COURSE OVERVIEW:
Managing a project can seem overwhelming for anyone assigned to manage a new project. Even small projects can be complex, with lots of moving parts. However, the best way to manage a project successfully is to break it down into manageable phases and tasks, and to follow proven project management processes.
A project is a sequence of activities that is intended to achieve a unique purpose. Projects are different from ordinary daily work activities. Most projects are done only once.
For example, a Human Resources (HR) Manager would monitor staff training and professional development and record this information in staff records. This would be ordinary work. However, if the head of the HR department requested that the HR Manager plan, design and implement new OH&S training for all staff, then that would be a project.
Projects can be simple and easily handled by one person or large and complex projects requiring many resources and the specialised skills of a dedicated project manager.
Project management is about striving to meet specific time, cost, quality and resource objectives for projects. At the same time, it must facilitate the entire process so as to meet the needs and expectations of all people affected by project activities. Project management is about making change through the use of techniques, tools and resources that manage change throughout the life of the project.
Managing projects is more than simply listing tasks and entering them into a computer program. It is about managing people and resources to ensure the successful completion of the project. Like all management activities, managing projects is based on sound general management principles, so that all activities of a project are managed in order to achieve a desired goal on time, and within budget.
This course is designed to improve your project management skills and help you efficiently manage projects at work, from start to finish.
The first section of this course looks at the elements that lead to the successful initiation of a project; defining the overall project goal, identifying all stakeholders, their needs and expectations, identifying the project objectives, identifying initial work and resources and basic milestones and identifying all constraints, assumptions and risks.
The second section looks at the elements that lead to the successful planning of a project; developing task list, estimating all task times and costs, arranging best sequence of tasks, developing workable schedule and identifying milestones and writing detailed project plan and obtaining approval from stakeholders.
The third section looks at the elements that lead to the successful organisation (execution) of a project: recruiting the right team, obtaining resources, organising and leading the project team, assigning all project tasks, communicating with stakeholders and managing risk.
The fourth section looks at the elements that lead to the successful monitoring and controlling of a project: leading and supporting the team, establishing control tools and methods, monitoring the project plan and making any necessary corrective actions, assessing and implementing change and preparing and distributing status reports.
The final section looks at the elements that lead to the successful closure of a project; completing final deliverables, writing and issuing final report, closing the accounts, handing over project files, releasing all resources, obtaining stakeholder acceptance and signing-off and evaluating the project.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:
- What is a project?
- The difference between projects and ordinary work
- What is project management?
- The general management skills and principles
- What makes a good project manager?
- The 5 phases in a project
- How to define the project?
- How to write the project scope?
- The key sections of a scope document
- The internal and external project stakeholders
- The impact stakeholders have on a project
- The project team responsibilities
- The project reporting requirements
- How to develop the project plan?
- The project planning skills
- How to identify project goals and objectives?
- How to define and determine tasks?
- How to estimate task duration?
- How to develop a project schedule?
- The tools for prioritising and scheduling tasks
- The four stages to risk management planning
- The project cost management processes
- The project resource planning
- How to estimate costs and budget?
- How to compile your project plan document?
- The project plan sign-off
- How to administer and monitor the project?
- How to obtain resources for your project?
- The seven fundamental types of resources
- How to identify the skills you need on your team?
- How to select the right candidates for your team?
- How to develop your team?
- How to assign all project tasks?
- How to communicate with stakeholders?
- The team leadership styles
- How to control the project?
- The events that might prevent a project from progressing
- Why are project controls necessary?
- The main processes of project quality management
- How to plan for quality assurance and control?
- How to manage problems?
- What goes in the project report?
- How to finalise the project?
- How to complete final deliverables?
- How to complete the project accounts and hand over the project files?
- How to write the final report?
- How to review the project?
- How to evaluate the project team and its performance?
- How to document project lessons?
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.