Journalistic projects are developed in complex contexts due to the digitalization of the media.
A successful writing project requires efficient team coordination and proper management. However, these tasks are often performed by professionals who have no knowledge of project management. That’s why Robin Kwong, editor of The Wall Street Journal, developed a guide to help editors. The objective is to provide them with the tools and skills for efficient project management.
The guide details best practices for each phase of a successful publishing project, highlighting the importance of clarity in project management. The manager’s role is to generate and accurately communicate project objectives and goals.
Recommendations for journalistic projects
Project planning
To start a project, it is important to have a clear idea of the project, establish the goals to be achieved, and understand the magnitude of the project. It is essential that the team members are committed to the project, and that its execution has no objections from the authorities. The roles and responsibilities of each of the members must be clearly assigned. Likewise, the tasks to be performed and the key milestones in the project timeline must be well known.
Project execution
It consists of helping the team to achieve the objectives that will allow the project to be completed. Along the way, it is necessary to adapt to new information and circumstances as they arise. To achieve workflow, it is important to constantly meet to guide the team in the right direction, maintain the various communication channels to make decisions, and keep stakeholders on board.
Project completion
The project does not end with the successful launch of the project. Before proceeding further, some remaining tasks need to be completed and sorted into three categories: immediate tasks, upgrade, and expansion. It is prudent to review project performance metrics, conduct a retrospective meeting to gather learnings, achievements, and close the project properly.
Finally, the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University) (UNIB) offers the Master in Project Design, Administration and Management.
