R&D work is often carried out in entrepreneurial companies with the aim of developing solutions to scientific or technological problems for a wide range of customers. Projects can include longer term 'frontiers of science' research, medium term product development/manufacturing or more immediate troubleshooting or contract research assignments.
In all these contexts, the ability to create innovative solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner is the essence of successful R&D. Whilst R&D groups typically excel in technical expertise, those involved often recognise that there is scope for improving the way that projects are managed. The aim of this training programme is to address this need whilst ensuring that the creative, entrepreneurial spirit that is fundamental to good R&D continues to flourish.
MODULE 1: Creating the foundations for success
Off-line video tutorials and exercises
Total time ~ 1 - 1.5 hours
Video 1: Making the most of project management in R&D
Characterising R&D projects
Applying project management to R&D work
Exploiting the potential of project management in R&D
Video 2: Promoting success in R&D project management
Modelling successful project management
Evaluating performance and promoting success
The role and skills of the project manager/leader
MODULE 2: Initiating and defining R&D projects
Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
Session 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Session 2: 14:00 - 15:30
Session 1: Selecting and initiating projects
Recognising worthwhile opportunities; initiating projects
Identifying stakeholders and their goals
Characterising and engaging stakeholders
Session 2: Defining goals and agreeing deliverables
Establishing the full scope of the project
Clarifying and prioritising project deliverables
Defining and agreeing deliverable specifications
MODULE 3: Planning R&D projects
Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
Session 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Session 2: 14:00 - 15:30
Session 1: Identifying and organising activities
Creating effective plans; avoiding planning pitfalls
Identifying tasks and assigning responsibilities
Sequencing tasks and estimating durations
Session 2: Developing the timeline and resource plan
Identifying the 'critical path'; creating a resource plan
Dealing with estimating uncertainty
Accelerating the programme
MODULE 4: Leadership and teamwork in R&D projects
Off-line video tutorials and exercises
Total time ~ 1 - 1.5 hours
Video 1: Working effectively in project teams
Building teamwork in contemporary organisations
Recognising each other's skills; building synergy
Building good working relationships; handling conflict
Video 2: The role of the R&D project team leader
Building teamwork: the role of leadership
Creating an effective team culture
Delegating work and motivating team members
MODULE 5: Managing uncertainty in R&D projects
Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
Session 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Session 2: 14:00 - 15:30
Session 1: Characterising uncertainty; identifying risks
Exploring uncertainty; applying risk management
Focusing the risk management process
Identifying and defining risk events
Session 2: Managing and controlling risks to the project
Evaluating risk events
Selecting between risk strategies; setting contingencies
Updating and controlling exposure to risk
MODULE 6: Implementing and controlling R&D projects
Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
Session 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Session 2: 14:00 - 15:30
Session 1: Initiating assignments and managing changes
Creating a pro-active implementation and control culture
Establishing effective implementation and control procedures
Assigning work and managing changes
Session 2: Monitoring, managing and developing performance
Adopting meaningful monitoring techniques
Responding to problems; building performance
Managing and controlling multiple project assignments