Activity is not achievement

Most companies do not send their employees to project management training so they can add another certification to their resumes. Nor do they tend to care about the binders full of matrices, graphs, charts and spreadsheets that newly minted “Project Managers” wave around at every opportunity. Companies send employees to project management training with the expectation that they will learn how to execute projects.

In our experience with intensive, certification-geared programs such as PMI, Six Sigma, Lean, etc, the training and the methodology itself has overshadowed the original goal – getting things done. We have seen teams set out on months-long projects, using obscure tools, arcane statistical analyses and endless project plans – to simply move a water cooler from one side of the room to another. So, we took a position and developed a different kind of project management program. Clearly, it is not for everyone. If PMI certification is the goal, please go to PMI. For the website click here. What we offer is a relatively quick (half-day or full-day) but strong foundation in basic project management methodology and tools. Our training is focused on honing the essential skills needed to initiate, plan, execute and close small to mid-sized projects. These projects are generally short in duration and low in budget. We help the team leaders make the most of the limited time and resources they have in order to close out and “declare victory” as quickly as possible, so they can move on to the next priority.

Back to basics

In general, our program follows a clear roadmap which guides participants through the basic stages of projects – initiation, planning, execution and closure. Program participants receive an overview of the most practical and useful project management tools and methods, discuss their own challenges with current and past projects, and receive a project management tool set customized specifically to the team or organization’s needs. Typical tools include Project Charter, Stakeholder Analysis, RACI Matrix, Communication Plan, Project Plan and Prioritization Matrix. Project leadership, communication and change management can also be included to build and strengthen the project leader’s competence in the “people side” of project management. Participants also receive instruction on the preciseTRACKER^TM online project management tool.

To speak with a consultant or request a quote for training at your organization, please contact us at Info@TransAssoc.com or call 908-832-6837 x105.