530 Courses

Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for any individual who might need to perform project management activities in their job role on either a formal or informal basis, or any individual who wants to build upon their current project management knowledge to be more productively involved on a project team. This course is not specifically designed for students who are seeking project management-related certification. Rather, it is designed to introduce a structure to help students more effectively manage projects as well as participate fully on a project team. Overview In this course, you will apply recognized practices of project management to manage a project from start to finish. You will: - Identify the basic concepts of project management. - Launch a project. - Estimate project work. - Create a project schedule. - Plan project costs. - Plan for project risks. - Plan for project quality and compliance. - Manage human and physical resources for the project. - Manage project procurements. - Plan for change management and monitor the project scope. - Monitor and optimize project schedule and cost. - Monitor the quality of the project work and the risks involved. - Plan communication strategies and manage stakeholder relationships. - Close a project. If you are taking this course, you probably have some exposure to managing projects, or you may be considering embarking on a career as a professional project manager. Your ability as a project manager to demonstrate best practices in project management on the job is becoming the standard to compete in today's fast-paced and highly technical workplace. In this course, you will apply the generally recognized practices of project management to successfully manage projects. Project managers are always under severe pressure to complete projects on time and within budget. However, most projects fail to meet these demands, and, as a result, many projects are terminated early. Successful project management requires knowledge and experience. This course is designed to provide you with the skills needed to be a successful project manager in today's rapidly changing world. The skills and knowledge you gain in this course will help you avoid making costly mistakes and increase your competitive edge in the project management profession. Getting Started with Project Management Define Project Management Basics Identify Influencing Factors Define Project Management Certifications Launching Projects How Organizations Choose the Right Project Identify Project Stakeholders and Their Expectations Authorize a Project Identify the Project Scope Estimating Project Work Develop a WBS Identify the Relationships Between Work Packages Identify Resources Estimate Time Creating a Project Schedule Develop a Project Schedule Create a Schedule Baseline Planning Project Costs Establish Project Costs Establish the Cost Baseline Reconcile Funding and Costs Planning for Risk Create a Risk Management Plan Identify Risks and Their Causes Analyze Risks Develop a Risk Response Plan Planning for Quality and Compliance Deliver the Desired Project Results Verify Compliance Requirements Managing the Project Team Plan Your Project Team Assemble the Team Develop the Team Manage the Team Managing Project Procurements Plan for Project Procurements Obtain Responses from Vendors Select the Right Vendor Manage Vendors and Procurements Managing Change During Project Execution Prepare for Project Execution Manage Project Changes Monitor the Project Scope Monitoring and Controlling Project Schedule and Cost Monitor and Control the Project Schedule Optimize the Project Schedule Monitor and Control Project Cost Monitoring and Controlling Risk and Quality Monitor and Control Risks Put Quality Plans into Action Control Project Quality Communicating and Reporting Communicate During a Project Distribute Project Information Manage Stakeholder Relationships and Expectations Report on Project Performance Closing the Project Deliver the Final Product Close Project Procurements Close the Project

Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for all levels of experience in using Microsoft Project, as well as all levels of experience in project management. In particular, this course is designed for persons who need to author Microsoft Project work schedules including Project Managers and Project Assistants, and for management personnel in charge of setting standards for baselining and tracking project data. Overview To gain an understanding of a proven mindset Microsoft Project users should possess each time they open and work Microsoft Project schedules. To gain an understanding of globally accepted project management principles. To be able to effectively apply Microsoft Project into the Execution phase of a normal project life cycle. To gain an understanding of Microsoft Project's baseline capabilities in preparation for analysis and reporting of project data. MS Project: Project Validation, Baseline, and Tracking using Microsoft Project course provides proven tools and techniques for successfully using Microsoft Project to assist with managing projects. MS Project: Project Validation, Baseline, and Tracking using Microsoft Project course provides proven tools and techniques for successfully using Microsoft Project to assist with managing projects.

Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for all levels of experience in using Microsoft Project, as well as all levels of experience in project management. In particular, this course is designed for persons who need to author Microsoft Project work schedules including Project Managers and Project Assistants. Overview To be properly introduced, or reintroduced, to Microsoft Project. To gain an understanding of a proven mindset Microsoft Project users should possess each time they open and work Microsoft Project schedules. To gain an understanding of globally accepted project management principles. To be able to effectively apply Microsoft Project into the Initiation and Planning phases of a normal project life cycle. MS Project: Project Initiation and Planning (part 1 of a 3 part series) course provides proven tools and techniques for successfully using Microsoft Project to assist with managing projects. MS Project: Project Initiation and Planning (part 1 of a 3 part series) course provides proven tools and techniques for successfully using Microsoft Project to assist with managing projects.

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for all project managers and project team leaders. Overview At course completion, students will be able to identify, analyze, respond to, and control project risks. This course focuses on improving the project manager?s risk management expertise, from initial planning through project closure. Participants will apply all course principles to a work-related case study taken directly from their work environment. Risk Management Overview Risk Management Benefit and Uses Project Risk Management Project Management Life Cycle Initiating Process Group Initiating Process Group Overview Develop Project Charter Identify Stakeholders Project Selection Criteria ROI Analysis ROI Methods Risk Complexity Index Project Selection Planning Process Group Planning Process Group Overview Scope Risks Schedule Risks Resource Risks Plan Risk Management Identify Risks Delphi Technique Subject Matter Expert Input Brainstorming Fishbone Diagrams Process Analysis Five Whys Influence Diagrams Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) Risk Register Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis Probability and Impact Assessment Probability and Impact Chart Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis Three point estimates PERT Triangular Distributions Outlier Considerations Geometric Mean Normal Distributions Methods Tornado Diagrams Expected Monetary Value (EMV) Monte Carlo Plan Risk Responses Risk Response Strategies Overall Project Risk Checklists Executing, Monitoring and Controlling Process Groups Executing Process Group Overview Monitoring and Controlling Process Group Overview Control Risks Project Monitoring Longer Projects Closing Process Group Closing Process Group Overview Close Project or Phase Risk Activities During Closing Process Group Post-Project Risk Assessment

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for It is appropriate for Managers, Executives, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Business and IT stakeholders working with analysts, Quality and process engineers, technicians, managers; supervisors, team leaders, and process operators. Overview Describe business process improvement (BPI) business drivers.Plan, manage and close requirements for a Business Process Improvement project Understand the essential elements of a successful BPI initiative.Identify candidate business processes for improvement.Understand the essential elements of a successful BPI initiative.Identify candidate business processes for improvement.Apply a methodology to business process improvement projects. This 2-day course aims at introducing its attendees to the core values, principles, and practices of Business Process Improvement. Introduction - A Business Process Improvement (BPI) Overview Why are we here today? What is BPI? Benefits of BPI Specific challenges/obstacles and successes Process improvement examples: Industry specific examples Famous debacles to avoid and successes to emulate Your role in helping to identify problems Overview of the Joiner 7-Step Method What is the Joiner 7-Step Method? Walkthrough of the Joiner 7-Step Method Template: Introduce and review Process Improvement Template Case Study Exercise: Read and discuss introduction to the Case Study Step #1: Initiate the Project Types of business problems typically encountered at insurance companies and banks How to recognize a business-related problem Identifying the gaps (delta between current and future states) Ownership of the project and the business problem Defining measurable success criteria Case Study Exercise: Complete the Problem Statement section (Step #1) of the template Step #2: Define Current Situation What are symptoms of a problem? Looking for symptoms of the problem Performing Stakeholder Analysis Technique: View a RACI Matrix Defining the impacts caused by the problem Technique: Business Process Modeling (As-Is) Understand how to draw an As-Is Business Process Model Case Study Exercise: Complete the Define Current Situation section (Step #2) of the template Step #3: Identify Root Causes What are root causes? Performing Root Cause Analysis Technique: Fishbone Diagram using the cafeteria example Case Study Exercise: Discuss a Fishbone Diagram Technique: Pareto Chart (discuss and show example) Case Study Exercise: Complete the Identify Root Causes section (Step #3) of the template Step #4: Develop Solutions Identifying options for problem resolution Avoid jumping to conclusions Technique: Brainstorming Case Study Exercise: Conduct a Brainstorming Session Recognizing pros and cons for each option Technique: Kempner-Tregoe (?Must-Have? vs. ?Nice-to-Have?) Case Study Exercise: Determine best solution using a ?simple? Kempner-Tregoe model Case Study Exercise: Complete the Develop Solutions section (Step #4) of the template Step #5: Define Measurable Results Prototyping the solution Technique: Business Process Modeling (To-Be) Measuring results against the success criteria (Step #1) Case Study Exercise: Review changes to an As-Is Business Process Model Case Study Exercise: Complete the Define Measurable Results section (Step #5) of the template Step #6: Standardize Process Defining how the process will be documented Plan and understand organizational readiness Discuss how employees are empowered to identify and act upon their ideas Identifying follow-up needs (i.e., training) for the staff that will be impacted Technique: Communication Plan Case Study Exercise: Complete the Standardize Process section (Step #6) of the template Step #7: Determine Future Plans Monitoring the process for Continuous Process Improvement (The ?Plan-Do-Check-Act? Cycle) Understand how to sustain the improvements made by the Joiner 7-Step Method Technique: PDCA form Case Study Exercise: Complete the Determine Future Plans section (Step #7) of the template Going Forward with a Plan of Action Identifying process problems in your organization Individual Exercise: Name three (3) possible areas for improvement Prioritize and define the next steps Individual Exercise: Using a new template complete Step 2 & Step 3 for one possible area for improvement you have identified

