Introduction to Project Management

Overview

This programme consists of three elements:

• An individual reading assignment incorporating a series of reflective activities
• A one-day practical workshop
• An individual post workshop activity with participants applying their learning to a practical project and sharing their experience with colleague either through the mechanism of peer-review or through an action learning workshop.

Aims

The aims of the programme are to provide participants with:

• access to project management terminology
• an understanding of the structure and processes to follow to manage projects of various sizes and importance successfully
• practice at using some of the project management tools and techniques, and
• confidence to tackle the project leader’s role.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the programme, you will be able to:

• Explain what type of work might be considered as a project
• Identify the critical factors for successful implementation of a project
• Explain the difference between programmes and projects
• Define the key phases of an effectively managed project
• Explain the purpose and list the content of a business case, distinguishing between project deliverables and benefits
• Describe the activities associated with the definition phase of a project and the purpose of the project brief
• Describe an appropriate structure for effective governance of projects
• Explain the role and key attributes of a project leader
• Write the objectives and define the scope of a project
• Explain the term ‘stakeholder’ and conduct a stakeholder analysis
• Identify the activities associated with the planning phase of a project and the purpose of the project initiation document
• Construct a product breakdown chart and product flow diagram
• Describe typical ways of estimating time, resources and cost
• Explain the benefits of conducting a critical path analysis
• Describe how to write and quantify project risks
• Explain the purpose and content of a work package
• Identify the activities associated with the implementation phase of a project and typical reporting mechanisms used
• Identify what characteristics of a project should be monitored and the mechanisms in place for doing that
• Identify the activities associated with evaluating and closing a project and the purpose of a project implementation review.