This course does not make use of any project management software application, but instead focuses on the conceptual underpinnings that students must know in order to use any project management software application effectively.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Discuss the phases of the Project Management Life Cycle and a project manager's role in each phase
• List and discuss basic project success criteria and common reasons for project failure
• Discuss techniques for setting up a strong project team
• List and discuss elements of a Risk Management Plan
• Discuss techniques for planning and sequencing project activities, including the Work Breakdown Structure and the Network Logic Diagram
• Identify the Critical Path for completing a project on schedule
• List and discuss the cost elements that should be included in a project budget
• Discuss techniques for controlling for deviation from budgets and schedules
• Discuss key elements of project management communications and reporting tools
• Discuss key activities of project close-out

Some working knowledge of your computer's operating system.

The student kit includes a comprehensive workbook and other necessary materials for this class.

Lesson 1: Basic Network Theory

• Network Definitions

• Network Models

• Connectivity

• Network Addressing

• Signaling Concepts

Lesson 1: The Project Management Life Cycle

• What is a Project?
• The Project Management Life Cycle
• The Role of the Project Manager

Lesson 2: Setting Up for Success

• The Meaning of Success
• What Happens in the Initiation Phase?
• Project Definition and Scope
• Putting Together a Statement of Work
• The Project Charter

Lesson 3: The Project Team

• The Teamwork Challenge
• Selecting Team Members
• The Team Charter

Lesson 4: Risk Management

• Project Risk

Lesson 5: Project Plans

• The Work Breakdown Structure
• Work Package Sequencing

Lesson 6: The Project Schedule

• The Scheduling Process
• Time Estimates

Lesson 7: The Project Budget

• What is a Budget?
• Creating a Preliminary Budget
• Budget and Schedule Balancing

Lesson 8: Project Tracking and Control

• Moving the Project Forward
• Monitoring for Project Progress
• Earned Value Analysis
• Getting Back on Track

Lesson 9: Project Reports

• Communications Overview
• Project Performance Reports
• Project Change Requests

Lesson 10: Project Close-out

• Elements of Close-out
• Evaluation of People and Projects