We All are Europe - AESAEC

Module 7 – How to Implement a Project Successfully
spread information quickly to many people at the same time but in order to solve problems or misunderstanding
a personal phone call might be the better choice).
Of course, the social side of your communication system is also of great importance and
therefore partners should treat each other with respect and trust – this applies, above all, to the
promoter! Although it is neither possible nor reasonable to base all activities within a project on
democratic decision making processes, extensive cooperation and agreement within a partnership is
indispensable. In case one prefers patronising behaviour, speaking with a commanding tone and
showing little willingness for teamwork, then it would be better not to start an EU project in the
first place!
Do respect cultural, national, social, ethical, religious, historical and individual demands
and diversity and be sensitive towards hot topics in this context. Nowadays, these management
traps seem to decrease because of a generally more open and interculturally aware European society.
Nevertheless, think twice before pampering vegans with tons of meat for dinner, before explaining
to guests from Bilbao or Belfast how best to deal with separatist movements and before
asking people from Scandinavia if it really makes sense to elect so many women into parliament.
Do also make sure that all partners – at least the main contact persons – speak the agreed
project language (often English, but it could be any other language you choose) to an appropriate
level! Be aware that it is extremely difficult to manage a project if this precondition is not met (and
it can also be very expensive!)!
Be aware that the content part of your project (product development, organisation of
mobility activities etc.) is only one side of your project. Dissemination and evaluation activities
must be considered too. There is no other way than to handle them simultaneously – be prepared
for this!
Without doubt the project manager is one of the key players within a project group.
Therefore such a position should be occupied by a carefully selected person, who possesses appropriate
project management skills, intercultural and social intelligence, methodological knowledge,
IT skills, flexibility and mobility, basic understanding of budgeting and administration, a general
idea about the project’s content, appropriate (foreign) language skills, the ability to write good
reports etc. If it is not possible to find one single person with this profile, tasks and responsibilities
can also be split between two or more persons in leading roles.
During the project hundreds if not thousands of pages, documents, pieces of information,
invoices, pictures etc. may pile up on your desk. It is critically important to keep a structured overview
of all these materials, as they keep the project going and they are the basis of all reports to
the EC. Therefore, make sure from the beginning that you use an efficient and easy to use documentation
and filing system covering electronic as well as hard copy documents.
Open up your project to the public from the beginning! Try to set up a network of national
and / or transnational experts and stakeholders who are interested in your project and who might
be able to support you in the one or another way (such as sourcing additional money, accessing information,
target groups, know-how, other networks etc.). Involve them in your project activities as
much as possible – you will see that it will be for the benefit of all!
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