APM Project Management Training – Détails, épisodes et analyse

22. Budgeting and Cost Control - This budget discusses the ability to estimate costs, develop and agree budgets and monitor actual costs against forecast costs, and covers:

a) How to create a budget (including the use of a cost breakdown structure) and the different costs included in a budget (fixed, variable, direct, indirect etc.)

b) How to forecast and refine budgets using cost control techniques e.g. earned value.

c) How to monitor and report financial performance (including different types of financial reports).

d) How to close down finances at the end of a project. 

21. Resource Management - This podcast discusses the ability to identify and schedule the required internal and external resources, and covers:

a) How to determine the resources required and their availability to deliver activities within a project.

b) How an organisational breakdown structure is used to create a responsibility assignment matrix (RACI).

c) How resources are categorised and allocated to both linear and iterative life cycle schedules.

d) The differences between resource smoothing and resource levelling.

2. Governance arrangements - This podcast discusses governance structures as a framework of 
authority and accountability for the delivery of a project, which align with organisational practice, and covers:

a) Knowledge of different types of permanent and temporary organisation structures and their features (including functional, matrix, and project),and that an organisation's governance approach will inform the approach used for a project.

b) Why there are distinct roles within project management and what the responsibilities of each role are (including users, project team members, the project manager, the project steering group/board and the product owner), and the differences in responsibilities of the project manager and project sponsor throughout the project. 

c) Why aspects of project management governance are required (such as the use of policies, regulations, functions, processes, procedures and delegated responsibilities), and the impact of a project's life cycle on its governance framework and the limits of financial authority.

d) The importance of linking projects to an organisation's objectives.

12. Leadership - This podcast discusses leadership as the way to empower and inspire others to deliver successful projects, and covers:

a) How leadership impacts on team performance and motivation (using models such as Maslow, Herzberg and McGregor).

b) Why it may be necessary to change leadership styles depending upon the situation.

c) The importance of a coaching and mentoring style in leadership, and the role of emotional intelligence. 

6. Reviews - This podcast discusses how reviews are a way of gathering information to provide an assessment on the status of a project and the ongoing viability of the work, and covers:

a) The benefits of conducting reviews throughout the life cycle (including decision gates, benefits reviews and audits).

b) The factors which would typically be reported on to help ensure successful project outcomes.

c) The importance of producing information and collecting data to inform decision making and communicate actions and decisions to stakeholders. 

d) Why activities may be re-planned after a review.

7. Assurance - This podcast discusses the ability of assurance to provide confidence to the governance board that a project is on track to deliver its objectives and the purpose of assurance within a project, including awareness of the scope, priorities and strategic aims of assurance activities.

 

8. Transition Management - This podcast discusses the integration of the outputs of a project into business-as-usual, and covers:

a) The basic requirements needed to support a successful transition, including considering business-as-usual throughout a project and planning for transition from the outset of the project.

b) The importance of knowledge transfer in the transition process, including learning from experience and continuous improvement.

c) How to engage stakeholders to agree a transition plan, including transfer of risks. 

1. Life cycles - This podcast discusses the distinct life cycle stages used to structure and organise a project, and covers:

a) The distinctive features of linear, iterative and hybrid life cycles (including why projects are structured as phases in linear life cycles) and when each is applicable. 

b) The differences between a project life cycle and an extended life cycle.

c) How the context and culture of an organisation, and the needs of a specific project, influence the choice of life cycle and any adaptations that may be needed to the life cycle.

d) The strengths and limitations of different life cycles.

2.1 Critically Evaluate Tools, Techniques, and Leadership Behaviours

Tools and Techniques: The podcast discusses utilizing the Tuckman model (forming, storming, norming, performing) as a framework to understand team development stages. It emphasizes the importance of trust and confidence through practical approaches like kick-off meetings, social events, and fulfilling commitments.

