Introduction:

Managing a project from its initiation to successful completion requires an in-depth understanding of the project lifecycle and the methodologies that guide each phase. This 5-day training course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of project management, from the initiation and planning stages through to execution, monitoring, and closing. The course focuses on various project management methodologies, including traditional Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid approaches. Through practical examples and interactive activities, participants will learn how to effectively manage projects, handle resources, manage risks, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure project success.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the full project lifecycle and the importance of each phase.
2. Gain knowledge of different project management methodologies and their applications.
3. Learn how to effectively initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close a project.
4. Understand how to manage resources, budgets, and risks throughout a project.
5. Be able to apply best practices in stakeholder communication and project reporting.
6. Develop the ability to select the right project management methodology based on project needs.
7. Explore tools and techniques for ensuring project success and overcoming challenges.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals who are involved in project management or are looking to enhance their project management skills, including:

• Project Managers and Team Leaders
• Business Analysts and Consultants
• Operations Managers
• Engineers and Architects
• Anyone transitioning into project management roles
• Professionals involved in managing or supporting projects across various industries

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Project Lifecycle

• Session 1: Overview of the Project Lifecycle
  • What is a Project Lifecycle? Stages and Key Phases
  • The Importance of Structured Project Management
  • Phases of the Project Lifecycle: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing
• Session 2: Initiating a Project
  • Project Charter: Definition, Purpose, and Key Components
  • Defining Project Goals, Objectives, and Scope
  • Stakeholder Identification and Analysis
  • Risk Assessment and Initial Risk Management
• Session 3: The Role of the Project Manager
  • Responsibilities and Key Skills of a Project Manager
  • Leadership Styles in Project Management
  • Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management
• Activity: Group Exercise – Drafting a Project Charter and Identifying Stakeholders

Day 2: Project Planning and Methodologies

• Session 1: Project Planning Essentials
  • Developing a Project Plan: Scope, Schedule, Budget, and Resources
  • Setting Milestones, Deliverables, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and its Importance in Project Planning
  • Resource Allocation and Cost Estimation Techniques
• Session 2: Introduction to Project Management Methodologies
  • Waterfall Methodology: Characteristics, Advantages, and Applications
  • Agile Methodology: Characteristics, Benefits, and Use Cases (Scrum, Kanban)
  • Hybrid Approaches: Combining Waterfall and Agile for Complex Projects
• Session 3: Risk Management in Project Planning
  • Identifying and Analyzing Project Risks
  • Developing a Risk Management Plan: Mitigation and Contingency Plans
  • Risk Monitoring and Adjustment Strategies
• Activity: Workshop – Building a Project Plan and Defining Project Risks Using Waterfall and Agile Methodologies

Day 3: Project Execution and Monitoring

• Session 1: Executing the Project Plan
  • Coordinating People, Resources, and Tasks
  • Managing Teams and Ensuring Effective Collaboration
  • Tools for Task Assignment and Progress Tracking
• Session 2: Monitoring and Controlling Projects
  • Performance Measurement and Monitoring Project Progress (Gantt Charts, Earned Value Management)
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Project Success
  • Addressing Issues and Adjusting Plans as Needed
• Session 3: Change Management
  • Managing Project Changes and Scope Creep
  • Change Control Processes and Documentation
  • Effective Communication with Stakeholders During Changes
• Activity: Group Exercise – Identifying and Managing Project Issues and Changes in a Simulated Project

Day 4: Project Closing and Methodology Selection

• Session 1: Closing a Project
  • Key Steps in Project Closure: Deliverables, Final Reports, and Documentation
  • Ensuring Client/Stakeholder Satisfaction at Project Close
  • Lessons Learned: Capturing Knowledge and Best Practices for Future Projects
• Session 2: Evaluating Project Success
  • Assessing Project Outcomes Against Goals and KPIs
  • Post-Project Reviews and Performance Evaluations
  • Managing the Transition from Project Completion to Operations
• Session 3: Choosing the Right Methodology
  • Factors to Consider When Choosing a Project Management Methodology
  • Project Size, Complexity, and Risk Considerations
  • Comparing Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid for Different Project Types
• Activity: Case Study – Selecting the Best Methodology for a Given Project Scenario

Day 5: Advanced Project Management Tools and Techniques

• Session 1: Project Management Tools
  • Overview of Modern Project Management Software (Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, Trello)
  • Collaboration Tools for Remote Teams (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom)
  • Using Technology for Project Tracking and Reporting
• Session 2: Advanced Techniques in Project Scheduling
  • Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
  • Resource-Leveling and Scheduling Optimization
  • Forecasting and Adjusting Project Schedules
• Session 3: Project Portfolio and Program Management
  • Managing Multiple Projects in a Portfolio
  • Program Management and Aligning Projects with Organizational Strategy
  • Project Prioritization and Resource Allocation Across Projects
• Activity: Group Workshop – Using Project Management Software for Real-Time Project Scheduling and Monitoring

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Engaging presentations on key project management concepts and methodologies.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of projects utilizing Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid methodologies.
• Hands-on Exercises: Practical activities for creating project plans, identifying risks, and managing changes.
• Workshops: Group-based learning to apply methodologies and tools to simulated project scenarios.
• Q&A Sessions: Interactive sessions to discuss challenges, solutions, and best practices with instructors and peers.