Introduction

In an increasingly digitized and interconnected world, Blockchain and Digital Ledgers are no longer abstract concepts—they are becoming foundational technologies for securing transactions, ensuring transparency, and streamlining complex processes. For project managers, understanding how to integrate these distributed ledger technologies (DLT) into existing frameworks is key to staying ahead of the curve. The Unlocking the Future: A Training Course on Managing Projects with Blockchain & Digital Ledgers is a comprehensive 10-day program designed to bridge the gap between traditional project management and the revolutionary world of DLT.

This course will guide you through the lifecycle of a blockchain project, from initial concept and stakeholder analysis to smart contract deployment and network governance. You will learn to identify real-world use cases, manage the unique risks associated with decentralized systems, and implement best practices for ensuring security and scalability. By the end of this training, you will be equipped to confidently lead projects that leverage the power of blockchain, creating trust and efficiency in your organization and beyond.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Project managers
• Technology leads
• Business analysts
• IT consultants
• Product owners
• Operations managers
• Fintech professionals
• Supply chain managers
• Cybersecurity specialists
• Anyone involved in digital transformation projects

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of blockchain and digital ledgers.
• Differentiate between public, private, and consortium blockchains.
• Identify viable business use cases for blockchain technology.
• Learn to manage the unique risks of DLT projects.
• Master the basics of smart contracts and their lifecycle.
• Develop a strategic plan for blockchain project implementation.
• Understand the role of network governance and consensus mechanisms.
• Implement best practices for security and scalability.
• Use project management tools for tracking blockchain initiatives.
• Communicate the value of blockchain solutions to stakeholders.

Course Modules

Module 1: Blockchain and DLT Fundamentals

• What is blockchain and how does it work
• Key characteristics: immutability, transparency, decentralization
• Understanding hash functions and cryptographic security
• Types of digital ledgers: public vs. private
• The role of consensus mechanisms

Module 2: Project Identification and Scoping

• Identifying business problems that blockchain can solve
• Conducting a feasibility analysis for DLT projects
• Defining the project scope and deliverables
• Stakeholder analysis for decentralized projects
• Creating a compelling project business case

Module 3: The Blockchain Project Lifecycle

• The phases of a DLT project
• From ideation to deployment and maintenance
• Key differences from traditional project lifecycles
• Managing iterative development and sprints
• The role of prototypes and proofs of concept

Module 4: Technology and Platform Selection

• Exploring major blockchain platforms like Ethereum and Hyperledger
• Choosing between a custom build vs. a pre-built solution
• Evaluating scalability and transaction throughput
• Understanding interoperability between networks
• Selecting the right tool for the job

Module 5: Smart Contracts and Automation

• Introduction to smart contracts and their function
• Key considerations for smart contract design
• The lifecycle of a smart contract
• Auditing and testing smart contracts for vulnerabilities
• Use cases for automated agreements

Module 6: Governance and Consortiums

• The importance of a governance model for DLT
• Establishing rules for a private blockchain consortium
• Managing network upgrades and changes
• Dispute resolution in a decentralized environment
• The role of community and consensus

Module 7: Security and Risk Management

• Common security vulnerabilities in blockchain projects
• Strategies for protecting digital assets
• Managing data privacy in a transparent ledger
• Compliance with regulations and legal frameworks
• Developing a comprehensive risk mitigation plan

Module 8: Project Planning and Execution

• Creating a detailed project plan for a DLT project
• Allocating resources and managing the budget
• Tracking project progress with key performance indicators
• Communicating status to a diverse group of stakeholders
• Handling scope creep and change requests

Module 9: Supply Chain Management

• Using blockchain for supply chain transparency
• Tracing products from origin to consumer
• Reducing fraud and counterfeiting
• Automating payments and logistics
• Real-world case studies in supply chain

Module 10: Finance and Fintech Applications

• The use of DLT in financial services
• Exploring digital currencies and asset tokenization
• Streamlining cross-border payments
• Managing identity and know-your-customer (KYC) processes
• Case studies in decentralized finance (DeFi)

Module 11: The Role of the Project Manager

• New skills required for a DLT project manager
• Managing developer teams in a fast-changing field
• Overcoming organizational resistance to DLT
• Fostering innovation and experimentation
• Building a blockchain-savvy team

Module 12: Interoperability and Cross-Chain Projects

• The need for communication between different blockchains
• Using bridging and atomic swaps
• Managing projects that span multiple networks
• The challenges of data synchronization
• The future of interconnected ledgers

Module 13: Project Metrics and Success Factors

• Defining success for a blockchain project
• Measuring ROI and business impact
• Analyzing transaction data and network activity
• User adoption and engagement metrics
• Lessons learned from successful and failed projects

Module 14: Practical Tools and Platforms

• Using project management tools to manage a DLT project
• Integrating with development platforms like GitHub
• Using testnets for development and staging
• Wallet management and key security tools
• Blockchain explorers for real-time monitoring

Module 15: Auditing and Compliance

• Understanding the need for independent audits
• The role of smart contract auditors
• Navigating regulatory frameworks like GDPR
• Reporting requirements for DLT projects
• Ensuring long-term compliance

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.