Overview

Many learning professionals deal with projects that are of short duration, sometimes less than six months – too big to manage successfully with just a task list on a tablet and too small to benefit from the full array of rigorous, formal project management techniques. This interactive workshop is designed to provide participants with knowledge and practice with using a flexible, efficient ten-step process that provides planning without overkill, and control without being cumbersome.

Using a case study we will review ten steps of project management and focus on five key areas related to managing projects: Initiating, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn how to:

• Apply a flexible ten-step model that provides a framework with tools and techniques to effectively manage a project.
• Determine project constraints and the impact on the project
• Discuss questions to consider when planning for a project
• Assess how to plan and sequence deliverables
• Apply risk management in the context of managing small projects – so projects don’t go ‘off the rails’!
• Overview a change control process to manage changes and expectations throughout the project

Instructional Strategies

The workshop introduces main process concepts and proven practices from the Project Management Institute’s (PMI)^® five process groups, Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Control and Closing. The instructor presents each topic in a tell-show-do format using a simple case study. Working in teams of four or five, participants then practice applying the tools and techniques presented in the workshop.

Audience

• Individuals with current or future assigned project management responsibilities
• Individuals responsible for managing small projects
• Project leads or team members working on sub-projects of larger projects
• Project clients, sponsors, and other stakeholders who contribute to projects

Prerequisites

None.

Content Outline

Introduction

• Project Management Phases
• Ten Project Management Steps

Initiating the Project

• Components of Initiating a Project

Defining and Planning the Project

• Generating Work Breakdown Structure

Developing Estimates

• Effort and Duration Estimates

Defining Work Package and Activity Sequencing

• Defining Predecessors and Successors
• Building the Network Diagram

Identifying, Analyzing, and Documenting Risks and Responses

• Identifying Probable Causes and Developing Preventive Plans
• Developing Contingency Plans and Identifying Trigger Points

Tracking and Managing the Project

• Tracking and Managing Changes in the Project

Performing Post-Project Review

• Project Completion Process