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Project Management Mastery Plus (PMM+)

All the powerful content of Project Management Mastery with an additional day to incorporate actual tools that can be used in executing the learned methodology

Knowledge of and experience with project management tools can significantly enhance a project manager’s ability to apply the necessary skills and methodology to define, plan and manage projects predictably and efficiently. In Planning and Managing Projects Plus, IPS incorporates the use of Microsoft® Project for Windows into the company’s foundational course on practical project management processes and methodologies, Project Management Mastery.

The methodology behind the course is based on the IPS Integrated Project Management model and years of direct work experience in managing software, hardware, component and systems development projects. Captured in Project Management Mastery Plus, that experience makes the course especially practical and useful to project managers in organizations across diverse business sectors. By combining proficiency in Microsoft® with solid methodology, powerful instructional design, customized lab work and flexible presentation, Project Management Mastery Plus provides participants with an unbeatable arsenal of tools and methodologies that they can apply immediately to their work.

For those organizations who are interested in the fundamental project management content of Project Management Mastery Plus without industry tools, please refer to our 3 day course: Project Management Mastery. Also, to bring complex products to market through programs that require multiple organizational units, read about our course on Integrated Program Management.

Courses also available through Instructor Led Live Virtual delivery

All courses can be made available to your team onsite (at your office) or through our live virtual advanced project management program. The Live Virtual program uses web collaboration tools such as WebEx or Live Meeting. Courses are delivered virtually to your team regardless of location. The virtual synchronous option allows individuals from various geographic locations to experience and jointly participate in the live delivery of courses over the internet.

Benefits to the Organization

As a result of Project Management Mastery Plus, your organization will benefit from:

  • All of the process and methodology benefits of our Planning and Managing Projects course, plus
  • Application of tools and process training in an interactive “workshop” environment (avoiding non-collaborative atmosphere typical of tools training)
  • A complete set of electronic copies of project plans, templates and checklists for immediate use in their real work environment

Learning Objectives

After completing Project Management Mastery Plus, you will understand:

  • A systematic approach to defining projects and developing reliable plans to achieve the desired outcome
  • Proven techniques for tracking, assessing and communicating project status
  • Applicable, hands-on experience in implementing project management techniques
  • Application of the operation of Microsoft® Project in the context of the IPS Integrated Project Management model

Target Audience

Representatives of all functional disciplines benefit from learning the methodologies and Microsoft® Project application presented in Project Management Mastery Plus. The course is particularly recommended for actual or potential project managers and for all the professionals directly contributing to a project.

Prerequisites: none; Prior knowledge of Microsoft® Project is not required for taking this course, nor are experience-based exemptions allowed.

This course has been demonstrated to be highly valuable to both new and experienced MSP users alike.

Content and Process

Project Management Mastery Plus is a four-day intensive course that provides a step-by-step process for projects of any size. It includes hands-on exploration of the key Microsoft® Project planning and tracking capabilities. Utilization of structured exercises allows attendees to apply the concepts and tools to projects from their organization.

The course focuses on:

  • Defining and organizing a project
  • Planning a project
  • Tracking and managing a project
  • Applying and integrating process and tools

Concepts presented are reinforced through demonstrations, structured exercises and group laboratories. Attendees apply the process to either real-life projects, thereby generating usable results, or to a selected case study if they choose not to bring a project to class. By the end of the fourth day, each attendee will have acquired hands-on experience in applying the new concepts and techniques as well as the use of Microsoft® Project for planning and managing projects.

The course teaches technical project management skills. It does not focus on people management skills, financial techniques or product management.

Course Topics

The course follows the structure and incorporates the content of Project Management Mastery with the addition of the following software applications:

Defining and Organizing the Project

Microsoft® Word:

  • Review ‘New Project Proposal Template’
  • Review ‘Team Roster’
  • Review ‘Project Definition Document’
  • Create ‘Project Objective Statement’ and ‘Flexibility Matrix’
  • Define ‘Major Deliverables’
  • Establish ‘Framework Checklist’
  • Review ‘Issues Log’

Planning the Project

Microsoft® Project:

  • Introduce case study
  • Create WBS and WBS dictionary
  • Develop logical dependencies
  • Refine estimates
  • Analyze resource commitments
  • Conduct plan quality review
  • Optimize plan
  • Baseline plan
  • Determine communication reports

Microsoft® Word:

  • Develop ‘Risk Assessment Plan’
  • Develop ‘Risk Management Plan’
  • Review ‘Change Request’ and ‘Change Logs’

Tracking and Managing the Project

Microsoft® Project:

  • Update status
  • Analyze variances and critical path
  • Take adaptive actions and update project plan
  • Review report functionality

Microsoft® Word:

  • Review ‘Issues Log’
  • Project dashboards
  • Capture key learning

Summary

By adding the Microsoft® Project competency to Project Management Mastery, this course enhances the student’s ability to implement the methodology and processes discussed in PMM, resulting in a positive, sustained change in the way projects and programs are managed to meet business objectives.

PMM+ may be combined with workshops included in our strategic consulting solutions to create a tailored learning solution for you and your organization. Contact us today to learn more.