Project Management

This course introduces basic project management principles and how to leverage these principles to manage projects in the ‘real world’. Templates based on standard Microsoft Office software are provided, reviewed and used in an analytics project case study to provide examples that can be modified for future use (see below for a list of templates provided). The course then explores the ‘softer side’ of project management by identifying characteristics of an effective PM and 10 leadership strategies for project managers and how these leadership strategies can be leveraged by an ‘individual contributor’.

This course is targeted at individuals being asked to manage small to medium projects for the first time, ‘junior’ project managers looking for a different perspective and individual contributors looking to expand their skill set. There are no pre-requisites for this course. No project management experience, in-depth knowledge of EXCEL or technical programming or analytics skills needed. Each student should Have Microsoft Office (EXCEL, WORD, PowerPoint) available on their machine.

The course IS NOT intended to teach:

• Specific project management software (for instance, Microsoft Project).
• Skills to prep the learner for the PMI exam.
• A robust project management framework suitable for large internal or external consulting projects.

Templates provided:

• Statement of Work (WORD
• Project Kick-off Meeting (PowerPoint)
• Project Plan (EXCEL)
• Meeting Minutes (WORD)
• Status Reports (WORD)
• Project Closure (EXCEL, WORD)

This class will be delivered on-line in four, 3.5-hour sessions over two weeks through Zoom with a live instructor or two consecutive days in-person.

A good internet connection and dual screens are recommended to maximize the learning experience.  Links to the online training platform and class materials will be sent to registered attendees approximately 3-5 days before the class.

Topics covered in this class

Part 1: Project Management Fundamentals

• Module 1: Project conception
• Module 2: Project definition.
• Module 3: Project execution.
• Module 4: Basic agile development.

Part 2: Project Management Fundamentals applied to an Analytics Case Study

• Module 5: An agile project managment approach (to an analytics project).
• Module 6: Conception - Implement SOW template. Complete case study part 1.
• Module 7: Definition - Implement kick-off / project plan templates. Complete case study part 2.
• Module 8: Execution - Steps to execute / close the project. Complete case study part 3.

Part 3: Project Management Skills

• Module 9: Characteristics of an effective PM.
• Module 10: Ten leadership strategies for a project manager and/or individual contributor.