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Project Management Curriculum Courses
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- Project Management Overviews & Sponsor Briefings
- Project Management - An Overview (1/2 day - 1 day)
In an era of increased emphasis on Management By Projects, few organizations are fully realizing the benefits possible. Management's opportunity is to build a climate that supports project practices: Improved estimates; accelerated delivery; project partnerships; an emphasis on quality; alternatives analysis and two-way communication. Then the management team must support that climate with consistent methods and improved tools for project estimating and project management.
This Overview provides key managers and executives with a better understanding of the steps they can take to improve their organization's project management. It identifies the information they should expect from their project leaders in order to improve project return-on-investment, and describes the items crucial for ongoing continuous improvement.
This Overview can be expanded to a full one-day session as a high-level overview of the Project Management practices and is targeted for those individuals who need to understand the concepts, but are not involved with day-to-day project involvement. Overviews are usually customized for the level of the participants and corporation each time they are presented. The information presented in this Summary is typical of the items discussed.
- Congratulations - You are a Project Sponsor, Now What? (1/2 day)
As Project Management Offices continue to standardize the practice of Project Management within an organization and increase the efficiency of project performance monitoring, it is critical that roles and responsibilities be clearly defined and understood.
This clarity applies not only to the Project Team, but is equally important for those groups or executives charged with ensuring ultimate project success - the Project Sponsors. This is an involved role with critical responsibilities that require knowledge, will and commitment. This briefing was prepared specifically to prepare Sponsors with performing this role for a specific project.
This Executive Overview provides key managers and executives with a better understanding of the steps they can take to improve their organization's project management. It identifies the information they should expect from their project leaders in order to improve project return-on-investment, and describes the items crucial for ongoing continuous improvement.
- Project Controls
- Advanced Project Planning and Tracking - 2 Days
This 2-day course offers strategies for developing the kinds of project plans that facilitate the project management process, and techniques for accurately and efficiently assessing progress, schedule, and budget status over the course of the implementation.
The goal of this course is to give the project manager the ability to create and maintain a project plan that accurately represents the flow of work of the project, and can be used for tracking and status reporting without spending an inordinate amount of time tinkering with project planning tools.
The course includes discussion and practical application of basic project planning techniques, risk mitigation techniques, the importance of focusing on milestone completions, reporting progress in terms executives understand, how to assess how far along the project REALLY is, and how to avoid "expectation clash" at the end of the project.
- Earned Value Analysis - 1 day
This one-day workshop describes the process of Earned Value Analysis and performs several quick exercises prior to detailed analysis of three EVA Examples.
Historical project tracking methods monitor what has happened in the past. This is equivalent to driving a car while looking backwards! Effective Project Managers use the past to predict the future and propose Gap-closing solutions before the project gets out of control.
The goals of Earned Value Analysis are to quantitatively measure actual achievements against a detailed performance plan and to be able to reliably predict the final project costs and schedule.
While Earned Value Analysis (EVA) has existed since the 1960's on military projects (C/SCSC) the concepts are being adapted to a variety of industries. This workshop describes the EVA concepts, terminology, calculations and graphical processes that can be used effectively in less-rigorous projects.
- Team Dynamics
- PM for Team Members - 2 days
This course is intended for project participants of medium-large projects who have had little or no formal training in Project Management. The course introduces the principles of Project Management in a structured and easy to relate-to manner, leaving the individual contributor with a solid understanding of the components of successful project planning and control.
Project work is significantly different from other ongoing work efforts, yet most project team members are not adequately prepared to participate in them. Intense projects need the active support of all team members in supporting the team as well as the project manager.
Participants gain exposure to approaches that are consistent with our Practitioner's workshops, but address the Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling and Closing skills from the team member's point of view. It addresses why project management is essential, what the participants role in the project should be and how to provide the necessary project-related information to all stakeholders.
Exit skills include [among others] the ability to define a project's scope, and to perform work definition, critical path analysis, resource loading, and cost analysis. Practical means of monitoring and controlling projects and life-cycles are emphasized through a series of interactive exercises.
- Building & Sustaining A Positive Climate for High-Performance Project Teams - 2 - 3 days
Benchmark statistics suggest that up to two-thirds of failed projects or those that miss their mark do so because of "people" issues. This project management program addresses this situation by integrating the basics of managing projects with a heavier-than-usual emphasis on some key management and interpersonal relations topics. Specifically, blended within the discussion of the defining, planning, and implementing phases of the project management process these leadership topics are introduced: communications and communication mapping, problem-solving, power and influence, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and work stress. Consistent with PMI approach, participants will learn the framework of project management that will assist them in working successfully towards the completion of projects. And the program also teaches the common language that participants need to understand the processes, tools and techniques of project management that map to the PMI group processes and knowledge areas. All of this is in the context of key interpersonal and team skills, which enable the learner to become more successful at managing projects.
