The primary aim is to consider issues of operational project management control within a sound business environment. To achieve this the programme consists of eight sessions (which are very briefly described below).

1)  PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS

2)  ORGANISING THE PROJECT

3)  PROJECT INITIATION

4)  RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

5)  PROJECT MANAGEMENT - CONTROL

6)  CHANGE CONTROL

7)  QUALITY ASSURANCE

8)  PROJECT MANAGEMENT ISSUES

To establish some empathy and lay down a foundation, this particular project management training course starts with syndicates defining what is project management versus non-project activity, and produce work based examples. It will also explore participants attitude on planning, establish the need for discipline, and deal with project size, complexity and objectives. The management training course recognises that project management is a complex environment of differing roles, personalities, skills, techniques, needs, controls, etc. The total organisational picture is therefore examined to promote a greater understanding of the project management environment and how it contributes to organisational effectiveness.

The management training course reviews, project principle, sponsor, governing, liaison and project groups, allocation of responsibilities, principle tasks, basis and degree of authority, organisational functions and units, factors affecting project organisation, control, communication, and project limits. The project managers role is reviewed including approach, role, authority, responsibilities, and attitude. Project team structures and responsibilities are assessed together with observations on overcoming problems and difficulties, i.e. the whole project management environment is reviewed.

This course is designed to focus attention on the project management procedures governing project authorisation from initiation, through planning and into execution.

Many projects have failed as a result of our lack of appreciation of required resources, in terms of type and amount to secure project objectives. Achieving results has always been and always will be difficult. A major cause of project management dissatisfaction is a factor called time slip. The problems arising from time slippage and the threat of its consequences will be reviewed. The project management training course therefore promotes a practical understanding of time management issues for effective resource utilisation.

Consideration is given to project control needs, feedback and methods, interpreting, communicating and managing the implications. Review guidelines are provided and checkpoints, checklists and frequency are appraised. Evaluation of control information including methods of collection, reviews and alteration or termination of project plans are examined to establish detailed project management control.

Because incorporating change can be a significant proportion of project overhead the course continues with a review of project changes; how they originate, the impact on project management control and objectives and how they should be defined, authorised, managed and implemented.

Brief consideration is given to Quality Assurance & Standards, needs, aims, the development of the standards manual, QA functions, checklists and costs.