Project Planning And Scheduling Training Course

Introduction

Project Planning and Scheduling are critical elements in the successful delivery of any project. This training course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively plan, schedule, and manage projects from initiation to completion. Participants will learn how to develop detailed project schedules, allocate resources efficiently, and use industry-standard project management tools to monitor and track project progress. The course will focus on the principles of project planning, the importance of time management, and strategies for managing project timelines to achieve on-time project delivery.

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of key project management concepts, methods, and tools for planning and scheduling, with a special focus on delivering projects on schedule and within scope. It also addresses potential risks and challenges that may arise during the scheduling phase and offers practical solutions for overcoming them.

Target Audience

This course is designed for professionals involved in project management, particularly those responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating projects. It is ideal for:

• Project Managers
• Project Coordinators
• Project Planners
• Team Leads
• Operations Managers
• Consultants
• Any professional interested in learning how to improve their project planning and scheduling capabilities

The course is beneficial for both beginners and those with prior experience in project management who want to sharpen their planning and scheduling skills.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the Fundamentals of Project Planning and Scheduling:

• Grasp the core concepts of project planning and the importance of creating detailed schedules for project success.

Develop and Create a Detailed Project Plan:

• Learn how to break down a project into manageable tasks and phases.
• Define project deliverables, timelines, and key milestones.

Utilize Project Scheduling Tools and Techniques:

• Gain proficiency in using software tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera, or other scheduling tools to create and maintain schedules.
• Understand critical path methods and how to apply them to ensure timely project delivery.

Resource Allocation and Management:

• Learn how to allocate resources effectively, balancing workload and availability.
• Understand resource leveling techniques to prevent over-allocation and delays.

Monitor and Control Project Schedules:

• Track project progress against the schedule, identifying deviations and taking corrective actions.
• Learn how to update and adjust schedules based on project changes or unforeseen delays.

Identify and Manage Project Risks Related to Scheduling:

• Develop strategies to anticipate potential risks that may affect the project timeline.
• Learn how to mitigate scheduling risks and manage constraints.

Understand the Impact of Delays and How to Address Them:

• Learn techniques for managing delays and mitigating their impact on the overall project timeline.
• Understand how to communicate schedule changes to stakeholders and manage expectations.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be well-equipped with practical skills to plan, schedule, and execute projects with greater efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring successful project outcomes within scope, on time, and within budget.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to Project Planning and Scheduling

• Overview of project planning and scheduling
• Importance of effective planning in project management
• Key concepts and principles of project planning and scheduling

Project Life Cycle and Phases

• Understanding the project life cycle
• Key phases of project planning: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure
• Role of planning in each phase of the project life cycle

Developing the Project Charter

• Creating a project charter to define project goals, scope, and objectives
• Identifying stakeholders and understanding their expectations
• Setting project boundaries and constraints

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Task Identification

• Breaking the project into manageable work packages
• Developing a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
• Organizing tasks for effective scheduling

Defining Project Scope and Deliverables

• Clear scope definition and scope creep management
• Establishing project deliverables and milestones
• Aligning project outcomes with stakeholder expectations

Project Scheduling Tools and Techniques

• Introduction to scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera, etc.)
• Key scheduling techniques: Gantt charts, Critical Path Method (CPM), and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
• Choosing the right scheduling tool for your project

Estimating Time and Duration for Tasks

• Estimating effort and time for project tasks
• Using historical data and expert judgment in estimation
• Techniques for accurate time estimation (analogous, parametric, and three-point estimating)

Resource Allocation and Management

• Identifying resource requirements for each task
• Resource leveling and balancing workloads
• Managing resource constraints effectively

Critical Path Method (CPM) and Scheduling

• Understanding the Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Identifying the critical path and its impact on project timelines
• Adjusting schedules to ensure timely project completion

Creating and Managing Gantt Charts

• Developing and managing Gantt charts for project scheduling
• Using Gantt charts for task sequencing, time tracking, and resource allocation
• Customizing Gantt charts for project-specific needs

Baseline Planning and Schedule Control

• Setting a project baseline (scope, time, and cost)
• Using baselines for monitoring project progress
• Schedule control and adjusting baselines when necessary

Risk Management and Mitigation in Scheduling

• Identifying risks that affect project scheduling
• Creating risk management plans for scheduling-related issues
• Mitigating delays and handling unexpected project disruptions

Monitoring and Tracking Project Progress

• Techniques for tracking and measuring project progress
• Earned Value Management (EVM) for schedule performance tracking
• Reporting progress to stakeholders

Handling Schedule Delays and Changes

• Managing schedule changes and unexpected delays
• Implementing corrective actions to stay on track
• Communication strategies for managing stakeholder expectations

Project Closing and Post-Project Review

• Closing the project and ensuring that all deliverables are met
• Finalizing project documentation and schedule reports
• Conducting post-project evaluations and lessons learned for future planning

These modules cover all essential aspects of project planning and scheduling, ensuring participants gain the skills needed to manage projects efficiently, deliver on time, and within scope.

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 5 working days before commencement of the training.