Lesson Structure:  Project Management BBS201

There are 9 lessons:

1. Introduction
   • Scope and Value of Project Management
   • Understanding what project management is
   • The Need for Project Management
   • The Project Lifecycle
   • Project Identification and Initiating Process
   • Project Planning
   • Project Implementation,Execution and Control
   • Project Completion and Evaluation
2. Project Identification
   • Scope and Nature
   • Formulating Project Objectives
   • Developing a Project Outline
   • Assessing a Projects Feasibility
   • Feasibility Checklist
   • The Identification Test
   • Three Types of Risk
3. Planning Projects
   • Planning Heirachy
   • Planning Parameters
   • Planning Quality
   • Developing a Strategy Framework
   • Project Breakdown Structure
   • Planning Time
   • The Gantt Chart
   • PERT Charts
   • Planning Expense
   • Delegating Responsibilities
4. Implementing a Project
   • Introduction
   • Implementation
   • Controlling Process
   • Applying Standards
   • Events Control Chart
   • Budget Control Chart
   • Monitoring Performance
   • Evaluating Performance
   • Regulating Process
5. Completion and Evaluation of a Project
   • Introduction
   • Why is a Closing Phase Necessary
   • Declaring Iminent Completion
   • Reassignment of Resources
   • Considering Project Sustainability
   • Project Assessment; Final Report, Performance Reviews
   • Appraising the Project
   • Why Projects Succeed or Fail
6. Developing Technical Project Management Skills
   • Preparing a Project Proposal
   • Proposal Layout
   • Drawing Up a Budget
   • Constructing a Post Project Appraisal
   • Software for Projects; How Project Management Software Works, choosing software
   • What Project Management Software Cannot Do
7. Understanding Leadership Skills
   • Scope and Nature of Leadership
   • How to Be A Project Leader
   • Visibility & CommunicationsLeadership Characteristics
   • Leadership Skills
   • Improving Leadership Skills
   • Giving Directives and Introducing Change
   • Orders
8. Improving Critical Personnel Skills
   • Inevitability of Problems
   • Common Problems
   • Schedule variations
   • Changing priorities
   • Administration overload
   • Deadline Changes
   • Cash blow out
   • Inappropriate skills
   • Role Confusion
   • Exhausted Team
   • Politics
   • Reduced Motivation
   • Communication Breakdown
9. Major Assignment
   • Development of full documentation for projects.

Learning Goals:   Project Management BBS201

• Explain what project management is, and what its applications might be.
• Identify and define projects which need management.
• Plan a project.
• Implement a project.
• Evaluate a project following completion.
• Describe technical skills required to manage projects.
• Demonstrate project leadership skills.
• Identify and solve common project problems.
• Consolidate all of the skills and information from throughout the past 8 lessons, and manage a project effectively.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROJECT LIFE CYCLE

All projects go through a series of phases or stages. The following is a common sequence:

Phase One – PROJECT IDENTIFICATION AND INITIATING PROCESS
This phase involves identifying project ideas and needs. The individual or group responsible for a potential
project will refine an idea or concept into a project. Such a person draws up a project proposal which identifies
tasks to suit their objectives.

If a project is considered to be feasible, in other words realistic or with attainable
objectives; then the next phase (project planning) follows.
The steps in this phase include:

• Recognising that a project should be done
• Identifying the outcomes of the project
• Identifying the expectations of customers, management and
• other interested parties (stakeholders)
• Selecting the members of the project team.
• Establishing the chain of command, and the communication
• processes

Phase Two – PROJECT PLANNING
This phase involves preparing a plan or design of what the project entails, in particular “Planning the length or
“lifespan” for the expected project, the project costs, and preparation of possible task alternatives in the event of
unexpected changes. Consideration is given to the needs, alternatives and techniques that may have to be
applied, and once completed, the implementation phase follows.

•  Refining the scope of the project
•  Listing tasks and activities
•  Sequencing activities in the most cost efficient and time effective way
•  Getting the plan agreed to and approved by the relevant people.
• Recognising that a project should be done
• Identifying the outcomes of the project
• Identifying the expectations of customers, management and other interested parties (stakeholders)
• Selecting the members of the project team.
• Establishing the chain of command, and the communication processes
• Time is money and good project management saves money

Phase Three – PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION, EXECUTING AND CONTROLLING
This phase involves operationalising the plans, or the actual development of the project. The project is
implemented in a planned and controlled manner. This includes supervision and monitoring the actual progress
of a project within the scope of the plan. If successful, the project then requires closing, and the results are
compared with estimations determined earlier in the project cycle. Once this step is finalised, the final phase
follows.

• Getting the necessary resources – money, people, equipment
• and time to do the project.
•  Leading the team
• Communicating effectively with team members
• Communicating with stakeholders.
• Controlling the progress by monitoring
• Corrective action and changes if necessary- eg rescheduling
• Monitoring all resource utilisation
• Problem solving

Phase Four – PROJECT COMPLETION AND EVALUATION
This phase involves determining whether the objectives set out, or the needs identified in the earlier part of the
cycle, have been successfully concluded.
Evaluating a projects success is measured by contrasting the original goal or set of objectives, with the final
outcome. This is the last and final phase of the projects cycle.

•  Acknowledging achievements and results
•  Writing a final report
•  Reviewing the process with all team members
•  Concluding the project – budget analysis and report etc

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

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A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

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A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

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A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.