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Project Management Basicsand BeyondTaking PM Training to the Next Level

Staff Development Coordinators Annual Meeting (SDCAM)

June 21, 2019Alan MacIntyre, PMPExigent, Inc.www.exigent-inc.comalan.macintyre@verizon.net

The Problem

8 Principles of Effective Learning

Running Workshops1. Project Management Knowledge2. Tips and Hints for Facilitators

Agenda

Delivering Dry and Boring Training Content

Project Management Anyone?

A Tough Audience

Busy and Distracted Adults

The Solution

Don’t Re-Invent the Wheel

Best Practices Are Out There!

The Problem

Project - A temporaryendeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result

1. Excites – Involve everyone in activities that are fun and engaging

2. Cultivates Curiosity – Encourage questions and discussions, allow for deeper exploration into topics that interest the group

3. Is Active –Balance passive “lecture” with active exercises and activities

4. Is Applicable – Lessons are more valuable when the skills can be applied directly to their job

8 Principles of Effective Learning

Source: https://brilliant.org/principles/

5. Is Community Driven – Team-based learning motivates and creates an environment of collaboration

6. Doesn’t Discriminate – Lessons apply equally to all members of the workforce regardless of cultural background, age or sex

7. Allows for Failure – “Smooth seas do not create skillful sailors” –challenge them, and then work on weaknesses

8. Sparks Questions – Encourage a questioning attitude aimed at understanding and improving how they apply these lessons

8 Principles of Effective Learning

Source: https://brilliant.org/principles/

Be prepared to run your class or workshop

Arrange tables in “groups” for team exercises

Start with a course overview then introductionsTeam formation should begin ASAP

Getting Started

FormStorm

NormPerform

Adjourn

The “Tuckman Ladder” – 5 Stages of Team Development Model

Ask them to share:- Challenges - Expectations- “Fun Fact”

Show by example

Draw from your own experienceTry to say “I’ve done this…” more than “you should do this…”

Use the tool or technique in class

Provide paper and electronic copiesDemonstrate “how” to use a technique

Try to avoid using just text and bullets on each slide (and reading verbatim)

Like I’m doing right now!

Running a Workshop

Work Breakdown Structure - A hierarchical decomposition of project work showing all deliverables in scope

Mix visual styles

Use images to explain complex concepts

Use animation to order topics

Running a WorkshopThe “Project Management Triangle”

Cost (Resources)

“How Much?”

Schedule“How Long?”

Quality“How Well?”

Scope“What is created?”

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide® is organized by

5 Process Groups1. Initiating 2. Planning3. Executing4. Monitoring & Controlling5. Closing

Running a Workshop Spell out acronyms

Use mnemonics to help memorize key information

IPEMC2

“It’s Profound, E = MC2”

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide® is organized by

10 Knowledge Areas

Running a Workshop Spell out acronyms

Use mnemonics to help memorize key information

Link to handouts and templates as these are discussed

IntegrationCommunication

Scope

Schedule

Risk

Quality

ProcurementCost Resource

Stakeholder

ProjectCharter

Use humor – appropriately and strategically – to keep things light

Are requirements clearly defined?

Are communications in the organization effective?

Running a Workshop

Hyperlinked PPT slides

Hyperlinked Video clip

Project Management (PM) Workshops

1. Select a “Case Study” project being worked on now

2. Create a motto

3. Draw a team logo

4. A spokesperson presents to the rest of the class

5. Teams develop scope, schedule and cost (resources) components

6. Other variations include: stakeholder analysis, risk identification, using metrics, problem solving and earned value

Running a Workshop

Project Name: Westchester Creek Bridge Upgrade

Purpose: To build a new draw bridge over Westchester Creek in Bronx, NY

Motto: Building better bridges, so you can get over it!

ADD DATES IN SET PERIODS (DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Phase 1 1 8

* Task 1 1 3

* Task 2 3 6

* Task 3 4 5

Phase 2 9 9

* Task 1 9 3

* Task 2 11 7

* Task 3 14 3

ACTIVITYPLAN START

(week)

PLAN DURATION

(weeks)

Add topics covering interpersonal skills (soft skills)

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Team Building*

Running a Workshop

The “Marshmallow Challenge” - Provides insights about the importance of iterative planning using “prototypes” and is very fun!

Running a Workshop Marshmallow Challenge -Team Building Exercise Participants

Use games at the end of a lesson to reinforce knowledge

Who Wants to be a PM?

Jeopardy!

Wheel of PM

Family Feud

Make up your own: Matching, Name that S Curve, others…

Running a Workshop

Soft Skills

ToolsProcesses

Optimum Workshop Results

Running a Workshop

Use a “blended approach” whenever possibleCombines interactive games and a “learn by doing” methodology with skills, processes and tools

Participants come away with

Project artifacts

A sense of achievement

Tools that can be customized for further use

Skills to manage projects

Knowledge to improve performance

Running a Workshop

PM Basics and Beyond – Taking PM Training to the Next Level

Thank You!

Questions ?

Alan MacIntyre, PMPExigent, Inc.www.exigent-inc.comalan.macintyre@verizon.net