Project Management Survival Guide™

What is a Project?

* Getting started
* Creating a Successful Project Checklist
* Analysis and Reconnaissance of Projects
* Putting things right before they go wrong

What is Project Management?

* The difference between Operational and Project Management
* Juggling both worlds

The Eight Step Model for Project Success

* A Process model to guide you through the key steps, with recognised tools and techniques

Project Simulation (Role Play)

* A realistic, team-based project, undertaken with a tight deadline and budget
* Client interface, issue resolution and problem solving
* Communication internally and externally

Objective Setting

* Defining SMART objectives
* Recognising Project “Drivers” e.g. Time, Cost and Quality and their trade-off

Defining Project Scope

* Introduction of a proven technique for identifying what’s in and out of scope
* Scoping a real project to practise the technique
* Gaining buy-in and delegating tasks whilst maintaining control

Project Planning and Scheduling

* Proven techniques including Network Analysis, Critical Path Analysis, Scheduling, Resource Planning, Risk Analysis and Contingency Planning.
* Case studies for delegates to feel comfortable with the techniques
* Understanding the role of Project Software and deciphering the reports
* Using the plan to pre-empt and solve problems

DAY 2

Project Strategy and Organisation

* Defining team structure and understanding the pros and cons of Matrix Management, Task Forces and Functionally Organised Projects
* Case study based on a real business case. This examines the issues and how you can pro-actively avoid the common pitfalls

Roles & Responsibilities

* Understanding the responsibility and authority implied by the different roles: Sponsor, Project Manager, Steering Committee etc
* Managing upwards, influencing and using implied authority

Stakeholder Management, Influencing and Politics

* Exploring models to help you understand and deal with the complexity that people bring to the project
* Targeting communications to facilitate buy-in, ownership and accountability

Virtual Team Working (Role Play)

* An exercise and some hints and tips on getting to grips with co-located teams
* How to maximise the impact of your communications

Change Control, Reporting and Measuring Progress

* A systematic, forward-looking approach to change control and reporting that will allow you to save time, be pro-active and avoid conflict
* Early indicators of potential problems and how to counter them
* Effective Meeting Checklist
* Techniques for ensuring the project is delivered on time, on budget and meets the client’s expectations including project close-out and review

Managing Multiple Projects

* Hints and Tips on juggling a number of projects simultaneously and doing your job at the same time

Action Plan and Feedback

* Identifying the hints, tips and techniques you can implement back in the workplace immediately and in the longer term