In the modern project landscape, effective project management hinges on the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights. This "Data-Driven Decisions: Project Management Dashboards & Reporting Training Course" is your gateway to mastering the art and science of project reporting. It will empower you to move beyond basic spreadsheets and static charts to build dynamic, real-time dashboards that not only track progress but also predict future outcomes, enabling you to make informed decisions that keep your projects on a successful trajectory.

Over an intensive 10-day period, this course will provide you with a comprehensive toolkit for creating impactful project dashboards and automated reports. You will learn how to identify key performance indicators (KPIs), select the right visualization tools, and design compelling reports that resonate with stakeholders at all levels. By the end of this training, you will be proficient in using data to tell a powerful project story, anticipate challenges, and proactively steer your projects toward successful completion with confidence and clarity.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Project Managers
• Program Managers
• Project Coordinators
• Business Analysts
• Operations Managers
• IT Professionals
• Product Managers
• Freelancers
• Team Leads
• Scrum Masters

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of effective data visualization
• Identify and define key project performance indicators (KPIs)
• Select the right tools for creating dashboards and reports
• Design and build a dynamic project dashboard
• Automate data collection and report generation
• Create compelling reports for different stakeholder groups
• Analyze project data to identify trends and risks
• Use dashboards to communicate project status clearly
• Understand the importance of data integrity
• Apply best practices for storytelling with data

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Data Visualization

• The importance of data in project management
• Understanding different types of data visualization
• Principles of good dashboard design
• Common mistakes to avoid in reporting
• The role of storytelling with data

Module 2: Defining Project KPIs

• What is a KPI and why are they important
• Key metrics for project scope and schedule
• Metrics for budget and resource management
• Metrics for quality and risk management
• How to define and measure your project's KPIs

Module 3: Tools for Dashboards & Reporting

• An overview of popular dashboard tools
• The pros and cons of different tools
• Integrating your project tool with a dashboard tool
• Using spreadsheet software for basic dashboards
• A look at BI and analytics platforms

Module 4: Dashboard Design Fundamentals

• The anatomy of an effective dashboard
• Designing for your audience
• The importance of a clean and simple layout
• The role of color and typography
• Creating a dynamic and interactive dashboard

Module 5: Data Collection & Automation

• How to collect data from different sources
• Automating data collection from your PM tool
• The importance of data integrity
• Using APIs to connect your tools
• The benefits of real-time data

Module 6: Building Your First Dashboard

• A hands-on walkthrough of building a dashboard
• Selecting the right charts for your data
• Creating a budget vs. actual chart
• Creating a task completion chart
• The importance of a clear and concise title

Module 7: Reporting for Stakeholders

• The importance of tailoring your reports
• Creating an executive-level summary
• Building a detailed report for your team
• The role of a weekly status report
• The importance of a good narrative

Module 8: Advanced Data Analysis

• Using dashboards to identify project risks
• Analyzing trends in your project data
• The importance of a baseline
• The role of predictive analytics
• Using dashboards to forecast future outcomes

Module 9: Agile Reporting

• The importance of agile metrics
• Creating a burndown chart
• Reporting on sprint velocity
• The role of a dashboard in a sprint review
• The importance of continuous improvement

Module 10: Resource Management Dashboards

• Creating a resource allocation chart
• The importance of a skills matrix
• The benefits of a real-time resource dashboard
• The role of a capacity planning report
• The importance of a resource's workload

Module 11: Financial Reporting

• Creating a budget vs. actual dashboard
• The importance of a clear and concise report
• The role of a cash flow projection
• The benefits of a financial dashboard
• The importance of a well-defined budget

Module 12: Communication and Storytelling

• The importance of a good narrative
• The role of a good project manager
• How to present your data with confidence
• The importance of a clear message
• The benefits of a data-driven approach

Module 13: Risk Management Dashboards

• Creating a risk register dashboard
• The importance of a clear and concise report
• The role of a risk burndown chart
• The benefits of a risk dashboard
• The importance of a well-defined risk register

Module 14: Quality and Performance Metrics

• The importance of quality metrics
• Creating a quality dashboard
• The role of a performance report
• The benefits of a quality dashboard
• The importance of a well-defined quality metric

Module 15: Future Trends

• The next wave of project reporting
• The role of generative AI
• The integration of AI with the metaverse
• The future of the project manager
• Keeping up with a rapidly changing landscape

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.