Microsoft® Project White Belt® 2016: In-House Training This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project. This workshop serves as an introduction to the interface and features of Microsoft® Project. It is kept up to date with the framework outlined by Project Management Institute's A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This course will be led by an IIL-certified instructor who will outline the benefits of Microsoft Project, provide tips on using various features and common shortcuts, recommend guidelines, and discuss the application of scheduling concepts to manage project work. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Define key scheduling concepts and terms Effectively navigate the user interface and interpret common views Configure essential elements of a new schedule Enter and modify a task list Set dependencies between tasks Create a basic resource list and generate assignments Format targeted areas of the Gantt Chart view Prepare the schedule for printing Getting Started Introductions Course objectives Course outline Navigating the User Interface and Views The ribbon The Quick Access Toolbar General and display options Major elements on the Project screen The Gantt chart, calendar, and network diagram views The help Setting up a New Schedule New schedules from blank, templates or other files The project starting date and forward scheduling The project standard calendar and exception days Entering, Modifying, and Outlining Task Data Task entering options and edition Unscheduled tasks Duration estimates for a single task or multiple tasks Tasks organization Multi-level outline Notes to detail tasks Creating Dependencies by Setting Links The critical path Critical path calculation in Project Dynamic schedules and dependencies Link tasks in Project Displaying the critical path Entering and Assigning Resources Resource planning Resource list Resource assignments Formatting Gantt Chart View Format options for text and Gantt charts Print options
Enhancing Performance with Productive Conflict: In-House Training Most organizations have typically held the belief that workplace conflict is something that needs to be prevented, resolved, and/or mitigated. After all, conflict creates stress and leads to a variety of performance problems and very real costs. However, what savvy organizations have come to embrace is the understanding that when conflict is truly understood and harnessed, it can be utilized to not only add value to teams, but also enhance workplace performance. Conflict can be productive and make organizations better! Learners will explore the results of a formal, personalized, conflict-related assessment, uncovering targeted nuances of their conflict responses in action. Participants will learn to use basic strategies which allow them to transform destructive conflict responses into more productive ones, especially in the moment when they are happening. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Apply different models for understanding the lifecycle and dynamics of conflict Describe a physiological response to conflict and its impact on communication Recognize the correlation between a person's conflict style and how they respond to conflict Identify your own default responses to conflict and catch them in action Reframe automatic negative thoughts to create more positive interpersonal outcomes Utilize various tactics and strategies to transform destructive conflict responses into productive ones Getting Started Introductions and social agreements Course goal and objectives Opening activities Module 1: The Dynamics and Anatomy of Conflict Conflict basics Dynamics of conflict The anatomy of conflict Module 2: Conflict Styles and Conflict Conflict through the conflict style lens Exploring your style in conflict Destructive responses to conflict Module 3: Changing Your Response to Conflict Changing your conflict response Three steps to productive conflict Choosing a productive conflict response
Writing Clear Business Communication This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. Effective writing seldom, if ever, 'magically materializes' on the spot. In reality, it is most often the product of planning, writing, and rewriting. This is why writing is called a process; it must go through a series of steps before it is clear and complete. This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. However, the ability to communicate in the written word, for whatever purpose, is an important part of our working and personal lives and can have a direct impact on our ability to persuade, gain commitment or agreement and enhance understanding. Good writing sounds like talking on paper, which is why this program is focused on getting the message across and achieving the desired results using the 'keep it simple and direct' approach. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Write effective e-mails, letters, memos, and reports Clearly articulate the message Achieve desired results from correspondence Organize content for maximum impact Format for enhanced understanding Choose the appropriate communication medium for each document Revise documents to increase clarity and impact Foundations Concepts Business writing as a form of professional communication How business writing compares to other forms of writing Characteristics of good business writing Challenges with business writing The Project Environment Business writing in the project environment The concept of art, science, and optics of business writing Art Economy Precision Action Music Personality Science Purpose, simple, compound, and complex sentence structures Techniques to engage the reader Point of view: tone, attitude, and humor Organization: opening, body, and closing Support and coherence Optics Visual optics Sound optics Feel optics Effective optics Efficient optics Email Formal vs. informal emails Suggestions for improving email communication Instant and text messaging Reports Common types of reports created Formatting of reports Guidelines for meeting minutes Contracts Types of contracts Common agreements Procurement documents Templates, Forms, and Checklists Templates Forms Checklists Other Formatting Good Documentation Practices Good documentation practices Data integrity in business communication
