Overview
This project management training course teaches students how to successfully facilitate the creation of project charters, work breakdown structures, network diagrams and updated project plans using proven group facilitation techniques. Detailed approaches are modeled by the instructor and then students are provided multiple opportunities to practice the skills presented using structured exercised contained in the course materials. Students receive specific, applicable feedback in each exercise. Due to the highly interactive nature of this class, class size is limited to 15 students.
Audience
The course targets students who already have a thorough understanding of basic project management techniques and are interested in learning how to successfully lead teams through the project planning and control process. This course is applicable to project team leaders as well as those who provide project management facilitation services within their organizations (e.g., Project Office personnel).
Course Duration
The course consists of 24 hours of instruction taught in a three-day program, including lecture and hands-on exercises. The course includes exercises on the following topics:
- Opening Planning Sessions
- Listing Charter Elements
- Dealing with Difficult People
- Building Network Diagrams
- Putting it all Together
Course Content
Each student is given a notebook to be used during the program to follow the lecture material and to perform individual exercises. In addition to the course material covered, detailed agendas that explain how to set up and conduct each facet of a facilitated project planning and/or control session. The detailed agendas serve as a handy reference tool for future sessions the students will lead.
Prerequisites
Participants must have successfully completed the following PMAlliance course: Project Management; Duration-Driven® Planning and Control.
Course Outline
Course Introduction
PMAlliance Project Management Approach Overview
- The Planning Process
- The Control Process
Setting the Stage
- Interviewing Project Sponsors
- Knowing the Process
- Preparing the Project Team
- Preparing Participants
- Preparing the Room
Opening the Session
- Preparing for On-Time Starts
- Delivering the Opening Monologue
- Creating Stage Presence
- Importance of Personal Objectives
- Reviewing the Agenda and Ground Rules
Exercise 1 – Delivering the Opening Monologue
Maintaining Group Focus
- Explaining Scene Transitions
- Giving Clear Directions
- Using the Parking Lot
- Managing Time
- Using Break-out Groups
Public Documentation
- Ten Commandments of Facilitation
- Recording Input as it is Given
- Recording Input Clearly
- Maintaining Pace
- Ordering Speakers
Exercise 2 – Listing Charter Elements
Collecting Detail Information
- Varying questions to clarify, challenge, or participate
- Listing
- Brainstorming
- Round-Robin
- Grouping
Dealing with Difficult People
- Determining the Source of Difficulty
- Types of Difficulty
- Applying Solutions
Exercise 3 – Facilitating a “Difficult” WBS
Building Networking Diagrams
- Using High Level Activities to Confirm the Approach
- Task Relationships That Work
- Successful Post-it Mechanics
