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Leading and Managing Projects

Tools and techniques for successfully managing projects and project-based working

This is a sample learning overview that we can design and deliver specifically for your organisation.

Businesses are increasingly relying on individuals to manage projects, and project management skills are critical workplace skill. Most people carry out projects at work on a daily basis, yet do not consider themselves ‘project managers’. Provide your people with the skills and knowledge to scope, plan, manage and review projects and you will see a significant increase in productivity and successful outcomes to project-based working.

Participants on one of our project management programmes will learn to:

  • Define a project and the project management life cycle
  • Set objectives for a project and consider how to achieve them
  • Use a range of tools and techniques for planning and controlling projects
  • Recognise and reduce risks, plan contingencies
  • Balance the time they spend on different projects
  • Complete the project and review the process

View typical programme content

Programme

Typically designed and delivered as a two-day course, we help participants develop the methodical skills used in project management and project-based working. They will leave the programme confident of achieving a successful outcome to their projects. 

Such a programme may include:

Introduction to project management

  • What is a project?
  • What do we mean by project management?
  • The stages of the project life cycle
  • Why do projects fail?

Project set up - Initiation 

  • The business case for the project
  • Understanding clients’ needs
  • Obtaining project approval

Project set up - Definition

  • Understanding the roles and responsibilities within the project team
  • Identifying key stakeholders
  • Setting measurable success criteria
  • The scope of the project: what is, and what is not, included
  • Agreeing the project definition
  • The purpose of start-up meetings
  • Understanding the four different types of projects
  • The drivers within a project – quality, cost and time 

Project planning

  • Using the programme office
  • Work breakdown structure – identifying and scheduling resources
  • Gantt charts
  • Milestone charts
  • Critical path analysis
  • Estimating
  • Identifying, evaluating and managing risks
  • Communications planning

Project delivery

  • Forming an effective team – Tuckman’s stages of team Development
  • Implementing the project
  • Monitoring and controlling
  • Updating the project plan
  • Preventing project creep – change control, procedures
  • Reporting

Project closedown and review

  • Knowing when the project is complete
  • Evaluation - measuring results against objectives
  • Capturing learning for future projects
  • Handover
  • Follow up actions
  • Celebrating success

Putting your skills into practice

  • Personal development
  • Formulating an action plan
  • Reviewing the course

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Learning channels

A wide range of learning methods ensures we deliver learning that is appropriate, specific and drives sustainable change.

These include

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delivery methods

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