Research and Development Project Management

Description:
Research and Development management throws up specific challenges for the professional engineer or science leader. Managing the uncertainties and unpredictability of R&D projects is integral to this course, as are advanced project management techniques specifically designed around the research environment. Research and Development must operate strategically in the organisation, becoming a key driver of business success and no longer can a good R&D manager rely only on technical expertise. The drive for growth, the search for new ideas and new ways of doing things, and increasing competitive pressures have transformed the R&D function into one of primary strategic importance.

What you will learn:

• The elements of a sound process for setting up and managing a project. This draws on well established project management methodology, but also recognises the special characteristics of R&D project work
• How to ensure resources for research and development projects are properly identified, justified and costed
• How to ensure project responsibilities and accountabilities are defined and allocated
• The planning and scheduling of the activities needed to carry out a project
• Progress: how to ensure project responsibilities and accountabilities are defined and allocated
• Knowing when and how to wrap up a project
• Stakeholder management: how to manage relationships and information flows
• Develop the background and necessary foundation to educate yourself beyond the depth and topics covered in the course