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Bite-size Practical Project Management (October 2023)

About

This introductory-level project management course aims to de-mystify the world of project management, focusing on the practical skills, tools and techniques to help you successfully plan and deliver your clinical research projects.

Delivered as 4 x 1.5 hour live online sessions via Zoom, each focusing on a different aspect of project management. Each session consists of presented material on generic project management techniques, combined with breakout rooms, where you will discuss the techniques covered in the context of the world of clinical research.

No prior knowledge of project management is required.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course you will have learned about: -

  • The project lifecycle, and the key factors that influence project success;
  • The role of the project manager, and the skills required;
  • How to clearly define your project, setting it up for the best chance of success;
  • How to construct a robust and realistic project plan;
  • Some of the tools that are available to help you organise and document your project;
  • How to evaluate and manage risks, issues and changes to scope as your project progresses;
  • How to identify your stakeholders, understand their needs; and manage their expectations;
  • Developing a communications plan;
  • The importance of project roles and responsibilities;
  • The need for effective project governance and regular project monitoring and reporting;
  • How to learn from lessons identified at the completion of a project.

Pre-work

There is no pre-work required other than to gather your thoughts about research projects that you have been involved in and to be prepared to share your experiences in the breakout room discussions. For example: -

  • What went well (or not so well) in terms of planning and managing the project?
  • Did everyone on the team know what was expected of them and when?
  • What challenges did you face along the way?

Post-work

There is no compulsory post-work work required, though a short list of optional additional reading/watching will be supplied for those wishing to further explore the world of project management. 

Course Outline

Session 1 - Laying the foundations

This first session introduces project management, the project lifecycle, and the role of the project manager. We will explore the project management techniques involved at the beginning of a project to help set it up for success.

  • What is a project - what makes it different to other activities?
  • What is project management?
  • Factors influencing project success
  • The Project Lifecycle
  • Defining your project – capturing the why, what & how (the Project Brief)
  • The role and skills of a project manager.

Session 2 - Planning the journey

In this session we look at the key elements required to construct a robust and realistic project plan: -

  • Constructing a project plan
  • Creating a work breakdown structure (WBS)
  • Understanding the critical path
  • Planning tools and tips
  • Estimation techniques, including the 3-point estimate

Session 3 - Adapt & survive

In this session, we explore project management techniques to help steer your project away from potential risks, and how to adapt and survive when things change or go wrong.

  • Risk management
  • Issue management
  • Change control
  • Learning from past projects

Session 4 - Right people, right message

This final session explores the people-related elements of project management: -

  • How to identify your stakeholders, understand their needs; and manage their expectations.
  • The key elements of a Communication Plan
  • The importance of roles and responsibilities
  • The RACI Matrix
  • The role of Project Governance
  • Monitoring and reporting on your project as it progresses
  • Effective project meetings
  • Project closure

Tutor

The sessions are delivered by the Project Management Office (PMO) in the University of Edinburgh’s Information Services Group.  Please note that the Tutor does not have a Clinical Research background but will provide you with transferable tools to be able to apply techniques to the Clinical Research context.  All attendees will have a clinical research background and breakout room activities have been designed to help you apply generic project management methods to your area of work.

Cost

This course is free-of-charge for staff and students of the University of Edinburgh (UoE) and NHS Lothian (NHSL) - booking is still required through the below link.

*** Note - we offer a £20 discount on course fees if paying by debit/credit card - see below rates***

Category Rate (card) Rate (invoice/internal UoE transfer)
UoE/NHSL staff/student £0 £0
External student £80 £100
Other academic/NHS £180 £200
Industry £360 £380

There is a cancellation date of 19/09/2023. If you cancel after this date, you will still be charged. 

(link to external ePay website)