Learning Solutions for Increased Project Performance

Level: Foundation/Intermediate
Length: 2.5 hours
PDUs/Contact Hours: 2.5

It is said that projects don’t fail at the end, they fail at the beginning. By that we mean that projects are often badly planned or not planned at all. Oftentimes project managers are told to “just get in there and execute.” How can we expect success when we get to the execution part if we haven’t planned accordingly? It is extremely important to get your project off to a good start so that you have a strong foundation to build on.

The question then becomes what constitutes a good start? And how do you know what planning is necessary to make sure that it will lead to proper execution? This workshop will endeavor to answer those questions.

Case studies will be used to demonstrate real-life scenarios for application of project management techniques. You will come away with an understanding of what it takes to establish roles and responsibilities and the need to establish stakeholders. Exercises will include creation of a project charter, which is the official document that initiates the project and establishes the project manager.

Participants will:

• Have a better understanding of what it means to truly initiate a project correctly.
• Ensure that all stakeholders are together in their idea of the project’s key characteristics before significant organizational resources are expended on the detailed planning processes.
• Develop a consistent approach to cross-functional team kick-offs (including agreement on “baseline” RACI that you can use help clarify roles and responsibilities).
• Understand how a company’s strategic objectives should line up with projects.
• Learn how to develop a realistic project charter.