Managing Successful Projects

      

Aim

To further develop project management skills

       

Overview

A project can be defined as 'a human activity that achieves a clear objective within a timescale'. Using this definition most people carry out projects all the time. For example, organising a party, buying a television, building as factory and going to the moon can all be considered projects. Modern businesses are increasingly relying on individuals to manage projects and project management skills are becoming essential for increasing numbers of people.
      
This two-day course aims to develop the methodical skills used in project management and project-based working. You will be confident of achieving a successful outcome to your projects.

       

Who should attend this course?
This course is designed for staff who manage projects or are involved with project-based working, and are looking to improve their effectiveness in this essential area. It is particularly useful for those who have not had formal training in the tools and techniques used in project planning and control.

         

Objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Identify the components and the stages of a project

• Set objectives for a project and consider how to achieve them

• Use a standardised framework for defining, planning and controlling projects

• Distinguish the role(s) you play and define other people’s contribution to the project management process

• Use a range of tools and techniques for planning and controlling projects

• Recognise and reduce risks within all types of project work

• Develop action plans for improving your projects

Outline Programme

Day One
Start	Welcome
	Introduction to project management What is a project? What do we mean by project management? The four stages of the project life cycle Why do projects fail?
	Project Set Up - Initiation The business case for the project Understanding customers needs The scope of the project – what is and is not included Measurable success criteria Obtaining project approval
	Project Set Up - Definition Understanding the roles and responsibilities within a project team Identifying key stakeholders
Lunch
	Setting measurable success criteria The scope of the project – what is, and what is not included Agreeing the project definition with the project sponsor The purpose of start up workshops
	Understanding the four different types of projects The drivers within a project – quality, cost and time Project planning Using the programme office Work breakdown structure – identifying and scheduling resources
Day 2 Start	Review of Day 1
	Work breakdown structure – continued Gant charts Milestone charts Critical path analysis
lunch
	Estimating Identifying, evaluating and managing risks Communications planning
	Project delivery Control Updating the project plan Preventing project creep – change control, procedures Reporting
	Project closedown Knowing when the project is complete Evaluation - measuring results against objectives Capturing learning for future projects Handover Follow up actions Celebrating success
	Personal development Reviewing the course Formulating an action plan
close

  

Course content

·                           The four stages of projects

·                           Defining a project

·                           Business case for a project

·                           Initiating projects and start-up meetings

·                           Defining the scope of the project

·                           Identifying the roles and assigning responsibilities

·                           Stakeholder analysis

·                           Measurable success criteria

·                           Four types of projects

·                           Quality, cost, time drivers

·                           Work breakdown structure

·                           Gantt charts

·                           Milestone reporting

·                           Estimating

·                           Critical path analysis

·                           Managing risks

·                           Communications planning

·                           Project control

·                           Dealing with variations

·                           Project closure and review

 

Training Methods

This course is highly participative and uses a variety of training methods including brainstorming, questionnaires, short inputs on key concepts, individual work, group activities to demonstrate project techniques, and discussion about the application to your work.