KickStart

Project KickStart is a project planning tool that guides you through the process of planning a project. As Figure 1 illustrates you start by identifying the phases of the project. You then go on to 

1. define the goals of the project
2. copy tasks from similar projects
3. identify the people involved in the project 
4. list the obstacles that you might encounter
5. assign the tasks to the people
6. determine how long it will take to complete each task (Figure 2)

It's not always easy to sit down and identify all the possible tasks in a project. Project KickStart helps you to think about possible tasks by asking you to enter tasks that:

1. are required for each phase of the project
2. might be performed by a person involved in the project; 
3. may be required to overcome an obstacle
4. will help to achieve the project goal 

Once you have completed your Project KickStart plan, you can export a copy to a Web site, spreadsheet, word processor or project management software. 

You can get more information and download a free trial version of Project KickStart from http://www.projectkickstart.com/

Figure 1 - Defining Project Phases

Figure 2- Creating a Gantt Chart