Packaged Services

Purpose

To jump start project planning across multi-functional groups by means of a facilitated workshop. Gains common understanding of project and inherently builds team.

Objectives: Project team members will…

• Understand the project goals and all associated roles and responsibilities
• Work together to produce project deliverables
• Build an initial schedule/timeline with associated milestones
• Create a risk register
• Validate the project schedule and risk plan

Deliverables:

• Work breakdown structures for each function
• Initial schedule/timeline
• Initial risk register
• Create a risk register
• Lists of open issues and action items
• Plan for further work

This session can be co-facilitated by your in-house project manager who will shadow the facilitator to learn the necessary skills for future engagements.

Call 781-223-7218 or email for more info

Purpose

To establish project best practices by means of a PMO. Included are development of standardized documentation, establishment of project audits and assessment of individual team members.

Objectives: Project team members will…

• Assess the current state of project management best practices
• Identify essential services needed for your organization
• Review currently existing templates or create new ones
• Establish best practices processes
• Set up a core team including, typically, Director or PM and key project managers
• Assess talent levels and “fit” of team members
• Set up project audits for continuous improvement
• Establish governance standards
• Set up training and mentoring
• Assess the need for portfolio management

Outcome:

• A fully functional, staffed project office that will provide project management services to the department or organization.

This cannot be done in a vacuum and so we will work closely with an internal designated resource to make sure that we are on track with needed services.
We can also come in and evaluate the current state of your PMO if it has started to get “rusty”.

Call 781-223-7218 or email for more info

Purpose

Evaluate PM’s experience, practices, and processes. Advise them in the development, implementation, and use of project execution, team leadership and meeting management best practices.

Objectives: Project team members will…

• Assess project manager’s knowledge
• Work in the background with your PM on a current project to enable them to “learn how to fish” for success
• Set targets for improvement
• Establish regular weekly meetings (in-person and/or via Skype)
• Assess your project manager’s soft skills such as communication and team leadership
• Conduct periodic progress reviews with PM

Outcome:

• Project managers that you can feel confident have the skills to deliver on key projects so that they successfully meet their objectives.

Call 781-223-7218 or email for more info

Purpose

To establish a framework for your groups’ project planning, execution and control and to provide a common language.

Objectives: Project team members will…

• Understand why a sound background in project management is important
• Develop a foundation of understanding in project management and better manage projects through their life cycle
• Align project management practices across the company
• Improve communications between project teams and business functions
• Control project change
• Using either a company case study or an established business case, in-class create artifacts such as charter, work breakdown structure, schedule, risk register
• Discuss soft skills such as communications and leadership

Outcome:

• A project team that has a common understanding of project management tools and techniques
• Artifacts such as schedules and risk registers the team can take away and use in their current environment
• A team that has a raised project management competency which will lead to better success for your projects

Note: This class is based on classic waterfall-style (not Agile) project management. Consequently, the Project Management Body of Knowledge will be used as a basis for materials but this is not a PMP Prep class.

Class duration is minimum two days but can be three or four as well. Classes can be broken up over several weeks if desired.

Call 781-223-7218 or email for more info

Purpose: 

This class is specifically designed to enhance the participant's ability to communicate with others by expanding their knowledge in communication techniques, concepts, and best practices. Exercises will help foster desired behavior.

Interpersonal communication skills, ranging from emotional intelligence, to questioning techniques, to active listening, are key factors in professional and organizational success.

Class Topics Include:

• Understand your communication style
• Body Language: Movements, posters, gestures, etc.
• Learn about Emotional Intelligence, active listening
• Understand the listening framework and listening styles
• Understand question types – closed, open and high yield
• Building rapport on the phone
• Understand visual, auditory kinesthetic communications

Outcomes:

• An understanding of Emotional Intelligence concepts
• Working knowledge of question types and techniques
• General communications techniques needed to maximize the value of personal and professional interactions

This is a one-day class. Other one-day classes (e.g., negotiation skills, managing virtual teams, team building, conflict resolution) can be added to create a customized two-day class.

Call 781-223-7218 or email for more info