Managing Stress in Challenging Times This course looks at the symptoms and causes of stress and how these affect us emotionally, behaviorally, and physically. You will learn some simple stress-busting techniques that will have a positive influence on your beliefs and behaviors around stress. You will also have the opportunity to develop a personal action plan which will serve as an ongoing reference point for dealing with pressure in its many forms - home, family, social, and work. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Recognize the symptoms and causes of stress Manage and reduce the effects of stress in your life with simple stress-busting techniques Create a simple personalized plan to manage stress and promote a healthier, happier, and more productive lifestyle Getting Started Foundation Concepts What is stress? Why stress matters Flight or fight response and role of hormones Work-Life Balance How to create balance and set boundaries Learning how to say 'no' Stress-Reduction Techniques Visualization and relaxation techniques Behaviors and beliefs Putting things in perspective Circle of influence (vs. circle of control) Slowing down Be Responsible and Kind to Yourself Basic human needs Honest communication Your responsibility to yourself and others Calming thoughts
Estimating for Business Analysts: In-House Training A business analyst does not have authority to estimate the project and will not be held responsible for the project staying within the proposed budget; however, the business analyst does participate in various planning exercises with the project team. Many times the business analyst is on his or her own, required to provide estimates of how long it will take to perform their tasks. This course acquaints you with the basics of estimating from the point of view of the business analyst, emphasizing time estimates for the work. It also covers some of the product cost estimates that a business analyst may have to provide when the business is performing a cost/benefit analysis for the project. What you will Learn You'll learn how to: Translate business needs and requirements into estimates Estimate durations using a variety of techniques Negotiate differences in estimates Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts The importance of estimating to a business analyst The good and bad of estimating The project context The meaning of good estimating Focuses of estimating Characteristics of a good estimate Estimating the Time Requirements Applicable BABOK® Knowledge Areas Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring Elicitation and Collaboration Estimating the elicitation Information Gathering Plan Relative times for elicitation activities Planning and estimating the business analysis approach and activities Planning the business analysis activities Impact of process Estimating the Product Estimating the value of the product Business analyst's role Defining and determining value Function and use case points Agile estimating Planning Poker Other agile estimating techniques Negotiating estimates Negotiation techniques Negotiation approaches Summary What did we learn, and how can we implement this in our work environment?
Project Management for Non-Project Managers: In-House Training Individuals who are involved in projects (commissioning, supporting, sponsoring, etc.) may often be unfamiliar with project management. A basic understanding of project management is essential for non-project managers, who are critical stakeholders contributing to project success. This awareness course uses A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other sources to introduce you to project management vocabulary, concepts, and techniques. It also provides insights into the realities of being a project manager, and opportunities to explore how you can positively impact projects in your own role. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Identify the benefits of project management Use standard project management terminology Describe characteristics of successful projects, project managers, and high-performing teams Explain various project stakeholder roles, their responsibilities, and the fundamental project management processes Recognize how agile / adaptive practices are useful for certain project life cycles Create a personal action plan for how to support real-world projects within a non-PM role Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Project management overview Strategic value of project management Defining project success Project life-cycle models and governance Project roles and responsibilities Project Initiating and Planning Initiating the project Defining project requirements and scope Developing the project schedule and budget Project Risk Management, Executing, Monitoring, and Closing Understanding, evaluating, and adjusting for risk Honoring the baseline and executing the project Monitoring and controlling the project Closing the project Project Interpersonal Processes Project communication Project team development Conflict management
