Course 1 fundamental of project management

Project Management Course Detailed Summary

Duties of Project manager

 Planning and organizing

 Managing tasks
 Budgeting
 Control cost and other factors

Introduction to Project Management

The Project Management Course provides an in-depth introduction to the key concepts,
methodologies, and skills required for effective project management. The course covers the
entire project life cycle, from initiation through planning, execution, monitoring, and closing.
Emphasis is placed on understanding various project management methodologies, including
Agile, Waterfall, Lean, and Six Sigma, and how they can be applied in different project
scenarios. Essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and
stakeholder management are also highlighted as critical components of a successful project
manager’s toolkit.

What are the core job responsibilities of project managers?

The project manager is responsible for planning, organizing, managing tasks, budgeting,
controlling costs, and other factors to help keep the project within budget and on time. What does
that mean? Basically, as the project manager, you will be responsible for tracking the day-to-day
details of the project, but you will also have an opportunity to step back and see the bigger
picture of the overall project. Depending on the project and organization, you may also have
responsibilities that utilize your interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skills are the behaviors you
use to interact with others, such as communication, active listening, and leadership. Let's review
these responsibilities.

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 Course 1 fundamental of project management

Summary of the project phases

The project life cycle is the path for your project from start to finish. Each project phase builds toward the
subsequent phase and helps to create a structure for the project. To recap, the main phases of the project life
cycle are: initiating the project, making a plan, executing and completing tasks, and closing the project.

In this reading, we will summarize each phase of the project life cycle.

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 Course 1 fundamental of project management

Waterfall and Agile Comparison

Waterfall Agile
Scrum Master acts primarily as a
Project manager serves as an active leader by
Project facilitator, removing any barriers the team
prioritizing and assigning tasks to team
manager's role faces. Team shares more responsibility in
members.
managing their own work.
Project deliverables and plans are well- Planning happens in shorter iterations and
established and documented in the early stages focuses on delivering value quickly.
Scope
of initiating and planning. Changes go through Subsequent iterations are adjusted in
a formal change request process. response to feedback or unforeseen issues.
Time is organized into phases called
Follows a mostly linear path through the
Sprints. Each Sprint has a defined
Schedule initiating, planning, executing, and closing
duration, with a set list of deliverables
phases of the project.
planned at the start of the Sprint.
Costs are kept under control by careful
Costs and schedule could change with
Cost estimation up front and close monitoring
each iteration.
throughout the life cycle of the project.
Team solicits ongoing stakeholder input
Project manager makes plans and clearly
and user feedback by testing products in
Quality defines criteria to measure quality at the
the field and regularly implementing
beginning of the project.
improvements.
Project manager continually communicates
progress toward milestones and other key Team is customer-focused, with consistent
Communication indicators to stakeholders, ensuring that the communication between users and the
project is on track to meet the customer’s project team.
expectations.
Team frequently provides deliverables to
Project manager continually manages and
stakeholders throughout the project.
Stakeholders monitors stakeholder engagement to ensure the
Progress toward milestones is dependent
project is on track.
upon stakeholder feedback.

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 Course 1 fundamental of project management

Organizational Structures and Their Impact

Understanding the impact of different organizational structures on project management is crucial.

The course discusses two main types of organizational structures:

 Classic Structure: In this hierarchical setup, authority flows from top to bottom. Project
managers in such structures often have limited authority and must seek approvals from
higher management, making decision-making a more prolonged process.
 Matrix Structure: This structure blends functional and projectized approaches, where
team members may report to both functional and project managers. This dual reporting
system requires project managers to coordinate extensively with various department
heads, enhancing flexibility but also complexity in managing priorities and resources.