The aim of this programme is to provide current / prospective senior project managers with an in-depth review of the role and importance of project management in the organisation. It focuses on the strategic role of the project manager and aims to draw out the full scope of the role and how it impacts on project performance. The five key objectives of this programme are to enable the participants to: Identify the characteristics and attributes needed by project managers in ensuring the organisation is recognised as an industry leader in delivering successful projects Understand the full scope and impact of the project manager / leader's role in managing projects or programmes to maximise benefit to the business Define the hallmarks and skills required to manage significant business projects or project portfolios Develop an understanding of the skills required and their impact on the project through case study work and syndicate exercises Benefit from an effective forum for exchanging experience and fostering a sense of team spirit and mutual support between senior project managers DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) A vision of future opportunities and challenges The impact of project managers / leaders on future success 2 The determinants of success The contractor's perspective The client's perspective Success and failure: factors that determine the project outcome The impact of the project manager 3 Case study: Project Giotto How successful was this project? What were the primary factors that influenced the outcome? How relevant are these factors to current projects? Feedback and review 4 Project team exercise A practical exercise demonstrating the role of the project manager in managing the interfaces between the client, the project team and suppliers Review - what skills are required to be a 'world class' project manager? 5 The role of the Project Manager The role and skills of the 'world class' project manager The three key dimensions of effective project leadershipManaging influential stakeholdersManaging project performanceManaging the project team Project leadership skills appraisal (individual review) DAY TWO 6 Managing influential stakeholders Project management and the art of leadership Who are the influential stakeholders and how do they affect the project? What we need to do / not do, to build successful working relationships 7 Case study: Understanding the customer What are the likely problems the project manager will encounter? What should the project manager do to ensure an effective partnership? 8 Managing project performance Issues affecting commercial performance Joining up the project life-cycle: getting performance from inception to closure The roles of project manager, line manager and project sponsor 9 Project team exercise: Making the promise / delivering the promise An exercise demonstrating the commercial and team leadership skills needed by the project manager Review - what must the project manager do to optimise project performance? 10 Managing multi-functional project teams The challenges of building effective, multi-functional project teams Co-ordinating work across functional and organisational boundaries Maintaining strategic focus and balancing priorities 11 Making it happen Individual action planning Syndicate discussion 12 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) What will we do differently? How will we make it happen? Conclusion

