COURSE SYNOPSIS

Project Management is neither a mystical art nor pure science.

The successful Project Manager is one who can blend practical experience with established project methods, procedures and techniques. This course teaches the fundamental techniques that every Project Manager must know to plan, estimate, organize and schedule project assignments. From the initial selection of a systems development methodology to defining the distinct phases, tasks and sub-tasks for a specific project.

This seminar is designed for both the beginning Project Manager (who needs a firm foundation) and the experienced Project Manager who wants a refresher course. Throughout this seminar we focus on creating projects which have clearly defined goals and well-outlined project plans for their achievement.

The seminar presents planning, task selection, estimating, resourcing and scheduling techniques. Our goal is to train Project Managers to plan and schedule projects of all sizes and complexities. When the participants have completed this course each should feel confident to approach new assignments with the fundamental knowledge of project management techniques required for successful project completion.

COURSE OUTLINE

The seminar explores the fundamental skills and techniques needed to successfully manage large or small projects. Included in the seminar are:

• Project Characteristics

Defines projects, project team structures, roles and responsibilities of project managers, end users, stakeholders, executive sponsors and other team members.

• Project Planning

Presents systems development methodologies, prototyping and rapid application development, phases and tasks, deliverables, establishing project scope.

• Project Scheduling

Presents estimating, establishing milestones, dependencies, critical paths, Gantt and PERT charting, resource and skill restraints.

• Project Risks

Discusses identifying and containing risks, risk management strategies, handling issues.

• Project Tracking

Assessing progress, taking corrective action, status reporting, keeping a project ‘on track’

• Common “Mistakes”

Reviews 22 common project management mistakes & how to avoid them, symptoms, strategies for controlling and correcting them

TOPICS

Included in the seminar are the following key topics.

• The Nature of Projects
• Project Planning
• Establishing Scope
• Using Project Life Cycles to Develop Plans
• Estimating Project Tasks
• Developing Project Schedules w/Precedence Diagramming
• Project Manager Communication Skills

OUTCOMES

When the participants have completed this course each should feel confident to approach new assignments with the fundamental knowledge of project management techniques required for successful project completion.

LOGISTICS

• Class duration is 2 days with workshops
• Instructional materials are provided
• This course is also offered as in-house training and may be combined with other courses.

PREREQUISITES

• None

AUDIENCE

• Information Technology Management
• Software Development Project Managers
• Product Managers and Product Implementation Teams
• End User Project Managers
• Business Analysts
• Information Technology Managers & Supervisors
• System Developers and Project Team Members
• Consultants and Project Auditors