Basic Project Planning (BPP)

The Basic Project Planning course is for team members and individuals who manage projects.  No matter what the job title, the level of experience, or the nature of the organization – everyone is responsible for managing projects (be they small, medium, or large).  Project success is critical for the welfare of the organization.  This workshop is for all those who do not carry the title of project manager and yet do the work and have the responsibility for projects from beginning to completion.

Why Basic Project Planning?

• Because we all manage projects
• Because most of us do not carry the title of project manager
• Because many of us have not been trained to plan or manage projects
• Because project success is crucial
• Because planning is the key to project success
• Because projects gone array cost us time, money, reputation, and stress

What is Basic Project Planning?

Basic Project Planning is a one-day hands-on program that focuses on the fundamentals of successful project planning.  It helps participants to define a project and to use proven techniques to build a practical project plan.  Since we believe that people learn by doing and discussing, not just listening, our methodology is to deliver the essential project planning skills and then turn the participants loose to practice and apply them.  An integral component of the workshop is having the attendees work in small groups, each having an opportunity to be team leader and apply the basic skills of project planning.  There are over fifteen individual and team learning exercises.  Using this format, the attendees will learn as much or more from each other as they will from the facilitator.

The Workshop

Obstacles to Successful Project Planning:  Participants will identify their obstacles to successful project planning.

Project Overview and Model:  Discuss the definition of a project and the need to plan a project.  Examines the general model for project planning including SMART goals.

Developing the Project Definition:  Emphasis is placed on the need to clearly understand and define the project - participants first work as a team on a class project and then individually on their own project.  Each exercise completes with a review and a “What did I learn?” discussion.

Planning the Project Details:  Introduces a proven method, the Work Breakdown Structure, to define the details the project from objectives to the task and sub-task level.  The Work Breakdown Structure will be used to help define cost, timelines, and resources, as well as risk and responsibilities

Common Planning Mistakes:  Focuses attention on two critical and challenging areas – poor planning and ineffective communication.  Possible solutions will be discussed and developed.

An optional one-on-one Personal Consultation for each participant is also available to support the learning retention process and to help ensure maximum application.