, for example, the entire IT department as being generally responsible for the entire infrastructure creation phase of an application.

department allocation to a project phase

This can have two advantages:

1. it allows us to immediately see the total load for the entire department and thus assess the availability of personnel and the feasibility of the project phase.

2. it allows to pospone the direct assignment of tasks to resources to a later date; or otherwise leaves the decision to the direct managers of the department, who know the resources, their skills and availability better.

If we enter the estimated workload, we will see the availability percentage for the entire department updated. This percentage indicates how busy all the resources in a department are during the project phase in question.

This ensures that there is a general readiness to perform the activity: who and how will perform the individual tasks can be seen later.

Allocating to direct resources: the use of tags

Coming to the specific case of direct contracting, here is how to optimise the allocation of resources in a project by selecting them according to specific skills possessed.

Let’s say that for the design phase of our project we need a CAD expert.

Using the +Team button from the resource assignment window of the Gantt, we can display all the resources that have previously been assigned that tag.

allocation of resources using project tag

If we have done a good job during the resource entry phase, tags will come in very handy at this stage.

We can also temporarily place all resources with that tag and then see which one has the greatest availability to carry out the project.

worklog percentage after time estimates

Assuming an estimated workload of 100 hours, we see that the resource with the highest availability, in the image above, is Robert.

In order not to overload the other two colleagues, we could then choose Robert as the project phase assignee.

This function is therefore very useful for finding the right person based on his or her skills and, together with the load visualisation, allows us to better carry out our resource management plan.

Rescheduling project timelines if resources reach full capacity

We have seen how project phases are assigned to teams or individuals according to their specific skills.

And Twproject, in doing so, immediately shows us how much the new assignment will affect the workload.

But what if the chosen resource or even worse the whole department is already fully loaded for the given period?

This will not necessarily jeopardise the feasibility of the project; instead, it will allow us to postpone the phase to a period with greater availability of the personnel involved.

With Twproject, there is no need to do complicated calculations to find the right timing, nor do we have to postpone the work to an indefinite future time.

In fact, we can take advantage of the tools that the Gantt chart provides to do these calculations for us.

  • First of all, we have to select the workload icon, which will show in red the workload percentage of the resource currently overloaded.
  • At the same time, the icon for rescheduling timings will appear next to the project dates. By clicking on it, the Gantt will suggest a schedule adjustment that allows the maximum resource load to be respected.
timing rescheduling on the basi of resource availability

In this case we see that the suggestion is to postpone the end date of the phase by about ten days, so as not to overload the resources involved.

What the Gantt suggests to us is a proposal, which we can accept or not, or modify to our liking.

Twproject’s Gantt chart is in fact an operational tool, which allows testing and hypothesising scenarios. Each change is provisional, and to make it final we have to save the data.

Then we can save our programme and easilty share it.

Final summary

In this post we have tried to give you some examples of how to estimate the resources of a project in a practical way and with the usual flexibility that Twproject offers.

The purpose is to show you how easy it is to customise this activity to your needs.

But even more so, we believe that if done carefully, the allocation of project resources is a crucial factor in assessing the technical feasibility of the project.

In the event that feasibility is not guaranteed, Twproject also has the right tools to better reschedule our project plan and ensure better success.

If these are the solutions you are looking for, try Twproject for free for 14 days and see how easy and intuitive it is to plan this way.

Plan your workload and ensure project feasibility.

 

Human resource planning and scheduling

Human resource planning and scheduling is critical to facilitate timely delivery of a project.

This is a very important aspect of ensuring long-term business sustainability and resilience.

Let’s see in this article what human resource planning and scheduling is, why it is important, and how best to manage it.

What is human resource planning and scheduling?

In a nutshell, human resource planning and scheduling is a process used to ensure that a company has employees with the necessary skills, available at the right time, and with the appropriate capacity to achieve goals.

The human resource planning process involves forecasting future workforce needs, assessing current skills and needs, talent market assessments, and identifying specific employee management issues such as retention.

The main purpose of human resource planning and scheduling is to keep the company productive and profitable.

Typically, this process involves four steps:

  • Understand the current workforce;
  • Anticipate future staffing needs;
  • Find a balance between the number of available employees and the number needed;
  • Ensure that talent and processes support the company’s goals.

Why is human resource planning and scheduling important?

Human resource planning and scheduling helps companies promote various improvements, including:

– Optimal resource allocation: planning ensures that an organization’s most valuable resource-its human resources-is allocated efficiently and optimally, maximizing productivity and minimizing waste.

Learn more here about the resource allocation method and how it can help in assessing project feasibility.

– Strategic workforce planning: through strategic human resource planning, organizations can anticipate their future needs, enabling them to adapt to changes, remain competitive and seize opportunities.

   – Cultivate talent: Human resource planning and scheduling cultivates existing talent by identifying skill gaps and development needs among the current workforce.  This paves the way for targeted training and advancement opportunities.

 – Increased employee satisfaction: when employees recognize that the organization invests in their growth and development, it fosters a sense of belonging and satisfaction, contributing to increased engagement and reduced turnover.

 

programmazione delle risorse project management software

Alignment with business goals: a well-structured HR planning and scheduling process aligns HR strategies with broader business goals, creating a cohesive and synchronized approach to achieving success.

The main steps of human resource planning and scheduling

The human resource planning and scheduling process involves four stages.

Each of these must be executed in sequence to arrive at the ultimate goal, which is to develop a strategy that will enable the company to successfully find and retain enough qualified employees to meet its needs.

1.  Manpower Supply Analysis

The first step is to identify the company’s current supply of human resources.

In this step, the HR department studies the strength of the organization based on the number of employees, their skills, qualifications, positions, benefits, and performance levels. It may also be useful to analyze any internal critical issues.

The goal is to obtain a clear and comprehensive overview of the existing, so that we can assess whether the current workforce and skills are in line with the company’s needs and future needs.

2.  Manpower Supply Forecasting

The second step requires the company to outline the future of its workforce. Here, the HR department must take into account any factors that affect the company’s future needs, including promotions, retirements, layoffs, and transfers.

The HR department can also examine external conditions that affect labor demand, such as new technologies that might increase or decrease the need for workers.

3.  Balancing Manpower Demand with Supply

 The third step is forecasting labor demand. Human resources creates a gap analysis that defines specific needs to narrow the company’s labor supply relative to future demand. This analysis will answer a number of questions, such as:

Should employees learn new skills?

Does the company need more managers?

Are all employees leveraging their strengths in their current roles?

This phase allows skills and resource gaps to be identified, enabling targeted training plans and appropriate recruitment strategies to be developed.

4.  Management Plan Development and Implementation

 The answers to the gap analysis questions help the human resources department determine how to proceed and outline practical steps to integrate its resource plan with the rest of the company.

An effective strategic plan includes setting clear goals, creating training and development programs, reviewing selection processes, and introducing new initiatives to improve talent management.

