The four process levels

How we look at projects:

There are four process levels in projects that must be balanced against each other in order to make the project a success.

1. Project Production Process
This process focuses on the technical side of the project: processing and completing the actual project product. It could be a service, a new organisational structure, a prototype, lab results, etc. The technical know-how of the team leader and the team members is well to the fore here, as well as the required materials and facilities needed for manufacturing the product.

2. Planning and Controlling Process
It’s ‘classical’ project management: Setting objectives, planning, controlling and project organisation. The main focus here is on using appropriate methods and tools to deliver on time, budget and quality. What’s most important: These tools should be supporting the project team, not vice versa.

3. Team Development Process
The team development process deals with building the project team from the initial forming phase all the way up to a strong, high-performing team. Managing this process requires knowledge and ability to handle group processes. This includes, for example, facilitation and coaching skills, the ability to adapt to various team and group circumstances as well as managing conflicts.

4. Project Politics (the Decision-making Process)
This process level focuses on decisions and agreements which are beyond the direct influence of the project team. Typically, these decisions are taken by the project customer, the project steering committee, superior management levels, or other influential stakeholders. Activities related to this process level include continuously checking back on project objectives and scope, but also marketing of the project within the wider company / organization.

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