Complex projects can easily derail due to communication problems, time uncertainties, and lack of coordination among firm resources, thus inhibiting productivity and innovation throughout the organization. This workshop starts with the defined project objective and introduces a framework called Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) for detailed planning and implementation. CCPM puts you in control of project implementation for on-time and on-budget completion by coordinating firm resources, timely planning and execution of uncertain activities, and real-time monitoring of project progress. Through lecture, group work, case studies, and simulations, participants will learn how to apply this methodology for planning and managing projects more effectively.
Topics
- Introduction
- Common project challenges
- Pitfalls of traditional accounting in evaluating projects
- How human behavior impacts projects
- Project Design
- Pros and cons of different project structures
- Constructing and using project charts
- Introduction to Microsoft Project®
- Managing activity durations
- Good and bad statistics
- Project Scheduling
- The critical path
- Critical chain project management
- Managing resources
- Managing risk with safety buffers
- Safety buffer guidelines
- Creating a culture to support the right outcomes
- Nurturing an attitude towards on-time execution
- Using Appreciative Inquiry to elevate expectations
- Motivating performance
- Project Control
- Rules of thumb for critical buffers
- When to react to project delays
- Monitoring progress in Microsoft Project®
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending this class, participants will:
- Learn frameworks to identify the most appropriate organizational structure for a new project within the context of the firm
- Learn how to develop project plans that are relatively insensitive to expected delays
- Identify and coordinate critical resources and activities in order to avoid unnecessary project delays and cost overruns
- Learn early warning systems to detect problems and signal corrective actions before problems become too expensive or out of hand
Who Should Attend
Engineers, general managers, human resource managers, and managers of small and large companies or non-profit organizations.
Level of Prior Knowledge in Subject Area: None
There is no prior knowledge required for this course. However, this program is a natural follow-up to Project Management: From Concept to Plan which introduces participants to the initial project planning stage.
April 2-3, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.