PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

All types of projects, from agricultural and rural development programmes, tourism projects, construction of industrial complexes to emergency food aid distribution programmes require a range of inputs from people with extensive complementary professional skills. Every project requires a team to cost effectively and efficiently manage the many and varied inputs and resources to ensure that it is completed within budget and on time. This intensive six week programme is intended for those who are, or will be in the near future, responsible for managing the implementation of projects to provide managerial and technical competence to cope with limited resources, time constraints and team relationships.

Designed for
Those responsible for managing projects of whatever nature and whether employed in the public or private sectors. It is particularly relevant to those managers working in Project Implementation Units supported by international funding agencies.

Programme Aims
To provide participants with the necessary skills to manage the implementation of projects from the planning stage through to completion, with emphasis being placed upon the efficient and effective utilization of resources.

Training Outcomes
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to apply their newly gained skills and supporting knowledge to:
• Manage the overall project cycle, prepare project proposals to gain financial support
• Assess and manage project risks and sustainability Manage the monitoring and evaluation of projects, manage multi-project development programmes
• Co-ordinate and evaluate project risks and sustainability to assist project teams in the achievement of agreed time scales
• Communicate effectively with internal and external clients through the application of improved business presentation skills
• Manage cost effectively and efficiently within a contract culture
• Demonstrate improved knowledge of performance management systems
• Introduce and manage relevant staff appraisal processes
• Conduct effective appraisal interviews
• Evaluate relevant training needs and respond appropriately
• Understand, evaluate and demonstrate practical knowledge

MANAGING A PROJECT CYCLE

Good project managers are in short supply and there is growing recognition of the consequences of under-investment in the skills needed to plan and manage projects. In particular, skills in project formulation, preparation, implementation planning and evaluation are required. Such skills demonstrate to funding organisations the potential of a project. They also ensure that there are effective project controls and risk management throughout the life of the project. Without these skills, good worthwhile projects may never be realised because of a lack of financial support and insufficient confidence in the project leadership and management team. This training course addresses this and is one in a series of three that comprises the Project Management Programme.

Designed for

The course is Designed for senior managers in the public, non-government and private sectors ho are responsible for seeking financial support for new projects and evaluating existing projects funded by international financial institutions and development agencies.

Course Aims

The course concentrates on the non-implementation part of the project cycle, although it does include coverage of the full range of tools and techniques useful for implementation planning. It aims to develop the expertise of senior managers, to provide them with improved skills to manage and participate competently in the initial development and preparation of a project in order to gain commitment, and in the evaluation and audit of a project to assess its effectiveness. It will also help participants gain support from funding bodies, such as development agencies and banks.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be able to:
Understand and manage the overall project cycle
• Prepare international standard project proposals to gain financial support
• Build stronger relationships with funding agencies and contractors
• Plan project implementation
• Assess and manage project risks and sustainability throughout the life of the project
• Manage the monitoring and evaluation of projects to determine progress and impact

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

The successful management of development projects and programmes involves a challenging set of tasks. Development Project Directors and Senior Managers in the public and private sector are required to direct, co-ordinate and manage projects to achieve objectives within required budgetary targets and time deadlines, as is the case in any context. Donor management, negotiation and reporting; community management and stakeholder involvement; financial awareness and budget control; leadership and team development; management of contracts and an understanding of the effects of broader political and policy issues are examples of some of the skills required by development practitioners. Without these skills, good, worthwhile projects may fail to achieve objectives and deliver benefits or may experience delay and financial penalty as well as the loss of credibility for the project team. This course addresses these topics and is one of a series making up the Project Management Programme.

Designed for

The course is Designed for senior managers in the public, non-government and private sectors who are responsible for directing projects and programmes and liasing with international financial institutions, development agencies and multi-national or senior government departmental heads.

