Occasional Project Manager Masterclass

Ideal participants are professionals in various functional areas who occasionally take on project management responsibilities. 

This masterclass is not intended for traditional full-time project manager who's main profession is project management, this masterclass target those who require project management skills to enhance their primary roles in business, engineering, or line management. 

This course suits those who value streamlined, practical approaches over formal methodologies.

Module 1: Foundations of Project Management Principles 

• Introduction into Project Management
  • A Walkthrough Project Phases
    • What Happens During Project Initiation?
    • Project Scope Definition - A Structured Approach to Scope Creep Free Project
    • Project Execution and Control, Things You Must Know
    • Scope Control, Avoiding Technical Debt
    • Smooth Project Closure
  • Methods Building Blocks
    • Introduction to the fundamental components of  methods and how to tailor methods to each project.
    • Focus on how OPMs can tailor methods and frameworks to meet their project needs while remaining agile and goal-driven​
  • Goal Driven Delivery
    • Aligning project activities with the overarching project goals 
    • Tailoring a Unique and Pragmatic Delivery Method
    • Utilizing System Thinking as a foundational approach to managing projects.

Module 2: Occasional Project Managers

• Who is the Occasional Project Manager
  • Understanding the role and mindset, key traits, roles, expectations, and working styles of Occasional Project Managers.
  • Main differences between  Occasional Project Manager and Professional Project Manager.
  • OPM Profiles and Delivery Approaches from OPM Perspective: Exploring various OPM profiles and their unique approaches to project delivery​​.
• How mindset shapes decision-making, problem-solving, and the overall approach to project management​
• The Dual Role of OPMs in Process and Product Management.
• Collaborating with Business Experts: Enhancing Project Outcomes, and leveraging SME knowledge and expertise.

Module 3: Foundations of Agile and Lean Delivery 

• What is Agile: A comprehensive overview of Agile principles, their application and a brief history of Agile.
• Agile Component: Discusses specific Agile people, methods, practices, tools and techniques and how to apply  Agile principles in non-IT and operational settings, 
• Mindset Principles and Values: Covers the Agile mindset and values that drive successful implementation.
• Team Structure Roles & Governance: Outlines effective team structures and governance models in an Agile setting.
• Continuous Improvement Metrics Reporting & Visual Management: Emphasizes Agile tools for tracking and visually managing projects.
• Artifacts and Practices and Ceremonies: Explores Agile artifacts and describes key practices and ceremonies​​.
• What is Lean: Explains the core mindset, principles, values and objectives of Lean, and how they apply to OPM project management.
• Lean Component: Describes specific Lean tools and techniques, and various Lean artifacts used in project management
• Visual Management in Lean: Focuses on tools for measuring progress and managing projects visually in a Lean context.

Module 4: Leading IT Projects with Confidence - Managing Events

• High-level Definition of Project Events and Progression: Understanding and managing key events in IT project lifecycles.
• Importance of Logging Events and Impact Mapping: Techniques for tracking and analyzing the impact of events on project progression.
• Risks, Issues, Decisions, Changes, Actions: Managing various types of events and their implications on IT projects​​.

Module 5: Leading IT Projects with Confidence - Managing People

• Introduction to Stakeholders Management
  • Who is a Stakeholder?
  • Types of Stakeholders, 
  • Identification, analysis and Managing Expectations of Stakeholders.
• Effective Communication
  • Developing a cadence of communication and maintaining consistent interaction with stakeholders​.
  • Managing Feedback
  • Managing Conflicts
    • Types of workplace conflicts
    • Approaches to handling and de-escalating conflict 

1. This course is offered entirely online; however, for group arrangements, classroom delivery is preferable. 
2. The course is structured into twelve workshops, each requiring a minimum of two hours to complete. 
3. Exam fees are inclusive of the course fees. 
4. Any project-specific NDAs requiring signatures should be submitted at least two business weeks before the course's commencement date. 
5. Flexible scheduling and convenient access to the course are tailored to suit the schedules of busy professionals. 
6. Upon successfully passing the exam, participants will attain certification as a Business Project Manager . This certification validates participants' mastery of the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively lead business and functional projects. 
7. Participants have one opportunity for exam retake, with the first two attempts covered by the course fee. If a participant does not pass the exam after the second attempt, they must retake the course within 12 months at no extra cost before being eligible for the exam retake. For a third exam attempt, a supplementary exam fee of $800 NZD applies.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Effectively utilize project management tools for various project types.
2. Scale and tailor methods to deliver pragmatically.
3. Implement lean and agile methodologies to minimize non-value activities.
4. Produce concise, impactful documentation for project tracking and communication.
5. Balance project management duties with other operational responsibilities.
6. Conduct risk assessments and adapt strategies to changing project landscapes.
7. Engage stakeholders and communicate effectively for project success.
8. Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts and manage team dynamics efficiently.

• Complete All Modules: Actively engage in all four modules of the course, including workshops and discussions.
• Pass the Exam

• 2 Hours Training Assessment Workshop
• 12 Hours of Training
• 12 Hours of hands-on application activities
• 6 Hours of Back-office Project Support (per attendee)