adapt learning

application development & people training

Practical Project Management

Duration 2 days

Project managers often have a daunting task and can face challenging problems. Many projects get derailed by unexpected factors, take longer than planned to complete, and use more resources than allocated. Unexpected requirements and variables pop up in mid execution, requiring a rework, backtracking and adjustment in timing and resources. As a result it becomes impossible for a schedule to be accurate or for adequate contingencies to be planned in.

In this course project managers will learn the five phases of project management and how
to break down main milestones into tasks and organise those tasks into a timeline that is achievable. Techniques and skills for planning will be reviewed to underscore the benefits of not just launching into activity and follow where it leads. Requirements to monitor and control and stay on track will be detailed and practised.

But the biggest variable on most projects is people! Successfully managing the project often means successfully managing the people involved – including yourself! And often without direct hierarchical authority and control!

The key tools to manage the human aspects of any project are also included in this intensive and interactive course, along with team building, motivation, leadership and time management.

Delegates are encouraged to bring examples of current or past projects with them to the course and will have an opportunity to develop aspects of their projects as part of the course activities.

Aims

This two day course will equip course participants with the knowledge and practical tools to enable them to manage and deliver successful projects within their organisation.

Objectives

At the end of the course participants will be able to:

- Describe the key attributes of a project and the role of projects in achieving positive change within an organisation.
- Identify the key phases of a project within the project life cycle
- Explain the functions of leadership of a project with particular emphasis on the role and responsibilities of the project
  manager
- Organise the key elements required to initiate a project, including setting project objectives, the project initiation
  document, the scope statement and risk assessment and management
- Outline the main tools and techniques that may be used when planning a project
- Discuss the qualities and skills required of the project manager in the effective leadership of the project team 
- Describe the process of project assurance at each stage of the project
- Explain the importance of good communication throughout the project, notably with project stakeholders
- Understand the key techniques involved in delivering a project successfully according to its stated objectives 
   including the management of scope creep and monitoring techniques
- Identify the appropriate control mechanisms in particular situations in order to address problems encountered in
  keeping  the project on track to meet its objectives
- Outline the measures to be adopted to ensure that the project is brought to an effective closure
- Explain the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of a project and describe the ways of doing this

Course Content

What is project management?

The Structured Approach:
- Phases of Managing Projects
- Project methodology
- Organisation structure
- Products & activities
- Project planning

Human Aspects:
- Communication Skills 
- Team Building
- Problem Solving
- Motivation
- Leadership
- Time management

Project Initiation:
- Business needs
- Objectives
- Deliverables
- Assumptions & constraints

Project Definition:
- Risk assessment
- Feasibility study
- Project plans, Cost plans

Project Plans:
- Identification of activities
- The Work Breakdown Structure
- Determination of critical path
- Milestones
- Estimating resources

Risk Management:
- Identifying & quantifying risk
- Risk analysis models
- Contingency plans

Monitor & Control:
- The monitor & control process
- Progress reports
- Change management

Project Closure:
- Project evaluation report
- Acceptance and project closure
- Post implementation review