SUMMARY:   Despite the fact that many project management tools and techniques are available, projects still fail with monotonous regularity - why? The basic principles of project management and the critical success factors to make a project work are frequently ignored. The critical success factors to make a project work are covered in workshop style. The manual that is provided contains templates and grids that can be put to practical use straight away. This course is not 'tool-specific' as we believe that a clear understanding of the generic principles and techniques of project management will enable a project manager to 'manage projects' and the tools that are available are then assigned to their rightful place as 'tools - not rules'. In this way the situation of the 'tail wagging the dog' with a complicated project management tool can be eliminated. The notes that are provided are clearly indexed and referenced to facilitate subsequent 'look-ups' of specific material. AUDIENCE:   This course is valuable for those interested in learning the latest process, techniques and industry standards used in project management. It is also for experienced project managers who desire to increase their project management skills and apply a standards-based approach to project management. DURATION:   5 Days COURSE CONTENT:   Introduction The project management culture Trends that show how important project management is becoming Definitions to achieve a common understanding of terminology Benefits to be derived from project management The status quo Project Characteristics and Phases Hard skills and soft skills Organizational Structures How to manage projects successfully within different structures Vertical versus horizontal: reporting lines and how to handle it The matrix structure The Project Manager Skills and characteristics required Ethics and performance criteria Team building and group dynamics This section in the notes constitutes a workbook that can be used in many team situations, also identifying and using behavioral styles in project teams Communication Written and verbal Meetings Conflict Types of conflict Conflict handling methods Time management Simple yet effective ways to take control of this scarce resource Quality The seven-step plan to quality Using JAD, Structured walk throughs and testing techniques Documentation How to set up and maintain a project file and also how to record information Roles and responsibilities The role and job description of each and every player, from Sponsor to one-time JAD attendee. How not to leave ANYTHING to chance. Scope, Project and Product definition and Set-Up Risk Identifying the main risks at the hand of comprehensive questionnaires and then adopting a project management style to match and address each risk Work Breakdown and statement of work The basis for planning. Here a number of practical exercises are worked through in teams Sizing Critical Path Method Taught at the hand of a number of case studies with practical work in teams Charting Resources Budget Contingencies Control and Managing, including change control