What is this course about?

This course is about improving the effectiveness of project managers who are, or will be, managing multiple projects or multiple project managers. This improvement is driven by several underlying concepts made real during the three day course through hands-on activities and discussion. These concepts include viewing projects as elements of a portfolio driven by the organisational mission, selecting the appropriate project methodology for each project within the portfolio, defining controls and metrics which maximise the potential of the portfolio to deliver on its commitments, allocating human resources to projects through a cooperative rather than competitive mind set, and developing the leadership skills necessary in a multiple project environment.

How is this course structured?

This course is structured around a challenging case study in which you are immersed in the role of a manager responsible for multiple projects in a realistic company setting. All class discussion topics are amplified by team activities relating to the case study. These activities utilise practical techniques and associated templates to better manage multiple projects. You are challenged to relate these techniques to the projects for which you are responsible.

How will this course help me successfully manage the multiple projects that I am responsible for?

The project workplace is both complex and dynamic, with constantly changing business needs impacting the project manager. This course will give you the skills and processes to prioritise, resource, monitor, and if necessary correct a project portfolio to maximise the business benefit.

Who will benefit from this course?

Anyone who is responsible for, or has an interest in, the successful completion of multiple projects competing for a limited set of financial and human resources.

What background do I need?

You should have experience in the elements of basic project management and an awareness of corporate organisational and financial strategies.

Do I need to be an expert in math?

No, basic math to the level of normal business use is sufficient.

How does this course differ from Course 287, Strategic Project Management: Achieving Organisational Goals?

Course 287 concentrates on the management of complex projects while this course concentrates on the management of multiple projects spanning all levels of complexity.

Are standard tools, such as Microsoft Project, going to be covered in the course?

The concepts behind the application of such tools will be discussed but hands-on use of MS Project or other commercial tools will not be covered.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of activities are in this course?

Approximately 50 percent of this course is spent in activities. This course is based on extensive practical exercises which demonstrate the benefit of embracing the underlying principles presented in the course. Specifically, you build comprehensive project goal statements aligned with organisational goals, compare projects through basic financial techniques, select appropriate project methodologies, define portfolio metric dashboards, participate in manpower planning meetings, apply leadership skills and compete in an enlightening game which demonstrates the benefit of a project portfolio mindset.

Is this course applicable toward a Project Management Institute (PMI) certification?

Yes. Though this course is not designed as preparation for an exam, it is beneficial to anyone working toward, or maintaining, a PMI certification. Most PMI certifications require a specific number of PDUs in order to obtain and maintain the credential. Completion of this course provides 17 professional development units (PDUs).

Learning Tree offers several courses that help you prepare for PMI certifications, including Course 276, Preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP)^® Exam, which prepares you for PMI's most popular certification. For more details on these courses and PMI certifications, please see the Learning Tree PMI Registered Education Provider Q&A.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

This course is an excellent follow-on course to Course 296, Project Management: Skills for Success, or Course 340, Project Management for Software Development. Taking this course expands your appreciation of the organisational business drivers underlying project management. Other courses of interest are:

• 3610, Building a Successful Project Management Office
• 346, Project Leadership: Building High-Performance Teams
• 341, Negotiation Skills: Achieving Successful Outcomes
• 177, PRINCE2®: Achieving Practitioner Certification
• 276, Preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Exam
• 344, Effective Time Management
• 286, Project Risk Management
• 252, Strategic Planning for Organisational Success