Overview
A project can be defined as 'a human activity that achieves a clear objective, within a timescale'. Using this definition, most people carry out projects all the time. For example, organising a party, buying a television, building a factory and going to the moon can all be considered projects. Modern businesses are increasingly relying on individuals to manage projects, and project management skills are becoming essential in the workplace.
Who should attend
This two-day course aims to develop the methodical skills used in project management and project-based working. You will be confident of achieving a successful outcome to your projects.
Course objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
>Define a project and the project management life cycle
>Understand what is involved in setting up a project
>Set objectives for a project and consider how to achieve them
>Distinguish the role(s) they play and define other people's contribution to the project management process
>Use a range of tools and techniques for planning and controlling projects
>Plan a project to maximise the opportunity of delivering it to time, within budget and to the correct specification
>Recognise and reduce risks, plan contingencies
>Control projects to ensure they stay on track
>Introduce and manage project change
>Maintain flexibility and adjust plans where necessary
>Balance the time they spend on different projects
>Complete the project and review the process
>Understand the four-stage model of team development and its implications
>Develop action plans to improve their projects
Course content
Introduction to Project Management
>What is a project?
>What do we mean by project management?
>The stages of the project life cycle
>Why do projects fail?
Project Set Up - Initiation
>The business case for the project
>Understanding clients' needs
>Obtaining project approval
Project Set Up - Definition
>Understanding the roles and responsibilities within the project team
>Identifying key stakeholders
>Setting measurable success criteria
The scope of the project: what is, and what is not, included
>Agreeing the project definition
>The purpose of start-up meetings
>Understanding the four different types of projects
>The drivers within a project - quality, cost and time
Project Planning
>Using the programme office
>Work breakdown structure - identifying and scheduling resources
>Gantt charts
>Milestone charts
>Critical path analysis
>Estimating
>Identifying, evaluating and managing risks
>Communications planning
Project Delivery
>Forming an effective team - the four stages of team development
>Implementing the project
>Monitoring and controlling
>Updating the project plan
>Preventing project creep - change control, procedures
>Interim and final project reports
Project Closedown and Review
>Knowing when the project is complete
>Evaluation - measuring results against objectives
>Capturing learning for future projects
>Handover
>Follow-up actions
>Celebrating success
Putting your skills into practice
Personal development
>Formulating an action plan
>Reviewing the course