Learning these concepts and practicing new skills increases the individual and collective value of intact team members and professionals to their organization. It provides project teams with basic training, guidelines, roles, practical tools and techniques necessary to guide their projects.
- Estimating Projects
- Estimating Software Projects - 2 days
Estimating Projects requires a combination of skills: Analyst, Accountant, Statistician, Mathematician, Historian, Librarian and Politician!
If we estimate the project too high, we won't be believed, but if we estimate what we think, the Client will cast the estimate in stone.Estimating seems to require ESP to be done correctly! This two-day workshop uncovers the "fundamental truths" of estimating projects and addresses the factors that dramatically cause estimates to be incorrect.
We cover the foundation approaches of estimating which are applicable for estimating projects across a wide spectrum of business and industries - from a brief discussion of the fundamental theory to a more intensive exploration of the practical use of the techniques. Many of the techniques can also be applied to detailed task estimating.
The hands-on workshop will provide easy tools and automated support techniques that can be used immediately to estimate more accurately. Participants will leave the class with spreadsheet templates that apply the estimating approaches covered.
- Scheduling Tools
- MS Project all levels all versions
- Risk Management
- Risk Management - 1 day
This workshop offers a practical, simple approach to software project risk management.
Emphasis is placed on the early identification of project risk, evaluating and prioritizing risk, active ongoing management of risk, and the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. Course includes reusable templates for risk management.
- Requirements Management
- Gathering Requirements - 3 days
This workshop explores detailed, practical techniques for capturing and managing project requirements over the course of the project.
The course offers an overview of the requirements management process, techniques for requirements gathering (including an overview of Use Case Analysis), requirements change management and traceability, an overview of tools that support requirement management, and approaches to integrating requirements management with the quality assurance function and project acceptance management.
- Quality Management
- Structured Systems Testing and QA - 3 days
This course explores strategies for improving the quality and acceptance of systems by integrating QA into the development process.
We discuss how the quality assurance process fits into the software development lifecycle, and practical strategies for building quality into software starting early in the requirements gathering phase. The course stresses the early and continued involvement of QA resources on the project team. Specific topics include Test Types, Test Plans, Test Scenarios, Tracking Test Results, QA test results analysis, and QA test automation. Special QA challenges presented by deploying applications on the Internet is an optional topic. Several proven, reusable QA templates are provided.
- Change Management
Managing the on-going changes in a project is included in any of the Workshops described under Section 10 - Characteristics. The approaches for managing change vary considerably based upon the size and complexity of the project.
- Change Management - 1 day
Companies have cut projects that are not aligned with strategic priorities resulting in fewer projects and increased pressure to deliver projects on time and within budget. Project managers are pressed to work even more effectively with stakeholders to ensure that new business processes and information systems are both desirable and usable. Many organizations are finding that though projects are technically successful, the project's end users are not fully utilizing their new tools and job responsibilities. This hands-on course will teach project managers how to increase end user adoption rates and to decrease stakeholder resistance to change.
- Characteristics
- PM Planning Workshop - 5 days
This course explores the entire Project Management Success Pyramid. An actual project plan is developed and prepared throughout the workshop using a "live" project. Workshop members are members of a project team that is just beginning the project and the workshop reviews the concepts of Initiation, Planning, Executing, Controlling and Closing and at the same time, creates the Project Definition Document which outlines the project scope, team roles and responsibilities and management practices that will be used on the project.. As the course involves substantial participation, the workshop requires dedicated participation in an uninterrupted location involving both client and IT representation. Some pre-work will be required and on-site administrative support is essential with developing the project plans. Students come away with skills, templates, reference material, and experience in developing project plans.
- PM Principles for Medium-Large Projects - 3 days
The course introduces the principles of Project Management in a structured and easy to relate to manner, leaving the Project Manger with a solid understanding of the components of successful project planning and control. Exit skills include [among others] the ability to define a project's scope, and to perform work definition, critical path analysis, resource loading, and cost analysis. Practical means of monitoring and controlling projects and life-cycles are emphasized through a series of interactive exercises as well as through a simulated project. This course can be customized to meet specific client requirements.
- PM Principles for IT Projects - 4 days
Working as practicing PM consultants, we are frequently requested to rescue or assess an on-going project. Almost without exception, the reason for project problems relates to interpersonal problems rather than technical ones. Yet, most IT organizations ignore these factors when planning or controlling a project.
