Practical Project Management for Managers and First Time PMs from Udemy

Do you need to manage a project?

And do you want to deliver it on time, on budget, and to requirement?

If you are new to project management - or just want a refresher, this course will give you all the basics and more.

Project Management has become a vital element of business life. Success for both you and your organization will depend on good project management skills.

How do you set up to succeed? This seminar shows you the practical tools, techniques, and advice you need.

What will I get?

You will get over two and a half hours of high-quality video - not just a PowerPoint with a voice-over.

It is based on Mike's best selling three-hour live seminar and contains over two and a half hours of video, and a wealth of additional templates for you to download and adapt to your work. These will help you to manage your projects practically, for greater control and more success.

If you want to deliver your next project on time, on budget and to specification, you can't afford not to take this course.

What people say about Mike's live seminar...

“This did what it said on the box – a great deal of practical ideas for planning and managing tasks, along with understanding of key principles for successful delivery"

Andrea Duncan, PDP Co-ordinator – University of Northampton

“One of the best seminars I've attended in the last 17 years. Enjoyable practical and useful. I would highly recommend this course"

Diane Massey – DSM Legal Solicitors

“If you've never had formal training in project management – you'll learn a huge amount about processes and the secrets to succeeding in your projects"

Paul Foxall, Senior Project Officer – Sandwell MBC

“Excellent seminar. I have been on previous project management course. This one seemed very different and much better due to brilliant examples Mike gave."

Emma Oliver, Marketecture

“Excellent content, clearly delivered. Really enjoyed Mike's course and found it exceptionally useful."

Nick Osborn, Fenland RP Ltd

“Very useful. Many excellent strategies to help guide project managers."

Rob Simpson, Basis (Registration) Ltd

“A great overall introduction to project management. I learnt a lot and have a lot I can start to implement tomorrow. "

Catherine Mendham, Content Consultants

“Very practical, very useful. Gives confidence in knowing what is important and what is not. Mike is a very engaging speaker."

Louisa Davison, Secret Agent Marketing

“An excellent introduction and reminder of some of the fundamentals of project management."

Chris Price, Pulse PM Ltd

Dr Mike Clayton

Mike is on of the UK's leading project delivery experts. He has many years experience of managing projects and integrating change in many companies of varying sizes. Mike has had key roles in managing multi-million pound projects for Vodafone, General Motors, BAA and Transport for London. Organisations of all sizes have benefited from his skills in integrating complex change. You will get real results as his highly practical approach simplifies complex ideas.

Mike also has over 20 years' experience of training project managers, throughout the UK and in Europe and the US. He is the author of thirteen top-selling business, management, and personal effectiveness books, including four on project management topics:

How to Manage a Great Project On budget. On target. On time. (Pearson, 2014)
The Influence Agenda A systematic approach to aligning stakeholders in times of change (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014)
Brilliant Project Leader What the best project leaders know, do and say to get results, every time (Pearson, 2012)
Risk Happens. Managing risk and avoiding failure in business projects (Marshall Cavendish, 2011)

Your Unconditional, No-questions, 30-Day Guarantee

The best way to assess how valid this material is in your culture is to try it out. I am so confident that this course will change your life that I offer you an unconditional, no questions asked, full 30-day money-back-in-full guarantee. If you don't think this will give you a real sense of understanding and being in control of your project, then just ask me for your money back.

What if you have questions?

I will be on hand to answer your questions if you get stuck, puzzled, or just want to know more. As a professional trainer, this is what I do, and I promise to respond within 24 hours of your question arriving with me from Udemy.

Enroll Now

Enroll for this course now, so you can start to gain control of your projects straight away.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand how projects work and be able to control your project process
Deploy some of the main ways to avoid budget and schedule over-runs
Define your project precisely, for your benefit and everyone else's
Establish a clear scope, so you can combat the dreaded 'scope creep'
Deal effectively with supporters, critics and bystanders
Create time scales on getting the job done using milestone planning
Be able to use the world's favourite project planning tool: the gantt chart
Achieve fair and effective allocation of project responsibilities
Get the most from your team: motivation, collaboration and communication

Predict problems and plan your responses
Be able to assess which risks to deal with first
Assess which risks to deal with first
Apply all six strategies for action on risks available to use
Stay in control when people change their minds
Deliver your project on budget, on target, and on time
Complete the three key tasks to finally close down your project
Show more
Show less

Understand how projects work and be able to control your project process
Deploy some of the main ways to avoid budget and schedule over-runs
Define your project precisely, for your benefit and everyone else's
Establish a clear scope, so you can combat the dreaded 'scope creep'
Deal effectively with supporters, critics and bystanders
Create time scales on getting the job done using milestone planning
Be able to use the world's favourite project planning tool: the gantt chart
Achieve fair and effective allocation of project responsibilities
Get the most from your team: motivation, collaboration and communication
Predict problems and plan your responses
Be able to assess which risks to deal with first
Assess which risks to deal with first
Apply all six strategies for action on risks available to use
Stay in control when people change their minds
Deliver your project on budget, on target, and on time
Complete the three key tasks to finally close down your project
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Project Management Fundamentals: Know the Principles and Get it Right

It's important to define terms, and the key piece of jargon we'll be using throughout this course is 'Project'... so we'd better define it.

