Course Overview 
In this workshop, we will walk you through the nuts and bolts of project management, from setting priorities to controlling expenses and reporting on the results. Participants will bring their own projects to work on throughout the 4-day session.  Approximately half of the class will consist of hands-on work, applying PMI Best Practices to your own projects.  After completing this course, participants will find their projects are coming in faster, cheaper, AND on time and on budget!

Pre-Class Assignment:  

In the days preceding this workshop, think of any project that has recently been assigned to you, or a project which you would like to suggest to your senior managers as a way of improving operations in your company. This will give you an opportunity to do some hands-on work on a project which has meaning to you and your organization.

Why a Project?

Projects are an essential feature of this training program for several reasons:

• Actual work situations add to the value of the training you will receive.

• Projects are the best way to demonstrate the real-life application and capability of the tools and techniques you will discuss during the workshop.

• Analysis of these projects by the group and facilitator results in better projects.

How Does This Fit Into the Workshop?

Each of you will give the facilitator a brief outline of a project you want to work on. It should be one that is either new or one that you have just started (not very far along in the conceptualization or pre-planning stage). 

Don’t try to bring something too complicated to work on. Samples of other projects participants have brought to the workshop include:

• product line renovation

• process improvements such as accounting, production, delivery, shipping, etc.

• customer service improvements

• Six Sigma improvement projects

• organizational change in structure/business models

Participants are encouraged to use the tools and techniques that are covered during the session as they plan their project. You may work in teams if you feel that is beneficial to completion of the project and you have someone willing to partner with you.  Most organizations send small project teams or opt to have private classes with the whole project team.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will:

• Recognize what steps must be taken to complete projects on time and on budget.

• Have a better ability to sell ideas and make presentations to team members and stakeholders.

• Know simple techniques and tools for planning and tracking your project.

• Have methods for keeping the team focused and motivated.