Course Overview
This course will give you an indepth overview of the PMI programme. The course times are indicative only and may need to be adapted to meet delegates learning needs and include fruitful discussions.
Audience
This course is designed for those wishing to pursue the PMI's PMP certification or for those simply wishing to gain a comprehensive understanding of project management best practice. In order to gain maximum benefit, delegates should have an understanding of the fundamentals of project management and be currently employed in a project role within an organisation.
Course Outline
DAY 1
Introduction to course
- This session provides a brief introduction to the 3 days
- The attendees and the facilitator introduce themselves
- The administration processes are described
The Course Objectives are explained. These are:
- To provide an overview of the PMI(R) approach to project management
- To review the key skills required by professional project managers
- To prepare attendees to take the PMI CAPM exam or to act as a first step in preparation for those intending to take the PMI(R) PMP exam
The Course topics and methods are introduced
Successful Project Ingredients - Workshop
In class discussion on the definition of a project summarised with the PMI definition. This is followed by team discussions to identify:
- Views of success
- Factors which inhibit success
The team discussions are then summarised in plenary session and this is followed by an explanation of the PMI approach.
Initiating
Overview of the Process Group. Contents of the Project Charter and Preliminary Scope Statement. A plenary discussion on why organisations commission projects followed by a short session on Cost Benefit Analysis as a project selection tool. The session looks at categories of cost, tangible and intangible benefits, appraisal methods and discounting. The session includes an exercise.
Planning (1) - Overview
An overview of the Planning Process Group. The contents of a Project Management Plan.
Planning (2) - Work Breakdown Structures
The principle of work breakdown and an explanation of the terms used. The session includes an exercise to provide practice in the technique.
Planning (3) - Estimating
A consideration of various estimating techniques including an explanation of terms such as parametric, analogous, quantitative, PERT and Delphi estimates. The importance of historical data and its use in Standard Task estimating. The session includes an exercise to provide practice in the technique.
Day 1 Test
A 20 question test covering the topics addressed so far.
DAY 2
Planning (4) - Precedence Diagramming and the Critical Chain Approach
An explanation of Critical Path Analysis followed by a team exercise. Creating the schedule and resource levelling. An explanation of the Critical Chain approach.
Planning (5) - Org & Comms
A discussion on various organisational structures and the characteristics associated with them. Comparison with structures experienced by the attendees. Planning project communications.
Planning (6) - Risk & Issue Management
An overview of the risk management process together with an in-class exercise.
Executing
An overview of the Project Execution Process Group.
Leadership
A discussion of the difference between leadership and management and why leadership is a key attribute for a project manager. Established leadership theories and styles.
Motivation
A discussion on the nature of motivation and a review of the popular theories.
Negotiation
Group discussion on the importance of negotiation to a project manager. Brief overview of the process. The session includes a project management negotiation exercise.
Day 2 Test
A 20 question test covering the topics addressed so far.
DAY 3
Conflict
The causes and symptoms of conflict together with strategies for managing it. The session includes a discussion centred on a project situation.
Monitoring and Control Overview
An overview of the Project Control Process Group and basic techniques.
Quality Management
A look at the important area of quality. This interactive session considers the role of the project manager in providing a quality project. The subjects discussed will include:
- Definitions of quality
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Control
Earned Value Analysis
This important technique is explained together with the terminology and equations. The session includes an exercise to provide practice.
Change Control
A discussion on the purpose of change control. The PMI view. An overview of the requirements for effective change control.
Procurement
An overview of the processes involved in procurement followed by a plenary discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of the various contracting options.
Closing
An overview of the Process Group. Discussion to identify the issues to be addressed by Administrative and Contract Closeout.
Exercise
An exercise to summarise the messages from the course plus illustrating a key PMI principle.
Final Test
A 40-question test to enable attendees to test their readiness for the CAPM exam (where relevant) or preparedness for attending the PMI PMP(R) crammer course.
Test Review
A discussion of the expected answers to the test questions.
PMBOK, PMI, PMP are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
