In the fast-paced world of technology, where product cycles are short and innovation is paramount, traditional project management methods are often not enough. This "Accelerating Innovation: IT & Software Project Management Training Course" is a modern, comprehensive program designed to equip project managers, team leads, and product owners with the specialized skills needed to successfully navigate the unique challenges of software development. You will learn to apply agile methodologies, lead high-performing technical teams, and deliver complex digital products on time and within budget in a landscape defined by rapid change and continuous delivery.

This intensive, 10-day training program moves beyond theory to provide practical, hands-on experience with the tools and techniques that drive success in the tech industry. From mastering key frameworks like Scrum and Kanban to effectively managing technical debt and stakeholder expectations, this course offers a blueprint for leading projects that not only meet requirements but also push the boundaries of what's possible. By the end of this training, you will be prepared to streamline development workflows, optimize team collaboration, and deliver exceptional software that stands out in the marketplace.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• IT Project Managers
• Scrum Masters
• Product Owners
• Software Developers
• Engineering Team Leads
• Business Analysts
• Agile Coaches
• Quality Assurance Leads
• UX/UI Designers
• IT Managers

Objectives:

• Apply Agile principles to IT project management
• Lead and manage a software development lifecycle
• Develop effective user stories and product backlogs
• Implement and execute Agile methodologies like Scrum
• Mitigate project risks unique to software development
• Manage technical debt and scope creep effectively
• Optimize team communication and collaboration
• Utilize key project management software and tools
• Understand the role of DevOps in project delivery
• Drive continuous improvement in project execution

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to IT Project Management

• The software development lifecycle (SDLC) explained
• Key differences between IT and traditional project management
• An overview of various project methodologies
• The unique role of the IT project manager
• Core knowledge areas for technology projects

Module 2: Agile and Scrum Fundamentals

• The principles and values of the Agile Manifesto
• Understanding the roles in a Scrum team
• A deep dive into the Scrum framework
• Running effective sprint planning and review meetings
• The importance of daily stand-ups and retrospectives

Module 3: Project Planning & Scope

• Defining project scope in a technology context
• Creating a project roadmap and release plan
• Developing and prioritizing the product backlog
• Techniques for writing effective user stories
• Strategies for managing change and scope creep

Module 4: Requirements Gathering & Analysis

• The art of eliciting software requirements
• Techniques for stakeholder interviews and workshops
• Creating use cases and process diagrams
• The importance of non-functional requirements
• Validating and documenting requirements

Module 5: Risk Management in Software

• Identifying technical risks and dependencies
• Managing security vulnerabilities and compliance risks
• The concept of technical debt and how to manage it
• Creating a risk mitigation plan for software projects
• Proactive vs. reactive risk management

Module 6: Cost Management and Budgeting

• Estimating project effort with story points
• Budgeting for software and resource allocation
• Tracking project costs and burn rates
• Using burn-down and burn-up charts for forecasting
• Strategies for staying within budget

Module 7: Quality Assurance and Testing

• The project manager's role in quality assurance
• Creating a comprehensive test plan
• Understanding different types of testing
• Integrating QA into the development lifecycle
• Bug tracking and resolution management

Module 8: Team and Stakeholder Management

• Leading technical teams and fostering collaboration
• Communicating effectively with stakeholders
• Managing expectations and gaining buy-in
• Conflict resolution within the project team
• Techniques for motivating and empowering developers

Module 9: DevOps and Continuous Delivery

• An introduction to DevOps principles
• The role of CI/CD in modern software development
• Automating the build and deployment process
• The impact of DevOps on project velocity
• Tools for managing pipelines and releases

Module 10: Tools and Technology

• An overview of popular project management software
• Using tools like Jira, Trello, and Asana
• Collaboration tools for remote teams
• The importance of version control systems
• Other software for documentation and analytics

Module 11: Data-Driven Decision Making

• The role of data in project management
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for IT projects
• Using data to optimize workflows
• Analytics tools for monitoring project health
• Making informed decisions based on data

Module 12: UI/UX Principles for PMs

• An introduction to user-centered design
• The importance of UI/UX in software success
• The project manager's role in the design process
• Conducting user research and A/B testing
• Integrating design and development workflows

Module 13: Project Closeout and Retrospection

• The final stages of the project lifecycle
• Conducting project reviews and retrospectives
• Documenting lessons learned for future projects
• Project archiving and knowledge management
• Celebrating project success with the team

Module 14: Emerging Technologies and Trends

• An introduction to AI and its role in project management
• The impact of machine learning on development
• The role of blockchain and IoT in future projects
• Staying up-to-date with industry trends
• Preparing for the future of technology leadership

Module 15: Leadership and Career Development

• Leadership skills for IT project managers
• Emotional intelligence in a technical environment
• Mentoring and professional growth
• Building a strong professional network
• The future of the project manager in IT

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.