Smaller projects

Successfully managing smaller projects Overview
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the principles and practice for leading and managing a portfolio of smaller projects in a multi-project / multi-task environment. It presents a range of practical methods and techniques relevant to the smaller project scenario, using exercises and case studies to show how these can be applied.
The scope of the programme includes:

• Key project management concepts
• Project definition and stakeholder management
• Project planning and risk management
• Project control and change management
• Project portfolio management

The course also emphasises the importance of the leadership and team-working skills needed by project managers and team members in carrying out their roles.
Format
A thoroughly practical two-day course involving exercises, two case studies, formal presentations and tutor-facilitated discussions.
Special features
To facilitate the knowledge transfer and performance improvement process, we recommend that the programme sponsor both introduce the course and be present for the final session.
For maximum benefit, this programme can be tailored to incorporate internal procedures and practices. This can include reference to methodologies such as PRINCE2 and the APM's Body of Knowledge.
Course outline
DAY ONE

1. Introduction (Course sponsor)
   • Why this programme has been developed
   • Review of participants' needs and objectives
2. Managing smaller projects
   • Projects and project management
   • Lessons from past projects; the essential requirements for success
   • Differences between projects; characteristic project life cycles
   • Key issues and challenges of smaller projects
   • The multi-project world; project portfolio management
3. Project exercise
   • Syndicate teams plan and manage a small project
   • Review of the project exercise: What are the keys to successful management of small projects?
4. Setting up the project
   • Getting organised
   • Managing the definition process
   • Identifying and managing project stakeholders
   • Working with the customer to define the scope and agree deliverables
5. Case study 1
   • Defining the project scope and deliverables
   • Syndicate teams define the scope and deliverables for a typical project
6. Project planning
   • The importance and cost benefit of effective planning
   • Planning the plan; deciding how detailed a plan to create
   • Packaging the work and estimating timescales and costs
   • Developing project / resource schedules; setting milestones for control
   • Identifying and managing critical path activities
7. Case study 2
   • Creating the project plan
   • Syndicate teams develop and analyse the project plan

DAY TWO

1. Managing project risks
   • Identifying risks to the project outcome, timescale and cost
   • Evaluating risks and adopting an appropriate risk strategy
   • Defining risk ownership; keeping a simple risk log
   • Keeping risk management up to date; staying pro-active
   • Integrating planning and risk management
2. Project control
   • Managing change, minimising scope creep
   • Selecting the data needed to provide early warning of problems
   • Monitoring performance easily with 'S' curves and slip charts
   • Using trend forecasting to assess true project status
   • Running project review meetings
3. Managing a multi-project portfolio
   • Understanding the world of multiple projects
   • Establishing ownership of project / programme management
   • Classifying projects and creating the 'master schedule'
   • Defining and applying project lifecycle management
   • Resource management: essential pre-requisites and mechanisms
   • Project prioritisation criteria and techniques; pain / gain analysis
4. Managing the multi-project team
   • Characteristics of small project teams / part-time team membership
   • Clarifying line and project management responsibilities
   • Implementing effective manpower planning
   • Establishing professional working practices in the team
   • Developing project management competences in the team
   • Establishing team roles and integrating team members
5. Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present)
   • Identify actions to be implemented individually
   • Identify corporate opportunities for improving project management
   • Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals
   • Conclusion