Specifically:

  • Defining HR goals: clarifying how the HR department will contribute to the company’s overall goals, such as through reducing turnover, increasing employee satisfaction, or increasing productivity.
  • Training and development plan: include training and mentoring paths to fill gaps and improve the skills of the workforce, ensuring the professional growth of employees.
  • Update selection processes: revise recruitment techniques (e.g., introduce practice tests or soft skill-based interviews) and set up new search channels to intercept talent more in line with future needs.
  • Strengthening talent management: introducing job rotation strategies, career plans and targeted welfare policies to retain the most valuable talent and foster organizational well-being.
  • Continuous monitoring and review: a dynamic plan includes periodic checks, with precise indicators (KPIs) measuring employee satisfaction, productivity, and skill level acquired, to constantly update the strategy based on results.

This final stage ensures that human resource planning does not remain an abstract theory, but becomes a daily practice, integrated with corporate processes and culture.

Software for Human Resource Planning and Scheduling

One way to address the potential challenges that human resource planning and scheduling presents is to use a project management such as Twproject.

This modern software makes it possible to visualize and predict employee activities, hours worked and their impact on company finances for more informed decision making.

It also helps a company visualize project progress in real time to simplify collaboration among stakeholders.

With Twproject’s multiple business calendars feature, any organization will be able to manage activities, skills and workloads in a structured way, ensuring optimal use of available human resources.

One of its main functions is task planning, which allows specific tasks to be assigned to team members based on their skills, availability and business priorities.

This helps to balance the workload, avoiding situations of overload or inactivity.

In addition, advanced visualization tools, such as Gantt or Kanban charts, provide a clear overview of the progress of projects.

Real-time monitoring is another key benefit.

In this, the project manager can monitor the status of projects and intervene quickly if problems arise, ensuring that deadlines and goals are met.

Automated reporting capabilities also provide detailed data on individual and team performance, facilitating the identification of areas for improvement. In addition, all documentation and various real-time reports are available and searchable from anywhere at any time.

By centralizing information, Twproject fosters collaboration and reduces communication errors.

In summary, project management software such as Twproject improves human resource planning and scheduling, increasing efficiency, transparency, and job satisfaction.

 

Keep all your projects under control with Twproject!

 

The Role of the Sustainability Project Manager in Businesses

A Sustainability Project Manager is in charge of coordinating a company’s sustainability initiatives through collaboration with internal departments and partners.

As defined by the United Nations, sustainable development involves addressing current needs

“without compromising the future generation’s ability to fulfill their needs.”

In the business environment, sustainability typically denotes a commitment to running operations without negative impacts on the environment, local communities, and society overall.

For this reason, many companies are now turning more and more to sustainability experts.

Sustainability in project management

Sustainability Project Manager twproject

In an ever-changing world, sustainability in project management is assuming increasing relevance.

Project sustainability involves both individual and organizational responsibility to ensure that deliverables, results, and benefits are sustainable throughout the life cycle.

This is often planned from the very beginning, becoming a key requirement in (nearly) every project.

It is a concept that can be challenging to implement, but it is becoming a thing that can no longer be overlooked.

Sustainability involves taking individual and organizational responsibility and is something that all project professionals must understand and fulfill.

Sustainability is a multifaceted concept that comprises the careful management of economic, environmental, and social resources to ensure the well-being of current and future generations. In particular:

  • Financial sustainability: Ensure that projects provide long-term financial benefits and contribute to economic growth of organizations and communities.
  • Environmental sustainability: Minimize negative environmental impacts of projects and project results, like lowering carbon footprint, preserving natural resources, and promoting energy efficiency.
  • Social sustainability: Address the social implications of projects, both during project delivery (community involvement, stakeholder engagement, and promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion) and as a result of projects (stronger communities, empowered people, hope).
  • Governance: Abide by and even anticipate regulations, policies, and procedures that change how organizations and people think and plan.

Sustainable management in project management, hence, requires a holistic approach that addresses how these elements are interconnected.

By integrating these sustainability principles into project decision-making processes, companies can generate value for all while mitigating risks and ensuring the long-term viability of their projects.

What is the role of a Sustainability Project Manager?

The Sustainability Project Manager role will vary depending on the type of organization.

However, duties generally include managing programs that aim to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency, supervising the creation and dissemination of the annual corporate sustainability report, and ensuring compliance with all relevant environmental regulations.

A Sustainability Project Manager is responsible for creating messages based on the organization’s goals and target audiences and determining the most effective channels for message distribution.

They also play a key role in promoting change by encouraging internal and external stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.

Qualities and skills needed to serve in a Sustainability Project Manager role include:

  • Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) are essential for this professional, who works to establish relationships with key personnel and improve an organization’s sustainability efforts.
  • Strong analytical skills are vital for collecting data on areas such as waste reduction and sustainable transportation and analyzing the results.
  • Effective collaboration skills, required as a Sustainability Project Manager, serve as a bridge between internal employees, suppliers, and community partners.

Twproject and the importance of project management software for project sustainability

In this day and age, a project’s sustainability is increasingly dependent on its ability to adapt to changing needs, use resources efficiently, and deliver consistent results over time.

That is why a good project management software solution is crucial in ensuring these outcomes.

Twproject, in particular, can be the right choice. Let’s have a look at how it can be beneficial:

1. Efficient resource allocation

Twproject helps the Sustainability Project Manager allocate resources wisely, avoiding overuse or underuse. It also helps monitor resource availability, plan work efficiently, and ensure all team members work optimally.

2. Improved collaboration and communication

Effective communication is a mainstay of sustainability. Project management tools such as Twproject help facilitate smooth collaboration by centralizing communication, enabling file sharing, and providing real-time updates.  

These features ensure that stakeholders stay informed, misunderstandings are minimized, and the project runs smoothly.

3. Risk management and problem mitigation

Unexpected challenges often threaten sustainability. Twproject includes risk management tools that help project managers identify potential problems in advance and promptly develop contingency plans. This proactive approach reduces disruptions and helps maintain long-term project stability.

4. Data-driven decision making

With analytical and reporting capabilities that provide valuable information on project performance, bottlenecks can be identified, and key performance indicators can be measured so that informed decisions can be made.

5. Scalability and adaptability

IProjects often evolve, requiring adjustments in scope, budget or timeline. Twproject supports scalability, helping the team manage increased complexity without losing focus. Its adaptability ensures that changes can be implemented efficiently without derailing the project, thus contributing to sustainability.

6. Automation of repetitive tasks

Automation reduces manual effort, allowing team members to focus on higher-value tasks. In this way, Twproject saves time and energy, making operations more sustainable and efficient.

Project sustainability relies on a combination of effective planning, resource optimization, and adaptability.

Twproject can become the backbone of this process, providing the tools needed to manage complexity, promote collaboration, and make informed decisions.

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Project Leader vs Project Manager

Project Leader and Project Manager are two terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. But are they really synonymous?

We will see in this article the differences and similarities between Project Leader and Project Manager. We will explain their tasks and responsibilities and how important it is to know the difference between the two.

In general, a project leader can be a project manager, but the project manager is hardly a project leader.

However, both are part of a project and make sure that everything is finalized in the best way, even if their roles are not the same.

The difference between Project manager and Project leader

To understand the difference between managers and leaders, it is possible to use some definitions of leadership and management.

John C. Maxwell in his book “The 360 ​​Degree Leader” provided one of the simplest yet profound descriptions of the distinction between a manager and a leader.

He said that managers work with processes, while leaders work with people.

