(for IT and non-IT professional engaging in IT-related projects)
Suitable for participants who have some or no project management knowledge for immediate project management application.
Course Overview
This course is intended for executives in technical and non-technical work areas, who need to acquire working knowledge and skill in planning, monitoring or tracking, measuring the implementation of projects. Their participation through an action-learning methodology will facilitate an immediate transfer of such competency to workplace.
This course is carefully designed to provide the best mix of experience, minimal theory and maximum practice in an adult learning environment. Formal presentations are used mainly to introduce key concepts and significant elements of project management. Emphasis is on practical applications through “hands on” action learning.
A high level of participation and team involvement is required. Maximum opportunities will be given to participants to inject their own examples and issues into the course and continually relate the material to their own contexts.
Participants are encouraged to bring their projects to the session. The appreciation of project management software and techniques will be used to help participants better understand project management concepts; reflecting on their current project practices, and knowing how to improve them.
Objectives
To understand the use of project management tools for initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing projects.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Have comprehensive understanding of the various processes of project management.
Evaluate risk management planning of projects.
Determine task/project durations, and costs.
Determine which task(s) has overwhelming influence in project duration.
Track project progress, and spot problem areas.
Have a working set of project management tools and techniques for monitoring project progress - appreciate the use of MS Project 2003 for planning, scheduling and tracking project progress.
Scope definition & planning. Activity: creating a simplified project charter.
Work breakdown structure (WBS). Activity: constructing a WBS.
Work task listing. Activity: constructing a work task list.
Work sequencing and scheduling (Network diagram, Gantt & milestone diagram). Activity: constructing a Gantt chart of a project.
Understanding Critical Path Method.
Resource listing – human, material, facility, equipment, etc. Activity: creating a resource list.
Using bottom-up estimates for scheduling and cost control.
Afternoon
Project Planning Process (continued)
Project risk management - planning for risk with contingency (risk management plan and risk management strategies). Activity: Construct a risk management plan
Project Execution / Monitoring & Controlling Processes
Executing the project plan.
Tracking project schedule progress using Gantt Chart. Activity: Using project management software to track project progress. Activity: Gantt Chart and project progress.
Responding to project risks (executing risk responses, monitor and control the execution of the responses).
The training uses practical exercises that take individuals outside their comfort zones. By giving the participants help and guidance during the process, confidence and skills are strengthened. We make the sessions challenging and practical through the use of role-play, experiential learning and group exercises. Participants will quickly discover their strengths and weaknesses in communicating with others. Moreover, this interaction makes classes enjoyable and motivational.
The tempo of the training is light-hearted and fast-paced. Our experience suggests that this makes people actually look forward to attending our training sessions and reinforces the motivational effects. Peer group pressure, structure and relaxed atmosphere are the key elements to the success of our courses.
Methodology
Presentation, case studies, and hands-on activities.
Who Can Benefit
Those who are directly involved in planning, estimating, scheduling, monitoring (tracking), and measuring, and reporting the implementation progress of projects. Examples, case studies and templates are provided.