Leadership Behaviours: Effective leadership in project management is highlighted through the necessity of establishing trust and confidence. Leaders are advised to under-promise and over-deliver, ensure clear communication of expectations, and actively maintain commitments to build credibility within the team.

2.2 Critically Analyse Response to Changes in Project's Environment

The dialogue explores the adaptation to changes in a project's environment, emphasizing the need for flexibility in leadership styles. It discusses the situational application of leadership models like Hersey and Blanchard, and Max Landsberg's skill-will model to cater to evolving team needs and environmental contexts, ensuring that team requirements and interests are continuously supported.

2.3 Critically Analyse Tools and Techniques for Effective Team Development

For maintaining an effective team, the session underscores the importance of clarity in roles and responsibilities through tools like RACI matrices and comprehensive project plans. It also suggests regular updates and adaptations to the project environment, advocating for proactive management of team dynamics and ensuring alignment with project goals through continuous development and training.

2.4 Critically Evaluate the Role of Monitoring and Feedback

Monitoring and feedback are framed as crucial for recognizing individual contributions and guiding team progress. The discussion points out that both project-oriented and personal feedback are necessary. The former ensures that the project stays on track, while the latter supports individual development, addressing personal challenges and aligning them with project goals.

2.5 Critically Evaluate Relationship Between Performance Management and Motivation

Performance management is linked directly to motivating team members by aligning individual professional growth with project goals. The conversation highlights how performance appraisals, development opportunities, and potentially even financial incentives like bonuses can enhance motivation, leading to successful project outcomes.

2.6 Critically Evaluate the Use of Conflict to Improve Performance

The podcast illustrates the concept of 'positive conflict', suggesting that controlled, constructive conflict can be beneficial. It can stimulate innovation, challenge ideas to improve project outcomes, and enhance performance through healthy competition. Moreover, resolving conflicts respectfully can strengthen team cohesiveness and trust among members.

1.1 Critically Evaluate Ethical, Flexible, Inspirational, and Collaborative Approaches to the Leadership of Others in Evolving Situations

The discussion emphasises the multifaceted nature of leadership within the context of project management, highlighting the need for leaders to exhibit ethical, flexible, inspirational, and collaborative behaviors. Ethical leadership involves openness, honesty, and integrity, ensuring transparency and trust within the team. Flexibility in leadership styles is crucial to adapt to varying team and stakeholder needs, fostering an environment where the project manager's approach evolves based on situational demands. Inspirational leadership focuses on motivating and encouraging team members towards achieving project goals, cultivating a sense of purpose and commitment. Collaborative leadership underlines the importance of engaging with the team in problem-solving and decision-making processes, promoting inclusivity and collective ownership of project outcomes.

1.2 Critically Analyse Ways in Which to Engage with a Diverse Range of Individuals and Teams to Agree Aims and Objectives Which Are Aligned to a Project's Strategic Goals

Effective engagement with a diverse team is central to aligning individual tasks and broader project objectives. This involves utilizing tools like RACI charts to clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring everyone understands their contribution to the project's success. The approach requires analysing different methods of engagement, identifying the pros and cons to tailor communication and leadership strategies that resonate with varied team dynamics. This segment also stresses the significance of establishing clear, tangible goals that are communicated effectively, fostering an environment where every team member is bought into the vision and motivated to contribute to the strategic objectives.

1.3 Critically Evaluate Environments Which Encourage and Sustain Empowered and High-Performance Teams

Creating an environment conducive to high performance and empowerment involves considering both the physical and cultural aspects of the workplace. This includes decisions on co-location versus virtual collaboration, which hinges on the nature of the team and project requirements. The importance of daily or regular check-ins, such as agile stand-ups, is highlighted as a means to foster communication and accountability. The discussion also touches on the significance of the project manager's role in setting up structures that facilitate performance, including the strategic use of work package descriptions and ensuring alignment with the project's objectives. Lastly, it mentions the need for a supportive culture that encourages innovation, responsibility, and collaborative problem-solving, enabling teams to thrive regardless of their geographical distribution