John Paul Kotter goes even further, stating that management involves planning, budgeting, organization, human resources, control and resolution of problems, while leadership involves setting the direction, aligning people, motivating and inspiring the group.

Kotter describes leadership and management as two different complementary action systems, each with their own characteristics and functions.

However, both are necessary for change and for the organization as a whole.

On the basis of these definitions, it can therefore be argued that management is clearly different from leadership.

Leadership is necessary to initiate change, innovate and create new products, systems, and services. Leadership also means motivating people in becoming agents of change, risk managers, and innovators.

Management, on the other hand, deals mainly with the correct and effective functioning of processes.

This does not mean that project managers should not be leaders; on the contrary, to become a good project manager, you need to be a good leader.

The Project Manager is more involved in the day-to-day operational management of the project – planning, budget, timelines – while the Project Leader exercises strategic guidance, orienting the team and maintaining a high level of motivation.

Responsibilities of project leaders and project managers

differences between project leader and project manager

Project leaders and project managers are often considered interchangeable positions in smaller project teams.

However, in larger teams dealing with complex project managment, these professionals must work together in order to keep the project on track.

Project leaders can, for example, use a project budget and motivate team members, while project managers help set the budget based on cost analysis and review team efficiency.

Let‘s take a closer look at the responsibilities and tasks of this two roles.

Project Leader

In some corporate contexts, the project leader assumes the role of coordinator between the operational team and the project manager, facilitating the flow of information and collaboration.

Probably the most important task for project leaders is to be a link between project team members and company leadership.

In software development teams, project leaders are also known as scrums masters and development sprint leads.

The job responsibilities of a project leader include:

  • Assisting and planning meetings with other leaders, such as the project director.
  • Developing reports on project progress and financial conditions.
  • Testing the product prototypes.
  • Keeping the team focused and motivated
  • Guiding people throughout the project; the project leader is always present in case of problems.
  • Ensuring that the project is carried out in the best possible way.
  • Motivating, giving clues, providing ideas, listening to the team.

In general, the project leader has more freedom than the project manager when it comes to giving orders and controlling people.

In essence, the project leader adds value to the project and the team, gives meaning to the work as a whole and makes people feel that their work is appreciated and important. It also inspires and motivates the team, creating a climate of trust that accelerates the achievement of goals.

In short, the project leader is a spiritual support for the team.

Find out how Twproject can simplify your team management

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Project Manager

Project managers define the goals of the project after meeting the company leaders and learning the specifications of the requested and commissioned output.

Together with business leaders, the project manager also approves project plans and work orders, prioritizing the tasks.

Moreover, the project managers create a document, similar to a contract, which specifies the plan and the characteristics of the deliverables.

The job responsibilities of a project manager include:

  • Providing quality assurance tests on the final product.
  • Supervisioning of the technical staff.
  • Ensuring that employees adhere to contracts or company policies.
  • Breaking down the project into smaller tasks (WBS – Work Breakdown Structure)
  • Ensuring compliance with deadlines.
  • Taking care of the budget, the program, deadlines, documentation, human resources, etc.
  • Monitoring progress in real time and making quick decisions through clear and up-to-date reports.

Project managers focus on practical and organisational aspects of the project: time, resources, costs and quality. Their approach is structured and methodical, aiming to ensure that each phase is planned, tracked and completed within the deadlines.

In a nutshell, the project manager should not motivate people, but keep things organized.

The importance of Project Leader and Project Manager

project leader and project manager

Being a project manager or project leader requires a lot of work in terms of managing and analyzing data and all information relating to the progress of the team or the organization in general.

Both roles are fundamental for the success of a project and for the motivation of the team.

Since both roles must know and follow every detail of the project carefully, it is extremely important that they have access to all the data.

A leader, like a manager, must act in an intelligent and thoughtful way and that is why he needs to use certain tools to improve the work, such as a project management software.

Twproject was built precisely on the basis of the needs of the Project Leaders and Project Managers but also paying close attention to the needs and requirements of the Team. If you haven’t tried it yet, try Twproject now and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to use and how Twproject can make things easier for you.

Track your project success thanks to Twproject

Multiple corporate calendars for flexible workers

Corporate calendars are convenient tools for keeping track of meetings, deadlines, and milestones.

They can help you visualize the schedules of various projects and remind you of important team events, such as colleagues’ leave periods.

The problem is that far too often, multiple calendars are managed simultaneously and are not even integrated with each other.

This lack of synchronization can confuse and lead to missed deadlines.

Since time management shapes the results of a project, using multiple corporate calendars plays a key role.

Christopher Vardanyan, co-founder at Rocket Moving Services,  highlights: “Managing multiple corporate calendars helps improve communication and flexibility within our team. At Rocket Moving, we handle various orders each day, and each move requires its own set of resources and attention. When our calendars are synced, it’s easier for our team to coordinate—whether it’s scheduling a client’s move, monitoring employee availability, or adjusting plans in real-time when unforeseen challenges arise. This integration has also improved our order-handling process by about 20%, as we can quickly assess availability and respond to client inquiries faster. This helps us stay adaptable and responsive, ensuring smooth operations even during peak seasons.” 

As seen, using multiple calendars becomes a powerful resource for organizing activities, coordinating the team, and ensuring timely project delivery.

Let’s learn more about this subject in this article.

Why is the calendar important in project management?

Conventional calendars are undoubtedly helpful in establishing a schedule and displaying time flow. Still, they are not optimal for teams that manage multiple projects simultaneously and need to make changes to the schedule.

There are many advantages to using multiple corporate calendars:

Clear activity overview

The first perk is displaying all tasks, events, and milestones in one place. Project managers can immediately see the task, the team member assigned, and the timelines associated with that specific job.

Also, team progress can be monitored, and bottlenecks can quickly be identified before they jeopardize the project.

Better communication

Multiple corporate calendars can be easily shared across departments, significantly improving internal communication and facilitating better work coordination.  

Team members can easily collaborate on different planned tasks within a calendar, while project managers and supervisors can relay vital information. This is particularly important for remote workers.

Improved planning

Multiple business calendars help project managers accurately plan the schedule for one or more projects by organizing tasks sequentially.

Clear deadlines can thus also be set based on dependencies between activities.

Efficient resource allocation

Efficient resource utilization is still one of the most important goals for project managers in all industries.  

By using multiple company calendars, project managers can optimally use available resources by assigning tasks to the right people based on their availability and workload.

Fair and even distribution promotes employee engagement and increases job satisfaction, increasing productivity and bonding with the company in the long run.

Why use project management software to create a project calendar

Many people may think that using Excel or Google Calendar is good enough to create and manage project calendars.

These are surely great tools, but only up to a certain point.

Let’s see what their limitations are:

Excel calendar limitations

Excel is one of the preferred calculation tools for companies. Yet, compared with a project management calendar, Excel suffers from the following limitations:

  • Lack of control and security: Excel is not user-friendly, and the app will slow down if the data is too big. Furthermore, it is a stand-alone tool that does not provide adequate control because there is always the risk of errors when manual changes are made.
  • It is hard to keep track of project progress: Excel is not ideal for project management teams because it is impossible to track project progress easily.
  • Not designed for collaborative work: Excel doesn’t offer key collaboration tools required by both in-office and remote teams today.

