Strategies for successful research project management

Beginning researchers may not fully appreciate the complexity of implementing a study, or the degree of rigor and precision involved. Successful project management requires careful planning, conscientious follow-through, and continuous monitoring. Several aspects of project implementation are discussed: defining roles and responsibilities of project personnel, overseeing progress of the project, planning and managing the budget, and record keeping. Concrete strategies are provided, with the emphasis being on proactive approaches that prevent problems rather than on reactive crisis management.