Course Aims

This Course Aims to provide participants with the opportunity to develop and improve those skills essential for development project management, concentrating specifically on people and financial management issues.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be able to:
• Manage projects effectively to achieve objectives within budget and on time
• Describe new directions in development assistance and the wider context of management responsibility
• Adapt and apply modern organisational management techniques, including strategic and operational planning
• Give an overview of lessons learned with regard to successful and unsuccessful project management
• Achieve action centred leadership

 

PROJECT EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Evaluating projects is critical through various stages in any project to ensure value for money, be it a publicly-funded project or otherwise. It is essential that staff with the responsibility to evaluate projects are aware of the variety of necessary skills to expertly evaluate and report their findings.

Designed for

Project Managers, Senior Managers and Directors who commission and manage large budgets and projects.

Course Aims

To provide participants with the opportunity to review, discuss and improve their personal knowledge, skills and understanding of the value for money, aspects of projects and how to evaluate and report their findings.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will:
• Be able to use a number of project management techniques and tools Understand and evaluate projects around the BS6079
• Use evaluation tools and techniques through various stages of the project
• Use appropriate reporting and documentation techniques.
• Organise and manage projects
• Set milestones and performance criteria and appraise and report through various stages of the project
• Use Information Technology for project management
• Able to schedule phases
• Able to identify and manage risks
• Be able to use a variety of Information Technology tools to present and report, etc.

CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Managing projects is critical through various stages in any project to ensure the smooth and successful completion of the project be it a publicly-funded project or otherwise. It is essential that staff with the responsibility to manage projects are aware and competent in a variety of necessary techniques, methods and skills to ensure the project's success.

Designed for

Financial Managers, Accountants, Auditors, Project Managers, Senior Managers and Directors who commission and manage capital projects.
Course Aims

To provide participants with the opportunity to review, discuss and improve their personal knowledge, skills and understanding of the aspects of capital projects management and how to manage such projects.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will: ! Understand fully the capital projects life cycle
• Be able to understand the uses of finance including being able to prepare capital project costings and estimates
• Be able to fully manage and audit Capital Projects, including items and actual costs, expenditure records etc.
• Be able to apply authorisation arrangements and optimum life cycles Understand recurrent costs and project infrastructure support requirements
• Be able to fully appreciate and understand the capital equipment costs and procurement
• Be able to use a number of project management techniques and tools, including project database records and project management software
• Use evaluation tools and techniques through various stages of the project
• Use Information Technology for project management
• Able to manage risks assessment and project supplier rating
• Understand project supply chain and contracts

 

The health of people should be of prime importance yet even in the provision of Primary Health Care the issue of "financial management" remains ever present. Eradication of disease, improvements in health services and the increasing demands of a fast growing world population have combined to demand the creation of an effective management approach in all sectors of health care. It is, perhaps, in Health Care that commercial management principles and social professional expertise provide the ultimate challenge for a professional manager. The skills of financial management, staff relationships, management of external contractors, business presentation skills and effective decision making and problem solving ability are every day requirements of a professional Health Manager. Without these skills efficient, effective primary health care facilities may not be available to local hospitals and communities. This Course Aims to address these issues.

Designed for

For senior health managers and administrators with responsibility for managing and co-ordinating activities within a public or private health environment. The course would also be relevant to those managers seeking to further their careers to senior positions within a health environment.

Course Aims

To provide a strong basic foundation in health administration and management and to introduce and explore a range of new and emerging issues that may help increase access to and quality of health care programmes.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be able to:
• Explore the current interest and major steps involved in moving toward sector-wide approaches in the health sector and away from the project approach
• Utilise new skills to improve financial management, staff relationships, management of external contractors, business management and effective problem solving and decision-making
• Assist with the development, implementation and monitoring of financial plans and budgets

• Implement strategies that support the adaptation and utilization of technical guidance documents to improve access to and Quality of health care programmes
• Formulate a work plan that analyses how the new information the course has provided can be adapted and applied from policy to practice

TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Total Quality Management (TQM) is the systematic approach to constant improvement throughout an organization. TQM strives to provide customers with products and services that continually meet or exceed their expectations for quality.