Google Calendar limitations

Although Google Calendar is a great tool for scheduling meetings and appointments, it presents the following limitations when it comes to project management.

  • Limited project management features: Why would project teams use a limited tool like Google Calendar over a project management software offering a wide range of features? Google Calendar lacks many essential features that project teams need in their daily work.
  • No activity management: Google Calendar does not provide the option to manage tasks, making it difficult for project managers to assign tasks and responsibilities, set deadlines, and monitor progress at any given stage.
  • Limited customization: Google Calendar offers limited customization options, and its UI is too simplistic when it comes to more complex projects.

Twproject: the revolution in multiple corporate calendars

Twproject recently introduced the multiple corporate calendar feature. Previously, you could only define one corporate calendar, but now you can create and assign separate calendars for each project and resource.

calendari aziendali multipli

This innovation is crucial for companies with different departments or branches in foreign countries, which have different work requirements and follow different holiday calendars.

Project managers can design calendars, including working days and holidays, adapting to the specific needs of resources. Different calendars can be assigned to each resource, as well as to projects or individual phases.

calendar holidays

The new feature improves task planning flexibility and accuracy. Users can set calendars via Gantt chart and view the effects of changes immediately.

Thanks to Twproject’s multiple corporate calendars, you can optimize time management and increase flexibility in resource planning.

Twproject calendars will put order into chaos by promoting coordination, smart planning, and workflow efficiency.

Give this and other features a try for free for 15 days

Work together with your team effectively

Twproject as CRM: In Practice

According to client’s needs, Twproject can also be used to insert contacts and customers among the resource list: this makes Twproject an excellent tool for CRM, as well as for project management as a whole.

It happens that our customers ask us whether they can only include users who have an active login in the resource list.

The answer is: not only!

All resources entered without login, in fact, are not counted in the license count, so you can have as many as you want.

Monitoring sale activities from the first contact stage is a good idea for several reasons, which we will discuss in detail below.

But now let’s see how to do it right from the start.

Record a first contact through Twproject as CRM

Say that you are at one of  your yearly trade fairs and, after some hours, you meet John James from ACME SPA, he is smart and you talk to him for a while about your company services, he is very interested.

You talk about his boss Victoria Miller, and also about the last NBA Match Boston – Cleveland, he roots for Boston Celtics. 

At the end of the conversation he gives you his business card.

Well, if you are using Twproject project management software as a CRM, it’s time to save all these information, and you can do that very easily.

For example I would simply take my iPad and create a new resource. I would create a new lead for John James from ACME SPA, I would record that his boss is Victoria Miller and all the other information written in his business card. I would also save in the notes that John roots for Boston Celtics… you never know.

Adding resources in Twproject CRM software

Follow the lead

Now that your lead is entered, you can search for the project you use to save pre-sales information and insert a new activity for the conversation you had, just to remember everything you said.

At the moment what you have is just a lead, so there is no need to create a specific task for this activity, it could be just a phone call.

The best way to manage this situation is to create a new pre-sales activity (a new To-Do in Twproject) as a reminder, in order to call John after a week and talk about what your company can do for him.

to-do as reminder for lead following

Twproject’s To-Do’s are the most versatile tool for carrying out such operations, for several reasons:

  • In addition to adding a title and a detailed description, you can insert a direct link to the resource by simply copying and pasting the alphanumeric code you will find on the top left of the resource page.
  • You can attach documents related to John’s profile or his company, so that everything is available for consultation.
  • You can use comments and tag your colleagues, simply by putting the @ before their name, to share information, suggestions, ideas.
  • Finally, you can assign the To-Do to a colleague, if you are not directly responsible for the customer relationship, and at the same time stay up-to-date on the progress of the deal.

When the To-Do expires, the system will remind you of the call.

to-do reminder when using Twproject as CRM

Thanks to the link, you can check all the details of the resource and start the conversation where you left off.

If the conversation is fruitful, you can finally create a dedicated pre-sales activity for ACME, to record in detail the first contact, perhaps a demo, the offer and the final contract.

Add a new pre-sales project

Now that your lead has become a real pre-sale project you can insert it in Twproject to check its progress.

Gannt chart in Twproject for pre-sales activities

Thanks to Twproject all pre-sales activity can be monitored, managed and saved like all the other projects.

One of the best tools Twproject offers for project management is its interactive and dynamic Gantt.

Even for pre-sale projects it can be very useful to have a tool that offers a 360° view such as Twproject’s Gantt.

In fact, each activity can have phases and sub-phases, either connected to each other or not, by different types of dependencies.

Let us say that the first phone call with John led to a presentation agreement with his boss Victoria Miller. This will involve a number of intermediate activities such as content optimisation, landing pages, etc. These activities will be included as related preliminary steps in an interdependent relationship with the presentation.

All of this will hopefully lead to the conclusion of the contract, which will then initiate an actual operational project.

In this way each step in the process will be monitored and can also be managed by different people involved in the project, eliminating unnecessary e-mail exchanges.

To sum up, thanks to Twproject’Gantt used as a CRM tool you have:

  • Contacts and projects together
  • Agents assigned on pre-sales activity
  • Pre-sales progress monitored
  • Pre-sales budget and expenses managed
  • Pre-sales effort registered for future report and considerations

Convert the pre-sales plan into an actual project

We therefore saw how to use Twproject tools for CRM activities.

It is evident that its functionalities exceed those of any other specific software for all the preliminary activity of tracking potential customers, thanks to the fact that Twproject is a complete, flexible and multifunctional software.

But there is more.

The advantage with Twproject is that the software evolves together with your projects.

Let’s assume that the presale phase has turned into a contract and you can start managing the actual project: if you use Twproject as a CRM you already have a lot of the information already entered and you don’t have to start all over from scratch.

In addition, you have everything together under control and so you can also monitor costs and hours worked for pre-sales.

This is usually data that is not counted, and ends up in a single block with all business activities.

Instead, it is key information to know if you want to manage projects accurately, right from the start.

All this because, with Twproject, you can have both a CRM software and a Project Management software, together.

To try this and other features for free, sign up for a 15-day trial period, or book a demo with our support team: see how many project issues you can handle on one platform!

CRM software and a Project Management software, together.

New Twproject release 7.1.018 – Multiple calendars: more flexibility for your projects

Twproject’s calendar has always been efficient and with a highly customisable configuration, but with the recent release it takes a huge step forward by allowing you to define multiple calendars for use on projects and resources.

With this innovation introduced with the release 7.1.018, we want to respond to the need of those who manage different teams and projects with non-uniform working hours.

The coexistence of several calendars is in fact an essential requirement for most structured companies, which necessarily have to manage different work configurations according to departments.

Target audience for the introduction of multiple calendars

With this shared development, Twproject wanted to respond to the most heterogeneous realities. We are talking, for example, about companies with departments that do not share the same working days, or international companies with branches in foreign countries and therefore with a different holiday calendar.

This was therefore an essential innovation to allow flexibility and adherence to the real needs of teams, which nowadays are increasingly manifold.

Until now, the calendar in Twproject allowed the definition of weekly working days and company holidays or closures; this calendar applied to all resources and projects.

