13/05/2024 CONFIDENTIALITY LEVEL

PROJECT MANAGER
Lesson 1 - Introduction

SCIENTIA ET
PRATIQUE
I. WHAT IS PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Expected Outcomes
Bullet Points

• Understand Project Management: Learn the fundamental concepts and definitions

• History and Evolution: Gain insights into the historical development and evolution of PM

• Core Functions: Familiarize with key functionalities such as planning, resource management, risk management, and communication

• Role of a Project Manager: Identify the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of a PM

• Project Lifecycle: Understand the stages of a project lifecycle from initiation to closure

• Methodologies: Learn about various project management methodologies like Agile and Waterfall

1
DEFINITION
What is Project Management?

“PM is planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of company resources for a relatively short-term objective that has been
established to complete specific goals and objectives.” (Kerzner, H., 1979)

“PM is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. It’s the practice of
planning, organizing, and executing the tasks needed to turn a brilliant idea into a tangible product, service, or deliverable” (Phillips, J.,
2004)

“Application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project
acceptance criteria within agreed parameters” (APM, 2019)

“PM is the process of leading the work of a team to achieve all project goals within the given constraints.” (PMI, 2024)

2
HISTORY AND EVOLUTION
A brief history of Project Management

Source: Your Ultimate Guide to Project Management in 2024, Kathor R., 2023

3
KEY POINTS
Key funcionalities of Project Management

Project Resource

Project Planning Management

Risk
Closure &
Management
Evaluation

Team Leader Communicati

& Innovation on

Problem
Solving & Quality
Decision Management
Change Procurement
Making
Management Management
Source: Own elaboration, 2024
4
 IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS
Importance of Project Management It
Establishes
It creates a an agreed
base for schedule
teamwork and plan

It clearly defines
It promotes the plan of the
teamwork project before it
begins

It lowers It defines
project the project
costs scope

It minimizes It controls
risks quality Source: Importance of Project Management, Sinnaps, 2024

5
II. PROJECT MANAGER
 WHAT THEY DO
The Role of a Project Manager

PM are key coordinators of the business world!!

They are the master organizers, the strategic thinkers, and the risk mitigators who turn complex ideas into successful projects

A skilled PM wears many hats, juggling a diverse array of functions to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to
the highest standards of quality

Communication is Key!

6
 WHAT THEY DO
The Role of a Project Manager

Source: Own elaboration, AI Video Maker, 2024

7
 WHAT THEY ARE EXPECT TO DO
Expectations from a Project Manager

A PM is expected to have an ethical and professional behavior and a continuous learning and development of his skills and
,
competencies required, like leadership, communication and problem-solving

Duties Responsibilities

• Project Planning • Ensuring Project Alignment with the Objectives

g

t
• Resource Allocation • Stakeholder Management
f • Risk Management • Team Leadership and Motivation
es
• Quality Control • Overseeing Project Execution and Monitoring
• Communication • Quality Management
• Problem-Solving • Procurement Management
• Decision Making • Change Management
8
 CAREER PROSPECTS AND GROWTH TRAJECTORY
Educational and professional pathways

Career Pathways

Career Prospects and Growth Certifications and Courses Educational and Professional
Trajectory Recommended Pathways

- Roles: Senior Project - Project Management Professional - Degrees in Business, Engineering,

Manager, Program Manager, (PMP) IT, or related fields
Portfolio Manager, PMO
Director - Certified Associate in Project - Experience in project coordination
Management (CAPM) or assistant project manager roles
- Opportunities for
advancement into executive - Agile certifications (e.g.,
positions like COO ScrumMaster)

9
 III. UNDERSTANDING
PROJECTS:
KEY STAGES, ARTIFACTS,
DOCUMENTS, MEETINGS,
AND ACTIVITIES
 UNDERSTANDING A LIFECYCLE OF A PROJECT
Key Stages in Project Management

4. Project Monitoring and

1. Project Initiation 2. Project Planning 3. Project Execution 5. Project Closure
Controlling

Project Scope
Statement Progress Performance Final Project
Reports Metrics Report
Project Charter Work
Breakdown
Structure (WBS)
Key Artifacts Key Artifacts Key Artifacts Change Key Artifacts Quality Audits Key Artifacts Lessons Learned
Project Requests
Register
Schedule

Stakeholder Issue Logs

Risk
Analysis Post-
Management Test Plans and Risk Reviews
Implementation
Plan Test Results Review
Project Kick off Planning Daily Standups Steering Project
Meeting Sessions or Scrums Committee Retrospective
Status Review Meetings Resource
Key Meetings Key Meetings Key Meetings Key Meetings
Resource Meetings Key Meetings Release
and Activities and Activities and Activities and Activities Variance
Stakeholder Allocation and Activities
Change Control Analysis
Interviews Formal Project
Risk Assessment Board (CCB) Corrective Acceptance
Workshops Meetings Action Planning
Source: Own elaboration, 2024

10
 ARTIFACTS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Key Artifacts in Project Management

Project Charter: Authorizes the project, outlines objectives, and identifies stakeholders

Work Breakdown
Structure (WBS): Breaks down the project into manageable tasks

Risk Management Plan: Identifies potential risks and defines mitigation strategies

Final Project Report: Summarizes project outcomes and performance

Source: Own elaboration, 2024

11
 ARTIFACTS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Example of a Project Charter

Source: Smartsheet, 2019 and LinkedIn, 2024

Source: Own elaboration, 2024

12
 ARTIFACTS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Example of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Source: YouExec, 2024

13
 ARTIFACTS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Example of a Risk Management Plan

Source: MindStudios (GoogleSheets), 2023

14
 ARTIFACTS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Example of a Final Project Report

Source: Xfanzexpo.com, 2019 and Venngage, 2021

15
 DOCUMENTS, MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES
Key Documents, Meetings, and Activities in Project Management

Documents Meetings Activities

• Status Reports: Regular • Kick off Meeting: Aligns • Planning Sessions: Detailed
updates on project stakeholders at the start of planning of project scope
progress the project and schedule
• Change Log: Tracks • Daily Standups/ Scrums: • Risk Assessment Workshops:
changes to scope, Brief, daily meetings to track Identifying and planning for
schedule, and cost progress potential risks
• Project Retrospective: • Quality Audits: Ensuring that
Review of project success the deliverables meet the
and areas for improvement required standards 16
IV. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
METHODOLOGIES, BENEFITS
AND CHALLENGES
 PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGIES
Agile vs. Waterfall: Choosing the Right Project Management Approach

What is Agile PM?

Agile PM is an interactive, adaptive approach that prioritizes flexibility and

responsiveness to change
It breaks down large projects into smaller, manageable increments called
"sprints"
Each sprint typically lasts a few weeks and focuses on delivering a working
piece of the final product
Agile encourages continuous feedback and collaboration among team
members and stakeholders

What is Waterfall PM?

Waterfall PM is a traditional, linear approach with a sequential flow of phases

Each phase must be fully completed before the next one can begin
This methodology emphasizes thorough upfront planning and detailed
documentation
Source: Agile vs. Waterfall: A comparative analysis, 2024

17
 BENEFITS
Benefits of Effective Project Management

Lessons Learned
From Successful Project
Proper Planning

Thorough planning and scope definition are crucial for project success
Effective Communication: Keeping everyone informed and involved helps maintain alignment and commitment
Active Risk Management: Early and proactive risk management prevents issues from becoming obstacles

Scope Management

It is vital to establish and adhere to clear project scopes to prevent scope creep
Resource Efficiency: Proper assessment and allocation of resources are essential for meeting project deadlines and budget

Stakeholder Engagement

Continuous engagement with stakeholders is necessary to ensure expectations and project delivery are aligned

