OVERVIEW

It’s clear that not all projects succeed. Some don’t meet their targets, and some fail completely. This is a poor outcome for organisations, as it wastes resources and reduces income and profit. Common problem areas are badly managed cost, overspend and poorly controlled execution.

In today’s ever more competitive markets, managing project cost is critical. Many projects fail to achieve their cost targets, but much of the time, this need not happen, especially if we can identify and then effectively respond to the risks that push a project over budget. Similarly, when a project gets underway, it is vital that we maintain control over delivery, progress and other parameters, spotting variation from baseline plan and then dealing effectively with this before the project gets into trouble. Integrating project controls with risk management is a powerful way of dealing with threats or even finding ways to accelerate the schedule.

One way of enhancing our performance in these areas is to ensure that they are integrated with good project risk management. All projects are subject to risk, but we are not helpless victims of it. We manage risk effectively precisely so that we can limit threats and also to capitalise on opportunities present in the project and its environment. The result is that if we are proficient in the above, this puts us in a much better place not only to meet our project targets, but also to surpass them.

Delegates should emerge from the course with a high degree of knowledge and a good set of tools and practices to apply in real-life project work.

The sessions are full of practical techniques and examples, with the intention of turning knowledge into practical benefit. The worked examples, case studies and exercises given are intended to help you to apply the knowledge you have gained.

Finally, the instructor will include opportunities to discuss the real-world problems and issues and questions that are affecting you in your own projects and working life, so that you can implement improvements and solutions as soon as you return to your desk. Often, helpful advice can be gained from the experience of other delegates, and the course setting provides opportunities for you to do this.