Project and program failure occurs during the initiation and planning phases. Poor planning and failure to implement an sound infrastructure for success ultimately leads to significant project issues and too often, project failure. Every project, no matter how large or small, needs a clearly defined Project Charter and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). The WBS provides the foundation for all project planning; it is the one technique that will help ensure that project deliverables are not overlooked, stakeholders and resources are correctly identified, risks are uncovered early on, estimating and scheduling is accurate and project scope can be effectively delegated to team members. Project and program launch workshops provide a sound planning foundation helping ensure success while at the same time providing participants with the skills, tools, techniques and confidence to successfully facilitate their next planning session At the completion of a project launch session, team members have an appreciation for the value of the tools and techniques that are utilized to successful plan and execute any project.
Our experienced consultants will help ensure that an infrastructure of sound, practical and proven governance is implemented, significantly reducing the probability of failure.
Planning Workshop (3 days)– An experienced PMLG program manager and instructors will facilitate the project team to develop a sound plan and schedule. The session will be conducted as a learning event as well with the emphasis on effective knowledge transfer to the project manager and team members.
Day One – Scope Identification and Development of Schedule
- Introduction of the Communications Plan and Roles and Responsibilities
- Introduction of the High Project Level Charter
- Facilitated creation of the detailed program and project tree-diagram work breakdown structures. This is a critical activity in the planning process and we will spend as much time as necessary to ensure that no deliverables have been overlooked and that the participants are comfortably in applying the WBS approach to planning.
- Owners will be assigned to work packages and a Responsibility Matrix will be prepared to record ownership by work package.
- Code of Account numbers are assigned to all WBS deliverables and all requirements are traced back to deliverables in the WBS
- Using the WBS, a bottom up estimate of work effort and costs
- Budget is prepared
- Work package owners identify the tasks, dependencies and estimates for their work packages
- Work packages, tasks and dependencies are entered into the project schedule
Day Two – Risk Identification
- A risk identification session is conducted, risks identified, scored and plotted on cardinal or ordinal scale
- High prorating risks are discussed and owners are assigned
Day Three – Risk Planning and Finalization of Schedule
- Risk plans are completed
- Project schedule is finalized
- Detailed WBS finalized
- Detailed Charter finalized
For more information on how we can assist you in launching your projects or programs, contact us at 678 325 1100.