Designed for

Total Quality Management (TQM) is Designed for those employed in product or service organizations who desire to gain TQM skills in order to analyse their work processes and management systems for improving the quality of their products and services. It is also for the average employee to enable them to use basic statistical analysis techniques to enhance
their individual performance.

Course Aim

This Course Aims to provide a detailed understanding of the quality framework of business organizations. It offers ideas & tools to understand & analyse the functions & practices of all aspects of business operation. The module emphasizes on total quality management.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be:
• Able to pursue new strategic thinking
• Able to set True Customer Requirements
• Able to reduce Chronic Waste
• Able to pursue a Continuous Improvement Strategy
• Able to use Structured Methodology for Process Improvement
• Able to reduce Variation
• Able to use a Balanced Approach

HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Managing the infrastructure of Health Care is as critical as the care given by the Health Service itself. Information Systems are increasingly used to not only manage patients but also to monitor, plan and manage the Health Service efficiently.

Designed for

Directors, managers, and MIS officers from government ministries, NGOs, and international and donor agencies, who plan, develop, manage, or supervise health management information systems.

Course Aim

This course provides the conceptual framework to lead the design and development of a practical, effective information system. Course sessions include: Conceptual Framework for Health MIS, HMIS Assessment, Strategic Planning for Information Systems, Interpretation and Presentation of Information, and Specifications for MIS Development.

Training Outcome

By the end of the course participants will be:
• Able to identifying an information politics model that fits their own organization's culture
• Able to manage the elements of HMIS development: information technology, human resources, and financial resources
• Able to use information to improve decision-making
• Able to oversee the design of an HMIS that helps their organization to achieve its strategic goals
• Able to understand the practical applications of using communications technology (e-mail, Internet) for exchanging information, accessing resources, strengthening coordination, and improving supervision

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF PROJECTS

Achieving the objectives of projects within given resources ensures that finances are not wasted. To this end projects must be carefully selected, planned, controlled and managed.

Designed for

Middle to senior management who will be actively involved with the financial management of development projects. The programme will benefit project managers and project implementation staff, officials of government departments and ministries.

Programme Aims

To provide authoritative knowledge and guidance as to how to plan and prepare for aid projects, manage the finances of, and work effectively with projects which are development
agency funded.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the programme participants will be able to:
• Evaluate potential projects for their viability and payback
• Mitigate risks by forecasting cash flows and practising cost controls, thus assisting with cost effective and timely implementation of projects
• Evaluate opportunities for raising finance for projects
• Use computers to plan and track project finances and to carry out statistical analysis.
• Undertake procurement activities in a manner consistent with best international practice
• Improve their methods of disbursement and reporting so that they meet the requirements of the major development agencies

 

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF PROJECTS

Analysing the financial aspects of projects and the management of projects is vital at every stage of the project life cycle in order to control expenditure and resources. Failing this may most likely result in a huge waste of resources and costsamongst others.

Designed for

Project Financiers, Accountants, Project Managers, Senior Managers and Directors who commission and manage large budgets and projects.

Course Aims

To provide participants with the opportunity to review, discuss and improve their personal knowledge, skills and understanding of the Financial Analysis and Project Management.

Training Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will:
• Be able to use a number of project management techniques and tools
• Understand project cycle based on BS6079
• Use a variety of tools and techniques in relation to the financial analysis of projects
• Be able to estimate project costs
• Understand feasibility studies and quantity surveying
• Be able to use a variety of financial management and project costing techniques
• Understand the roles of project and financial managers
• Be able to schedule, cost monitor and plan projects
• Be able to manage financial risks in projects
• Be able to manage project finances and audit
• Use Information Technology for project management

National Holidays in 2005 (England)

New Year	3rd January
Good Friday	25th March
Easter Monday	28th March
May Day	2nd May
Spring	30th May
August	29th August
Christmas	25th December
Boxing Day	26th December
Day in lieu of 25th	27th December