Essential Project Management Fundamentals

A practical, one-day introduction to project management fundamentals, equipping managers with the tools and confidence to support and deliver projects effectively

Course Overview

Duration: 1 Day
Delivery: Classroom, Live Virtual, or Private Group Training
Level: Foundation
Certification: N/A

A highly practical introduction to project management, designed to help participants understand the project lifecycle, apply key tools and techniques, and contribute more effectively to project delivery within their organisation.

Overview

This course introduces the core principles, structure, and approaches used in effective project management, helping managers understand how projects are initiated, planned, delivered, and closed.

Participants will gain practical insight into project methodologies, constraints, and delivery techniques, while building the confidence to support or lead smaller projects within their organisation.

The course is interactive and hands-on, using a simple case study throughout the day to apply tools and techniques that can be used immediately in the workplace.

What You Will Learn

• Understand the project lifecycle and key phases
• Apply core project management tools and techniques
• Define project scope, deliverables, and stakeholder requirements
• Plan projects using WBS, schedules, and resource planning
• Identify and manage risks, assumptions, and dependencies
• Monitor progress and take corrective action when required

How You Will Apply It

Throughout the course, participants will apply the learning through a practical case study representing a small to medium-sized project.

• Create a project charter and define deliverables
• Develop a work breakdown structure and schedule
• Identify stakeholders and define engagement strategies
• Build and use a risk matrix
• Track progress and manage changes and issues

Who Should Attend

• Managers and team leaders involved in project delivery
• Professionals supporting projects within their role
• Individuals new to project management
• Anyone looking to build a strong foundation in project delivery

Course Content

Day 1 – Project Fundamentals and Delivery

Focus: Understanding the lifecycle, planning effectively, and managing delivery

• Defining project management and its value
• Overview of project management methodologies
• Understanding project constraints

• Creating a project charter and defining deliverables
• Identifying stakeholders and defining engagement approaches
• Understanding roles and responsibilities

• Developing a work breakdown structure (WBS)
• Creating schedules, network diagrams, and Gantt charts
• Estimating, resourcing, and planning tasks
• Identifying and managing risks and assumptions

• Monitoring and tracking project progress
• Managing change, issues, and scope creep
• Communicating project status effectively

• Project closure, handover, and validation of deliverables
• Reviewing performance and capturing lessons learned

Tools and Techniques Covered

• Project Charter
• Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Matrix
• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
• Network Diagrams and Critical Path
• Gantt Charts and Scheduling
• RACI Matrix for roles and responsibilities
• Risk Matrix for identification and management

Optional Next Step

For organisations looking to build further capability:

• Introduction to Project Management (2-Day)
• AI for Project Managers
• Private team workshops tailored to your delivery approach