Project Management Basics

Project Management – The Basics Training Programme –
Introduction to the training session
Welcome to this training session, specially developed for your enjoyment and benefit.
Kindly take special note of the following points:
1. The training facilitator will explain how the training activities will support the learning process. Ongoing assessments are part of this process which will give you the opportunity to interact with the other learners in discovering the value of the learning content. Formative assessments cover specific sections of the training material, while the summative assessments cover all the subjects and are done at the end of the session. Work-related assignments are given as part of summative assessments.

2. This training program is based on a unit standard which can be described as an element of learning. It consists of essential elements such as specific outcomes and assessment criteria. The training facilitator will explain the link between the unit standard and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

3. It is important that you participate fully and build your Portfolio of Evidence (POE) during the facilitation session to gain the most value. You owe it to yourself to ask questions that will help you to understand the key points completely. The more you involve yourself with the learning process, the more you will benefit. Please apply the new skills and knowledge that you gained during the session with the confidence that this will contribute to a better South Africa.What is a project?
A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. A project has a clear beginning and end. It is:
• Temporary
• Goal-directed
• Collaborative [working together with others]
• Constrained

A project needs to be performed by people, is constrained by limited resources, and needs to be planned, executed and controlled every step of the way.
What is Project Management?
Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholder needs and expectations from a project. Project management is accomplished through the use of processes such as initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing.
One aspect that is often overlooked is the necessity of managing people – the one part of the role of the project manager that can ultimately make or break a project.
There are competing demands for scope, time, cost, risk and quality.
Stakeholders also have different needs and expectations, making the identification of requirements complex.
The development objective of the project manager is to deliver a project that is:
 On Schedule
 Within Budget
 According to specification
Why Project Management?
o Today’s complex environments require ongoing implementations
o Project management is a method and mindset…a disciplined approach to managing chaos
o Project management provides a framework for working amidst persistent change
An effective project manager is a skilled:
- Leader - Facilitator
- Counsellor - Planner
- Motivator - Influencer
- Negotiator - Marketer

A project manager needs to portray the following roles:
 Leadership and Guidance  Planning
 Customer Relations  Technical Leadership
 Senior Management Liaison

In order for an organisation to be considered a leader in the field, it will need:
- The right resources
- Standard tools and templates
- The appropriate methodology
- Sufficient training
More on Project Management:
- Project management is about an organisation
- Project management is about decision making
- Project management is about changing people’s behaviour
- Project management is about creating an environment conducive to getting critical
projects done