An Introduction to Project Management
Course Description
Projects are everywhere in organizations today. Organizations whose employees possess a basic understanding of the nature of project management and its basic skills work more productively in project organizations. Basic project management knowledge is required for not just project managers, but also team members, customers, sponsors and important stakeholders, who must understand the basics of project management to work collaboratively and productivity in the challenging project environment.
This comprehensive 2-day course provides students with an overview of the basics of project management and its processes. Participants gain an understanding of the basic tools and techniques and use templates to create key project plan deliverables such as WBS, scope statements, schedules, communication plans and risk plans. This course is aligned with PMI® Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) processes and knowledge areas.
This course is taught by PMPs with extensive project experience and a wealth of tools and techniques. Students interested in achieving the CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) will get 15 of the 23 educational contact hours required to sit for the exam.
Student Prerequisites:
This is a basic overview of the PMBOK® and its project management processes and provides an excellent comprehensive overview for newcomers to project management. Students should have some experience in working on projects and project teams.
The course includes:
- Presentations
- Discussions
- Skills Practice
- Networking
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Objectives
- Comprehend the project management processes and characteristics of a project
- Comprehend the project management terms and core initiating, planning, executing and controlling processes
- Learn how to define the real customer need
- Master the ability to define a project WBS
- Master critical project planning skills and tools
- Master the ability to organize project teams with clearly defined roles and responsibilities
- Master the basic methods of producing network diagrams, resource assignment matrices and communication plans
- Master basic techniques to identify & quantify project risk and develop quality standards for projects
- Comprehend the complexities of cost and duration estimating
- Learn to create the components of an integrated project plan
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Outline
Project Management Overview & Terms
- Definition of a project
- Project characteristics
- Projects vs. Operational Work
- Project Managers’ Basic Functions
- Strategic Nature of Projects
- Project Management Knowledge Areas
Project Life Cycle / Stakeholder and Customer Needs
- Project life cycle
- Defining customer needs
- Project Phases
- Stakeholder, sponsor, customer definitions
- Managing stakeholders’ expectations
Project Management Environment
- Areas of expertise needed by project managers and teams
- Difference between leading and managing
- Understanding the project environment
- Projects and programs
- Project management office
- Organizational structure
- Project management system
- Importance of leadership
Project Management Processes
- Overview of process groups
- Integration of process groups
- Initiation
- Planning
- Executing
- Controlling
- Closing
Project Integration
- Major project documents
- Integration process and relationships
- Developing a project charter
- Scope statements
- Project management plan
- Execution of project work
- Monitoring project work
- Change control
- Closure
Scope Planning and Definition
- WBS definition
- Importance of a WBS
- Creating a WBS
- Creating a WBS with your team
Iterative Plan Development
Time Management
- Activity Definition
- Sequencing of activities
- Estimating durations
- Project Network Diagram
Resource Management
- Estimating resources
- Creating a resource plan
- Resource Assignment Matrix
- Project Team Organizational Chart
- Customer Organizational Chart
- Developing project team
- Managing expectations
Communication Management
- Communication inputs
- Distributing information to stakeholders
- Key items a project manager must always communicate
- Create a communication plan
- Good communication habits for project managers
- Common communication breakdowns
- Performance reporting
Quality Management
- Developing a quality plan
- Difference between quality assurance and quality control
- Good quality practices for project managers
- Quality tools can be used to measure quality of deliverables
Risk Management Planning
- Overview of risk management process
- Identify risks
- Quantifying risks
- Creating a risk register
- Responding to risk
Procurement Management
- Basics of procurement management
- Important differences of types of contracts
- Contents of a Statement of Work
Schedule Development
- Developing an accurate schedule and cost baseline
- Critical path method
- Creating baselines
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Contact Hours
Students will receive:
15 PDUs
1.5 CEUs
Certificate of completion
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Who Should Attend
- Newcomers to project management
- Project managers
- Project managers seeking CAPM certification
- Business analysts
- Project team members
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Evaluation Comments
- “Instructor was very detailed in his explanation of what a Project Manager is and the responsibilities in that position. I walked away with a clear understanding that communication and the stakeholders are the most important factors in the Project Manager.” – Class participant
- “I thought the class was very informative. In my current position I have much use for this when planning projects.” – Class participant
- “Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the Project Management classes. Integrating our "real life" projects into the class was extremely beneficial. The fact that you understood our corporate culture helped us to apply the lessons to our everyday work life. The exercises were great. I also really appreciate that you gave us an "open door" for questions later. I think that the more we learn helps all of us become better at our jobs. You were very helpful in suggesting books and websites. I have taken advantage of both! Thanks for everything!” – Denise, participant
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“PMI is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.”
“PMP is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.”
“PMBOK is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.”
“CAPM is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.”
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