Planning Projects for Performance Excellence

Introduction:

This training program is designed to equip participants with advanced project management techniques that ensure efficient project scope planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and cost estimating. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of tools and strategies essential for managing projects effectively, with a focus on risk management, acceleration techniques, and cost estimation.

Program Objectives:

At the end of this program the participants will be able to:

• Acquire proficiency in project estimating techniques, covering conceptual to detailed estimates.

• Differentiate between various estimate types for precise cost estimation during project progression.

• Comprehend diverse contract types and their implications on risk distribution among parties.

• Master resource planning and control techniques to optimize project execution.

• Evaluate time-cost trade-offs and implement strategies to sustain project momentum while minimizing risks.

Targeted Audience:

• Project Managers and Projects Planners.

• Project Cost Estimators.

• Cost Controllers.

• Contract Professionals.

• Project Procurement Staff.

Program Outlines:

Unit 1:

Project Scope Planning and Definition (Fundamentals):

• Scope Planning.

• Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Work Packages.

• Statement of Work (SOW) - Technical Baseline.

• Scope Execution Plan.

• Triple Constraints - Time, Cost, Scope.

• Project Quality Issues, Risk Analysis and Deliverables.

• Resource Requirements.

Unit 2:

Project Schedule Planning and Critical Path Method:

• Utilize Precedence Network Diagramming and Job Logic Relationship Chart techniques to map project workflows and dependencies effectively.

• Conduct Critical Path Analysis and Project Float Analysis to identify key tasks and optimize project timelines.

• Implement Lead and Lag Scheduling methods to fine-tune task sequences and minimize delays.

• Employ Activity Duration Estimation and Milestone Charts for accurate project scheduling and progress tracking.

• Utilize Gantt Chart - Schedule Baseline and Project Estimating Processes for comprehensive project planning and resource allocation.

Unit 3:

Resource Allocation and Resource Levelling:

• Efficiently manage resources through planning and scheduling techniques, especially when resources are limited.

• Implement resource allocation algorithms to prioritize resources effectively in project planning.

• Address resource contention issues using techniques like the Brooks Method and resource leveling.

• Manage workforce fluctuations by strategically increasing manpower when necessary.

• Mitigate interruptions to schedules and meet deadlines by scheduling overtime when appropriate.

Unit 4:

Accelerating the Project Schedule:

• Identify Circumstances Requiring Project Acceleration and understand the Time-Cost-Scope Trade-off.

• Explore methods for Project Time Reduction, considering Direct and Indirect Project Costs.

• Evaluate Options for Accelerating the Schedule, including strategies like Crashing the Schedule.

• Develop a Pre-Accelerated Schedule and a Crash Cost Table to plan for acceleration.

• Implement Acceleration in Practice, finding the Optimal Acceleration Point and utilizing tools like the Gantt Chart for an Accelerated Schedule.

• Manage Network Activity Risk Profiles and consider Additional Considerations such as Multiple Critical Paths and Project Cost Reduction strategies.

Unit 5:

Project Contingency Planning:

• Master Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) alongside Path Convergence Analysis techniques.

• Address the Path Convergence Problem effectively and analyze various Network Risk Profile Types.

• Understand the Normal Distribution and its relevance to PERT, Probability, and Standard Deviation Formulae.

• Calculate Standard Deviation for critical path activities to gauge project variability.

• Utilize Z-Values to determine the Probability of Project Completion at a Required Date.

• Apply Network Activity Risk Profiles to estimate Project Duration accurately in practical scenarios.

Unit 6:

Line of Balance Scheduling - The Planning of Recurring Activities:

• Develop a Line of Balance Schedule, ensuring linear sequences of activities are prepared effectively.

• Utilize Velocity Diagrams and Linear Scheduling techniques for streamlined project planning.

• Calculate Production Rate and determine Target Units per Week to maintain schedule consistency.

• Apply Line of Balance Formulae to balance the schedule, including Crew Size determination and Time to Complete Activities.

• Incorporate Buffers into the schedule to account for variability and ensure project timelines are met.

• Evaluate progress by comparing Planned versus Actual Progress, accounting for Expected and Actual Work Conditions.

• Measure progress against the Balanced Schedule and make adjustments accordingly to ensure project success.

Unit 7:

Project Execution Management, Control and Reporting:

• Implement Progress Tracking and Monitoring techniques to oversee project advancement.

• Manage Project Costs effectively through Earned Value Control Processes.

• Analyze Schedule and Cost Variances to assess project performance.

• Utilize Progress Control Charts for Trend Analysis and Forecasting of Schedule and Cost Variances.

• Implement Earned Value Analysis and Reporting for comprehensive project evaluation and reporting.

Unit 8:

Project Recovery Plan Development:

• Conduct Project Variance Analysis and Quantification to identify discrepancies.

• Utilize Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Cost Performance Index (CPI) for performance evaluation.

• Establish Schedule and Cost Control Limits to manage project constraints effectively.

• Assess Project Recovery Data to determine necessary actions for improvement.

• Develop Schedule and Cost Recovery Plans based on Recovery Analysis, incorporating Recovery Baselines and Controls for project stabilization.

Unit 9:

Cost Estimating Basics:

• Understand the Estimating Life Cycle, including the Phases of the Design Process.

• Progress through Programming, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents phases.

• Evaluate Estimating Accuracy by phase, from Conceptual Cost Estimates to Definitive Estimates.

• Utilize various Estimating Methods, such as Rough Order of Magnitude, Assemblies, and Semi-detailed Estimates.

• Familiarize with Cost Indices and Basic Procedures for estimating.

• Explore different Contract Types including Lump-sum, Unit-price, Cost-plus, and Time-and-Materials contracts.

• Implement Procurement Methods and Pre-construction Services, including Risk Analysis and Contingencies, in project planning.

Unit 10:

Broad Scope Cost Estimating Techniques:

• Apply Adjustments to Project Costs for Broad Scope Estimates, considering factors like location and size.

• Perform PERT Project Cost Analysis and derive PERT Unit Cost Estimates for accurate budgeting.

• Utilize Formulae for Cost Estimating, including adjustments based on previous projects and economic factors.

• Understand the Normal Distribution Curve and Z-Value Table to assess the Probability of Project Completion within Budget.

• Estimate Project Unit Cost by using Standard Deviation and adjust estimates for Time and Location.

• Review concepts such as Future Value of Money, Present Value of Money, and Equivalent Annual Interest Rate for financial analysis.

• Incorporate Learning Curve Effects into estimating durations and costs, including adjustments for Unit Costs based on learning curves.