Introduction:

Kanban is a powerful visual management method that helps teams improve the flow of work, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. This 5-day training course introduces participants to the Kanban method, its principles, and how to apply it effectively to manage complex projects. The course emphasizes how Kanban can help streamline workflows, improve team collaboration, and ensure project visibility in dynamic, fast-changing environments. Through a combination of theory, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to implement Kanban in complex projects to increase efficiency, manage capacity, and deliver results on time.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the core principles and practices of the Kanban method.
2. Learn how to implement Kanban to manage and visualize complex project workflows.
3. Gain the ability to design and optimize Kanban boards for different types of projects.
4. Learn to monitor and manage work-in-progress (WIP) to improve project flow and reduce bottlenecks.
5. Understand how to use Kanban metrics to assess performance and drive continuous improvement.
6. Apply Kanban to enhance team collaboration, communication, and transparency.
7. Address challenges in applying Kanban to large-scale or multi-team projects.

Who Should Attend:

This course is designed for professionals involved in project management, workflow optimization, and team collaboration, including:

• Project Managers and Coordinators
• Team Leaders and Scrum Masters
• Agile Coaches and Practitioners
• Operations Managers
• Product Managers
• Anyone interested in optimizing project workflows and delivery through Kanban

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Kanban and its Core Principles

• Session 1: What is Kanban?
  • Overview of Kanban: Origin, Purpose, and Benefits
  • The Kanban Method vs. Other Project Management Approaches (e.g., Scrum, Waterfall)
  • Key Principles of Kanban: Visualizing Work, Limiting Work in Progress, Managing Flow, Making Process Policies Explicit, and Feedback Loops
• Session 2: Visualizing Work with Kanban Boards
  • The Role of the Kanban Board in Project Management
  • Key Elements of a Kanban Board: Columns, Cards, Swimlanes, and WIP Limits
  • Types of Kanban Boards: Physical vs. Digital Boards (e.g., Trello, Jira, Monday.com)
• Session 3: Understanding Flow and Work-In-Progress (WIP)
  • The Importance of Flow in Kanban
  • Managing WIP Limits: How to Set and Adjust Limits for Optimal Flow
  • Identifying and Addressing Bottlenecks in the Workflow
• Activity: Workshop – Setting Up a Basic Kanban Board for a Simple Project

Day 2: Implementing Kanban in Complex Projects

• Session 1: Kanban for Complex Projects
  • Challenges of Managing Complex Projects: Multiple Teams, Dependencies, and Changing Priorities
  • How Kanban Helps in Complex Projects: Flexibility, Scalability, and Adaptability
  • Real-world Examples of Kanban in Large-Scale Projects (e.g., IT Development, Product Development, Construction)
• Session 2: Customizing Kanban Boards for Complex Workflows
  • Designing Kanban Boards for Large Projects: Advanced Layouts, Filters, and Multiple Swimlanes
  • Organizing and Prioritizing Work: How to Break Down Projects into Manageable Tasks
  • Visualizing Dependencies Between Tasks, Teams, and Stages
• Session 3: Managing Cross-Team Collaboration with Kanban
  • Using Kanban to Coordinate Work Across Teams
  • Enhancing Communication and Transparency Among Teams
  • Using Kanban for Shared Resources and Task Hand-offs
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Designing a Kanban Board for a Complex, Multi-Team Project

Day 3: Kanban Metrics, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Session 1: Key Kanban Metrics
  • Cycle Time and Lead Time: Understanding the Difference and How to Measure Them
  • Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD): Tracking Work Flow Over Time
  • Throughput: Measuring the Number of Items Completed in a Given Period
  • WIP Limits and Their Impact on Performance
• Session 2: Using Metrics to Optimize Project Flow
  • Identifying Process Bottlenecks Using Metrics
  • Strategies to Improve Cycle Time, Throughput, and Reduce WIP
  • Setting Up Regular Reviews and Retrospectives to Continuously Improve the Process
• Session 3: Feedback Loops and Kaizen for Continuous Improvement
  • The Role of Feedback in the Kanban Method: Daily Standups, Reviews, and Retrospectives
  • Implementing Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) Using Kanban Data
  • How to Use Kanban Data to Drive Incremental Changes and Enhance Team Performance
• Activity: Group Exercise – Analyzing a Kanban Flow Using Metrics and Identifying Improvement Opportunities

Day 4: Advanced Kanban Practices and Strategies

• Session 1: Scaling Kanban for Large Projects
  • Multi-Level Kanban: Managing Projects with Multiple Boards and Teams
  • How to Link and Coordinate Kanban Boards Across Teams and Departments
  • Managing Dependencies Across Teams with Kanban
• Session 2: Handling Priorities and Variability in Complex Projects
  • Managing Changing Priorities and Urgent Work with Kanban
  • How to Adapt WIP Limits and Workflow to Address Project Shifts
  • Visualizing High-Priority Tasks and Managing Risk with Kanban
• Session 3: Lean and Kanban: Combining Concepts for Project Success
  • Integrating Lean Principles with Kanban for Greater Efficiency
  • Waste Reduction: How Kanban Eliminates Waste and Enhances Value
  • Synchronizing Kanban with Lean Methodology for Improved Project Outcomes
• Activity: Workshop – Creating a Multi-Level Kanban System for a Complex, Cross-Functional Project

Day 5: Overcoming Challenges and Optimizing Kanban Implementation

• Session 1: Common Challenges in Kanban Implementation
  • Resistance to Change: Overcoming Team and Organizational Barriers
  • Maintaining Discipline with WIP Limits and Flow Control
  • Dealing with External Constraints and Interruptions in the Flow
• Session 2: Best Practices for Successful Kanban Adoption
  • Tips for Introducing Kanban to Teams and Stakeholders
  • Creating a Kanban Adoption Plan: Setting Goals, Milestones, and Metrics
  • Ongoing Training and Support for Team Members
• Session 3: Kanban in the Future: Trends and Innovations
  • The Role of Technology in Enhancing Kanban Systems (e.g., Automation, AI, Advanced Reporting Tools)
  • The Future of Kanban: Integrating with Other Agile Frameworks and Hybrid Models
  • Case Studies of Cutting-Edge Kanban Applications in Industries Like Software, Manufacturing, and Healthcare
• Activity: Final Group Discussion – Reflecting on Key Takeaways and Creating an Action Plan for Kanban Implementation

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Sessions: Expert-led presentations and discussions on Kanban principles and applications.
• Hands-on Exercises: Practical exercises where participants can design and implement Kanban boards, use metrics, and solve real-world project management challenges.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-world examples of Kanban applications in complex projects.
• Workshops: Group-based activities and collaborative projects to implement Kanban systems for specific use cases.
• Tools and Technology: Demonstrations of digital Kanban tools (e.g., Trello, Jira, LeanKit) and how they can be integrated into complex project workflows.