Project Management Essentials

This course provides an overview of the essential principles of project management. You’ll explore the six key objectives that define a project, the distinctions between project management and business-as-usual activities, and the critical roles that drive success, including the project manager, sponsor, and steering group. The module also introduces the functions of different types of project offices and how they support teams to achieve objectives. 

Learn to navigate the varied approaches to managing a project, including linear, iterative, and hybrid lifecycles. This section explains why projects are structured in phases and how lifecycles differ depending on situational factors. Gain practical insights into analysing external influences with tools like PESTLE and SWOT, enabling you to anticipate challenges and tailor your project strategy. 

Discover the essential tools and techniques for effective project planning. You’ll learn to define scope using product, cost, and work breakdown structures, and explore estimating techniques like parametric, analogous, and analytical approaches. The course also introduces scheduling methods, including critical path analysis and Gantt charts, along with resource management strategies like resource smoothing and levelling to ensure efficiency. 

This section covers risk management strategies, from identification to response, addressing both proactive and reactive approaches to mitigate impact. You’ll also develop skills in budgeting and cost management to keep projects financially sustainable. Finally, you’ll explore quality management, focusing on planning, assurance, and control processes to maintain high standards and deliver successful outcomes.