The Art and Science of Managing Projects

The upheaval of the past several years has caused both companies and employees to reassess the future and search for a new path forward. RI Bio’s Project Management Essentials program offers a solution. Comprised of weekly live virtual sessions, it teaches new skills that will help your employees advance and will help fill the talent pipeline for a sustainable future.

The program builds more competent workers and leaders, which in turn helps people advance or start new careers with sustainable, valuable work. A Bryant digital badge, 1.6 CEUs, and bonus office hours with the instructor will be awarded to those who fully complete the program (attending all sessions and completing all homework).

Due to the nature of funding for this program, participants must either live and/or work in RI. Remote work is acceptable, and workshops are free for RI Bio members.

Program Topics

Session 1 Project Management Basics
3/20/24 – 9:00 -11:30am

• Establish a shared understanding of key project management terminology.
• Learn how projects are conceived and then ultimately assigned.
• Understand the project lifecycle and the phases contained within that lifecycle.
• Learn the difference between waterfall (traditional) and agile project management methodologies.

Session 2 Project Initiation Phase & Project Planning Phase (Part 1)
3/27/24 9:00 -11:30am

• Gain a clear understanding of the earliest stages of a project, including initial project team, key stakeholders, and original stated purpose of the project.
• Understand the actual requirements of a project and redefine the overall project scope.
• Develop the initial set of work activities needed to successfully complete the project’s requirements.
• Demonstrate the estimation processes used to determine approximate duration of the project.

Session 3 Project Planning Phase (Part 2) & Transition from Planning to Execution
4/3/24 9:00 – 11:30am

• Establish the sequence of tasks to ensure project activities are performed in the correct order.
• Define how resources required for performing the project activities are determined and acquired.
• Develop the initial project plan.
• Understand the steps needed to transition the project from the planning stage to actual execution of the tasks.

Session 4 – Communication Skills for Project Managers
4/10/24 9:00 – 11:30am

• How to become a better listener.
• How to communicate effectively via written or verbal communications.
• How to run effective meetings.
• How to use negotiating skills to reach agreement.
• Stakeholder communication techniques.
• Share feedback and encourage collaboration.

Session 5 Project Management Tools
4/17/24 9:00 – 11:30am

• Determine the level of need and type of project management tool(s) for your organization.
• Understand the protocol/process to assess cost and feasibility.
• Learn how to attain buy-in for utilization and support.

Session 6 Execution Phase & Project Monitoring and Controlling (Part 1)
4/24/24 9:00 – 11:30am

• Review key processes involved I the execution of the project tasks as defined in the project plan.
• Highlight key activities performed by the project manager during the execution phase.
• Understand the importance of monitoring and controlling processes for a project’s success.
• Examine critical aspects of risk management and how they impact a project’s success.

Session 7 Project Monitoring & Controlling (Part 2) & Project Closing Phase
5/1/24 9:00 – 11:30am

• Discuss the importance of controlled change management as a key component for ensuring the project retains its focus.
• Establish a clear understanding of the nature of quality management as more than just ‘testing’ or ‘inspection,’ but rather as a critical component of the entire project lifecycle.
• Learn the critical end-of-project closure processes which ensure that the transition of the project to completion is accomplished successfully.
• Define the importance of ‘lessons learned’ process for all projects.

Session 8: Virtual Industry Panel: Best Practices
5/8/24 9:00 – 11:30am

• This unique session gives attendees an opportunity to interact with project management professionals from various industries and enhance their knowledge of the field based on actual experiences with projects.

Who Should Attend

Managers or team leaders who are leading projects but have had no formal training. Due to the nature of the funding for this program, participants must either live and/or work in Rhode Island, remote work accepted.

For more information or to save space for your employees, fill out the form below.

Questions/Request Info

Please fill out the form to let us know if you or your employees are interested in our programming. The Program Manger will get back to you shortly. 

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