Introduction

In the complex landscape of public administration and large-scale projects, a structured yet flexible approach is essential for success. The PM² Methodology: European Commission’s Hybrid Approach is a project management framework developed by the European Commission to meet the specific needs of its projects. It combines elements of traditional Waterfall with the flexibility of Agile, providing a unique, lightweight, and scalable method. This Agile Foundations: Training Course on PM² Methodology: European Commission’s Hybrid Approach is a 10-day program designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of PM² and equip you with the skills to effectively manage projects using this proven, public-sector-focused methodology.

This training course will guide you through the entire PM² lifecycle, from project initiation and planning to execution, monitoring, and closing. You will learn about key PM² artifacts, roles, and processes, and how they work together to ensure transparency, accountability, and successful project delivery. By mastering the PM² approach, you will be able to navigate the intricacies of complex projects, improve collaboration, and drive positive outcomes, making you a more effective and in-demand project professional in public and private sectors alike.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Project managers
• Program and portfolio managers
• Team leads
• Business analysts
• Public sector professionals
• Consultants working on government contracts
• Anyone involved in managing projects for the European Commission
• IT project managers
• Quality assurance managers
• Anyone interested in hybrid methodologies

Objectives

• Understand the core principles and philosophy of PM².
• Differentiate PM² from other project management methodologies.
• Apply the five phases of the PM² lifecycle.
• Utilize the key PM² roles and responsibilities.
• Create and manage essential PM² artifacts.
• Master the PM² project governance model.
• Tailor the PM² methodology to suit project size and complexity.
• Integrate agile principles within the PM² framework.
• Manage risks and issues effectively using PM² tools.
• Ensure successful project closure and lessons learned.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to PM²

• What is the PM² Methodology?
• The history and purpose of PM²
• Key principles and core concepts
• The hybrid approach: combining Waterfall and Agile
• The value of PM² in the public sector

Module 2: Project Initiation Phase

• The purpose of the Initiation phase
• Creating the Project Charter
• Defining the project scope and objectives
• Stakeholder identification and analysis
• Key artifacts: Project Charter, Stakeholder Register

Module 3: Project Planning Phase

• The purpose of the Planning phase
• Developing the Project Work Plan (PWP)
• Defining the project schedule and budget
• Risk management planning
• Key artifacts: Project Work Plan, Risk Management Plan

Module 4: Project Execution Phase

• The purpose of the Execution phase
• Managing the project team and resources
• Executing tasks according to the PWP
• Managing project communication and collaboration
• Key artifacts: Status Reports, Communication Plan

Module 5: Project Monitoring & Control

• The purpose of the Monitoring & Control phase
• Tracking progress against the baseline
• Managing changes and deviations
• Controlling quality and performance
• Key artifacts: Change Request, Issue Log

Module 6: Project Closing Phase

• The purpose of the Closing phase
• Finalizing all project activities
• Performing project performance review
• Collecting and documenting lessons learned
• Key artifacts: Lessons Learned Register, Project Closure Report

Module 7: PM² Roles and Responsibilities

• The Project Manager and their key functions
• The Project Steering Committee and their role in governance
• The Business Manager and their responsibilities
• The Project Core Team and their contributions
• The Project Support Office (PSO) and their support role

Module 8: The PM² Governance Model

• Understanding the four-layer governance model
• The role of the Business Manager and Project Manager
• The Project Steering Committee and their decision-making power
• The PM² Project Support Office (PSO)
• Ensuring effective project oversight

Module 9: PM² Artifacts Deep Dive

• In-depth analysis of the Project Charter
• Best practices for the Project Work Plan
• How to use the Status Report effectively
• The importance of the Project Closure Report
• Using all PM² artifacts for project success

Module 10: PM² Agile Mindset and Practices

• Integrating agile principles into PM²
• The role of Sprints and user stories
• Using Kanban boards within a PM² project
• Adapting PM² to fit an agile project environment
• The concept of Hybrid Project Management

Module 11: Risk and Issue Management in PM²

• Identifying and assessing project risks
• Developing a comprehensive risk register
• Proactive vs. reactive risk management
• Managing and resolving project issues
• The importance of continuous risk monitoring

Module 12: Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Developing a PM² Communication Plan
• Tailoring communication to different stakeholders
• The role of the Stakeholder Register
• Techniques for effective stakeholder engagement
• Building trust and ensuring buy-in

Module 13: Quality Management in PM²

• Defining quality in the PM² context
• The role of quality assurance and control
• Conducting quality reviews and audits
• The importance of acceptance criteria
• Ensuring project deliverables meet expectations

Module 14: PM² Project Tools and Techniques

• Using PM² templates and guidelines
• The PM² Mindsets for effective project management
• Techniques for requirements gathering
• The PM² methodology as a flexible tool
• Applying lessons from real-world projects

Module 15: Tailoring PM²

• Adapting the PM² methodology to project size
• Scaling PM² for large programs and portfolios
• Modifying artifacts and processes for specific needs
• The role of the PM²-Agile mindset in tailoring
• Case studies in successful PM² tailoring

Module 16: Certification and Future Outlook

• Preparing for PM² certification exams
• The value of PM² certification
• The future of PM² and its evolution
• Recommended resources for continued learning
• Final Q&A and course conclusion

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.