Introduction:

Ethics and professionalism are fundamental to the success of any project. This 5-day training course is designed to equip project managers and team members with the essential knowledge and tools to uphold ethical standards and professional behavior in the management of projects. Through an understanding of ethical decision-making, conflict resolution, communication, and leadership, participants will be better prepared to navigate the complexities and challenges that arise in the course of managing projects. The course will emphasize the importance of integrity, transparency, accountability, and responsibility in fostering a positive, productive, and sustainable work environment.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the key principles of ethics and professionalism in project management.
2. Learn to navigate ethical dilemmas and conflicts in the workplace.
3. Develop skills to maintain transparency and accountability in project processes.
4. Gain knowledge of how to create and maintain a positive and inclusive team culture.
5. Understand the importance of ethical decision-making and leadership in project success.
6. Be equipped with tools and techniques for managing professional behavior in difficult situations.
7. Understand the legal, regulatory, and organizational frameworks that influence ethical project management practices.

Who Should Attend:

This course is suitable for individuals in project management roles, including:

• Project Managers and Team Leaders
• Project Coordinators and Administrators
• Stakeholders and Consultants in Project Environments
• Professionals aspiring to enter project management
• Human Resource and Organizational Development Managers
• Anyone involved in leading or contributing to projects within any industry

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Ethics and Professionalism in Project Management

• Session 1: What is Ethics and Professionalism in Project Management?
  • Defining Ethics and Professionalism in the Context of Project Management
  • The Role of Ethics in Decision Making and Conflict Resolution
  • The Relationship Between Ethics, Professionalism, and Project Success
• Session 2: Ethical Standards in Project Management
  • Key Ethical Theories and Frameworks (Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics)
  • The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
  • Industry-Specific Ethical Standards and Expectations
• Session 3: The Importance of Professionalism in Project Management
  • Defining Professionalism: Integrity, Accountability, and Transparency
  • Building and Maintaining a Professional Reputation in Project Management
  • Professional Behavior and Its Impact on Stakeholder Relationships
• Activity: Group Discussion – Case Study on Ethical Dilemmas in Project Management

Day 2: Ethical Decision-Making and Leadership

• Session 1: Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks
  • Step-by-Step Ethical Decision-Making Process
  • Recognizing and Addressing Ethical Dilemmas in Projects
  • Tools for Evaluating the Ethical Implications of Decisions
• Session 2: The Role of Leadership in Promoting Ethical Behavior
  • Ethical Leadership: Leading by Example and Setting the Standard
  • Establishing Ethical Norms and Expectations for Teams
  • Influencing Stakeholders to Uphold Ethical Standards in Projects
• Session 3: Accountability and Responsibility in Project Management
  • The Importance of Being Accountable for Project Outcomes
  • Ensuring Transparency in Project Progress, Budgeting, and Reporting
  • Handling Mistakes and Failures with Integrity
• Activity: Workshop – Solving Ethical Dilemmas Using Decision-Making Frameworks

Day 3: Conflict Resolution and Communication

• Session 1: Navigating Ethical Conflicts and Dilemmas
  • Common Sources of Conflict in Project Management (Resource Allocation, Stakeholder Interests, etc.)
  • Ethical Challenges in Decision-Making and Conflict Resolution
  • Conflict Resolution Strategies: Negotiation, Mediation, and Compromise
• Session 2: Building a Culture of Respect and Trust
  • The Role of Communication in Resolving Ethical Conflicts
  • Active Listening and Empathy in Conflict Resolution
  • Creating an Inclusive Environment for Open and Honest Dialogue
• Session 3: Maintaining Ethical Communication in Challenging Situations
  • Transparency in Communication: Sharing Information, Expectations, and Feedback
  • The Role of Ethical Communication in Maintaining Professionalism
  • Managing Sensitive Topics and Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls in Discussions
• Activity: Role-Playing Exercise – Resolving a Conflict Using Ethical Communication Techniques

Day 4: Professional Behavior, Compliance, and Legal Issues

• Session 1: Legal and Regulatory Compliance in Project Management
  • Understanding Relevant Laws and Regulations (Labor, Health and Safety, Environmental)
  • Ensuring Compliance in Project Contracts and Agreements
  • The Role of Project Managers in Upholding Legal and Ethical Standards
• Session 2: Managing Professional Boundaries
  • Maintaining Professional Boundaries with Team Members, Clients, and Stakeholders
  • Avoiding Conflicts of Interest and Personal Bias
  • Managing Ethical Challenges in Project Relationships
• Session 3: Ethical Risk Management in Projects
  • Identifying Potential Ethical Risks in Project Planning and Execution
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies: Policies, Procedures, and Training
  • Implementing a Code of Ethics and Conduct for the Project Team
• Activity: Case Study – Legal and Ethical Issues in Project Contracts and Compliance

Day 5: Fostering Ethical Project Cultures and Sustainability

• Session 1: Creating a Sustainable and Ethical Project Culture
  • The Role of Project Managers in Fostering a Positive and Ethical Team Culture
  • Building Trust and Collaboration Across Diverse Project Teams
  • Implementing Long-Term Strategies for Maintaining Ethical Standards in Projects
• Session 2: Sustainable Practices and Ethical Considerations in Project Management
  • Integrating Sustainability into Project Decisions and Deliverables
  • The Triple Bottom Line: Balancing People, Planet, and Profit
  • Ethical Considerations in Resource Management and Procurement
• Session 3: Building Continuous Professional Development in Project Management
  • The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Professional Development in Ethics and Leadership
  • Maintaining a Commitment to Ethical Behavior and Continuous Improvement
  • Resources for Ongoing Education in Ethics and Professionalism
• Activity: Final Group Discussion – Developing an Ethical Leadership Action Plan for Your Project

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Comprehensive sessions covering ethical theories, decision-making, legal frameworks, and professionalism in project management.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of ethical dilemmas and challenges in project management to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Role-Playing Exercises: Simulated conflict resolution and communication scenarios to build practical skills.
• Workshops: Group activities designed to apply ethical frameworks to decision-making and project situations.
• Group Discussions: Collaborative exercises to explore ethical challenges and solutions in various industries and contexts.