Like you and me, projects have a distinct lifecycle with recognisable stages. When you understand this, you have the basics of the structure you need to manage your projects effectively.

Let's understand why project managers divide our projects up, and what you can gain by doing this in your projects.

The project lifecycle will help you understand one of the commonest reasons for schedule slippage and over-budget projects.

The jargon is important... but more important is the ideas behind it. So don't skip this chapter!

Project Gateways are a central part of good project governance. Understanding this will help you control your project, secure good decisions, and keep your decisions accountable.

Project Definition Stage: The Vital Foundation to Your Success

Defining your project is crucial and your Goal and Objectives are at the core. But how to distinguish between these two concepts... I'll make it clear.

Establishing the scope of your project is, I think, the most difficult task. You need to balance the needs and the wants of many stakeholders, and reconcile those the the very real resource constraints you find yourself under.

Scope creep is the insidious reality of all projects. So what is it and, crucially, what are the two steps you can take, to deal with it?

You should have watched three videos on this already, but there is always more: let's summarise, and also add in some of those extra details you'll need to get a full definition for your project.

You can also download a Project Definition Document template, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

Project Planning Stage: Failing to Plan = Planning to Fail

All of your planning in one (conceptual) document. So, what do you need to include?

You can also download a selection of handy planning tools and templates, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

Stakeholder engagement is a vital (but straightforward) process. Of course, the challenge is to maintain a constant attention to all of your stakeholders in a balanced way, throughout your project. A lovely example of simple, but not easy!

As an aside, many project managers refer to this as 'stakeholder management'. I prefer not to, and I think the common terminology is shifting in my direction. Engagement sounds more respectful to me, than trying to 'manage' your stakeholders.

Somewhere down the line, I'll do a full video course on stakeholder engagement. But the practical project manager's most valuable tool for analysing your stakeholders is, without a doubt, the one I present in this video.

You can also download two handy stakeholder engagement tools, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

For a Project Manager, milestones are your best friends - for two reasons - and I'll tell you why in this video.

You can also download handy Milestone Table and Status Reporting templates, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

Under-used by even some pretty experienced PMs (who should know better), The Work Breakdown Structure (or WBS) is the workhorse of project planning tools and the the generator of many other useful tools. It may sound complex, but in fact it is simple: it breaks your work down into a structure!

The Gantt Chart is something of a poster-child for project management and it is very widely used. Here, I'll explain the basics in easy stages.

Okay, so you want to create your own Gantt Chart... There are three generations of tool available to you: 1, 2, 3.

You can also download handy Gantt Chart templates, in .docx and .xlsx format (both second generation tools), branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

Okay, I'll come clean: this is my own personal favourite project planning tool. In this video, I'll explain to you why.

You can also download a handy LRC template, along with a skills requirement schedule, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

The Risk Management Process is four simple, powerful steps. Persistence is the key.

The standard risk analysis process - described in this video - is based on the definition of a risk, as 'uncertainty that can affect outcome'.

There are six generic strategies for dealing with a risk. When you know and understand them, you can find the tactics you need and combine them to create your risk action plan.

You can also download a handy Risk Action Plan template, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

The Project Manager's primary risk management tool is your Risk Register, or Risk Log, and I describe it here.

You can also download handy Risk Register templates in .docx and .xlsx formats, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

Project Delivery Stage: Don't you Love it When a Plan Comes Together!

You get the team you deserve. But what are the essential things you must do, to deserve the team you want?

Project delivery is the easy bit, after all of the hard work of planning. And the core 'project heartbeat' is made up of three cycles you must follow. Let's see what they are.

You can also download a set of handy tools and templates, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

Project Closure Stage: Deep Sigh - You're Nearly Done

There are three things to do, to close your project down in an orderly manner: 1, 2, 3.

You can also download a set of handy Project Closure tools and templates, branded for my 2014 book, How to Manage a Great Project. (Pearson, 2014)

There's always more. In this short video, I'll point you to some recommended reading, and below, I'll offer you some handy downloads.

Music Credit: Title music, Rollin' at 5, is provided by Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.com

Easy to understand course

Learners say that this Project Management course is easy to follow.

Lessons are structured logically and straightforward.

"This was by far the easiest to understand."

"I've been taking this and many other courses on Project Management...This was by far the easiest to understand."