Change Management

Change management is critical for ensuring that new project outputs are effectively integrated
into the organization. The course emphasizes that successful change management involves clear
communication, stakeholder involvement, and proactive issue resolution. Key strategies include:

 Communication: Keeping all stakeholders informed about changes and the benefits they
bring.
 Involvement: Engaging end users and stakeholders early in the process to garner support
and address concerns.
 Issue Resolution: Identifying and addressing potential obstacles to change to ensure
smooth adoption and integration.

Corporate and Project Governance

Corporate and project governance are pivotal in aligning projects with organizational goals.
Corporate governance involves establishing standards and practices that guide organizational
actions, balancing stakeholder interests. Project governance, overseen by project managers,
ensures that projects align with these broader goals and involve proper resource allocation and
management oversight. Effective governance frameworks include:

 Standards and Practices: Establishing clear guidelines for project execution.

 Resource Allocation: Ensuring that projects have the necessary resources for success.
 Senior Management Involvement: Engaging senior leaders to provide strategic
direction and support.

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 Course 1 fundamental of project management

Role of the Project Management Office (PMO)

The PMO plays a crucial role in standardizing project management practices across the
organization. Key functions of a PMO include:

 Strategic Planning and Governance: Aligning projects with organizational strategy and
ensuring governance standards are met.
 Best Practices Implementation: Promoting and implementing project management best
practices to improve efficiency and outcomes.
 Resource Management: Overseeing the allocation and utilization of project resources.
 Documentation and Training: Maintaining project documentation and providing
training to project managers and team members.

The PMO supports project managers by offering guidance, tools, and resources, ensuring that all
projects adhere to the established methodologies and standards.

Interpersonal Skills for Project Managers

The course highlights the importance of interpersonal skills for project managers, including:

 Building Relationships: Developing strong relationships with team members and

stakeholders to facilitate cooperation and trust.
 Influencing Without Authority: Guiding team members and stakeholders without direct
authority, often requiring negotiation and mediation skills.
 Effective Communication: Ensuring clear and consistent communication to keep all
parties informed and engaged.
 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Balancing stakeholder needs and resolving
conflicts constructively.
 Understanding Motivations: Recognizing what drives team members to tailor
approaches that encourage and inspire them.

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 Course 1 fundamental of project management

Summary of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology

This lecture introduced the Lean Six Sigma methodology, a powerful tool for project managers
seeking to improve existing processes. Here's a quick summary:

What is Lean Six Sigma?

 A combination of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

 Focuses on saving money, improving quality, and streamlining processes.
 Promotes team collaboration and a positive work environment.

Key Features:

 DMAIC Cycle: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control.

 Data-driven approach for identifying and solving problems.
 Applicable to any business problem.

Benefits:

 Reduces customer service wait times.

 Improves sales and conversions.
 Eliminates bottlenecks.
 Increases team motivation and productivity.

When to Use Lean Six Sigma:

 Complex or high-risk projects.

 Improving existing processes.
 Fixing problems with sales, conversions, or bottlenecks.

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Project Management Skills and Buzzwords

Incorporating relevant buzzwords and skills in resumes and job applications can make candidates
more attractive to employers. Essential project management skills include:

 Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess situations and data to make informed decisions.
 Assertiveness: Confidence in making decisions and leading teams.
 Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in project tasks.
 Conflict Resolution: Addressing and resolving disputes effectively.
 Coordination and Collaboration: Working well with diverse teams and departments.
 Financial Analysis and Budgeting: Managing project budgets and finances efficiently.
 Leadership and Communication: Guiding teams and maintaining clear communication
channels.
 Multitasking and Problem-Solving: Handling multiple tasks simultaneously and
solving issues as they arise.
 Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating project risks.
 Strategic Planning: Developing and executing project strategies aligned with
organizational goals.

Conclusion

The Project Management Course equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to
manage projects successfully. By covering various methodologies, organizational structures,
governance practices, and essential interpersonal skills, the course prepares individuals to handle
diverse project management challenges. Continuous learning and application of these principles
will enable project managers to deliver successful projects that meet organizational objectives
and stakeholder expectations.