Project Planning Breakthroughs

A proven process that can be immediately understood and implemented by your whole team

Regardless of the diversity among people, locations, departments, or disciplines involved, this program provides a streamlined overview of the basics, while focusing on a vastly improved methodology to meet the rigorous challenges of developing a project execution plan.

This course goes beyond the standards in the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), the recognized learning designation in this field and has 21 PDUs (Professional Development Units) recognized by the Project Management Institute. Priority Management is also registered with the Project Management Institute as a Global Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.)

This course will help you:

Develop a complete and comprehensive Objective Statement - the foundation of a successful project
Create a detailed Execution Plan using a unique process called Objective Driven Logic, applied to a Time-Scaled Dependency Chart
Apply a simple, yet powerful method to resolve complex resource constraints
Calculate a detailed Budget and Cash Requirement Projection
Integrate contingency planning through “Scenario Estimating”
Determine where and when to best apply project management software
Bring final closure to the project through the application of a 3-level review process

Who Should Attend:

Anyone, novice or veteran, who manages, supports or initiates projects.

Format:

A 3-day workshop using case study projects to implement theory and techniques for success. Participants will plan and work in teams to complete 4 case study projects of increasing scope and complexity.

Tools Provided:

A Comprehensive Learning Guide
A Complete Project Planning Kit
The book 'Making it Happen - a Non-Technical Guide to Project Management'
Subscription to our monthly LearningLink e-newsletter

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Project Planning Breakthroughs qualifies for 7 Gold Seal Credits

Detailed Synopsis

The Project Planning Breakthroughs Workshop focuses on the challenge of providing practical improvement solutions to organizations that often already know the basics of project management. This is accomplished by two important breakthroughs: For the novice, Project Planning Breakthroughs provides a streamlined overview of the basics, while focusing on the rigorous challenges to developing the crucial element of the project Execution Plan. For the veteran, PPB provides a brief, yet relevant overview of the basics with a strong emphasis on a vastly improved method for developing the project Execution Plan.

Introduction:

Projects have existed since before the Pyramids, and yet as a professional discipline it is relatively new. We start by looking at the development of project management in both traditional and non-traditional project organizations. Here we discover the challenge of the Two Worlds of Work and how Project work differs from Operational work and identify where projects come from. We then examine the five stages in a new framework for managing assignments and projects. As well, we discuss how project management fits in with Strategic Planning.

Unit 1: Genesis

In the beginning… This unit looks at how we clarify exactly what the project is all about and what it is to achieve. Through the use of an Objective Statement, we define the Project Charter along with the Scope Statement in a unique but powerful format. Along with this, we examine the roles and responsibilities within the project team, especially the crucial relationship between the Project Manager and the Project Sponsor.

Unit 2: Design

In any successful project, it is imperative that we determine “what” is going to be created before figuring out “how” to create it. This unit focuses on the requirements for both the conceptual and the detailed design. It is her e that the fundamental elements of Performance Criteria are brought to bear. “When we are all finished, what will we measure the final outcome to determine our level of success.”

Unit 3: Execution Planning

Whether you are a novice just starting out on your first project, or you are a seasoned veteran who’s been involved with projects for decades, this is the unit that will pay the largest dividends. The PPB program will present a unique, world-class combination of methods, tools, and skills that will produce the most effective execution plan in the most efficient manner. Through the use of generically crafted case-studies, we will discover how easy it is to determine the tasks, their duration, dependencies, and schedule. Also, we will allocate resources and through an ingenious technique, resolve even the toughest resource conflicts. To top it off, we will tackle the thorny issue of project budget, as well as the costs of ‘crashing’ (shrinking) the project schedule.

Unit 4: Execution

Once the Execution Plan is complete we need to consider the reality of change and its implication on the project and the four interdependent variables – Quality, Scope, Schedule, and Cost. Here we investigate the challenge of handling incremental as well as transformation change. The latter is tackled through a step-by-step approach that is designed to dissipate the ever-present possibility of panic. The other key challenge at this point is how does the individual or small team deal with their respective tasks. And at the same time, how do they cope with the challenge of Two Worlds of Work… their operational commitments and their project commitments.

Unit 5: Reviews

Nothing is worse than going through all the effort and heartache of a project, good or bad, only to rush off at the end without the satisfaction of bringing about final closure. In this unit we will counter the age-old excuse; ‘I don’t have time.’ The time spent here is often repaid many times over as important lessons are remembered and passed on to other project teams. Our unique ‘3-review’ process ensures a positive morale boost as participants and nonparticipants alike enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a job come to full completion.

Unit 6: Supplements

Additional Tools and Techniques: In this section we have compiled additional tools and techniques to use in planning and managing projects, starting with a Project Survival Guide.