Project Management: From Concept to Plan

The boss has just informed you that the organization has reached an important decision calling for action. It’s your job to make it happen. You are handed the assignment with the parting words, “This project is pretty simple. We expect results fast.” What are your next steps?

Projects cannot succeed without a plan. This seminar will guide you through a systematic, step-by-step process for launching any new project, putting you in control of the project for greater results. It will teach you how to manage variables such as time, risk, budget, and stakeholders and how to avoid common pitfalls that can easily derail the process. Through interactive group exercises using real-world examples, discussion, lecture and feedback, participants will apply the methodology to improve their success rate for any planning project.

Topics

Introduction

• What is a planning project?
• Why some projects succeed and others fail

Beginning a planning project

• Setting clear objectives, scope and deliverables
• Managing expectations
• Developing the plan
• Avoiding pitfalls

Managing the planning project

• Forming and managing the team
• Setting and keeping the schedule
• Managing the budget
• Managing risk

Communication

• Developing effective communication plans
• Project review meetings with the client
• Completing the project

Final presentation planning

• Evaluation

Transitioning to implementation

• Creating a successful hand-off

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending this program, participants will:

• Understand the different phases of a project
• Learn to develop concise, workable project plans
• Learn how to manage expectations
• Understand the importance of appropriate project scope and objectives
• Learn how to assess project risk
• Learn to develop a project budget