Project management is the art
of matching a project's goals, tasks,
resources to accomplish a goal as needed. We
say "as needed" because one has limited
time, money, and resources (human and
machinery) with which to accomplish a goal.
Time , money and management being the
essence of an organization this course will
broaden those skills to implement and manage
projects effectively.
General course objective
The general
objective of the course is to provide the
students with the foundation knowledge and
skills to identify, plan and execute
projects in an organizational or community
context. Modern organizations are faced with
a constant need to modernize and innovate.
In South Africa the business as well as
public sector need to deal with a dual
challenge, namely to become part of a
globalized world and economy while at the
same time dealing with the socio-economic
realities of the country. Project management
is increasingly providing new and innovative
ways to plan, organize and implement
transformation, change and development
initiatives, so as to deal with these
challenges.
Course
Outcomes
After
completion of the course the learner will have:
-
Basic knowledge of the nature and importance of projects in the
international as well as local arena;
-
Working knowledge of the disciplines and knowledge areas involved in
project management;
-
Working knowledge of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK);
-
Practical knowledge and skill in to apply project management
techniques required in the identification, planning, management and
execution of projects;
-
Awareness of best practices in respect of project management
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction
to projects
Module learning outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to:
Describe the importance of project
management in modern society;
Describe the importance of projects in organizations;
Describe the importance of projects in executing strategies;
Explain the multi-disciplinary nature of projects;
Describe the following terms:
Project;
Program;
Project management;
Stakeholder.
Explain the difference between operations and project management.
Module 2: The need for projects in modern organizations
Module
learning outcomes:
After
completion of this module the learner should be able to:
Describe the factors that drive the need for projects in modern
organizations;
Describe the benefits of adopting a project management approach in
organizations;
Identify the general factors that contribute to the failure of project;
Module 3: The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
Module
learning outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to:
Describe the aim of the PMBOK;
Outline the knowledge areas of the PMBOK;
Describe the project management process groups;
Motivate the need and value of a project life cycle;
Identify the difference between a project and product life cycle;
Identify the difference between project management and general
management process groups.
Module 4: Project
identification
Module learning
outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to:
Describe where projects typically originate in organizations;
Define a project in terms of the project input, output and activities
classification system;
Outline the elements of a typical business case;
Outline the elements of a typical feasibility study;
Draft a project charter or Scope of Work Statement (SOW);
Know who is typically responsible for drafting the project charter/SOW;
Explain the rationale and use of the following project selection
techniques:
Benefit/cost ratio;
Payback period;
Return on investment;
Net present value (NPV);
Internal rate of return (IRR);
Stage gate approach.
Peer review;
“Murder board”
Portfolio analysis
Module 5: Project
and team leadership
Module learning
outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to:
Distinguish between leadership and management;
Explain how the PMBOK addresses the issue of management and leadership
in a project context;
Describe the core competencies of a project manager/leader;
Describe the importance of influence and relationships for effective
project leadership;
Explain the fundamentals of influencing people;
Describe the tactics that can be employed to:
Get people to follow through on commitments;
Get people to take action;
Obtain and give meaningful feedback
Module 6: Project
scoping, planning and scheduling
Module learning
outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to:
Recall the principles for sound planning;
Recall the core elements of a project launch meeting;
Compile a Work Breakdown Structure;
Sequence a basic set of activities;
Use a schedule bar chart to graphically represent a sequence of
activities;
Explain the elements and rationale of the critical path
Module 7:
Management control in projects
Module learning
outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to describe
the following:
The critical factors for managing the overall health of a project;
The nature and relevance of:
Scope management;
Procurement and the procurement cycle;
Resource allocation (with specific reference to resource leveling);
Managing earned value.
Module 8: Project
account
Module learning
outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to:
Develop a basic
cash flow statement;
Recall and write explanatory notes about the rationale and use of the
S-Curve- thus understanding EVA principles
Module 9: Project
evaluation
Module learning
outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to describe
the following:
The purpose of project evaluation;
The role and function of project auditing;
The construction and use of the audit report;
The responsibilities of the project auditor
Module 10:
Project termination
Module learning
outcomes:
After completion of this module the learner should be able to describe
the following:
The typical ways to terminate a project;
The ideal time to terminate a project;
The process of project termination
