Introduction:
Managing complex projects requires advanced skills, strategies, and tools to navigate the challenges of scope, time, cost, quality, and stakeholder management. This 5-day course is designed to provide participants with the necessary techniques and methodologies to effectively manage complex projects, including large-scale infrastructure, technology, and research projects. By examining case studies, discussing best practices, and exploring cutting-edge project management tools, participants will develop the skills needed to lead projects through to successful completion, even in the face of uncertainty and changing project requirements.
Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Understand the fundamentals of complex project management and the unique challenges involved.
- Learn advanced project management methodologies, such as Agile, Lean, and Critical Path Method (CPM).
- Master techniques for managing scope, time, cost, and quality in large, multifaceted projects.
- Gain proficiency in stakeholder engagement, communication, and managing project teams.
- Learn how to assess, mitigate, and manage risks associated with complex projects.
- Develop strategies to handle project disruptions, changes, and unforeseen challenges.
- Be introduced to the latest project management tools and technologies that streamline complex project workflows.
Who Should Attend:
This course is ideal for professionals who are involved in managing or overseeing complex projects, including:
- Project Managers and Program Managers
- Senior Leaders and Executives in charge of strategic projects
- Project Coordinators and Team Leaders
- Engineers, Architects, and Construction Managers involved in large-scale projects
- Consultants and Advisers in complex project environments
- Anyone aiming to expand their skills in managing multifaceted, high-stakes projects
Course Outline:
Day 1: Introduction to Complex Project Management
- Session 1: Defining Complex Projects
- What makes a project complex? Key characteristics of complex projects
- Differences between traditional and complex project management
- Types of complex projects: Infrastructure, IT, R&D, and large-scale construction
- Session 2: Project Life Cycle for Complex Projects
- Stages of a complex project: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Control, and Closure
- The role of the project manager in each phase
- Stakeholder management throughout the project life cycle
- Session 3: Frameworks and Methodologies for Complex Projects
- Introduction to popular project management methodologies: Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid
- Selecting the right methodology based on project complexity
- Case studies of successful complex project management implementations
- Activity: Group Discussion – Comparing the Use of Waterfall and Agile Methodologies in Complex Projects
Day 2: Advanced Planning and Scheduling Techniques
- Session 1: Developing a Complex Project Plan
- Detailed project scoping: Defining objectives, deliverables, and milestones
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for complex projects
- Resource allocation and optimization in large-scale projects
- Session 2: Advanced Scheduling Tools and Techniques
- Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
- Gantt charts for complex project tracking
- Resource leveling and project duration optimization
- Session 3: Managing Multiple Project Streams
- Multi-project management techniques: Dependencies, inter-project communication
- Tools for tracking progress across multiple projects
- Prioritizing tasks and resources when handling simultaneous complex projects
- Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Building a Project Schedule Using CPM and Gantt Chart for a Hypothetical Complex Project
Day 3: Managing Risk and Uncertainty
- Session 1: Identifying and Assessing Project Risks
- Types of risks in complex projects: Financial, operational, technological, and external
- Risk assessment tools: Risk Matrix, SWOT analysis, and Monte Carlo Simulation
- How to quantify and prioritize project risks
- Session 2: Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Developing risk response plans: Avoidance, mitigation, acceptance, and transfer
- Building a risk management culture in project teams
- Scenario planning for high-impact risks and uncertainties
- Session 3: Managing Change and Unforeseen Challenges
- Change management frameworks in complex projects
- Handling project scope creep and adapting to evolving requirements
- Effective communication during project disruptions
- Activity: Case Study – Developing a Risk Management Plan for a Complex Project
Day 4: Stakeholder Management and Communication
- Session 1: Understanding and Managing Stakeholders
- Identifying stakeholders: Internal and external parties
- Assessing stakeholder needs, expectations, and influences
- Managing stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project
- Session 2: Communication Strategies for Complex Projects
- Creating communication plans for large, multi-level projects
- Effective project reporting: Dashboarding, status meetings, and progress updates
- Handling conflicting interests and negotiating with stakeholders
- Session 3: Leading Project Teams in Complex Environments
- Leadership styles for managing cross-functional and cross-cultural teams
- Building a collaborative team environment: Managing diverse teams and skill sets
- Conflict resolution and fostering innovation in a project team
- Activity: Group Role-play – Leading a Project Meeting with Conflicting Stakeholder Interests
Day 5: Project Monitoring, Control, and Closing
- Session 1: Monitoring and Controlling Complex Projects
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for complex projects
- Tools for tracking project performance: Earned Value Management (EVM), KPIs, and Agile Burndown Charts
- Managing quality and scope in project execution
- Session 2: Project Control Techniques
- Change control processes in complex projects
- Budget and schedule control: Identifying variances and taking corrective actions
- Leveraging project management software for real-time monitoring
- Session 3: Project Closure and Evaluation
- Project handover: Ensuring all deliverables are completed and meet specifications
- Post-project evaluation: Lessons learned, best practices, and areas for improvement
- Celebrating success and motivating teams after project completion
- Activity: Group Discussion – How to Effectively Close a Complex Project and Capture Lessons Learned
Course Delivery:
- Interactive Lectures: In-depth discussions of complex project management methodologies, techniques, and tools.
- Hands-on Exercises: Practical applications of scheduling, risk management, and project control tools.
- Case Studies: Real-world examples from various industries, including construction, IT, and manufacturing.
- Group Activities: Collaborative problem-solving and role-playing exercises to simulate real-world project management scenarios.
- Software Demonstrations: Introduction to modern project management software tools (Microsoft Project, Primavera, etc.).