Whether you are a project manager by title or you were just given the responsibility of managing a project from beginning to end, this course will provide the knowledge and skills to help you be successful in that role. The course will cover a typical project management lifecycle from initiation, to planning, to execution and control, to closing. It provides a general understanding of key processes in each of these stages as they may be utilized in managing projects in any industry, while offering examples that demonstrate their application in managing projects in the energy/utility space.
This course will enable you to achieve consistent success in your projects by covering both the art and science of project management. There will be a discussion of tools and techniques but also how to make sure you understand what success looks like in your stakeholder’s eyes and how to lead the team to turn that vision into reality.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe what is a project and how it is different than operational work
- Review the triple constraints
- Develop a project charter
- Organize project work using work break-down structures
- Create a project schedule
- Identify and manage critical paths
- Discuss the pitfalls of not having the right level of rigor or proper scheduling tools
- Address top down vs. bottom-up planning approaches
- Create a project cost estimate and define proper levels of cost breakdown and tracking
- Review components of a communication plan, how to formulate key messages, how to choose appropriate communication methods and how to ensure proper execution of your plan
- Identify key stakeholders and their interest in the project. Utilize stakeholder analysis to manage expectations, resolve conflicts, and gain stakeholder support for success of your project
- Identify, analyze, and manage project risks
- Describe different types of risk response and when to use each
- Review the monitoring and control processes
- Establish proper tracking and status reporting
- Discuss the close out process and activities that take place in that phase
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2021 : CENTRAL TIME
What is a project and why you should care?
- What is a project and what is not
- Typical project lifecycle
- Who is who and what are their responsibilities
Defining and initiating a project
- Defining objectives
- Identifying triple constraints
- Chartering and initiating
Group Activity (formulating objectives and defining success)
Planning the triple constraints (time, cost, and scope)
- Scope definition and development of the work break-down structure
- Schedule development and identification of the critical path
- Cost estimation
Group Activity (Defining scope and building a WBS)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021 : CENTRAL TIME
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Course Timing
Managing stakeholders and communications
- Identifying and analyzing stakeholders
- Developing a stakeholder management and communication plan
Group Activity (Identifying stakeholders and developing strategies to manage them)
Managing risks
- Identifying and analyzing risks
- Developing a risk management plan
Group Activity (Building a Risk Management Plan)
Executing the plans and staying on track
- On-going monitoring and control
- Tracking and status reporting
- Change management
Group Activity (Taking corrective action)
Closing a project
- Releasing resources
- Closing financials
- Getting final sign-offs
- Capturing lessons learned
Agile Project Management
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021 : CENTRAL TIME
Overview
This workshop will dive into an alternative option to a typical project management execution: Agile Management. After a quick review of traditional Project Management, we will detail how Agile progresses from beginning to end and how this method showcases different leadership styles, engagement, expectations, and overall vision than what Project Managers and their teams might be used to.
This event will enlighten attendees on when it makes sense to switch to this method of management and why. From initial vision to completion, this workshop will help anyone who is leading or participating in a project understand why this method can be beneficial.
Learning Objectives
- Recap the expectations and execution of standard project management
- Discuss the differences between Agile and Standard and compare the pros and cons
- Examine the main principles of Agile PM and understand how this helps to complete a successful project
- Recognize when it makes sense to initiate a project as Standard or Agile
Who Should Attend
To successfully benefit from this workshop, attendees will need to first understand the basics of traditional project management’s structure and goals, whether it’s through professional training or on-the-job experience. Attending the Project Management for Utilities course prior to this workshop is strongly encouraged if you have not attended it (or one of a similar style) in the past.
Agenda
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Workshop Timing
Introduction
- Review of standard project management
- Overview of what to expect with Agile and its immediate differences from traditional
Setting the Stage
- Vision
- Building the team
- Starting in broad directions
- Building up to targets
Main Principles
- Collaborative and supportive environment
- Flexibility and adaptability throughout the process
- Prioritizing individuals over tools/contracts
Leadership Strategies
- Deciding when to choose Agile vs. Standard
- Managing your team
Pros & Cons of Choosing Agile PM
- Pros
- Building accountability
- Encourage diversity and cultural change
- Client/user engagement
- Cons
- Lack of process structure
- Maintaining collaboration over long-term projects
- PMs may have some difficulty transitioning to different leadership style
Transitioning from Standard to Agile
- Determining project types
- New leadership style
- Requires organizational change
- Team-driven rather than project leader-driven
Q&A Session
Instructor
David Tennant, Windward Consulting Group LLC
David Tennant has successfully directed over $3.5 billion in projects, programs, and resources. With degrees in engineering and business, he has a unique perspective on projects at both the practitioner and executive levels. His experience includes engineering, operations, marketing, board leadership, consulting, training, and numerous executive roles.
Mr. Tennant has had projects worldwide and published over 35 articles on technical and managerial topics. His experience includes utilities, manufacturing, services, telecom, R&D, and EPC (engineering) firms. He is a registered professional engineer and certified project manager (PMP).