Project Execution: Organizing Team and Time Resources

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 discussion of the merits of parallel development where various contributors cooperate rather than work independently. We will present effective methods for organizing a project team with the right level of autonomy in making decisions, so as to maximize success.

Subsequently, we will introduce a framework called Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) for detailed planning and implementation. CCPM puts you in control of project implementation for on-time completion by coordinating firm resources, timely planning and execution of uncertain activities. Participants will learn how to apply this methodology in the context of their own organizations with techniques that create a supportive culture and motivate performance. Through lecture, group work and case studies, participants will learn the keys to effective project execution.

Topics

Introduction

• Common project challenges
• Pitfalls of traditional accounting in evaluating projects
• How human behavior impacts projects

Organizing the Project Team

• Parallel and serial project development
• Determine the degree of project autonomy
• Distributing project authority and responsibility
• Determining the right project leader
• Setting up a successful project team
• Project Auditing to find improvement opportunities

Project scheduling

• Constructing and using project charts
• Managing activity durations
• The critical path
• Critical chain project management
• Introduction to Microsoft Project®

Creating a culture to support the right outcomes

• Nurturing an attitude towards on-time execution
• Using Appreciative Inquiry to elevate expectations
• Motivating performance

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending this program, participants will:

• Learn about different organizational structures for executing projects
• Learn frameworks to identify the most appropriate organizational structure for a new project within the context of the firm
• Distribute authority and responsibilities so as to maximize chances of success
• Audit projects currently in progress and eliminate barriers to progress
• 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
• Explore motivational techniques that foster timely execution of work