Workshop Overview:

Project management is often referred to as the "accidental profession." It evolved from the huge projects no one wanted to manage. Today, it is a respected field with its own tools and methodologies. Learn how to make these tools and methodologies work for you and your business by experiencing this highly interactive yet practical workshop. Our Project Management workshop is based on practices from the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) which is published and maintained by the Project Management Institute.

Workshop Outcomes

As a result of attending this workshop participants will:

• Define the nine knowledge areas of Project Management
• Know what is expected of a project manager for the duration of a project
• Understand what to plan and implement for a project to be a success
• Create a list of criteria for measuring overall success of a project
• Be able to measure successful completion of each monitored task
• Adopt a style that motivates and empowers team members
• Be familiar with the key tools used in project management
• Monitor and control a project to maintain budget and schedule

Workshop Topics

• What is Project Management?
• The Project Cycle
• Measuring Success
• Building Good Working Relationships
• Tools and Techniques
• Monitoring and Controlling

Workshop Length: 2 days (can be customized down to a 1 day version)

Workshop Outline

Section 1 – Course Introduction/Objectives

Section 2 – What is Project Management?

• Definitions
• The Nine Knowledge Areas Of Project Management.
• Project Manager's Role.

Section 3 – The Project Cycle

• Case Study Exercise
• Generic Project Cycle

Section 4 – Measuring Success

• Milestones
• Situation Analysis

Section 5 – Building Good Working Relationships

• Leadership
• Communication
• Team Cohesiveness
• Managing Conflict

Section 6 – Tools and Techniques

• Scope Statement or Statement of Work
• Work Breakdown Structure
• Risk Management
• Communication Plan
• Change Control Plan
• Scheduling

Section 7 – Monitoring and Controlling

Workshop Module Descriptions

Section 2—What is Project Management?
The successful accomplishment of project goals and results require that someone manage the project. This section of the course explores the definitions of "Project" and "Project Management" and defines the nine knowledge areas of Project Management. It also addresses the key skills needed to successfully project manage which gives purpose to the other subjects discussed such as communication, managing conflict, leadership and problem solving. The purpose here is to answer the question, "What is expected of a project manager in the duration of the project?"

Section 3—The Project Cycle
This section begins by looking at a case study about a project manager and her dilemma in managing a key project. This case study sets the stage for understanding critical aspects of managing projects and getting buy-in from team members to work on the project. This section then outlines the four phases of a project cycle beginning with the "Concept Phase." In each phase, the list of activities and tasks performed during that phase are discussed and compared to what is actually done in the participants' organizations. The purpose is to understand what to plan and implement for your project to be a success.

Section 4—Measuring Success
In the planning stage of the project cycle, a list of criteria for measuring overall success of the project, as well as requirements to measure successful completion of each monitored task, should be established. This section explores what that criteria would be. Situational Analysis provides a list of critical aspects common to most projects. It allows for the project manager to assess what information is known and unknown about the project and how the unknown information might impact the project. It gives opportunity for the project manager to list alternatives to obtain information needed but not initially received.

Section 5—Building Good Working Relationships
The effective management of projects depends on the project manager's use of the appropriate leadership style. He or she must adopt a style that motivates and empowers team members. The relationship building begins with the first meeting of the project team. The subjects covered in this section are crucial to managing people.

Section 6 — Tools and Techniques
This section provides the participant with an opportunity to develop some of the tools used in project management.

• The "Scope Statement" provides a big picture view and common understanding of the project.
• A "Work Breakdown Structure" exercise requires participants to analyze the work involved with a project to the 3rd level of detail.
• "Risk Management" strategies are covered: mitigate, avoid and accept.
• A "Communication Plan" addresses communication needs that exist and suggests what vehicles should be used for effective communication.
• The "Change Control Plan" is used to prevent scope creep. Identifying, and evaluating change requests will enable the project manager to meet budget and stay on schedule. Establishing cut-off dates for changes and obtaining agreement of all stakeholders is discussed.
• The "Gnatt Chart" and "The Activity Network Diagram" tools help develop an understanding of critical path and slack or float time.

Section 7 — Monitoring and Controlling
Once you have base-lined your project the next step is to implement it. The project must be monitored and controlled to maintain budget and schedule. In this section the participants are familiarized with the terms, Fast Tracking, Crashing, Redefining Dependencies and Use of Float. Also the Risk Management Plan is revisited. There is an exercise using an Activity Network Diagram, Gnatt Chart and Status report for small groups to discuss what their strategies would be to get back on schedule if it were their project.