Planning, Organising & Controlling Projects

Tools and Techniques for Improving Project Performance

Introduction

As organisations of all types experience unprecedented change, project management skills become ever more important for success. Staff at all levels are expected to take on project management roles and be able to contribute effectively to delivering project assignments on time and to budget. This LAKESHORE ISL Planning, Organising & Controlling Projects training provides a framework for successfully managing projects based on extensive research into project performance across all forms of enterprise. The methodology presented, which is complementary with PMI^® and other models, offers a versatile approach that will enhance both individual and project performance.

This proven LAKESHORE ISL Planning, Organising & Controlling Projects training is designed to equip those involved in project work with the essential skills needed to fulfill their responsibilities in a professional way. The concepts, methods and techniques presented include both well established and latest thinking to provide the essential knowledge, skills and toolkit to ensure more successful project outcomes.

This LAKESHORE ISL training will highlight:

• The Key Project Management Skills needed to maximize Project Performance
• The Responsibilities of Project Sponsors, Project Managers, Line Managers and Specialists
• Methods for Identifying, Engaging and Managing Project Stakeholders
• Techniques for Establishing the Full Scope of the Project and Prioritising Deliverables
• How to Create Realistic Plans, Pro-actively Manage Risks and Exploit Opportunities
• The Use of Tools and Techniques for Tracking and Managing Project Performance
• The Leadership and Teamwork Skills needed to Promote Collaboration throughout the Project

Objectives

By the end of this LAKESHORE ISL training you will be able to:

• Apply a professional, systematic approach to manage projects and project work assignments
• Define the project scope, establish realistic objectives and accurately specify deliverables
• Produce realistic project plans, determine the critical path and manage project risks
• Mobilise resources, create a true picture of project performance and maintain control of the programme
• Recognise team dynamics within the project, play to strengths and manage weaknesses

Training Methodology

This training is based on a combination of interactive learning activities – group and individual exercises, case studies, video sessions and discussions – along with formal input. Topics will be covered through understanding the intellectual framework followed by a demonstration of how this is done in practice. Issues related to the integration of people management and technology will be discussed in group settings where more senior and junior attendees will work together for mutual benefit. The impact of project management software and information systems as well as latest trends, e.g. the application of Agile management methods, will also be considered.

Organisational Impact

The organization will gain the following benefits:

Delegates attending this LAKESHORE ISL training will be better equipped to pro-actively manage projects and project work assignments. As a result, the organization will gain the following benefits:

• Those attending will acquire and develop the skills they need to fulfill their project responsibilities
• Project staff will perform better, delivering results more quickly and more cost effectively
• Planning will be more realistic and estimates of timescales and resources will be more accurate
• Projects will be lead more effectively and teams will deliver better performance
• Project milestones will be achieved more routinely, improving cash flow and budget control
• Communication between project teams and the rest of the organisation will be improved
• Staff will be more highly motivated and conduct their projects more professionally

Personal Impact

Delegates will be able to:

• Demonstrate greater competence in contemporary project management methods and techniques
• Contribute more effectively in project and programme management teams
• Create more realistic plans and control work more professionally
• Show better leadership and management of project teams and work assignments
• Comprehend, appreciate and apply appropriate economic evaluation measures
• Build and manage productive working relationships with clients and suppliers
• Operate more confidently and effectively in a global business environment

Who Should Attend?

This LAKESHORE ISL training is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Delegates whose role involves leading and directing projects
• Project Professionals and those who are involved in carrying out project work assignments
• Project Administrators, Supervisors and Support Staff
• Those involved as Project Owners and Project Clients
• Personnel working for Project Contractors and Suppliers

Seminar Outline

DAY 1

Reviewing the Fundamentals

• Understanding Projects – differences between large / small and simple / complex projects
• The ‘Project Life Cycle’ and the Role of Project Management
• Current trends in Project Management – project management associations and qualifications
• Project Performance: Understanding Why some projects succeed and others don’t
• A Framework for Building Project Success –improving project management performance
• The Different Project Roles, Responsibilities and Boundaries – line, project and matrix management
• Understanding some Key Financial Concepts: Break-even, Net Present Value, Discounted Cashflow, etc.

DAY 2

Initiating and Defining Projects

• Initiating Projects – stakeholder identification, engagement and communication
• Setting Realistic Objectives: Defining Project Scope and Deliverables
• Managing Expectations and Agreeing Priorities – ensuring value for money
• Developing a Work Breakdown Structure – defining roles and specifying work packages
• Developing a Cost Breakdown Structure – techniques for making preliminary estimates of time and cost
• Choosing and using appropriate Planning Methods – using project management software
• Initiating Risk Management – using qualitative risk analysis techniques

DAY 3

Planning Projects for Results

• Building a Realistic Project Plan –using Gantt charts and activity networks
• Using the Plan to Develop Detailed Task and Resource Schedules
• Identifying the Critical Path and Setting Milestones – getting buy in from the key players
• Techniques for Developing Detailed Estimates for Time and Cost – managing estimating uncertainty
• Minimising Project Timescales: Exploring Time-cost Options and Understanding Trade-offs
• Managing Project Risks: Quantitative Risk Management Methods and Techniques
• The Importance of On-going Planning: Maintaining and Updating Plans and Risk Registers

DAY 4

Organising and Controlling the Project

• Handling the Changes and Challenges that Affect Projects
• Running Effective Change Control Processes
• Project Performance Tracking, Management and Control Systems
• Pro-active and Re-active Control – measures that give early warning
• Using Predictive Control Techniques – slip charts, burn down charts, and earned value methods
• Managing Project Communication and Decision-making – running effective meetings
• Exploiting Information Management Technology –managing project documentation

DAY 5

Project Leadership and Team-working Skills

• Working in Project Teams – building collaborative working relationships
• Understanding Leadership and Management – qualities and skills that enhance results
• The Role of the Leader in Building Team Cohesion and Performance – the team development cycle
• The Keys to Effective Influence and Persuasion – characteristics of successful negotiators
• Improving Communication, Delegation and Motivation Skills
• Working with Senior Stakeholders: Creating Rapport and Understanding – managing expectations
• Lean Concepts and the Learning Cycle: Implementing Continuous Improvement