Managing IT projects in the current environment (cross-functional organizations and geographically disbursed teams) requires the fundamental skills outlined in the PM Principles workshop, but also requires considerable Human Relations, Marketing, Leadership and Interpersonal Skills.
This workshop adds the interpersonal, corporate culture and political factors into the project environment.
- PM Basics for Short, Intense Projects - 2 days
"Can you do this small job by the end of the month? - It's Hot!" When most overworked individuals hear that statement, they think "NO WAY" but instead, say "I'll work it in." More often than not, the deadlines are usually met and something is delivered. Unfortunately, the amount of anguish, sweat and overtime expended produces a product that is not up to "normal" standards. In today's environment, continued demands using the above approaches, will yield a high-turnover rate with corresponding increased costs, decreased productivity, missed deadlines and worse - knowledge transfer (to your competitors!) The current environment requires that the smaller projects be managed more effectively to produce a high quality product while still being responsive to budget and schedule constraints. Many of the more "industrial strength" project management concepts can be employed, though scaled down considerably. This "PM-Lite" workshop identifies, and uses, a checklist-based, realistic approach to the organization, planning and monitoring of these short, but intense projects.
- Juggling Multiple, Concurrent Projects - 2 days
Most organizations are having to work at significantly reduced staff levels compared to just a few years ago. Unfortunately, most of these companies have not reduced their work-load proportionally - resulting in more work for the remaining individuals. This workshop addresses techniques to support staff members in the identification, planning, and managing the multiple, concurrent project workload that is the "norm" in today's workplace.
"Doing more with less" requires that these multiple projects be managed to produce a high quality product while still being responsive to budget and schedule constraints. Just improving classical time management techniques rarely assists in resolving and completing these projects. This workshop employs realistic, right-scaled Project Management concepts, but with a practical multiple project twist!
- Business Drivers
- Business Case Development - 2 days
A key aspect of any project lies in the ability of the requesting organization (often relegated to the Project Manager) to present a case for why a project should be authorized.
This process entails an accelerated form of Initial Project Planning to develop a rough project scope; assessment of risks; evaluation of anticipated benefits and an early estimate of the project costs. As the individuals performing the work within the project rarely perform these preliminary assessments, capturing and documenting the data and assumptions is essential to starting the project effectively.
Once the project is authorized, the "real" project team can use this "hand-off" document as a launching point for the project. Differences or confirmations of each Business Case section can then be quickly identified and reviewed with the appropriate stakeholders. This workshop reviews the processes, techniques and provides a realistic and usable method of developing the documentation of this initial project assessment. It is designed to provide those responsible for developing the justification for projects a better understanding of the practical techniques they can use to obtain project approval. These include project scope definition, feasibility analysis, business and technical viability analysis. The class achieves its results through presentation, discussion and team exercises.
As a substantial portion of the Business Case depends upon Financial Analysis, the one-day Cost/Benefit Analysis workshop (below) is included as part of this offering.
- Cost/Benefit Analysis - 1 day
A key aspect of any project lies in the ability of the requesting organization (often relegated to the Project Manager) to present a case for why a project should be authorized.
Many projects are authorized on well-meaning benefits, but too often, when the project is completed, the "benefits" are seldom realized. Managing the client's (or manager's) expectations requires a realistic approach to estimating anticipated project benefits.
This workshop provides a practical and usable approach the project leader can use immediately and is designed to cover the foundation methods, tools and techniques for justifying a project. It also will provide a better understanding of the practical techniques that can be used to obtain project approval.
The class achieves its results through presentation, discussion, team exercises and the option to apply the methods on participants' current projects.
- Process
- Use Case Analysis - 2 days
This 2-day course covers the widely accepted Use Case Analysis method for gathering and managing software requirements. Sample topics are What is a Use Cases and Why do I Want One?, How to Run a Use Case Session with Customers, techniques for creating effective Use Cases, Use Case formats and tools, and how to progress from the Use Case Model to design and implementation.
- Preparing for PMI's PMP Examination - 3 days
Most of the current management thinking in the world is centered on getting new endeavors (projects) done better, faster and cheaper. The management of projects is a critical skill area that has seen explosive growth, even in poor economic times. Accordingly, companies are demanding that projects be managed effectively and have turned to organizations like the Project Management Institute to provide a framework for certifying Project Management knowledge.
Skeptical? Just look at any Web job board and find a position that does not require PMP certification. It is estimated that the world has approximately 15 million practitioners (4 million in the United States alone). PMI boasts an active membership of 100,00 worldwide with almost 50,000 certified PMPs (Project Management Professionals.) With the interest in Project Management, the demand for certified PMPs will only increase.
