Fundamentals of Project Management — A 3-Day Course

 Open Public Course Closed In-House Course

Synopsis

As more and more business critical initiatives are being planned and executed as projects, it is essential that organisations are fully equipped with the skills, tools, working practices, processes and mindsets such that projects can be clearly defined, realistically planned and effectively managed.

This entry-level course provides a comprehensive overview of project management that focuses on key success factors, decisions and consequences. Relevant for any project in any area of business, the course covers the pragmatic skills and techniques necessary for effective project delivery.

At the end of the course delegates may sit an examination to attain the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management (based on the APM Body of Knowledge, 5th Edition). This course, together with a recommended follow up programme, will also prepare delegates for the CompTIA Project+ examination.

The course is a mix of theory and practical sessions. A case study is used throughout the course to illustrate and practice the concepts and techniques.

Course Objectives

After completing this course the student will be able to:

• understand the Project Manager's role
• create an appropriate project environment
• define and agree the project objectives
• create realistic plans and estimates
• understand how to manage quality, change and risk
• track and communicate progress against plan
• appreciate the need for effective project communications
• understand how to build and motivate the team
• understand procurement, handover and project closure issues

Intended Audience

The course is not suitable for those already conversant with standard planning and management techniques.

This course is ideal for those who are new to project management and wish to develop the basic skills, or those who need a basic understanding of the project lifecycle and key techniques.

This course is ideal for those wishing to attain the APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management. Note that APM examination application forms must be received by the APM at least two weeks before the examination date.

Prerequisites

Before attending this course, students must have experience of:

• No previous project management knowledge is assumed. Anyone who needs to manage projects as part of their job will benefit from attending.

Examinations

At the end of this course, delegates may sit an examination to attain the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management (based on the APM Body of Knowledge, 5th Edition).

The exam is an optional extra costing an additional £155 + VAT which must be confimed at the time of booking the course.

Publicly scheduled dates, locations, and prices

Outline Course Contents

Overview of Project Management

• An understanding of the nature of projects and how the challenges they present differ from those met in a non-project environment
• Projects, programmes and portfolios
• The triangle of balance
• Management of change
• Project context
• Stakeholder analysis
• Business case and project justification

Setting up the Project Environment

• Initiating the project and creating an environment for success
• Roles and responsibilities
• Establising success criteria
• Use of project life cycles
• Configuration management
• The project management plan

Defining the Objectives and Terms of Reference

• The importance of establishing the project objectives and scope at the outset
• Guidelines for creating effective objectives

Introduction to Procurement

• Rationale for using third parties
• Selection criteria
• Project Manager's role

Quality Management

• What is quality?
• Quality management, quality assurance and quality control
• Costs and benefits of quality

Estimating

• Techniques available
• Delphi
• Work distibution
• Using previous experience

Developing a Plan

• Why do we need to plan?
• Work and product breakdown
• Networks and critical path analysis
• Gantt charts
• Resource histograms
• The use of S-Curves

Risk and Issue Management

• Difference between risks and issues
• Analysis of risk
• Identifying actions for managing risks
• Ownership and documentation

Project Communications

• How to communicate effectively with stakeholders and team members
• Communication options and their usage
• Hints and tips

Teams and the Role of the Project Manager

• Creating the team
• Briefing and mobilising your resources

Monitoring and Controlling Projects

• The planning and control cycle
• Information required
• Updating the plan
• Interpreting the results
• Identifying and taking corrective action
• Continuous improvement

Change Control

• Definition
• Scope and Impact analysis
• Authorisation
• Planning and implementation
• Documentation and history

Acceptance and Handover

• Testing
• Levels fo testing
• User acceptance of service/solutiuon
• Handover options
• Transfer to 'business as usual'

Project Closure and review

• Formal closure procedure
• Documenetation
• Archiving
• Lessons learnt

Case Study

• A case study is used throughout the course to provide opportunities to practice the techniques covered