Introduction:

Strategic project management is an essential discipline that focuses on aligning project goals with organizational strategy to achieve long-term success. This 5-day course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles, tools, and techniques needed for successful strategic project management. Participants will learn how to plan, execute, monitor, and close projects while ensuring that they align with the organization’s strategic objectives. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the skills to manage complex projects, maximize efficiency, and deliver value to stakeholders.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the strategic role of project management in achieving organizational goals.
2. Learn how to define and align project objectives with strategic business objectives.
3. Gain knowledge of the tools and methodologies used in project planning, scheduling, and execution.
4. Learn how to manage project risks and overcome common challenges.
5. Develop skills for stakeholder management and communication.
6. Explore advanced project management concepts and techniques to ensure successful project delivery.
7. Understand how to measure project performance and ensure continuous improvement.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals involved in managing projects, aligning them with business goals, and driving organizational change, including:

• Project Managers and Program Managers
• Senior Managers and Executives
• Project Coordinators and Analysts
• Consultants and Project Support Staff
• Operations Managers and Department Heads
• Individuals seeking to advance their project management skills in alignment with strategic goals

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Strategic Project Management

• Session 1: Overview of Strategic Project Management
  • Definition and Key Concepts of Strategic Project Management
  • How Strategic Projects Drive Organizational Success
  • The Project Management Lifecycle: Phases, Processes, and Frameworks
• Session 2: Aligning Projects with Organizational Strategy
  • Understanding Business Strategy and Its Relationship with Project Management
  • How to Define and Align Project Objectives with Strategic Goals
  • Tools for Strategic Project Alignment: Balanced Scorecard, SWOT Analysis, and PESTLE Analysis
• Session 3: Project Portfolio Management (PPM)
  • The Role of Portfolio Management in Achieving Strategic Objectives
  • Prioritizing Projects Based on Strategic Value
  • Tools and Techniques for Managing Multiple Projects in Alignment with Organizational Strategy
• Activity: Group Exercise – Identifying Key Strategic Projects in a Hypothetical Organization

Day 2: Project Planning and Scheduling

• Session 1: Project Initiation and Defining Scope
  • The Importance of Proper Project Initiation
  • Creating a Project Charter and Defining Scope
  • Setting SMART Goals for Strategic Projects
• Session 2: Advanced Project Planning Techniques
  • Developing a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Deliverables
  • Scheduling Techniques: Gantt Charts, Critical Path Method (CPM), and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
  • Resource Allocation and Estimation Techniques
• Session 3: Managing Project Budgets and Costs
  • Budgeting for Strategic Projects: Cost Estimation and Resource Planning
  • Cost Control Techniques: Earned Value Management (EVM), Budget Monitoring, and Adjustments
  • Balancing Cost and Scope to Ensure Project Success
• Activity: Workshop – Creating a Project Plan and Budget for a Strategic Initiative

Day 3: Project Execution and Stakeholder Management

• Session 1: Leading Project Teams
  • Leadership Styles in Project Management: Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership
  • Building and Motivating High-Performance Teams
  • Conflict Management and Team Dynamics
• Session 2: Stakeholder Management and Communication
  • Identifying and Analyzing Project Stakeholders
  • Developing a Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
  • Effective Communication Strategies for Diverse Stakeholders
• Session 3: Risk Management in Strategic Projects
  • Identifying, Analyzing, and Managing Risks
  • Developing a Risk Management Plan and Mitigation Strategies
  • Tools for Risk Assessment and Monitoring (Risk Registers, Risk Matrices)
• Activity: Group Exercise – Developing a Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Risk Management Strategy

Day 4: Monitoring and Controlling Project Performance

• Session 1: Tracking Project Progress
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Project Success
  • Monitoring Project Deliverables and Milestones
  • Techniques for Monitoring Project Performance (Gantt Charts, Burn Down Charts)
• Session 2: Quality Control and Assurance
  • Ensuring Project Quality: Techniques and Tools
  • Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control
  • Continuous Improvement Strategies (Kaizen, Six Sigma)
• Session 3: Change Management in Projects
  • Understanding the Need for Change Management
  • Managing Project Scope Creep and Unforeseen Changes
  • Tools for Managing Change Requests and Documentation
• Activity: Workshop – Using KPIs to Track Project Progress and Evaluate Quality Control

Day 5: Project Closing and Continuous Improvement

• Session 1: Closing Projects and Measuring Success
  • Steps for Project Closure: Deliverables, Handover, and Documentation
  • Measuring Project Success: Project Review, Post-Implementation Review (PIR), and Lessons Learned
  • Celebrating Project Success and Recognizing Team Contributions
• Session 2: Continuous Improvement in Project Management
  • The Importance of Continuous Learning in Strategic Project Management
  • Techniques for Project Post-Mortem Analysis and Implementing Lessons Learned
  • Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Agile Practices and Lean Project Management
• Session 3: Developing a Personal Strategic Project Management Plan
  • Applying What You’ve Learned to Your Organization’s Strategic Goals
  • Creating a Personal Action Plan for Managing Future Strategic Projects
  • Setting Goals for Career Development in Strategic Project Management
• Activity: Final Group Discussion – Developing a Strategic Project Plan for an Organization’s Long-Term Goals

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Comprehensive presentations on project management principles, strategic alignment, and best practices.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of successful strategic projects, their challenges, and lessons learned.
• Workshops and Exercises: Hands-on activities and group discussions to apply knowledge and develop actionable project plans.
• Assessments and Feedback: Practical exercises, quizzes, and interactive activities with individual feedback.
• Final Group Project: Development of a strategic project plan for a hypothetical organization, incorporating all course elements.