Workshop 27: Project Management Bootcamp
-3 Minute Read
Welcome to our Organisational Excellence Workshop Series. This series seeks to provide a launch pad for building professional skills and organisational success. Each workshop provides a jumping-off point for a different theme, exploring innovative strategies and practical exercises to enhance work and team dynamics. See more in the series here: https://blog.hptbydts.com/organisational-excellence-workshop-series
The objective of this workshop is to engage participants in planning and executing a mock project, thereby refining their project management skills in a practical and immersive environment.
Full-Day Workshop (8 hours)
Materials Needed:
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- Handouts on project management fundamentals.
- Templates for project planning, risk assessment, and action plans.
- Scenario descriptions for the simulation exercise.
- Feedback forms.
Facilitator's Note:
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- Ensure an interactive and engaging atmosphere that encourages participation and collaboration.
- Be prepared to offer guidance and insights based on real-world project management experiences.
- Focus on practical application, allowing participants to directly relate workshop activities to their professional roles.
1. Project Management Essentials
An introductory session covering the fundamentals of project management, including methodologies, tools, and best practices.
Desired Outcome:
To ensure all participants have a foundational understanding of project management principles. This activity delivers theoretical knowledge necessary for effective project planning and execution.
Steps:
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- Present key project management concepts (e.g., project lifecycle, Agile vs. Waterfall methodologies).
- Discuss the roles within a project team and the importance of communication and collaboration.
- Encourage questions to clarify concepts and ensure understanding.
Potential Challenges:
Balancing the depth of information with the time available. To help overcome this, focus on core principles and offer resources for further learning.
2. Defining the Mock Project
Dividing participants into groups to define the scope and objectives of a mock project.
Desired Outcome:
To practice the initial stages of project planning, including scope definition and setting objectives. This activity highlights the importance of clear project definition for successful execution.
Steps:
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- Provide each group with a project brief or let them choose a project scenario.
- Guide them to define the project scope, objectives, and key deliverables.
- Each group presents their project plan for feedback.
Potential Challenges:
Vague or unrealistic scope definition. To help overcome this, provide guidance on how to define clear, achievable objectives.
3. Creating a Project Plan
Developing a detailed project plan, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk assessment.
Desired Outcome:
To create a realistic and comprehensive plan for the mock project. This activity emphasises the importance of thorough project planning for successful project management.
Steps:
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- Instruct groups to create a project timeline and allocate tasks and resources.
- Facilitate a risk assessment session to identify potential challenges and mitigation strategies.
- Groups present their project plans, including risk management strategies.
Potential Challenges:
Overlooking key elements of the project plan. To help overcome this, offer templates or checklists to ensure comprehensive planning.
4. Project Execution Simulation
Simulating the execution of the project, with participants responding to hypothetical scenarios and challenges.
Desired Outcome:
To practice navigating the complexities and unexpected challenges of project execution. This activity seeks to build experience in project problem-solving and decision-making.
Steps:
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- Introduce unexpected scenarios or challenges that the teams must address (e.g., resource shortages, timeline changes).
- Monitor and guide the teams as they adapt their plans and strategies in response.
- Debrief after the simulation to discuss lessons learned and strategies employed.
Potential Challenges:
Overwhelm or confusion during the simulation. To help overcome this, provide clear instructions and be available to offer guidance as needed.
5. Project Review & Debrief
Reviewing the project execution, including successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
Desired Outcome:
To reflect on the project management process and identify key takeaways and learning points. This activity includes a post-project review, crucial for learning and improvement in project management.
Steps:
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- Facilitate a review session where each group discusses what went well and what could be improved.
- Encourage other groups to provide constructive feedback.
- Summarise common themes and lessons applicable to real-world project management.
Potential Challenges:
Reluctance to critique or discuss failures. To help overcome this, promote a positive, learning-focused atmosphere.
6. Personal Action Plan for Project Management
Creating individual action plans for applying the learnings from the workshop to real-world projects.
Desired Outcome:
To develop a personalised strategy for enhancing project management skills in the participants' professional roles. This activity ensures workplace application of workshop skills and techniques.
Steps:
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- Guide participants to reflect on their workshop experiences and identify key areas for personal development.
- Assist them in developing a specific action plan to improve their project management skills.
- Share plans within the group for additional suggestions and accountability.
Potential Challenges:
Creating vague or non-specific action plans. To help overcome this, encourage SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
7. Workshop Debrief & Feedback Session
Gathering participant feedback and summarising key workshop learnings.
Desired Outcome:
To reinforce key concepts and gather insights for continuous improvement. This activity helps to ensure understanding of the workshop content and provides insights for enhancing future workshops.
Steps:
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- Open discussion for participants to share their thoughts on the workshop.
- Summarise key concepts and learnings.
- Collect written feedback for future workshop enhancements.
Potential Challenges:
Limited participant engagement. To help overcome this, encourage honest and open feedback, stressing its importance.
Thank you for joining us in this edition of the 'Organisational Excellence Workshop Series'. We hope the insights and strategies from the Project Management Bootcamp workshop have inspired you and provided a valuable tool to kick-start and customise your own workshop. Remember, each workshop in this series is a step towards enhancing and enriching your organisational culture. Stay tuned for our next edition, where we will explore another vital aspect of professional development, continuing our journey of learning and growth. Until then, we encourage you to implement what you've learned and share your experiences with your peers.
Trevor O'Sullivan
General Manager. Since the early 2000s, Trevor has worked with thousands of Talent Management professionals to develop and apply assessment-based talent management solutions for selecting, developing and managing people. Trevor is an active member of the TTI Success Insights (TTISI) Global Advisory Council, contributes to TTISI product development and is a regular presenter at TTISI-R3. He is honoured to have received multiple Blue Diamond Awards and, more recently, the Bill Brooks Impact Award recognising his contributions to the TTISI global network.
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