This module establishes the foundational knowledge needed to effectively manage projects, large or small. Its focus is on understanding the basic principles, and relating them to the facilities commonly available in popular Project Management software tools.

PM Concept 1 - Project Cost Estimation

A major cause of project failure is poor estimate. And there’s a good reason why project managers estimate poorly - they don’t know how! This module starts with an overview of the estimation process, presents techniques in estimating the various dimensions of a project, and offers tools that a project manager can use to come up with a useful estimate that is reasonably accurate.

- Estimation Process Overview

- Size Estimation

- Effort Estimation

- Schedule Estimation

- Ballpark Schedule Estimate

- Tools for Estimation

PM Concept 2 - Project Risk Management and Control

Few project managers worry about project risks until they pose a threat to the project. Oftentimes, it is too late and the impact on the project is irreversible. This module offers practical methods to manage risk and usable tools for risk management and control.

“If you don’t actively attack the risks, then they will actively attack you.” (Tom Glib)

- Project Schedule Risk Analysis

- Project Cost Risk Analysis

- Management and Control

- Tools for Risk Management and Control


PM Concept 3 - Project Control and Evaluation

Even though there are limits in assessing exactly how much work has been done on a project, there can be no control unless some assessment is done. A widely used method of measuring project progress in Earned Value Analysis. This module will show you how this tool can be effectively used in real-world projects.

- Earned Value Basics

- Project Control Using Earned Value Analysis

- The Need for All three Measures (Time, Cost, Performance)

- The Critical Ratio -- A Pre-emptive approach to managing projects

- Refining the Analysis

- Creating your own Project Earned Value ‘Digital Dashboard’