Last updated on Mar 20, 2024

How do you set and track deadlines for each stage of a group project?

Group projects can be challenging, especially when you have to coordinate with different people, tasks, and deadlines. How do you set and track deadlines for each stage of a group project, and ensure that everyone is on the same page and working efficiently? In this article, we will share some tips and tools that can help you plan, communicate, and monitor your group project deadlines.

1 Identify the project scope and goals

Before you start working on your group project, you need to have a clear understanding of the project scope and goals. What is the main purpose and objective of the project? What are the expected deliverables and outcomes? How will the project be evaluated and graded? These questions will help you define the scope and goals of the project, and avoid any confusion or ambiguity later on.

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Swapnil Dixit 🇮🇳

🏆25x Top Voice🏆| SEO Specialist | Solving Complex Ranking Challenges | 400 Keywords Ranked | Technical SEO |SERP Ranking | SaaS & Ecommerce SEO |Core Web Vital Optimization | GA4 & GTM | GreyHat SEO | Reporting
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Here's a step-by-step guide to help you ☀️Identify Project Milestones ☀️Communicate Expectations ☀️Provide Support ☀️Regular Check-Ins

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Dr. Mohammed Shagil

LinkedIn Top Voice | BDS | 63M Impressions Seeking Opportunities in Medical Advisor | MSL | Medical Affairs Medical Writing | Product Management Healthcare Marketing 💼
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- Help people learn to care for their teeth better - Create easy materials and workshops for teaching dental care - Hand out simple leaflets, posters and hold engaging sessions - More people practicing good dental hygiene leading to fewer dental issues - Measure the effectiveness of materials workshop participation and decreased dental problems in the community

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Steven L.

Case Management Specialist
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Tracking goals is pretty tricky for groups just starting. Production mapping starts with brainstorming when the project needs to be finished. If a project is indefinite or until another project replaces it, then we are mapping something entirely different. Continuous development maps cadence while production maps completion. A group project can have both. When a project focuses on completion, set an end date and then work from the start date. There are free programs such as Jira/Confluence, which helps with progress reminders. Cadence for Continuous Development looks at Business Value. groups need to look at what sort of value they need out of the project and when. Both approaches are effective at tracking deadlines.

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2 Break down the project into stages and tasks

Once you have the project scope and goals, you can break down the project into smaller and manageable stages and tasks. For example, you can divide the project into research, outline, draft, review, and presentation stages. Then, you can assign specific tasks to each stage, such as finding sources, writing sections, editing slides, and rehearsing speeches. Breaking down the project will help you estimate the time and effort required for each task, and prioritize the most important ones.

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3 Set realistic and flexible deadlines for each task

After you have the stages and tasks, you can set realistic and flexible deadlines for each task. You can use a calendar, a spreadsheet, or a project management tool to create a timeline and schedule for your group project. You should consider factors such as the complexity of the task, the availability of the team members, the dependencies between tasks, and the potential risks and delays. You should also leave some buffer time for unexpected issues or changes, and communicate the deadlines clearly to your team members.

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Aaron Tsai

MBA Candidate at UCLA Anderson
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I like to provide buffer time in case if there are any last minute changes. I also like to try and finish tasks earlier to not have to worry about procrastinating or rushing last minute.

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4 Track the progress and status of each task

Setting deadlines is not enough; you also need to track the progress and status of each task. You can use a checklist, a dashboard, or a progress report to monitor how your team members are doing, and if they are meeting the deadlines. You should also have regular meetings or check-ins to discuss the challenges, feedback, and updates on the project. Tracking the progress and status will help you identify any problems or gaps, and adjust the deadlines or tasks accordingly.

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5 Celebrate the milestones and achievements

Finally, you should celebrate the milestones and achievements of your group project. You can acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of your team members, and reward them with positive feedback, recognition, or incentives. You can also celebrate the completion of each stage or task, and the final presentation of the project. Celebrating the milestones and achievements will help you boost the morale and motivation of your team, and foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration.

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