It also allowed, from the calendar itself, to set the working hours of resources (such as part-time, etc.).

What changes with the development of multiple calendars

As we have seen, a main, customisable corporate calendar is already present in Twproject, and this is what will now be considered the ‘Default‘ calendar.

The difference will be that from now on for each resource, but also for each project, it will be possible to set a different schedule than the default.

But let’s go into detail: what changes with the introduction of multiple calendars in Twproject and how can we set them up?

Creating and editing a calendar

The system administrator can create a new calendar from the administration page, assigning it a name, description and other data that we will now see.

The calendar editor is in fact divided into two sections: the first contains the name, description, weekly working days and the ‘default’ tick.

Multiple calendars configuration

It is possible to define only one default calendar.

Please note: the default selection operation must be done with caution as it has an impact on project durations and workloads.

A change in this respect will not directly change the task data, but on first access on the WBS or Gantt the phases will show any inconsistencies due to changes on the calendar.

The second section of the editor relates to the definition of company holidays and closures.

company's closure or holidays

The first click on a cell defines a holiday with a variable date (Easter, Thanksgiving etc.), the second click sets a fixed holiday (Christmas, New Year etc.).

At this point we will have as many calendars as there are different configurations of working days at company level, whether they are determined by different types of work or geographical conditions.

Multiple calendars on resources

But that is not all: there are also important new features in the work settings section of the resource.

For each resource, the calendar to be used can be set via a drop-down menu.

If “Use default calendar” is chosen, the resource in question will use the calendar marked as default (via the tick we saw in the previous section). In this example, the default calendar is called “Default” and has an *.

multiple calendars on resources

An important new change introduced in this release is that for a resource, working weekdays can be defined, even if they are holidays for the chosen calendar.

This is useful for handling situations where the company generally does not work on Saturdays and Sundays but, for example, the maintenance department does.

Thus, the selected calendar provides public holidays, but working days can be defined for each individual resource.

Similarly to other work data, such as time, cost per hour, etc., the calendar is also inherited from the organisation chart unless otherwise specified.

If the calendar of a department is changed from A to B, all resources of that department that had calendar A will change to B. Those that had calendar C will keep C.

In the example in the image above, we see that the resource ‘Giulia’ uses the default calendar (which has five working days from Monday to Friday), but Giulia, in his specific case, has set Wednesday as non-working and Saturday as working.

Consequently, all interfaces that display the working calendar (such as timesheet, workload, timesheet overview, etc.) will show the non-working days specific to that resource. In the case of Giulia, Wednesday and Sunday.

Multiple calendars on projects

A further step forward is the fact that with the new version it is possible to set a specific timeframe for both the project and the phases.

A new project is always set to the default calendar. In the event of subsequent changes, the name of the chosen calendar will be shown to the right of the dates (as in the image below).

In this way, one could, for example, have a project using the solar calendar (365/365), but operational phases involving specific departments could use a 5/7 calendar.

calendar on projects

In the event that the project calendar is changed, e.g. by adding holidays or company closures, so as to interfere with the task dates, a small alert will be displayed the first time we access the project.

alert on calendar changed

Clicking on the alert will result in a more detailed message, highlighting the points where date changes generated interference.

But how do we change the timing of a project or phase?

To do this, we must use the Gantt diagram; this is because from the Gantt we can immediately see the effects of the change on dates and durations, and there is the possibility of saving at a later date, without the risk of permanently changing the data.

From the options on the project line, we can select the calendar change.

A pop-up will appear for choosing the calendar and deciding whether to try to keep dates or durations.

how to change the calendar on projects

It is optional to keep dates or durations as far as possible. The conditionality is that there is no guarantee that dates can be kept in full (as in the case where a start or end date corresponds to a holiday for the new calendar).

If milestones or binding dates are violated, the system will send a message and will not carry out the requested change. The user must first change the dates appropriately and then make the change.

With this new version, the first time one logs on to the Gantt, a check will be made to ensure that the start date, end date and duration of the project are consistent with the calendar in use.

In previous versions, if the unique calendar had changed, the end date was simply, and silently, recalculated from the start and duration.

In the new version, dates are kept instead and durations are changed accordingly. In the event of discrepancies, we will see an alert.

If milestones had been touched, these would be highlighted, as well as for the phases that had their duration recalculated.

fasi indefinite Gantt

It is sufficient to change even a single piece of data to enable saving and make the new durations definitive.

Effects of multiple calendars on interfaces

Having different calendars on resources and projects also has natural consequences on the appearance of certain Twproject interfaces, such as the Timesheet.

In this case, we note from the bottom line that the employee does not work on Wednesdays and Sundays.

multiple calendas on timesheet

At the same time, however, the projects she works on have different timetables:

  • A.365/365‘ (highlighted in red) is always active
  • B.LMM‘ (in yellow) is active for the first three days of the week
  • C.MMGV‘ (in green) is active from Tuesday to Friday

Users will be able to mark their worklogs freely, while taking into account the information on the timetable of each project, also made clearer by a more comprehensive legenda.

Twproject never inhibits the insertion of worklogs (except in the distant past or in the future), but simply reports the ‘suspicious’ worklog.

For example, if hours worked are recorded on a date that is non-working in both the resource calendar and the project calendar, this will be considered a ‘suspicious’ case, and consequently reported.

In the case of views with several resources, such as the Workload, the different calendars for each resource will be shown:

multi-calendari nel Carico operatori

Or, as in the case of the Timesheet Overview, since this includes an overall group of resources, the company calendar will be shown:

calendar shown in the timesheet overview

However, indications and reports from the calendar of the resources involved will appear within it.

We have seen how the use of multiple calendars for resources and projects can improve and make scheduling more realistic.

Now you just have to try out this important feature, which helps to make Twproject a tool that is always one step ahead of the others.

Twproject’s multiple calendars allow you to make your time management process much more efficient and to achieve greater flexibility in scheduling resources.

All customers using a Twproject cloud licence have already had the update automatically, while those who have Twproject on server can find the new installers here.

Try this and other features free of charge for 15 days. Start planning and setting work schedules now!

The new release is awaiting you

Projects and workload: what you need to know

In project management, evaluating the workload that insists over the resources shoulders plays a fundamental role for the project Happy Ending.

In an ideal world where you work with infinite resources, projects are always in-time.

In the real world, on the other hand, we often have to deal with team members simultaneously involved in multiple projects, which have to manage daily activities and several emergencies.

For this purpose a lot of companies use contractor scheduling software to  better allocatie resources across various projects  and make sure that no team member is overburdened. Optimizing schedules and balancing workloads ensures that projects are completed efficiently and within budget.

In this case, an indication on “sustainability” is essential to understand who and when will be able to positively bring our project to completion.

Duration and effort in workload: which is the difference?

At the beginning, I was surprised by the difficulties that some of our customers face to understand the difference between duration and effort. For many of them the ratio was one to one.

This type of approach is not only wrong in management terms (a phase that lasts 30 days could require an effort of one hour e.g.: waiting for material from a supplier), but implies a total and exclusive allocation of the resource on that one activity.

If this approach works well in the analysis and budgeting phase, it cannot work in the planning phase.

A good question to ask yourself at this point is: “How many hours can a resource work on his project per day?”