Many organisations find that project teams struggle to create and maintain effective plans. Estimates are often overly optimistic and risks go unmanaged until the inevitable happens. Resource managers also find it hard to forecast the likely loading on their departments and requests for support are not provided in a consistent format. This programme has been developed to address these needs in a very practical, hands-on format. Case study work can be based on simulations or on the organisation's current projects for maximum benefit to participants. The aim of this training is to develop and enhance participants' planning and risk management skills in order to maximise the success of project work undertaken by the organisation. The principal training objectives for this programme are to: Provide a structured, integrated approach to planning and risk management Demonstrate practical tools and techniques for each stage of planning Show how to organise and involve relevant people in the planning process Explain how to use the plan for forecasting and pro-active project control Identify ways to improve planning, both individually and corporately The course will emphasise the importance of participative planning techniques that improve the quality of plans whilst reducing overall time and cost of planning. The course will encourage discussion of internal procedures and practices and may be customised to include them if required. DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Projects and planning Why plan? The benefits of good planning / penalties of poor planning Planning in the project lifecycle; the need for a 'living' plan The interaction between target setting and the planning process Team exercise: planning the project 3 Planning the plan Defining the application and structure of the plan Impact of planning decisions during the project lifecycle Using available time to create an effective plan 4 Defining deliverables Assessing the context; reviewing the goals and stakeholders Developing the scope and defining deliverables; scope mapping Understanding customer priorities; delivering value for money Case study: defining the project deliverables 5 Creating the work breakdown Building the work breakdown structure Detailing the tasks and sub-tasks; structured brainstorming Defining task ownership; the task responsibility matrix 6 Creating and using a logical network Developing the logical network; task boarding Determining the critical path and calculating float Accelerating the plan; concurrent programming and risk Individual and group exercises DAY TWO 7 Developing resource schedules Deriving the Gantt chart from the network Developing the detailed resource schedules Calculating the expenditure profile ('S' curve) 8 Estimating task durations and costs Understanding estimates: effort, availability and duration Estimating tools and techniques Application of estimating techniques during the project lifecycle 9 Case study Developing the project plan Refining the project plan Team presentations and discussion 10 Managing risks and refining the plan Awareness of contractual issues associated with risk Identifying and evaluating risks; deciding ownership Managing risks: determining levels of provision and contingency Controlling risks: maintaining an up-to date risk register 11 Planning for pro-active control The earned value analysis (EVA) concept and its predictive value Deriving the measures needed for cost and delivery performance Practical issues associated with implementing EVA 12 Using and maintaining the plan Tracking progress and updating the plan Publishing and controlling the plan 13 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) Identify ways of implementing the techniques learnt Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion

All organisations today operate in an environment of constant and rapid change. Managing this change effectively is often achieved through a portfolio of formal projects. Many organisations today have qualified and experienced project management staff to run their projects. Some organisations today have dedicated functions, staff or processes to support their project management teams. The very largest organisations have in-house Enterprise Programme Offices, or project management specialists in corporate audit or risk functions; or organise 'Red Team Reviews' of a project by other staff with project management experience who are not participating in the reviewed project. But for many mid-size businesses and SMEs - and even some larger organisations - these resources are simply not available. For them, having access to external expertise to assure project management disciplines and to coach project managers can be a major contributor to project success. Such reviews can take place at project initiation; at major stage-gates (especially if significant capital is to be committed at the stage-gate); or at any other time if concerns arise concerning project quality, cost or timescales. And it is for those organisations that we offer the necessary expertise, on an ad hoc basis, in reviewing projects and coaching senior project management staff. A document review and workshop led by one of our consultants can help you assess whether: The strategic goals and priorities for the project are clear and being addressed Governance of the project within the business is defined and being effectively executed Project roles and responsibilities are clear and effective The credibility and robustness of the project plan can be enhanced Performance measures and reporting procedures are effective Critical risks are identified and being managed and contingencies are agreed The roles, responsibilities and capabilities of the key players in the project team are fit for purpose Budgets are realistic and costs being managed effectively Communication and change management activities are effectively planned and being executed At your discretion, you can capture the outcomes from the workshop for yourselves, in terms of identifying opportunities for improvement, or you can have our consultant write a report and make recommendations to you.