Practical Project Management for Local Authorities

Overview

Project managers often have a daunting task and can face challenging problems. Many projects get derailed by unexpected factors, take longer than planned to complete, and use more resources than allocated. Unexpected requirements and variables pop up in mid execution, requiring a rework, backtracking and adjustment in timing and resources. As a result it becomes impossible for a schedule to be accurate or for adequate contingencies to be planned in.

In this course, project managers and others associated with project delivery will learn the phases of project management and how to break down the plan into tasks and organise those tasks into a timeline that is achievable. Techniques and skills for planning will be reviewed to underscore the benefits of not just launching into an activity and follow where it leads. Requirements to monitor and control and stay on track will be detailed and practised.

The key tools to manage the human aspects of any project are also included in this intensive and interactive course, along with team building, motivation, leadership and time management.

Objectives

Benefits

Participants will be introduced to the principles and practical tools of project management with reference, as applicable, to the structure, documentation and philosophy of the PRINCE2® system.

Outcomes

• Describe the key attributes of a project and the role of projects in achieving positive change within a local authority
• Identify the key phases of a project within the project life cycle
• Explain the functions of leadership of a project with particular emphasis on the role and responsibilities of the project manager and the project board
• Organise the key elements required to initiate a project, including setting project objectives, the project initiation document, the scope statement and risk assessment and management
• Outline the main tools and techniques that may be used when planning a project
• Discuss the qualities and skills required of the project manager in the effective leadership of the project team
• Explain the importance of good communication throughout the project, notably with project stakeholders and external sub-contractors executing projects on behalf of the authority
• Understand the key techniques involved in delivering a project successfully according to its stated objectives including the management of scope creep and monitoring techniques
• Identify the appropriate control mechanisms in particular situations in order to address problems encountered in keeping the project on track to meet its objectives
• Outline the measures to be adopted to ensure that the project is brought to an effective closure
• Explain the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of a project and describe the ways of doing this

Content

What is project management?

The Structured Approach:

• Phases of Managing Projects
• Project methodology
• Organisation structure
• Products & activities
• Project planning
• Using a project management toolkit

Human Aspects:

• Communication Skills
• Team Building
• Problem Solving
• Motivation
• Leadership
• Time management

Project Initiation:

• Business needs
• Objectives
• Deliverables
• Assumptions & constraints

Project Definition:

• Risk assessment
• Project scope
• Project plans, Cost plans

Project Plans:

• Identification of activities
• The Work Breakdown Structure
• Determination of critical path
• Milestones
• Estimating resources

Monitoring & Control:

• The monitoring and control process
• Progress reports
• Managing scope creep

Project Closure:

• Project evaluation report
• Acceptance and project closure
• Post implementation review