"Easy to learn."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Practical Project Management for Managers and First Time PMs with these activities:

Watch video tutorials on project management

Show steps

Watching video tutorials can help you learn more about project management in a concise and engaging way.

Browse courses on Project Management

Show steps

Identify some video tutorials on project management that you can watch.
Watch the video tutorials.
Take notes on key concepts.

Join a study group or online forum to discuss project management

Show steps

Joining a study group or online forum can help you learn from other students and get feedback on your work.

Browse courses on Project Management

Show steps

Identify a study group or online forum that you can join.
Join the group or forum.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Practice using project management templates and tools

Show steps

Practicing with project management templates and tools will help you become more efficient and effective in your project work.

Browse courses on Project Management Tools

Show steps

Identify some project management templates and tools that you can use.
Download and install the templates and tools.
Practice using the templates and tools on a small project.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Read 'Brilliant Project Leader'

Show steps

Reading this book will give you real results as his highly practical approach simplifies complex ideas.

Show steps

Purchase the book.
Read the book.
Take notes on key concepts.
Apply the concepts to your own project work.

Attend industry events to meet other project managers

Show steps

Networking events can help you expand your professional network and learn from other project managers.

Browse courses on Project Management

Show steps

Identify industry events that you can attend.
Register for the events.
Attend the events and network with other project managers.

Write a blog post about a project management topic

Show steps

Writing a blog post about a project management topic will help you to solidify your understanding of the topic and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Project Management

Show steps

Identify a project management topic that you want to write about.
Research the topic.
Write the blog post.
Publish the blog post.

Start a small project to practice your skills

Show steps

Starting a small project will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in this course to a real-world situation.

Browse courses on Project Management

Show steps

Identify a small project that you can complete within a reasonable timeframe.
Define the scope of the project and set clear goals.
Develop a project plan and timeline.
Execute the project plan and track your progress.
Evaluate the project and identify areas for improvement.

Create a project plan for a project of your choice

Show steps

Creating a project plan will help you to organize your thoughts and develop a clear roadmap for your project.

Browse courses on Project Planning

Show steps

Identify a project that you want to plan.
Define the scope of the project and set clear goals.
Develop a project plan and timeline.
Identify the resources that you will need.
Develop a communication plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Practical Project Management for Managers and First Time PMs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

As a project manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to define project scope, create project plans, manage project teams, and control project costs. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to close projects successfully. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a project manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

As a program manager, you will be responsible for managing multiple projects that are related to each other. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop program plans, manage program budgets, and track program progress. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to close programs successfully. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a program manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Portfolio Manager

As a portfolio manager, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of projects and programs. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop portfolio strategies, manage portfolio budgets, and track portfolio performance. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to close portfolios successfully. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a portfolio manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Product Manager

As a product manager, you will be responsible for the development and launch of new products. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to define product requirements, create product roadmaps, and manage product development teams. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to launch products successfully. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a product manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

As a business analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop recommendations. You will also learn how to communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a business analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Consultant

As a consultant, you will be responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop consulting proposals, manage consulting projects, and deliver consulting reports. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to close consulting engagements successfully. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur, you will be responsible for starting and running your own business. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop business plans, raise capital, and manage your business. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to grow your business successfully. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as an entrepreneur.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Operations Manager

As an operations manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to manage budgets, oversee staff, and improve efficiency. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to ensure the smooth running of the business. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as an operations manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Financial Analyst

As a financial analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to interpret financial statements, conduct financial modeling, and make investment recommendations. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a financial analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Marketing Manager

As a marketing manager, you will be responsible for the development and execution of marketing campaigns. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop marketing plans, manage marketing budgets, and track marketing performance. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to launch marketing campaigns successfully. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a marketing manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Supply Chain Manager

As a supply chain manager, you will be responsible for the management of the supply chain for a business. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to manage inventory, transportation, and logistics. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to improve the efficiency of the supply chain. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a supply chain manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Customer Service Manager

As a customer service manager, you will be responsible for the management of a customer service team. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop customer service plans, manage customer service teams, and track customer service performance. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to ensure that your customers are satisfied.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Manager

Sales Manager

As a sales manager, you will be responsible for the management of a sales team. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop sales plans, manage sales teams, and track sales performance. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to motivate your sales team to achieve success. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to start or advance their career as a sales manager.

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Information Technology Manager

As an information technology manager, you will be responsible for the management of the information technology department. This course may be useful for you, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop information technology plans, manage information technology teams, and track information technology performance. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to ensure that your information technology systems are reliable and efficient.

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Human Resources Manager

As a human resources manager, you will be responsible for the management of the human resources department. This course may be useful for you, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to develop human resources plans, manage human resources teams, and track human resources performance. You will also learn how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to ensure that your employees are happy and productive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager