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.

Course Content

What is project management?

The Structured Approach
Phases of Managing Projects
Project methodology
Organisation structure
Role of Project Manager

Project Initiation
Business needs
Objectives
Deliverables
Assumptions & constraints

Project Definition
Risk assessment
Project plans, Cost plans

Project Plans
Identification of activities
The Work Breakdown Structure
Milestones
Estimating resources

Project Costing
Budgeting techniques
Cost benefit analysis

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

Essential Tools for Managers
Excellent – the most useful and relevant course I’ve ever attended

Permastore

Building an Effective Team
Very interesting and I saw things in myself that I didn't know were there

Colchester Borough Council