To answer correctly, several parameters must be considered:

  • the obvious working hours (full-time, horizontal or vertical part-time)
  • holidays, illnesses, permits etc.
  • what has already been allocated to other projects
  • routine activities
  • spot activities already planned

The first two points are intuitive and partly out of the PM’s control, so we will analyze the others and we will see how they contribute to generating the “workload” of a resource.

Project Activities

A project, or rather a phase, always has a start date, an end date (therefore a duration, usually expressed in working days), and some resources assigned on it.

Each resource must perform the estimated activities for a total of days / hours (effort).

Without going into too much detail, we can evaluate the load on a resource by dividing the estimated hours by the project/phase duration.

For example: a 10 days phase with an effort of 20h generates an average workload of 2h per day or 25% (assuming 8 hours a day).

Easy, at least before the project starts.

But once it get started, what happens if for the first 5 days I have not been able to work on this project?

It happens that I will have to work 20h on 5 remaining days, with a load of 50%.

Therefore in the project activities the hours “not yet done” give an incremental feedback to the workload, accumulating in the remaining days.

incremental feedback to the workload

Having the opportunity to compare the “ideal” situation (the one planned by the PM, without taking into account the done/ not done), with the “real” one (which takes into account the feedback) gives many food for thought and possible corrections.

It is interesting to note that the failure to work on the planned project can be read from the worklog records.

The worklog is an excellent indicator from this point of view, it is a sort of “heartbeat of the project“; if the heart doesn’t beat the project is dead!

What said above consider the “average workload”.
Twproject allows you to plan all the hours or just a part by assigning them directly on the calendar (there are various tools to do this), but the substance does not change; 20h needs to be done in the 10 days of the phase.

If a resource works on several projects at the same time, the calculations can become complicated and for this Twproject helps us by presenting this information in an efficient way.

Balance your resource as we do!

with Twproject you can manage your resource allocation, insert worklog and resolve peaks.

Try Twproject now!

Routine Activities: Do you work eight hours a day?

They are the Cinderella of activities.

Many of us, despite being in the office for 8 hours (at best :-)) can only dedicate a percentage of their time to “real projects”.

We spend a lot of time (note: I didn’t say “we lose it”) in activities not attributable to a project.

In my case: reading incoming emails, department meetings, phone calls, supporting colleagues.

In addition to these generic ones, there can be other more specific ones such as updating, training, document archiving, backup verification, maintenance etc.

How much time do I spend on these activities? Almost 3 hours a day!

I know this with some confidence because, with the help of Twproject, I recorded daily , for years, the hours spent and I know that, on average, the 38% of my time goes like this.

If I were planning a project that involves me 100% for a period longer than a few days, it would definitely go out of dates.

The funniest part is that if someone asked me how many hours I can work on one thing every day by instinct I would say “eight hours“. To avoid these errors it is important to have objective data on which to base our choices and analysis.

The worklog recording is the basis for good planning, not just for good cost control.

I know very well that this is an additional effort and in fact when I tell our clients to record the “lost” hours, the first reaction I get is of the “reluctant / snorting / I get up and walk away” type.

This is why it is important that the worklog registration activity is as “painless” as possible.

On this point Twproject is unbeatable; you can record the worklog at the close of the To-do, with the start-stop buttons, on one / two / three weeks, on the whole month day-by-day, etc .. The overhead is minimal!

With the aim of “measuring” routine activities, having a “cauldron” available where you can put everything that cannot be traced back to a project greatly lightens the recording by helping us to “reach 8“.

We always advise our customers to create a non-project “cauldron” (or “basket” or “BAU” Business As Usual for the more chic ones) which starts on 1/1 and ends on 12/31 for the recording of non-project activities .

After a few months of recordings, you can better understand how long our resources can really devote to their projects.

It also happens that it is necessary to take a look at what went into the “cauldron”; perhaps it could be structured to better “classify” routine activities.

For example this is what we use in Twproject:

Work Breakdown Structure
Business-as-usual structured example

We understand how to use the worklog to calculate the hours we can devote to “real projects”, but how do routine “projects” behave from a work-load point of view?

More or less like real projects. The effort is “spread” evenly over the period.
There is a small difference: they do not have incremental feedback.

Let’s take an example: my support activity to the development team takes me “on average” one hour a day.
If I don’t get support requests today, it’s not necessarily true that I will receive twice as much tomorrow.
In practice, the effort is considered constant over the entire period.
Its graphical representation is a constant bar:

constant effort
Routine activities

Spot Activities

These are activities that take place within a “contract” without knowing first how much and when.

The best example is the interventions to be made on request as part of an annual maintenance contract.

In this case, you can create a “project” that has the same dates as the “contract” and assign resources if necessary.

Since it is difficult to predict the overall effort first, for simplicity we can not specify it and leave it at zero.

If, on the other hand, you want to track it, because a package of hours has been sold to the customer, you can enter them, these will not be considered by the load anyway.

Therefore, unlike projects and routine activities, spot activities do not generate a “spread” load over the duration of the project / contract, but only on that days in which the activities are planned.

With Twproject this can be done directly by assigning ToDo’s or by using the work plan.

A practical example: Giorgio’s workload

Giorgio works in a production company and has been dealing with a specific product for many years, he supports customers who buy it and participates in the development of his customizations.

Giorgio’s daily work is therefore composed of projects of a different types. Let’s create them in Twproject and see how his workload looks.

Giorgio has a general customer support project that lasts all year and takes up more or less a couple of hours a day. This project is routine:

employee's assignment

And this is how the workload will look like:

employee's workload
Routine activity that takes about 2 hours a day – 25%

Giorgio is then involved in a project for a custom product of one of his customers. The phase in which he is involved lasts only 10 days and his effort is estimated at 40 hours.

This is the new assignment:

new assignment

And the new workload evaluated:

project workload
75% load with the addition of a project

Finally, Giorgio has an active support contract with a specific customer, with a 40-hour pay-as-you-go package. Giorgio does not work on this project unless the customer calls him. This activity is spot and even if we insert the effort, the load does not change.

spot activity

But what happens to Giorgio’s load if the customer calls him and they schedule an intervention on the product? Giorgio will create a scheduled ToDo and this will modify his load.

effect of spot activity on workload
Workload with the spot activity scheduled

As can be seen from the image, the commercial activity has stolen some time from the Analysis project and in fact the hours that Giorgio will have to dedicate to it in the remaining days have increased.

These are just 3 simple examples managed by Twproject but which give a good idea of how to map the different types of business activities.

For optimal workload management, it is therefore crucial to estimate the time required to complete each project step and to keep track of the activities involved in the process.

With Twproject 7 we have worked a lot on these aspects and introduced a tool, which using the information of the load “suggests” a “sustainable” project end date for the team.

We have also introduced a tool to quickly solve load peaks and overlaps, because not always everything goes smoothly like our Giorgio, we will see this tool in a dedicated post.

Start now with a proper resource allocation

 

Calculating working hours of resources: here’s how to do it

Calculating human resources work hours in a company can be a hot topic for employees and employers who may be afraid of the math behind it.

In this article, we will try to clarify the difference between working and non-working hours, the types of hours, the most common challenges companies face, and, most importantly, the solution to this often tricky issue.

