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Project Management: Tools & Tactics
 

 
 

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This "fundamentals" project management training program is for anyone involved in projects: project managers, team members, and resources. The program's purpose is to teach participants how (and why) to plan better and faster – using project teamwork as a key tool. It motivates participants and shows them how to vastly improve their project planning and implementation. It is "hands-on" and available in 1- 2- and 3-day versions.
 

A Typical Two-Day Outline
 

This section stresses the payoffs and issues around good project planning practices; it develops the case for concurrent or “up front” project planning.  It includes a two-hour group planning exercise as well, introducing project teamwork issues early.
 

I.

The PM Process Project Management Effectiveness
Planning: Investing In Success
Project Planning: Phases & Gates
Participants learn about basic project management tools such as work breakdown structures (using several planning tools), bar charts, CPM methods.  Most involve hands-on exercises.
 

II.

Project Planning Tools Work Breakdown Structures
Schedule Charts (Gantt/Bar)
Networks/CPM/PERT
Responsibility Charts

An MBTI-like instrument introduces interpersonal styles to support a focus on interpersonal interaction, style “flexing” and self-understanding.  The remaining time focuses on handling various kinds of project related conflicts.
 

III.

Managing Project Relationships Dealing With Individual Differences
Resolving Conflict
Group decision-making and teamwork is addressed in an exercise stressing application to participants' own experience.
 

IV.

Managing Project Teamwork Group Decisions: When? Why? How?
Effective Teamwork
We focus mainly on “back home” project implementation problems here.  We usually address stakeholder commitment.  If time permits, another team exercise addresses the planning and implementing interface.
 

V.

Managing Implementing Implementation Problems
Gaining Commitment
Problem Solving
Project Control
We use a "hands-on" construction project as a capstone project management exercise.  Its tangible nature makes it suitable for any group.

VI.

Project Simulation Applying All the Tools
Action Planning
 

Available in one, two and three day in-house versions ranging in cost from $175 to $475 per person. Tailoring and customizing is available.


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