SeminarsWorld® Course Agenda

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An Introduction to Professional Project Management

Instructor(s): Frank Saladis Length: 4 days
Pre-work: None CEUs: 2.8 / See below for PDU breakdown

Level: Intermediate
Primary Topic: Time Management/Scheduling
Subtopics: Leadership

Course Description:
Project management is essential to most businesses large and small. The need for skilled project managers who
have the ability to organize and execute a plan through effective project leadership is increasing as the world
economic and business environment continues to evolve. Project managers are trained to focus on cost effective
methods for managing and utilizing project resources; integrating project work with organizational priorities; and
developing strong and high performing teams.

This seminar provides the project manager with a solid foundation of skills that will improve leadership
effectiveness; enhance the ability to develop clear objectives and plans; and manage change through defined
processes. The seminar includes an introduction to project management theory; hands on activities to enhance
the learning process; and opportunities for networking and sharing of experiences.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Introduce the concepts and purpose of formal project management
• Introduce the fundamental and intermediate processes, procedures, tools and techniques associated with
professional level project planning and control
• Develop and/or enhance the ability to prepare, organize, and create project plans
• Provide tools and techniques that will assist in effectively managing project resources
• Provide practical tools and techniques that will facilitate the process of estimating project activity cost & duration.
• Provide techniques that will assist in developing, optimizing and controlling project schedules
• Emphasize the importance of a formal and managed change management system
• Provide techniques for effectively managing project risks
• Develop expertise in project communication and the tracking and reporting of project progress
• Enhance the project manager’s leadership, communications and problem-solving capabilities

AGENDA
Overview
In this seminar you will learn about the value of developing and utilizing the skills, tools, and techniques associated
with a professional approach to managing projects. The seminar explains and emphasizes the importance of the
project manager’s role at project kick off and during the development of detailed project planning, during project
execution, in the change management process, and in maintaining project control—including cost control and
contract management. During this seminar, you will learn about and practice the methods used by accomplished
and successful project managers to organize project teams, establish objectives, communicate effectively, and
deliver the results expected by project stakeholders.

Who Should Attend?

Aspiring project managers, newly assigned project managers, and experienced project managers who would like
to enhance their planning, communications, organizing and leadership skills. This program is also highly beneficial
for managers of project managers and project team members who desire to improve their ability to think more

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strategically, improve their ability to manage critical resources effectively, and manage changes that may impact
project and organizational performance.

Course material is directly related to Project Management Institute’s global standard – A Guide to the Project
Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Class discussions and exercises are focused on how to apply
and adapt the tools and techniques described in the PMBOK® Guide to actual projects managed by class
participants.

Course Outline
1. What is Project Management?
2. The Role of the Project Manager
a. Technical competency
b. Leadership competency
c. Strategic and business management
3. Course Topics
a. You were just assigned your first project, now what? Discussion about the responsibilities of the
project manager and the first steps in project planning.
b. The 5 major project process groups
i. Initiating, planning, executing, controlling, closing
ii. Project Knowledge Areas: Scope management, time management, cost ,anagement,
resource management, risk management, communications management, quality
management, stakeholder management, procurement management
c. Procurement, contracts, and supplier management
d. Project planning
i. Project scope statement
ii. Subsidiary plans
iii. Managing changes to the plan and baselines
e. The WBS – cornerstone of planning
i. Bottom–up estimating: budget and activity duration
f. Project scheduling
i. Critical path method
ii. Activity sequencing
iii. Schedule optimization
g. Managing project milestones, phases
h. Thinking positive about risk management
i. Team based risk assessment (qualitative risk analysis)
ii. Identifying, prioritizing, and responding to project risks
i. The project kickoff meeting
i. Preparing for and leading a project kickoff meeting
j. Project leadership and team building
i. Setting expectations
ii. Developing high performance teams
k. Managing difficult stakeholders
i. Engaging stakeholders’
ii. Conflict management
iii. Managing stakeholder relationships
4. Internal Relationships
5. External and Supplier / Contractor Relationships
a. Introduction to program and portfolio management
6. Closing
a. Summary of key points, tools and techniques for managing projects effectively
b. Questions and discussion – round table review
c. Recommendations for additional reading and reference
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How You Will Benefit
• Improve your ability to organize a project plan and a project team
• Utilize tools and techniques commonly associated with managing projects
• Become more effective and efficient at managing issues and project risks

Professional Development Units (PDUS) are one-hour blocks of time spent learning, teaching others, or
volunteering. By attending this SeminarsWorld course, you will be able to achieve the following PDUs as learning
hours to apply for PMI certification or to maintain your certification status with PMI. View how your PDUs align
with the PMI Talent Triangle®.

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