Project management is a specialised branch of management which has evolved in order to co-ordinate and control some of the complex activities of modern industry. It involves logical and progressive decision-making, the use of common sense and perception, proper organisation, effective commercial and financial management, painstaking attention to documentation and routine clerical tasks, and a clear grasp of proven and long-established management principles. In short, Project Management is:

·        The management of a given task, the objective of which will be achieved through the use of the balanced skills of a group of people.

·        This balance of skills will combine the technical knowledge of the group members with the people skills of the leader.

·        A Project Manager needs to fulfil a minimum of three roles, and Project Management can be viewed as three dimensional management in that:

Ø      Project tasks and time-scales have to be met – a productive role

Ø      A team has to be built and maintained to undertake the planning and work content of the project – a team building role

Ø      Individuals within the team need the opportunity to develop and fulfil their role – a people management role

Good Project Management will result in the maximising of the skills, blending of the team members and the creation of synergy within the team

Course overview:

These two day workshops are scheduled on our open programme in Glasgow and Edinburgh. If you prefer, we can also deliver on site at your company’s premises or at a suitable venue of your choice.

Who should attend:

Individuals new to a project management role or in a project team who need an understanding of Project Management concepts.

The key objectives:

·        Project start-up and evaluation of project options, the business case for projects

·        Establishing clear terms of reference

·        Overview of Project Management skills

·        Project organisation and communications

·        Planning skills

·        Risk management

·        Running the project - management and tracking progress

·        Project close down and review

Course Programme:

Day 1:

Registration, Meet Delegates

Course Introduction:

·         General Administration, Objectives, Methods and Self-Introductions

Project Management – Overview:

·         Definition of Project Management

·         Devils Triangle

·         The Project Life Cycle

·         Managing Change, PM Skills

·         How Projects Start, The Business Brief, Financial evaluation (Payback, NPV)

·         Project Selection

·         Setting Objectives

·         Terms Of Reference (or Project Initiation Document) – BOSCARD

·         SMART Objectives

Analysing the Problem:

·         Brainstorming, Visual Gathering, Lists, Ishikawa

·         SWOT

·         Weighted scores

Day 2:

Estimating:

·         How we estimate

·         Techniques: Done it before, Work Distribution Method, Work Breakdown Structure, Estimate Averaging, Delphi.

Developing a Plan:

·         Why, What, How, Terms.

·         PERT (Network, Critical Path Method), Work Breakdown Structure, Gantt.

·        

Risk Management:

·         Risk Assessment – ID, Probability, Impact

·         Risk Management – Mitigation, Contingency

·         Contingency Planning

Communicating the Plan:

·         Communications Techniques

·         Communication Plan

·         Meetings – purpose, size, managing,

Teams and Role of the Project Manager:

·         Leadership Attributes

·         6 dimensional role

·         Team Selection, Team Building

Monitoring and Controlling the Project:

·         Monitor & Control

·         Reporting

·         Checkpoints/Milestones

·         Progress – Time, Costs, Deliverables

·         Post Project Review