Course Overview:
This course introduces participants to the essential principles and practices of project planning and risk management. It focuses on equipping learners with practical tools to effectively plan, execute, monitor, and close projects while proactively identifying and managing potential risks. Participants will learn how to create realistic project plans, develop schedules, allocate resources, and manage risks using proven methodologies such as PMI’s PMBOK, PRINCE2, and ISO 21500 standards.
The course is highly interactive, with real-life case studies, group exercises, and hands-on planning activities that reinforce learning outcomes.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the project lifecycle and key elements of project planning.
- Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, time, cost, and resource planning.
- Identify and analyze project risks using qualitative and quantitative techniques.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation and response strategies.
- Use tools such as work breakdown structures (WBS), Gantt charts, and risk registers.
- Apply best practices to manage uncertainty and improve project success rates.
Who Should Attend:
This course is designed for:
- New and aspiring project managers
- Team leaders and supervisors involved in projects
- Functional managers supporting project teams
- Business analysts and planners
- Anyone seeking a practical foundation in project planning and risk management
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Project Management
- What is a project?
- Project vs. operations
- Overview of project management processes and knowledge areas
Module 2: Project Planning Fundamentals
- Project charter and stakeholder identification
- Defining project scope and objectives
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Time and cost estimation basics
Module 3: Scheduling and Resource Planning
- Developing a project schedule
- Gantt charts and critical path method (CPM)
- Resource allocation and leveling
- Project budgeting essentials
Module 4: Introduction to Risk Management
- Definition of risk in projects
- Risk vs. issue
- The importance of managing risk in project environments
Module 5: Risk Identification and Assessment
- Risk identification techniques (brainstorming, checklists, SWOT, etc.)
- Risk classification: internal vs. external, positive vs. negative
- Qualitative vs. quantitative risk analysis
- Risk probability and impact matrix
Module 6: Risk Response Planning and Monitoring
- Risk response strategies (avoid, mitigate, transfer, accept, exploit)
- Risk register creation and maintenance
- Monitoring and controlling project risks
Module 7: Tools and Techniques
- Microsoft Project, Excel templates, and risk registers
- Introduction to project management software
- Templates for risk and project planning documentation
Module 8: Case Study and Group Exercise
- Team-based project planning and risk identification exercise
- Presentation of planning documents and risk plans
- Facilitated group review and feedback
Module 9: Course Wrap-Up
- Summary of key takeaways
- Best practices for project and risk success
- Personal action plans for applying concepts post-course