Types of working hours

Different types of working hours determine how working hours are classified for an employee.

  1. calcolo ore di lavoroPart-time hours: Part-time hours are less than full-time hours defined by an employer. Part-time can cover different percentages, such as 50% or 75%, compared to full-time. It is imperative to keep to this schedule and avoid overtime. The danger of having part-time employees working close to or the same number of hours as full-time employees is that they may resent not receiving the same benefits.
  2. Full-time hours: This is the maximum time employees can work in a given period. The standard in Italy is 40 hours for 5 days or 8 hours per day; however, companies worldwide are beginning to institute 4-day work weeks with the same expectations in terms of hours.
  3. Overtime: Overtime refers to hours worked in addition to the 40 hours per week stated in the full-time contract. Overtime hours are paid more than traditional hours. In some companies, overtime hours are not paid but accumulated as “banked hours,” which can be used later to obtain additional hours or weekdays.

Calculating working hours of resources: how to do it with Twproject

Twproject is one of the most efficient project management software on the market, which allows managers to solve the calculation of work hours easily.

Many parameters are considered to calculate the workload, including:

  • Project Status
  • Planned hours
  • Hours already worked
  • Actual workable hours, taking into account vacation, leave or illness

… And much more.

Having this data, a project manager can then determine the following:

  • The hours worked by a specific resource or department in general
  • The ability to work for a particular day
  • The overall workload

calculating work hours

The software allows real-time monitoring of the entered worklogs, highlighting any deviations from the plan. It is possible to track the hours worked for each task, project, and team member.

It also allows entire departments to be assigned to a project and have a single assignment on which all can report.

Worklogs will then show employees who have logged hours for a specific department, thus simplifying accounting.

Worklog analysis and approval

At a later stage, the entered worklogs can be monitored, analyzed and approved by the project manager.

Through the analysis tools that Twproject offers, the project manager can easily see the total hours recorded for each project by each employee in a given period of time, selectable through filters of all sorts.

Each recorded worklog is in approval status and the project manager can approve it or mark it as invoiced.

The data can then be printed or exported.

In even more detail, with the worklog approval tool, each individual worklog entered on each project by selected employees is shown.

Here, in addition to changing the status, the project manager can freely act on the hours worked if necessary, move them easily between days and projects, modify the total or description.

twproject tool for worklog approval

These types of data analyses immediately show the progress of work on phases and projects by department or individual employees and greatly simplify accounting.

Accountability

In addition to hourly estimates, Twproject also allows you to monitor the budget closely.

By activating a specific feature, entering excess hours in case of an overrun of scheduled hours will no longer be possible.

In case you overrun, an error notification will appear, and the remaining number of hours that can be entered will be shown (if that is the case).

Another default option involving the cost center can be very useful to project managers when calculating labor hours.

If you change the cost center of a specific activity or resource, all derived tasks will be updated to the new cost center.

Overview of the work of the entire team

To get an overview of the work done by your team in terms of days and hours worked, Twproject offers a clear overview of the work of each team member.

Here the pm can visualize the workload of entire departments as well as individuals.

registrare ore di lavoro

An additional advantage of Twproject is its graphical visualization that breaks down the various stages with different colors. This way, any workload variable, such as an employee’s vacation, can be easily identified.

Bottom line

Work time tracking through Twproject is important for companies and employees because:

  • Improves productivity: Enables measurement of time spent on specific tasks;
  • Improves billing accuracy: Billing leaves no room for error as it can also have legal repercussions. Proper calculation of working hours ensures that employees are duly paid and that the company does not suffer overpayments or losses;
  • Improves time management: Using Twproject to calculate labor hours saves the project manager the time that would be spent calculating everything manually;
  • Improve flexibility: More and more companies are moving to remote working. Project manager software not only makes that flexibility possible but also makes it work.

Ultimately, effective management and calculation of working hours are crucial to the success of any business.

Using tools such as Twproject simplifies this process and improves productivity, billing accuracy, and time management, reducing the risk of errors and mishaps.

Adopting such technologies enables companies to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic and flexibility-driven market while ensuring transparency and justice for workers.

Therefore, the ability to track working hours in real-time and use accurate methods is not only an operational necessity but also a real investment in the organization’s future.

Still in doubt? Well, you can try yourself with a free demo.

 

Calculating working hours: let’s clarify the differences between working and non-working hours

Working hours are those hours when the employee is required to be on duty, not only in the workplace but also in other sites, as long as they are committed in work-related activities.

Although this is a fairly basic definition, things can get a little more complicated when a team has to move to different locations, such as construction sites.

In general, practice says that when an employee goes to work, for example, what might be the designated place for the day, these are non-working hours.

However, if an employee has clocked in for the day and is asked to transport material to another location, this task falls within the beginning and end of working hours, and actual travel time must still be paid.

As for non-working hours, the matter is more straightforward, as these are when the employee does not work, such as breaks or off-duty hours.

What about training? Usually, when a company requires its employees to obtain specific training, it is required to pay them for those hours.

Conversely, if an employee is interested in taking a course voluntarily, even though such training will benefit their employer, it will not count as working time.

Types of working hours

Different types of working hours determine how working hours are classified for an employee.

  1. calcolo ore di lavoroPart-time hours: Part-time hours are less than full-time hours defined by an employer. Part-time can cover different percentages, such as 50% or 75%, compared to full-time. It is imperative to keep to this schedule and avoid overtime. The danger of having part-time employees working close to or the same number of hours as full-time employees is that they may resent not receiving the same benefits.
  2. Full-time hours: This is the maximum time employees can work in a given period. The standard in Italy is 40 hours for 5 days or 8 hours per day; however, companies worldwide are beginning to institute 4-day work weeks with the same expectations in terms of hours.
  3. Overtime: Overtime refers to hours worked in addition to the 40 hours per week stated in the full-time contract. Overtime hours are paid more than traditional hours. In some companies, overtime hours are not paid but accumulated as “banked hours,” which can be used later to obtain additional hours or weekdays.

Calculating working hours of resources: how to do it with Twproject

Twproject is one of the most efficient project management software on the market, which allows managers to solve the calculation of work hours easily.

Many parameters are considered to calculate the workload, including:

  • Project Status
  • Planned hours
  • Hours already worked
  • Actual workable hours, taking into account vacation, leave or illness

… And much more.

Having this data, a project manager can then determine the following:

  • The hours worked by a specific resource or department in general
  • The ability to work for a particular day
  • The overall workload

calculating work hours

The software allows real-time monitoring of the entered worklogs, highlighting any deviations from the plan. It is possible to track the hours worked for each task, project, and team member.

It also allows entire departments to be assigned to a project and have a single assignment on which all can report.

Worklogs will then show employees who have logged hours for a specific department, thus simplifying accounting.

Worklog analysis and approval

At a later stage, the entered worklogs can be monitored, analyzed and approved by the project manager.

Through the analysis tools that Twproject offers, the project manager can easily see the total hours recorded for each project by each employee in a given period of time, selectable through filters of all sorts.

Each recorded worklog is in approval status and the project manager can approve it or mark it as invoiced.

The data can then be printed or exported.

In even more detail, with the worklog approval tool, each individual worklog entered on each project by selected employees is shown.

