Introduction
This training program is designed for experienced project managers who want to master advanced project and program management techniques for large, complex, or high-risk projects. The course emphasizes integrating project management processes into organizational culture and aligning project objectives with strategic goals.
Participants will explore the latest tools and methodologies for stakeholder management, scheduling, risk mitigation, cost control, and project optimization. Advanced concepts such as queuing theory, Critical Chain Project Management, and risk quantification techniques are included, ensuring participants can plan, execute, and control projects with confidence and accuracy.
Objectives
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
- Improve risk management throughout the project lifecycle
- Track projects with accurate metrics and reporting tools
- Handle difficult vendors effectively
- Produce improved time and cost estimates for complex projects
- Reduce cost and schedule risks using advanced project management techniques
- Enhance stakeholder communication and involvement
- Apply advanced scheduling, risk, and contingency planning tools
Target Audience
- Senior and experienced project managers
- Program managers responsible for high-risk projects
- Project control officers and planners
- Construction, engineering, or IT project leaders
- Managers involved in procurement, contracts, and supplier relationships
Course Outline (10 Days)
Day 1 – Foundations of Advanced Project Management
- Why do we do projects?
- What is a project? Project management definitions
- Project delivery systems and lifecycle models
- Initiating projects: selection, qualitative and quantitative techniques
- Economic evaluation for project prioritization
- Selecting the right project manager
Day 2 – Stakeholder Management & Alignment
- Project objectives and alignment with enterprise strategy
- Identification and analysis of stakeholders
- Prioritizing stakeholder needs and expectations
- Communication strategies across hierarchical levels
- Decision-making authority and escalation paths
Day 3 – Advanced Planning & Scheduling Techniques
- Task characteristics and duration assessment
- Planning and scheduling methodologies
- Critical Path Method (CPM) vs. Critical Chain Scheduling
- Resource allocation and leveling
- Time-cost trade-offs and lead/lag adjustments
Day 4 – Project Risk Management: Identification & Analysis
- Risk vs. uncertainty
- Attitudes toward risk and organizational tolerance
- Identification of project risks, factors, and sources
- Risk analysis approaches: qualitative and quantitative
- Probability and impact evaluation, Monte Carlo simulations
Day 5 – Project Risk Strategies & Contingency Planning
- Developing risk mitigation and contingency strategies
- Risk response planning and network diagramming
- Management reserves and risk budgeting
- Early warning systems and risk monitoring tools
Day 6 – Project Execution & Lean Strategies
- Project execution techniques and Lean Construction strategies
- Staff acquisition and team development
- Leadership vs. management: roles and responsibilities
- Managing team conflict and enhancing collaboration
Day 7 – Monitoring & Controlling Projects
- Performance measurement and earned value management (EVM)
- Schedule and cost performance indices
- Implementing corrective actions and change control
- Progress tracking and reporting mechanisms
Day 8 – Advanced Cost & Contract Management
- Project cost control and optimization
- Managing procurement, contracts, and supplier relationships
- Cost and schedule risk integration into contracts
- Optimization planning for resources and budget
Day 9 – Project Closing & Lessons Learned
- Project closeout procedures and acceptance
- Managing warranties, retention, and final payments
- Post-project evaluation and lessons learned
- Documentation and knowledge transfer
Day 10 – Strategic Integration & Real-World Application
- Aligning projects to enterprise strategy and objectives
- Case studies: advanced project challenges
- Simulations for stakeholder, risk, and schedule management
- Tools and technologies for advanced project monitoring and control
- Capstone exercise: integrated project plan review and presentation
