Leading Projects

Course details

Cross-functional projects are common in today's business environment. Leading these types of projects involves being able to structure teams and plans effectively. In this course, Daniel Stanton provides the techniques needed to adopt an efficient approach using the DIRECT project leadership framework. He explains how to define the scope, investigate options, select a course of action, and execute a plan. He also discusses how to revise processes and help people transition with change. Projects large and small can benefit—from enhancing platforms and launching new products to replacing outdated procedures and breaking ground on new facilities.

Learning objectives
Name who is responsible for approving the resources for the project.
Recall what the spine of a fishbone diagram represents.
List characteristics of the environment.
Identify the tools used for mapping processes.
Recognize what needs to be captured on the action item list.
Recall what project metrics should be related to.

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Project management simplified
02 - How to structure a project team
03 - Who really leads a project
04 - The DIRECT project leadership framework
05 - Case study - A new distribution center

1. Define

06 - Define the vision
07 - Root cause analysis
08 - How to use the five whys
09 - How to use the fishbone diagram
10 - How to use brainstorming
11 - How to use affinity diagrams
12 - Document scope with a project charter

2. Investigate

13 - Investigate the options
14 - How to conduct a SWOT strategic analysis
15 - Engage contractors and consultants
16 - Request for proposal (RFP)
17 - Map process flows
18 - Financial analysis of projects

3. Resolve

19 - Resolve to a course of action
20 - Types of project managers
21 - Project management office (PMO)
22 - Team building, trust, and transparency
23 - Project communications
24 - Identify and escalate issues
25 - Create project plans
26 - Manage project plans
27 - Project metrics

4. Execute

28 - Execute the project plan
29 - Manage scope change
30 - Project kickoff
31 - Manage project risks
32 - Manage project slack
33 - Action items and issue resolution
34 - Project scorecards and status meetings

5. Change

35 - Change the processes
36 - User acceptance testing (UAT)
37 - Punch lists and project close out
38 - Go live or startup plan

6. Transition

39 - Transition the people
40 - Communication plan for transition
41 - Project lessons learned

Conclusion

42 - Apply DIRECT

Leading Projects

Authors

Daniel Stanton