This introductory course in project management is ideal for developing the essential skills required to understand and manage projects.
By taking a series of learning actions during and after the course, you will be able to convince your manager that you are competent to deal with basic projects.
The following table shows the skills needed to manage projects, what you will be capable of doing after the course and how that relates to what your manager expects of you.
Skill | Learning Action | Manager’s Expectation |
Project Definition | Define new and re-define existing project goals, using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time framed) | Communicate effectively with management;Understand the business outcome of your project |
Stakeholder Management | Identify both internal and external stakeholders and determine an engagement strategy for each | Increased stakeholder satisfaction;Fewer complaints and misunderstandings;More supportive stakeholders |
Project Scoping | Identify project requirements and decompose project deliverables using a Work Breakdown Structure. Ensure the planned work is carried out | Testable and measurable requirements;Clear understanding of work required;Clear demarcation of the project;Fewer gaps and duplications;Less scope creep |
Project Scheduling | Create project schedules and track actual progress against them throughout the project | Resource and duration requirements clearly documented;Potential compression options identified;Realistic use of contingency reserves |
Risk Management | Identify, prioritize and respond to risks. Document them in the Risk Register | Awareness of overall project risk;Sensible mitigation and contingency plans in place;Realistic contingency reserves in place |
Effective Communicating | Report progress effectively and ensure there are open communications channels with all stakeholders and team members | Clear understanding of the project’s current status;Few queries or misunderstandings from stakeholders |
Overall Project Management | Direct and manage the execution phase of the project. Control necessary changes and close out the project on completion | Few (if any) issues escalated;Close correlation between estimated and actual scope, schedule and budget;Satisfied customers at project end |