WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE AND ESTIMATING WORKSHOP


COURSE DESCRIPTION:     In a project management setting, if a project is to come in on time, within cost and contain the quality specified, a great many things must happen when and how they are supposed to happen.   In this three-day course, we propose a simple method to know exactly what has to be done, by whom and when.   The sequential delineation of tasks serves as the basis for estimating and scheduling, thereby ensuring the Project Team's success.   In this workshop we will introduce a simple method to assist in sorting out and planning the detail in the project through Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

This workshop is the first of three in the Project Management Skill Building Process as follows:

1.     Project Work Breakdown Structure and Estimating Skills
      Breakdown of the Project into manageable blocks of tasks
      Development of Accurate Time and Cost Estimates for the work blocks
            - including calculations for contingencies
   
2.     Introduction to Microsoft Project Scheduling Workshop
      Build the project schedule, optimize it, report on it and manage the resources
   
3.     Advanced Microsoft Project Scheduling Workshop
      Maximize the effectiveness of this powerfull tool for handling any project


LEARNING OUTCOMES:    As a result of this learning opportunity participants will:

   Be provided with the necessary concepts, tools and techniques to develop realistic WBS's
   Learn and apply the steps and formulas for the Estimating Process
   Understand and recognize the importance of Assessing Project Risk
   Work with the Project Management Phase Methodology to identify the tasks and
     sub-tasks necessary to derive the initial project plans
   Identify the activities, tasks and sub-tasks associated with the Project Management Process
   Apply all of the course tools and techniques by substituting their own project for
     some of the workshop exercises


LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:    Classroom
DURATION:    Three business days
COURSE SIZE:    The ideal / maximum number of participants is 24
PRE-REQUISITES:       Introduction to Project Management


COURSE CONTENT:

DAY ONE

Morning:
   Module One - Overview of the Project Life Cycle
   Phase Deliverables - Identifying the associated Activities and Tasks
   Phase Approval Process - Identifying the Deliverables
 
   Module Two - Project Planning - Identifying the Activities
   Project Planning Sequence
   Identifying the Activities, Tasks and Sub-tasks
   Exercise - Develop a Project Team Composition Chart for your Project
 
   Module Three - Establishing and Tracking Scope
   Establishing and Tracking Scope
   Building User Rapport
   Project Status Reports
   Exercise & Presentation - Defining the Scope on your Project
   Exercise - Teams -Defining the Scope- ACME Communications Company

Afternoon:
   Module Four - Work Breakdown Structures, Tools & Techniques
   Project Planning
   Sorting out the Project
   Planning Checklist
   Hierarchical Planning
   WBS Glossary of Terms
   Exercise & Presentation - Integrated Office System Pilot

Evening Assignment:
   Complete reading Module 4
   Finish the exercise on the Integrated Office Systems Pilot for presentation (Approx. 2 hours)

DAY TWO

Morning:
   Module Four - Continued
   WBS Diagrams
   Exercise - Teams - Review Integrated Office System Pilot, Part 2
   Uses of WBS
   Exercise - HAC Computer Company
   Exercise - Teams - Complete Gozinto Chart Exercise and present the results
    for review by Facilitator

Afternoon:
   Exercise - Teams - Develop and present WBS for the Project Management Process

Evening Assignment:
   Complete reading Module 5 - The Estimating Process
   Complete "Brian's Day" exercise

DAY THREE

Morning:
   Module Five - The Estimating Process
   Exercise - Review of "Brian's Day"
   Role of Estimates (Prototypes / Trials / Waterfall Approaches)
   Estimating Responsibilities
 
   Exercise - Develop a list of the project related interruptions that occur during your day
     which stop you from working on the task you have been assigned.
 
   Module Six - Estimating Tools and Techniques
   Calculating the Estimate
 
   Exercise - Teams - Identify and list all of the interruptions which take place during the day
     which stop you from completing your assigned task.

Afternoon:
   Module Six - Estimating Tools and Techniques, continued
   Calculating Work Time
   Determining Elapsed Time
   Project Contingency
   Project Costs
 
   Module Seven - Risk Management
   Risk Management (Project / Portfolio - Time, Cost, Quality)
   Risk Questionnaire
 
   Module Eight - Negotiating the Estimate
   Definition of Negotiation
   Variables in Negotiating the Estimates
   Negotiating Relationships
 
   Exercise - Teams - Develop an Action Plan to prepare and present your
    Estimating Formula to your Project Manager or Sponsor.


COURSE CLOSURE:

   Question and Answer Period
   Review of Individual Projects
   Course Evaluation
   Closing Remarks

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PAPE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES INC.       
Toronto, Ontario        Victoria, British Columbia       
Email: davidpape@papeconsulting.com
© Copyright 2008 Pape Management Consulting Services Inc.              Images © Copyright 2008 Stephen J. Pape