Here, in addition to changing the status, the project manager can freely act on the hours worked if necessary, move them easily between days and projects, modify the total or description.

twproject tool for worklog approval

These types of data analyses immediately show the progress of work on phases and projects by department or individual employees and greatly simplify accounting.

Accountability

In addition to hourly estimates, Twproject also allows you to monitor the budget closely.

By activating a specific feature, entering excess hours in case of an overrun of scheduled hours will no longer be possible.

In case you overrun, an error notification will appear, and the remaining number of hours that can be entered will be shown (if that is the case).

Another default option involving the cost center can be very useful to project managers when calculating labor hours.

If you change the cost center of a specific activity or resource, all derived tasks will be updated to the new cost center.

Overview of the work of the entire team

To get an overview of the work done by your team in terms of days and hours worked, Twproject offers a clear overview of the work of each team member.

Here the pm can visualize the workload of entire departments as well as individuals.

registrare ore di lavoro

An additional advantage of Twproject is its graphical visualization that breaks down the various stages with different colors. This way, any workload variable, such as an employee’s vacation, can be easily identified.

Bottom line

Work time tracking through Twproject is important for companies and employees because:

  • Improves productivity: Enables measurement of time spent on specific tasks;
  • Improves billing accuracy: Billing leaves no room for error as it can also have legal repercussions. Proper calculation of working hours ensures that employees are duly paid and that the company does not suffer overpayments or losses;
  • Improves time management: Using Twproject to calculate labor hours saves the project manager the time that would be spent calculating everything manually;
  • Improve flexibility: More and more companies are moving to remote working. Project manager software not only makes that flexibility possible but also makes it work.

Ultimately, effective management and calculation of working hours are crucial to the success of any business.

Using tools such as Twproject simplifies this process and improves productivity, billing accuracy, and time management, reducing the risk of errors and mishaps.

Adopting such technologies enables companies to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic and flexibility-driven market while ensuring transparency and justice for workers.

Therefore, the ability to track working hours in real-time and use accurate methods is not only an operational necessity but also a real investment in the organization’s future.

Still in doubt? Well, you can try yourself with a free demo.

 

Calculating working hours: let’s clarify the differences between working and non-working hours

Working hours are those hours when the employee is required to be on duty, not only in the workplace but also in other sites, as long as they are committed in work-related activities.

Although this is a fairly basic definition, things can get a little more complicated when a team has to move to different locations, such as construction sites.

In general, practice says that when an employee goes to work, for example, what might be the designated place for the day, these are non-working hours.

However, if an employee has clocked in for the day and is asked to transport material to another location, this task falls within the beginning and end of working hours, and actual travel time must still be paid.

As for non-working hours, the matter is more straightforward, as these are when the employee does not work, such as breaks or off-duty hours.

What about training? Usually, when a company requires its employees to obtain specific training, it is required to pay them for those hours.

Conversely, if an employee is interested in taking a course voluntarily, even though such training will benefit their employer, it will not count as working time.

Types of working hours

Different types of working hours determine how working hours are classified for an employee.

  1. calcolo ore di lavoroPart-time hours: Part-time hours are less than full-time hours defined by an employer. Part-time can cover different percentages, such as 50% or 75%, compared to full-time. It is imperative to keep to this schedule and avoid overtime. The danger of having part-time employees working close to or the same number of hours as full-time employees is that they may resent not receiving the same benefits.
  2. Full-time hours: This is the maximum time employees can work in a given period. The standard in Italy is 40 hours for 5 days or 8 hours per day; however, companies worldwide are beginning to institute 4-day work weeks with the same expectations in terms of hours.
  3. Overtime: Overtime refers to hours worked in addition to the 40 hours per week stated in the full-time contract. Overtime hours are paid more than traditional hours. In some companies, overtime hours are not paid but accumulated as “banked hours,” which can be used later to obtain additional hours or weekdays.

Calculating working hours of resources: how to do it with Twproject

Twproject is one of the most efficient project management software on the market, which allows managers to solve the calculation of work hours easily.

Many parameters are considered to calculate the workload, including:

  • Project Status
  • Planned hours
  • Hours already worked
  • Actual workable hours, taking into account vacation, leave or illness

… And much more.

Having this data, a project manager can then determine the following:

  • The hours worked by a specific resource or department in general
  • The ability to work for a particular day
  • The overall workload

calculating work hours

The software allows real-time monitoring of the entered worklogs, highlighting any deviations from the plan. It is possible to track the hours worked for each task, project, and team member.

It also allows entire departments to be assigned to a project and have a single assignment on which all can report.

Worklogs will then show employees who have logged hours for a specific department, thus simplifying accounting.

Worklog analysis and approval

At a later stage, the entered worklogs can be monitored, analyzed and approved by the project manager.

Through the analysis tools that Twproject offers, the project manager can easily see the total hours recorded for each project by each employee in a given period of time, selectable through filters of all sorts.

Each recorded worklog is in approval status and the project manager can approve it or mark it as invoiced.

The data can then be printed or exported.

In even more detail, with the worklog approval tool, each individual worklog entered on each project by selected employees is shown.

Here, in addition to changing the status, the project manager can freely act on the hours worked if necessary, move them easily between days and projects, modify the total or description.

twproject tool for worklog approval

These types of data analyses immediately show the progress of work on phases and projects by department or individual employees and greatly simplify accounting.

Accountability

In addition to hourly estimates, Twproject also allows you to monitor the budget closely.

By activating a specific feature, entering excess hours in case of an overrun of scheduled hours will no longer be possible.

In case you overrun, an error notification will appear, and the remaining number of hours that can be entered will be shown (if that is the case).

Another default option involving the cost center can be very useful to project managers when calculating labor hours.

If you change the cost center of a specific activity or resource, all derived tasks will be updated to the new cost center.

Overview of the work of the entire team

To get an overview of the work done by your team in terms of days and hours worked, Twproject offers a clear overview of the work of each team member.

Here the pm can visualize the workload of entire departments as well as individuals.

registrare ore di lavoro

An additional advantage of Twproject is its graphical visualization that breaks down the various stages with different colors. This way, any workload variable, such as an employee’s vacation, can be easily identified.

Bottom line

Work time tracking through Twproject is important for companies and employees because:

  • Improves productivity: Enables measurement of time spent on specific tasks;
  • Improves billing accuracy: Billing leaves no room for error as it can also have legal repercussions. Proper calculation of working hours ensures that employees are duly paid and that the company does not suffer overpayments or losses;
  • Improves time management: Using Twproject to calculate labor hours saves the project manager the time that would be spent calculating everything manually;
  • Improve flexibility: More and more companies are moving to remote working. Project manager software not only makes that flexibility possible but also makes it work.

Ultimately, effective management and calculation of working hours are crucial to the success of any business.

Using tools such as Twproject simplifies this process and improves productivity, billing accuracy, and time management, reducing the risk of errors and mishaps.

Adopting such technologies enables companies to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic and flexibility-driven market while ensuring transparency and justice for workers.

Therefore, the ability to track working hours in real-time and use accurate methods is not only an operational necessity but also a real investment in the organization’s future.

Still in doubt? Well, you can try yourself with a free demo.