Project Management: Skills for Success

What is this course about?

Through a media-enhanced, simulated case study, you learn how to successfully plan, manage and deliver projects using best practices in a 6-step process. You also learn how to implement project management processes, develop leadership skills and respond to real-world scenarios. At the end of the course, you have access to templates and checklists for use back at the workplace.

Is the course for people new in the role of project management?

Yes. This course teaches best-practice techniques for running projects in a businesslike and professional way. Anyone who is responsible for planning and executing a job plan will benefit from this course. The material is applicable to a wide range of project types.

Participants are usually:

• Project team members who want a better understanding of projects and project management processes
• Those who have been technical staff and who now have the responsibility for managing projects
• Those who represent the business or user in a multidiscipline environment and want to find out more about project management processes
• Those who have been managing projects and are convinced there must be a better way to get projects delivered on time and within budget

What additional benefits do attendees gain from this course?

Working in small groups encourages cross-fertilization of ideas from many different businesses. Attendees also gain confidence in presenting project management issues and reports to a critical audience. Each attendee manages the schedule and deliverables of a short workshop session.

How does this course differ from Course 340?

Course 296 teaches the principles and best practices of running a broad range of projects. Course 340, Project Management for Software Development, also covers project management fundamentals, but it focuses on the unique aspects of software development projects. Participants should not take both Course 296 and Course 340; there is significant overlap in the content of these two courses.

Is this a course on Microsoft Project?

You use Microsoft Project 2007 as a vehicle for demonstration and learning in some of the course workshops. However, the intent is not to teach any particular tool, but to demonstrate its role within the broader scope of state-of-the-art techniques on project management.

Why does the course use Microsoft Project?

Microsoft Project is one of the most widely used project management tools and is included in this course to further simulate an authentic work environment.

Does the course deal with any other project management tools?

Although some of the workshops are structured around Microsoft Project 2007, a number of other project management applications are used in the workshops. Participants who use some of these other tools are encouraged to share their opinions and experiences.

Will I learn the same things if I attend the online version of this course?

Yes. Course A296, Project Management: Skills for Success, is presented using the Learning Tree AnyWare^TM online delivery method, customized for an online audience, and leverages specially designed tools for an online learning environment. Through live video streaming, just as if you were in a classroom, you participate in the course with other attendees and follow the instructor's presentation in real time. You take notes in the extensive printed course materials sent to you prior to the course; communicate with the instructor and your classmates both by voice and through the use of chat pods; perform the activities; participate in attendee discussions; and engage in collaborative breakout sessions. Course A296 includes tools and technologies unique to the online delivery method and all of the activities have been modified and enhanced for an online learning environment.

After attending either the classroom course or the online course, you will be able to plan a project in its entirety through implementing risk management techniques and mitigation strategies, estimating and scheduling task work and duration with confidence, and responding to real-world scenarios.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of activities are covered in the course workshops?

Approximately 70 percent of class time is spent in activities.

Planning is based on a solid framework involving the project team in a six-step process to produce a viable project plan. Very quickly you reach the proficiency level required to handle the basic project planning activities. This course then leads you through the steps needed to produce a baseline plan for a real-world case study.

As soon as you've developed your initial plan, your instructor reminds you of reality-he or she advances the delivery date or removes some of your resources! Your next task is to revise the plan to meet the changed requirements.

During a simulated execution phase, you prepare progress and status reports using a variety of PC tools. The emphasis is always on the case study, not the tool being used to aid the activities.

Is this course applicable toward a Project Management Institute (PMI) certification?

Yes. Though this course is not designed as preparation for an exam, it is beneficial to anyone working toward, or maintaining, a PMI certification. Most PMI certifications require a specific number of PDUs in order to obtain and maintain the credential. Completion of this course provides 23 professional development units (PDUs).

Is the online course a self-paced course?

No, the online course, Course A296, is a live instructor-led course taught synchronously with other online participants and includes full support, guidance and feedback from the course instructor. This course also incorporates multiple tools and technologies for collaboration between online participants, including chat pods, interactive live surveys, online audio breakout rooms and access to shared PCs through cloud technology.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

• 276, Preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Exam prepares you for this popular industry certification
• 287, Complex Project Management participants gain experience using advanced methods to initiate, plan and control large or diverse projects
• 919, SharePoint® for Project Management provides the skills to exploit SharePoint Technologies to manage successful projects
• 299, Microsoft® Project 2007: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction provides extensive practical experience using Microsoft Project
• 340, Project Management for Software Development focuses on the unique aspects of software development projects
• 290, Management Skills provides new and experienced managers with the practical skills needed to lead effective teams
• 292, Communication Skills: Results through Collaboration emphasizes specific tools and techniques for improving listening skills, delivering effective messages and bridging different communication styles
• 294, Influence Skills: Getting Results without Direct Authority focuses on the specific behaviors and attitudes that enable you to achieve desired results without relying on the use of authority