The Business of Project Management

Course Outline and Learning Objectives

The course is designed to develop the PM knowledge and skills of individuals working in a project environment in preparation of taking PMI's PMP professional certification examination or as a continuing education exercise for individuals wishing to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs). Both the theoretical and practical facets of the nine Project Management Knowledge Areas as contained in the PMBOK™ are introduced and reinforced in order to enhance the PM knowledge of the student.

Support Objectives:

1. Provide a broad overview of PM and its benefits to business.
2. Enhance the level of understanding and quality of application of effective management of a project's Scope from the process of conceptual development through project close-out.
3. Facilitate a clear understanding and sound application of effective Time Management principles and techniques.
4. Develop and enhance the principles of effective Cost Management.
5. Explore the concepts, control, enhancement and optimal use (also in terms of time and cost) of Quality Management.
6. Create an awareness of the importance of effective Human Resources Management to overall PM success by enhancing the understanding of those HR aspects which typically form part of project related environment.
7. Provide a Communication framework which facilitates the development of interpersonal skills and an understanding of project related applications.
8. Introduce Risk Management as a concept and its application in PM.
9. Explore the Procurement (and Administration) process to encourage sound Procurement planning, source selection and allocation, acquisitions and contract administration.

Course Structure

1. Introduction:
• Course overview
• What is PM and why use it?
• PMBOK – Process and Principles.
2. Integration Management:
• Overview of Integration Management Processes
• Develop project charter
• Develop project plan
• Direct and manage project execution
• Monitor and control project work
• Integrated change control
• Project close-out
3. Scope Management:
• Conceptual Development
• Scope statement and WBS
• Work authorization
• Scope reporting
• Scope control
• Project close-out
4. Time Management:
• Time Planning
• Time Estimating
• Time Scheduling
• Time Control
5. Cost Management:
• Cost estimating
• Cost budgeting
• Cost control
• Trade-off analysis
6. Quality Management:
• Specification and design conformance
• Quality assurance
• Quality control
• Project integration and cost benefits
7. Human Resources Management:
• Overview
• Leadership
• Team development
• Conflict management
• Staffing management
• Employee relations
• Authority and organizational planning
8. Communication Management:
• Overview
• Defining Communication
• Communication process
• Role of listening
• Breakdown in communication
• Feedback
• Communication applications
9. Risk Management:
• Overview
• What is risk?
• Risk and decision making
• Why is there risk in a project?
• Common sources of risk
• Risk Management process
• Benefits of Risk Management
10. Procurement (and Administration) Management:
• Overview
• Procurement Planning
• Information systems and solicitation
• Sources process
• Acquisition process
• Contract administration
• Close-out
11. Case Study and practicum.