Introduction:

In project management, unexpected challenges such as cost overruns, missed deadlines, scope changes, and performance issues can significantly impact a project’s success. Project forensics and recovery is the process of investigating the root causes of project problems and developing corrective measures to get the project back on track. This 5-day training course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to analyze troubled projects, identify the underlying causes of failure, and implement effective recovery strategies. By combining theory, practical examples, and case studies, participants will learn how to approach project forensics, conduct thorough investigations, and develop actionable recovery plans for successful project completion.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles of project forensics and the steps involved in investigating troubled projects.
2. Learn to analyze project performance data and identify root causes of project problems.
3. Develop effective strategies for recovering a troubled project and getting it back on track.
4. Understand the role of communication and stakeholder management in project recovery.
5. Learn how to implement corrective actions in project scope, schedule, cost, and quality management.
6. Gain practical knowledge of risk management and dispute resolution in the context of troubled projects.
7. Explore case studies of real-world project failures and recoveries.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals involved in managing projects that are facing challenges, including:

• Project Managers and Program Managers
• Construction Managers
• Project Control and Risk Managers
• Contract Administrators and Legal Advisors
• Consultants and Engineers
• Executives overseeing troubled projects
• Anyone interested in learning strategies for project recovery and risk mitigation

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Project Forensics

• Session 1: What is Project Forensics?
  • Definition of Project Forensics and its Role in Project Management
  • Key Concepts and Principles of Project Forensics
  • When and Why Forensic Analysis is Required in Projects
  • Understanding Project Recovery and Its Importance for Business Continuity
• Session 2: Key Causes of Project Failure
  • Common Causes of Project Problems: Scope Creep, Poor Communication, Resource Shortages, Budget Overruns
  • How to Recognize Signs of Project Trouble Early
  • The Impact of External Factors on Project Performance: Economic, Legal, and Regulatory Changes
• Session 3: Project Forensic Investigation Process
  • Steps in Conducting a Forensic Investigation: Data Gathering, Root Cause Analysis, Evidence Evaluation
  • How to Assess Project Documentation: Contracts, Schedules, Cost Reports, and Correspondence
  • Tools and Techniques for Analyzing Project Data
• Activity: Group Discussion – Identifying Key Red Flags in a Troubled Project

Day 2: Analyzing Project Performance

• Session 1: Performance Measurement and Key Indicators
  • How to Evaluate Project Performance: Cost, Schedule, and Scope Metrics
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Earned Value Management (EVM) in Project Forensics
  • Understanding Schedule Variance (SV), Cost Variance (CV), and Other Indicators of Trouble
• Session 2: Root Cause Analysis in Project Forensics
  • Tools for Root Cause Analysis: 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Identifying Underlying Causes of Delays, Cost Overruns, and Scope Changes
  • Case Study: Performing a Root Cause Analysis on a Troubled Project
• Session 3: Data Collection and Documentation
  • Best Practices for Collecting Project Data: Project Logs, Reports, Emails, and Meetings
  • How to Ensure Data Integrity and Avoid Bias in Forensic Investigations
  • Creating a Forensic Report: What to Include and How to Present Findings
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Analyzing Project Performance Data and Identifying Causes of Issues

Day 3: Recovery Strategies and Corrective Actions

• Session 1: Developing a Project Recovery Plan
  • Key Steps in Crafting a Project Recovery Plan: Assess, Define, Correct, Monitor
  • Strategies for Re-aligning Project Objectives and Deliverables with Stakeholder Expectations
  • Adjusting Project Scope, Schedule, and Resources to Recover from Delays or Budget Issues
• Session 2: Schedule and Cost Recovery Techniques
  • Methods for Reworking Project Schedules: Fast Tracking, Crashing, Resource Levelling
  • Cost Recovery Approaches: Cost Cutting, Re-negotiating Contracts, Resource Optimization
  • Ensuring that the Recovery Plan Does Not Compromise Quality or Safety
• Session 3: Risk Management in Project Recovery
  • Identifying and Mitigating Risks that Could Affect the Recovery Process
  • Implementing Contingency Plans and Building Risk Resilience into the Recovery Plan
  • Managing Uncertainty and Changes in a Recovering Project
• Activity: Workshop – Developing a Project Recovery Plan for a Hypothetical Troubled Project

Day 4: Communication and Stakeholder Management in Project Recovery

• Session 1: Effective Communication in Troubled Projects
  • The Importance of Clear Communication During the Forensic and Recovery Phases
  • Keeping Stakeholders Informed: Regular Updates, Transparency, and Managing Expectations
  • Crisis Communication: Dealing with Negative News, Conflicts, and Resistance
• Session 2: Managing Stakeholder Expectations
  • Identifying and Understanding Stakeholder Interests and Concerns
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Strategies for Project Recovery
  • Building Trust and Support for Recovery Efforts
• Session 3: Maintaining Morale and Motivation in the Recovery Phase
  • Keeping the Project Team Engaged and Focused on Recovery Goals
  • Leadership Techniques for Rebuilding Team Confidence and Commitment
  • Recognizing and Addressing the Psychological Impact of Project Failure on Team Members
• Activity: Role-Playing Exercise – Communicating with Stakeholders During a Recovery Situation

Day 5: Real-World Case Studies and Final Project

• Session 1: Case Studies in Project Forensics and Recovery
  • Analyzing Real-World Case Studies of Troubled Projects: What Went Wrong and How They Were Recovered
  • Key Lessons Learned from Successful and Unsuccessful Project Recoveries
  • Best Practices for Forensic Investigation and Recovery
• Session 2: Legal Considerations and Dispute Resolution
  • Navigating Legal Implications of Project Failure: Contractual, Regulatory, and Liability Issues
  • Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Mediation, Arbitration, and Litigation
  • Role of Project Forensics in Legal Claims and Disputes
• Session 3: Preparing for Future Projects and Continuous Improvement
  • Implementing Systems to Prevent Future Project Failures
  • Building a Culture of Risk Management and Early Intervention in Projects
  • Lessons for Future Project Management Practices
• Activity: Final Group Exercise – Developing a Comprehensive Forensic Report and Recovery Plan for a Troubled Project

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Presentations and discussions on core concepts, techniques, and best practices in project forensics and recovery.
• Hands-on Workshops: Practical exercises for analyzing project data, creating recovery plans, and managing project challenges.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of successful and unsuccessful project recoveries to highlight key lessons.
• Role-playing and Simulations: Role-play exercises for practicing stakeholder communication and recovery strategies.
• Group Projects: Collaborative group work on developing forensic reports and recovery plans for hypothetical troubled projects.