UNDERSTANDING THE PROJECT ENVIRONMENT
Introduction to Project Planning
A one day overview of the framework to efficiently manage projects.
Who Should Attend:
Anyone who works in a project environment but is not actively involved in the project planning process.
Involved in project planning? Please see Project Planning Breakthroughs!
This one-day course provides a comprehensive overview of the essential framework for efficiently managing projects. Designed for individuals working in project environments who are not directly involved in the planning process, the course covers key aspects such as:
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Understanding project challenges
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Defining project phases
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Crafting effective Objective Statements
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Clarifying roles and responsibilities within project teams
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Exploring the use of project management software.
Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to describe project phases, contribute to Objective Statement development, and interpret Project Execution Plans. Additionally, the course delves into the evolution of projects, emphasizing the significance of project initiation, design, execution planning, and reviews for successful project outcomes in today's dynamic project landscape.
Detailed Synopsis
The Introduction to Project Planning course focuses on gaining an understanding of working in a project environment. This course for those who are not actively involved in the planning of projects, but need to understand the planning process and both the impact of ongoing projects on their work, and the impact of their work on ongoing projects.
Introduction:
Projects have existed since before the Pyramids, and yet as a professional discipline it is relatively new. We start by looking at the development of project management in both traditional and non-traditional project organizations. Here we discover the challenge of the Two Worlds of Work and how Project work differs from Operational work and identify where projects come from. We then examine the five stages in a new framework for managing assignments and projects. As well, we discuss how project management fits in with Strategic Planning.
Unit 1: Genesis
In the beginning… This unit looks at how we clarify exactly what the project is all about and what it is to achieve. Using an Objective Statement, we define the Project Charter along with the Scope Statement in a unique but powerful format. Along with this, we examine the roles and responsibilities within the project team, especially the crucial relationship between the Project Manager and the Project Sponsor.
Unit 2: Design
In any successful project, it is imperative that we determine “what” is going to be created before figuring out “how” to create it. This unit focuses on the requirements for both the conceptual and the detailed design. It is here that the fundamental elements of Performance Criteria are brought to bear. “When we are all finished, what will we measure the final outcome to determine our level of success.”
Unit 3: Execution Planning
In this unit, we will review and understand the results of the Execution Phase, the importance of Time Management, resource allocation, conflict resolution, project budgets and the project schedule.
Unit 4: Execution
In this unit, we will focus on understanding the reality of change and its implication on the project and the four interdependent variables – Quality, Scope, Schedule, and Cost. We investigate the challenge of handling incremental as well as transformation change. The latter is tackled through a step-by-step approach that is designed to dissipate the ever-present possibility of panic. The other key challenge at this point is how does the individual or small team deal with their respective tasks. And at the same time, how do they cope with the challenge of Two Worlds of Work… their operational commitments and their project commitments.
Unit 5: Reviews
Nothing is worse than going through all the effort and heartache of a project, good or bad, only to rush off at the end without the satisfaction of bringing about final closure. In this unit we will counter the age-old excuse; ‘I don’t have time.’ The time spent here is often repaid many times over as important lessons are remembered and passed on to other project teams. Our unique ‘3-review’ process ensures a positive morale boost as participants and nonparticipants alike enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a job come to full completion.
Unit 6: Supplements
Additional Tools and Techniques: In this section we have compiled additional tools and techniques to use in planning and managing projects, starting with a Project Survival Guide.