Project management

This programme provides a challenging experience that enables insight and capability in leading projects, focusing on both the hard and soft skills associated with project management.

Level

This programme is appropriate for learners at entry and intermediate levels.

Objectives

  • To define project management and the role of project leader
  • To understand the project life cycle
  • To develop skills in planning and implementation
  • To appreciate the challenges associated with leading people through change
  • To build a range of tools and techniques
  • To develop skills in building relationships, influencing others and teamwork
  • To build confidence through the application of learning in practice

Process 

Understanding Projects – Defining projects. Delivering results / creating change. Key phases in the project life cycle. Qualities and skills of the project manager.

Organisation – Identifying project roles and structures.

Deliverables – Identifying the outcomes / goals. Setting key deliverables. Quality, time & cost as key focus areas.  Milestones, measurement and benchmarking. Hard and soft outcomes. SMART objectives. Project reviews.

Project Planning – Developing a project plan. Planning techniques – milestones, task scheduling, prioritisation, parallel tasks, critical path analysis (CPA). Financial planning. Sign-off and agreement of project plans.

Planning Tools – Gantt and PERT Charts. Work breakdown structure (WBS). Resource and time management. Mind mapping.

Change Control – Identifying project risks and dependencies. Contingency plans. Managing change requirements. Managing decision-making. Problem solving.

Implementation – Task management. Measures and project controls. Performance analysis and evaluation. Progress reports. Project file / database. Problem solving.

Change Management – Leading people through change. Resistance to change. DREC change curve – denial, resistance, exploration, commitment. Change leadership styles. Communication.

Tools & Techniques – Range of tools – process analysis, importance / urgency matrix, probability / impact risk analysis, decision tables, etc.

Project Team – Leading matrix / remote teams. Tuckman stages of team development. Douglas team building processes. Roles and responsibilities. Project sponsors. Communication structures. Project meetings. Delegation and motivation. Handling conflict constructively. Constructive feedback.

Supplier Management – Managing relationships with third parties. Relationship building techniques – Transactional Analysis (TA). Influencing and negotiation. Building clarity on objectives, tasks, costs and timeframes. Networking, power and politics. Stakeholder analysis. Personal style.

Termination – Project closure. Sign-off of outcomes. Recognition of soft outcomes. Project handover. Debriefing, celebrating and deforming the team.

Practice – Working in pairs – to build a project plan throughout the workshop process. Regular facilitated feedback and discussion.

Options 

Programme can be adapted as either a 1 or 2 day workshop, with 1 facilitator for a group of approximately 8 – 10 learners.