Project Management for Non-Project Managers (In-Person) Individuals who are involved in projects (commissioning, supporting, sponsoring, etc.) may often be unfamiliar with project management. A basic understanding of project management is essential for non-project managers, who are critical stakeholders contributing to project success. This awareness course usesA Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other sources to introduce you to project management vocabulary, concepts, and techniques. It also provides insights into the realities of being a project manager, and opportunities to explore how you can positively impact projects in your own role. Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Project management overview Strategic value of project management Defining project success Project life-cycle models and governance Project roles and responsibilities Project Initiating and Planning Initiating the project Defining project requirements and scope Developing the project schedule and budget Project Risk Management, Executing, Monitoring, and Closing Understanding, evaluating, and adjusting for risk Honoring the baseline and executing the project Monitoring and controlling the project Closing the project Project Interpersonal Processes Project communication Project team development Conflict management
Intercultural Competence (In-Person) In a world that conducts business across continents and geographical borders, more than ever it is essential for team and organizational leaders to not only understand but also embrace the diversity of cultures; this is intercultural competence. Intercultural competence gives one the ability to effectively and appropriately communicate with people from other cultures in a competitively complex world. The participant in this program will gain cultural insights needed to build intercultural teams and navigate cultural diversities, without knowingly violating what are deemed to be acceptable or unacceptable cultural norms. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Articulate on the meaning of culture and intercultural competence Express the importance of body language and appropriately demonstrate its emblems Describe three cultural models and consider their application in assimilating cultural behaviors Define emotional intelligence and explain how it is linked to cultural intelligence Examine the four cultural intelligence capabilities and give examples of how each is developed Develop a personal cultural profile and compare its dimensions to gain an appreciation for intercultural competence Getting Started Foundation Concepts Fundamentals of culture Culture and body language Culture and proxemics Cultural Models Iceberg culture model The onion model of culture Hofstede's model of national cultures High-context and low-context cultures Cultural Intelligence Emotional intelligence overview Cultural intelligence overview Cultural Profile Cultural profile dimensions Understanding your cultural profile Summary and Next Steps
Introduction to Project Management This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. You will learn how projects are selected, initiated, planned, executed, monitored and control, as well as closed, which could serve you ubiquitously. The goal of this course is to provide a minimally essential orientation to practical project management concepts, tools, and techniques. You will be provided with enough of these that can be applied from both a project manager and a key stakeholder perspective. What you Will Learn You will learn how to: Articulate on the basics of the project management profession Explain project management terms and concepts in practice Speak on how projects originate in mature organizations Employ a disciplined approach to initiating, planning, and managing projects to closure Identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of key project stakeholders Consider standard project processes to implement based upon the PMBOK® Guide Getting Started Introductions Course orientation Participants' expectations Foundation Concepts Key terms and concepts Organizational framework Leadership framework Originating and Initiating Originating projects Initiating projects Planning Planning overview Scope and quality planning Resources and risk planning Schedule and cost planning Project baselining Executing and Controlling Executing Monitoring and Controlling Closing Project closing overview Closing administratively Closing financially Summary and Next Steps Review of goals, objectives, key concepts, and expectations Evaluations
The Art of Negotiation Confidence, rapport, curiosity, and patience are essential ingredients to successfully handling a difficult conversation and negotiation. In this course, you will learn to identify and manage aspects of a negotiation, distinguish needs from wants, and manage expectations. The course will cover communication best practices, strategies for handling difficult conversations, and the basics of the art of negotiation. What you Will Learn Master the different ways to say 'no' Determine negotiation strategies based on typical client strategies Develop solutions to break deadlocks Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Establishing personal learning objectives Foundation Concepts Exercise: Most Challenging Scenarios and Outcomes Debrief: Impact versus intent Addressing customer expectations Needs versus wants Key skills for managing customer relationships Elicitation (requirements gathering) Communication and active listening Sensitivity and empathy Handling Difficult Conversations Saying 'no' The Ladder of Inference 4-Step approach for handling difficult conversations Characteristics of a trusted advisor Communication Best Practices Attunement and active listening Exercise: Identifying Effective Techniques Communication pitfalls and best practices Building rapport and influence Words of wisdom Exercise: Reflection on Challenges Negotiation Strategies Negotiation basics Five phases of negotiation Identifying different strategies Traditional versus Progressive Hard - Soft - Principled Exercise: Your Preferred Techniques Selecting appropriate strategy for project negotiations Common pitfalls to avoid The impact of culture on negotiation Looking at conflict through the lens of negotiation Exercise: Mapping a Resolution