Preparing for the PMP Examination can be a daunting process. Many fine Certificate programs are available through respected universities or university-affiliated corporations but require two years to complete and cost in excess of $10,000. If you are academia biased, you should pursue a Project Management Master's Degree program rather than a non-recognized Certificate. (The only organizations recognizing the certificates are the sponsoring corporations!). In our view, this approach is not warranted to prepare for the PMP exam.
The approach used in this workshop focuses on the understanding of the standards, concepts, tools and techniques so that you are prepared to effectively tackle any question. Delivery is through group discussion with a practicing PMP who has coached thousands of individuals in effectively managing projects. Practice questions are also presented and the answers are reviewed to fully understand the concepts. Finally, valuable examination tips are reviewed to minimize time-wasters and "examination jitters."
- Organizing & Planning For Results - 1 day
Why do Time Management Workshops tend to produce limited results? Primarily as they only address making you more conscious of where your time is going, not on how to work on the Right Job in an effective manner.
In today's overworked environment, work results are often sacrificed in order to get "them in on time." This workshop provides a straightforward method to effectively organize, plan, set priorities and execute action plans that produce results and manage expectations.
Every individual in an organization need to understand how to set goals, get organized and to learn how to say NO, even though they are not managers or even project managers. Many of the more rigorous management concepts can be employed, though scaled down considerably for individual assignments. This workshop identifies, and uses, a systematic, checklist-based, realistic approach to the organization, planning and monitoring of on-going and "when you get time" assignments.
- Resources
- Business Communication Skills for Technical and Business Professionals - 2 days
Successful, effective communication is central to the creation of customer satisfaction and the achievement of excellence. We cannot afford to leave communication to chance, trusting to fate that somehow we will be understood and will understand others. As organizations implement the principles of cross-functional project management, shared responsibilities, and teamwork, technical professionals increasingly encounter the need to communicate skillfully-both face-to-face and in writing-with a wide variety of clients, customers, and colleagues.
Working collaboratively with peers, users, managers, and executives, many of whom come from non-technical backgrounds, can present new challenges for technical professionals. This interactive course provides participants hands-on opportunities to improve their ability to achieve goals and get things done through practical, proven verbal and written communication techniques.
- Effective Interviewing - 2 days
The successes of projects today rely on the skills of the business analyst to effectively gather and organize requirements to solve a business problem. The ability to elicit information from a business "client" in a structured manner is critical. This two-day course concentrates on the skills necessary to plan, organize, conduct and document a data gathering interview. This course is supported by exercises and case studies. This course is designed for any individual who will be conducting data gathering interviews. Both business professionals and IT professionals will benefit from this course.
- Negotiation Competencies - 1-2 days
Most negotiations courses focus on either a win-win approach or a tactical approach to the negotiation process. Negotiation Competencies provides an overview of win-win negotiations along with a proven strategy for dealing with difficult people who do not and will not aspire to a win-win philosophy. Each of us negotiates every day both personally and professionally. Once we understand what constitutes a negotiation we can enhance our skills to: reduce stress; save time and money; and achieve our objectives.
- Conflict Resolution - 1 day
Conflict Management is a 1-day seminar designed to allow individuals the opportunity to successfully reach a conflict resolution that is wise, efficient and amicable, focusing simultaneously on results and relationships.
- Root Cause Analysis Effective Problem Resolution - 2 days
Ever increasingly it seems that avoiding catastrophes and maintaining stability during crisis are the hallmarks of business survival. Managing problem containment, resolution and avoidance are probably some of the most critical skills to help a business face these challenges. All problems are not created equal, and as such, all approaches to them should not be either. Effective Problem Resolution provides an agile and adaptive process. This process uses iteration and levels of depth as its infrastructure. Such an approach can be used on a broader scope of problems and issues, and it can be incorporated into both production assurance environments as well as less crisis-motivated daily situations.
- Power Presentations - 2 days
Power Presentations is a two day proven, polished and professional course designed to increase business presentation effectiveness. The benefits are both immediate and long term. Measurable and permanent results are guaranteed. Features which distinguish Power Presentations from other presentation skills courses include individualized assessment, real life application, flexible delivery options, and a high impact design.
Other courses include:
- Effective Meeting Skills
- Effective Decision Making
- Leadership
- Success Safari
- Quest for Team Excellence
- Emotional Intelligence Workshop
- Advanced Presentation Skills
- Managing Stress
Northeast Training Group, Inc.
44 Baker Circle
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Telephone (617) 469-5557
Email: Sgoldberg@NortheastTrainingGroup.com