Training Overview
Regardless of the diversity among people, locations, departments, or disciplines involved, this program provides a streamlined overview of the basics, while focusing on a vastly improved methodology to meet the rigorous challenges of developing a project execution plan.
The Project Planning Breakthroughs Workshop focuses on the challenge of providing practical improvement solutions to organizations that often already know the basics of project management. This is accomplished by two important breakthroughs: For the novice, Project Planning Breakthroughs provides a streamlined overview of the basics, while focusing on the rigorous challenges to developing the crucial element of the project Execution Plan. For the veteran, PPB provides a brief, yet relevant overview to the basics with a strong emphasis on a vastly improved method for developing the project Execution Plan.
Outcomes
On completion of this training, you should be able to:
- Develop a complete and comprehensive Objective Statement; the foundation of a successful project
- Create a detailed Execution Plan using a unique process called Objective Driven Logic, applied to a Time-Scaled Dependency Chart
- Apply a simple, yet powerful method to resolve complex resource constraints
- Calculate a detailed Budget and Cash Requirement Projection
- Integrate contingency planning through “Scenario Estimating”
- Determine where and when to best apply project management software
- Bring final closure to the project through the application of a 3-level review process
Intended Audience
This workshop is for anyone—novice or Veteran, administrators or executive—who manages, supports or initiates projects. Attendees will receive the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their project management endeavours.
Session Information
- A 3-day workshop using case study projects to implement theory and techniques for success.
- Participants work in teams to complete 4 case study projects of increasing scope and complexity.
- Optional follow up Coaching Session to reinforce learning
Units
Introduction: From Pyramids to Present Day
Projects have existed since before the Pyramids, and yet as a professional discipline it is relatively new. We start by looking at the development of project management in both traditional and non-traditional project organizations. Here we discover the challenge of the Two Worlds of Work and how Project work differs from Operational work and identify where projects come from. We then examine the five stages in a new framework for managing assignments and project. As well, we discuss how project management fits in with Strategic Planning.
Unit 1: Genesis
In the beginning… This unit looks at how we clarify exactly what the project is all about and what it is to achieve. Using an Objective Statement, we define the Project Charter along with the Scope Statement in a unique but powerful format. Along with this we examine the roles and responsibilities within the project team, especially the crucial relationship between the Project Manager and the Project Sponsor.
Unit 2: Design
In any successful project it is imperative that we determine “what” is going to be created before figuring out “how” to create it. This unit focuses on the requirements for both the conceptual and the detailed design. It is here that the fundamental elements of Performance Criteria are brought to bear. “When we are all finished, what will we measure the final outcome to determine our level of success.”
Unit 3: Execution Planning
Whether you are a novice just starting out on your first project, or you are a seasoned veteran who’s been involved with projects for decades, this is the unit that will pay the largest dividends. The PPB program will present a unique, world-class combination of methods, tools and skills that will produce the most effective execution plan in the most efficient manner. Using generically crafted case-studies, we will discover how easy it is to determine the tasks, their duration, dependencies and schedule. Also, we will allocate resources and through an ingenious technique, resolve even the toughest resource conflicts. To top it off, we will tackle the thorny issue of project budget, as well as the costs of ‘crashing’ (shrinking) the project schedule.
Unit 4: Execution
Once the Execution Plan is complete, we need to consider the reality of change and its implication on the project and the four interdependent variables – Quality, Scope, Schedule and Cost. Here we investigate the challenge of handling incremental as well as transformation change. The latter is tackled through a step-by-step approach that is designed to dissipate the ever-present possibility of panic. The other key challenge at this point is how does the individual or small team deal with their respective tasks. And at the same time, how do they cope with the challenge of Two Worlds of Work… their operational commitments and their project commitments.
Unit 5: Reviews
Nothing is worse than going through all the effort and heartache of a project, good or bad, only to rush off at the end without the satisfaction of bringing about final closure. In this unit we will counter the age-old excuse; ‘I don’t have time.’ The time spent here is often repaid many times over as important lessons are remembered and passed on to other project teams.
Our unique ‘3-review’ process ensures a positive morale boost as participants and nonparticipants alike enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a job come to full completion.
Additional Materials
- A Comprehensive Learning Guide
- A Complete Project Planning Kit
- The book ‘Making it Happen – a Non-Technical Guide to Project Management’
- Lifetime support
- A free follow-up 30-minute coaching session
- Optional Enrollment in our monthly newsletter
Follow-up Coaching
There is a key difference between learning and knowing. Learning is the process of being taught the material while knowing is about internalizing and retaining it. If at any point after a session you feel the need for more support in knowing the lessons taught to you, a free 30-minute coaching session is available to you on request.