Introduction to Project Management

OBJECTIVE: This course provides a basic foundation of knowledge from which processes and procedures can be learned and developed for management of projects. It also describes Project Management tools that can used to effectively create and manage various types of planning and scheduling activities that are required for completion of a project.  The course has four major sections:

A. Project Management Overview

Learning Outcome: Participants will learn the stages of project development and how they are implemented.

  • Value of Project Management
  • Project Manager as a resource
  • Definitions and descriptions
  • Four stages of a project
  • Critical success factors and risks
  • Scope creep and the impact upon the project
  • Project scope statements
B. Project Planning

Learning Outcome: Participants will develop skills in effective time management and planning while determining how deliverables and milestones can have a major impact upon the success of a project. Quality management, effective resource allocation and risk analysis are also determining factors that will be discussed.

  • Project scope development, objectives and statements
  • Project deliverables and timelines
  • Milestones
  • Allocation of resources and time
  • Listening and Communication skills and the impact upon the project
  • Project Risks
  • Scope creep and change control
C. Project Execution

Learning Outcome: Participants will continue to expand their knowledge of Critical Success Factors and how they play a role in the completion of a project. Identification of managerial responsibilities and how they can impact the project will be contrasted with the leadership duties of the team leaders. Analysis of autocratic and participatory management styles will also allow the manager to determine their strengths and areas for development.

  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and task assignment
  • Project notebook
  • Project Manager vs. leadership responsibilities
  • Critical success factors and Critical path
  • Leadership styles and credibility development
D. Project Completion

Learning Outcome: Participants will be given a brief overview of Microsoft Project  and how it can be effectively used to track projects and control deadlines while providing Gantt and Pert charts. Budget analysis will be discussed and how Scope Creep can influence your bottom line. Summary analysis and feedback will provide closure to the program.

  • Using Microsoft
  • Project Explanation of various meetings
  • Budgets – Projected vs. Actual
  • Known unknowns and their implications
  • Project Completion
  • Comparison of requirements against objectives and deliverables
  • Feedback and evaluation process
  • Closure and setting a foundation for future projects