These case studies illustrate fundamental differences in PM practices that can lead to success or
failure
Key lessons emphasize the importance of clarity, communication, and proactive management in
achieving project goals
18
 CHALLENGES
Key Challenges in Project Management

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

• Poor Scope Definition • Lack of Risk Management

Clearly define project goals and deliverables from
Actively identify potential risks, create mitigation
the outset to avoid "scope creep" where
plans, and communicate these risks to project
requirements change or expand mid-project
stakeholders
• Unrealistic Timelines and Budgets
• Resistance to Change
Conduct thorough estimations with buffer room.
Communicate realistic targets honestly with Projects rarely follow a straight line. Embrace
stakeholders flexibility and adapt your plans as needed, while
ensuring those shifts are communicated effectively
• Insufficient Communication
Establish clear communication channels and keep
all stakeholders informed. Proactive
communication prevents misunderstandings

19
 QUALITY
Ensuring Quality in Your Projects

Advanced Strategies for Project Management Success

• Agile Methodologies

If your projects involve flexibility and adaptation, explore Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban. These are designed for interative work and quick
responses to change

• PM Software

Utilize PM tools (Asana, Trello, Monday.com, etc.) for scheduling, task tracking, resource management, and collaboration

• Earned Value Management (EVM)

This technique helps track project performance against budget and schedule. It's great for catching deviations early

• Continuous Improvement

Always conduct post-project reviews to learn lessons and identify areas to improve your processes for future projects

20
 SUMMARY
Summary and Key Takeaways

I. Definition: Applying processes, methods, skills, and knowledge to achieve project objectives

II. History: From ancient Egypt to modern methodologies used by the U.S. Navy, NASA, and major corporations

III. Key Functions: Project planning, resource management, risk management, communication, and quality management

IV. Importance: Establishes schedules, defines scope, lowers costs, promotes teamwork, controls quality, and minimizes risks

V. PM Role: Organizer, strategic thinker, risk mitigator with responsibilities in planning, resource allocation, risk management, and quality control

VI. Pathways: Degrees in related fields, PMP, CAPM, Agile certifications, and career growth opportunities

VII. Lifecycle Stages: Initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure

VIII. Methodologies: Agile for flexibility, Waterfall for structure, and hybrid approaches

21
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1 - APM (2019). APM Body of Knowledge, 7th Edition, 1-250, APM. Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/APM-Body-Knowledge-Ruth-Murray-Webster/dp/1903494826

2 - Indeed (2024). The Importance of Project Management. Indeed blog. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/importance-of-project-
management

3 - Kathor, R. (2023). Your Ultimate Guide to Project Management in 2024. Stackby Blog. Available at: https://stackby.com/blog/guide-to-project-management/

4 - Kerzner, H. (1979). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, And Control. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1-1014. ISBN-9780471741879

5 - Phillips, J. (2004). PMP Project Management Professional Study Guide. McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 1-354. ISBN-0072230622

6 - PMI (2024). Project Management Institute. Available at: https://www.pmi.org/about/what-is-project-management

7 - Sinnaps (Accessed at 2024). Importance of project management Sinnaps. Available at: https://www.sinnaps.com/en/project-management-blog/importance-of-project-
management

8 - Taylor, F.W. (1911). The Principles of Scientific Management. Harper & Brothers

9 - Gantt, H. (1917). Work, Wages, and Profits: Their Influence on the Cost of Living. The Engineering Magazine

10 - Ohno, T. (1988). Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production. Productivity Press

11 - DuPont Corporation (1957). Introduction to CPM (Critical Path Method). Internal publication

12 - AACE International (2006). Total Cost Management Framework: An Integrated Approach to Portfolio, Program, and Project Management. AACE International

13 - AI Video Maker (2024). Role of a Project Manager. AI Video Maker

22
SCIENTIA ET
PRATIQUE