Name: Teresa M. CraigheadInstitution: Cornell University
E-mail Address: tmc1@cornell.edu
Title of Presentation: Managing Large Publications/Communications Projects and Surviving to Tell the Tale
Format: Paper Presentation
Suggested Audience: publications project managers
Presentation Outcome:
1. Recognize key components of managing a large publications project
2. Have some strategies for dealing with these components
3. Put the problems of managing a large project into perspective
Presentation Content:
Are you faced with developing a large library of publications and communications for a new or ongoing project? Has it left you wondering where to start, worried about resources, and concerned about getting your arms wrapped around a behemoth?
This presentation will take you through some basic steps to follow when your organization hands you the impossible publications job of the year and expects a miracle.
What you won't get: an introduction to project management; a litany of software and computer tools you should master before taking on the impossible task; an academic perspective on managing publications projects; or even the point of view of an "leading expert."
What you will get: some down-to-earth basics learned from experience on the job in industry and academia. These include:
The presenter will draw from experiences at Cornell University and at AT&T. Publications projects she has managed have been primarily in the area of distributed computing. The presenter is a practicing technical writer as well as a publications project manager.
- Getting to the right people to get the right information.
- Understanding schedules and what to do when others don't.
- The resource dilemma - making it work for the project (setting priorities).
- Planning - putting yourself in the driver's seat.
- Creating publications and communications - where to save time and money and where not to.
- What you need above all else - shooting for the stars.