Managing Successful Projects - Course Description
Proven guidelines for increased project effectiveness
Presented by Bennet P. Lientz, Full Professor, Anderson Graduate School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
A large of business and organisation success depends on the effective definition, execution, and completion of projects. Yet, over the years many projects have either failed or not fulfilled their goals and benefits. The failure rate in some areas is in excess of 50%. Moreover, the rate of achieving results from completed projects is often 35-45%. This seminar presents proven guidelines for achieving project success. These guidelines fit under both of the two leading project management methodologies: PRINCE 2 and the PM Book of Knowledge. Specific suggestions are provided for all parts of project management, including:
- Project definition
- Project planning
- Scope management
- Cost and schedule management
- Time management
- Staffing and human resource management
- Risk and issues management
- Change management, integration
- Communications management
Guidelines are provided for dealing with over 50 commonly encountered problems. Examples are provided from government, banking, utilities, natural resources, manufacturing, distribution, insurance, and other industry segments. The seminar includes four interactive workshops. Attendees are encouraged to bring their existing plans for review as well as open issues and problems that they have in current work and projects. The seminar will provide detailed steps to take after the seminar—that do not require additional expense.
The goal of this seminar is to define a detailed approach for you to become effective in doing and participating in project management soon after the seminar. The scope of the seminar includes all aspects of project management –from project concept to completion and gathering lessons learned to improve your project management effectiveness. The goal of project management is not just to get the work done on time and within budget; it is also to build lasting and productive relationships.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn how to define a project with limited time and effort; how to create a project plan using collaboration and cooperation, handle changes and new requirements, manage issues effectively, carry out improved management and staff communications, gather lessons learned to cumulatively improve your project management capabilities and expertise as well as to increase your credibility.
- How to manage resources across multiple projects and regular non-project work
- How to more effectively communicate with management
- Master the 3 critical areas of project management - planning, control and people
- Discover specific guidelines which have been successfully applied in a variety of industries and projects
- How to detect project problems well in advance and avert project failure
- How to build a motivated, committed project team using effective team selection, organization and leadership techniques
- How to deal with project problems and issues
- Practical strategies to complete projects on time and within budget
- How to deal with "political" problems and issues
- When planning becomes an enemy instead of an ally - knowing when to quit planning and start doing
- How to get the most out of IT project management software with the least effort
- What to do after the seminar-specific steps to take that do not require money
Who Should Attend
This seminar is designed for general managers, business managers, and systems managers and senior staff who are involved in projects and project management. No extensive technical knowledge is required. Typical attendees include:
- Business managers
- Senior business staff
- Business managers who oversee projects
- Consultants involved in projects
- Business planners
- Technical managers and staff
What You Will Receive
- Copies of all presentation materials
- Files containing templates, guidelines, and chapters from several of Dr. Lientz’s books
- Notes from the seminar in an electronic format
