Strategic Project Management Course

Lesson 1 • Core PM Knowledge Areas

Introduces the ten standard knowledge areas as an integrated system rather than isolated domains. Sets the learning map for the entire course.

Lesson 2 • Defining Projects and Project Management

Clarifies what constitutes a project versus ongoing business operations and why structured management matters. Anchors all subsequent frameworks in a shared definitional baseline.

Lesson 3 • Strategic Context of Projects

Connects individual projects to organisational strategy and portfolio priorities. Establishes why strategic alignment drives project selection and success criteria.

Lesson 4 • Project Life Cycle Models

Surveys predictive, iterative, and hybrid life cycle models and their appropriate contexts. Provides the structural lens used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Defining Project Objectives and KPIs

Applies SMART criteria and balanced scorecard thinking to set measurable objectives. Clear KPIs enable performance tracking throughout execution.

Lesson 2 • Developing the Business Case

Teaches how to justify a project through financial and strategic analysis. A sound business case is the prerequisite for charter approval.

Lesson 3 • Crafting the Project Charter

Guides creation of the formal authorisation document that grants the PM authority. Charter components directly feed scope and planning processes.

Lesson 1 • Writing the Scope Statement

Teaches how to translate requirements into a formal scope statement with explicit inclusions and exclusions. Scope boundaries protect the project from unauthorised expansion.

Lesson 2 • Scope Validation and Control

Establishes processes for formal acceptance of deliverables and managing change requests. Scope control mechanisms prevent uncontrolled growth.

Lesson 3 • Building the Work Breakdown Structure

Guides hierarchical decomposition of deliverables into manageable work packages. The WBS is the foundation for schedule, cost, and resource planning.

Lesson 1 • Critical Path and Float Analysis

Applies forward and backward pass calculations to identify the critical path and float. Critical path knowledge drives schedule compression and risk decisions.

Lesson 2 • Duration Estimation Techniques

Compares analogous, parametric, three-point, and bottom-up estimation methods. Estimation accuracy directly affects schedule credibility and stakeholder trust.

Lesson 3 • Activity Definition and Sequencing

Breaks work packages into activities and establishes logical dependencies. Correct sequencing is the prerequisite for accurate duration and critical path analysis.

Lesson 4 • Baseline and Schedule Control

Formalises the approved schedule baseline and establishes monitoring cadence. Baseline control enables variance detection and corrective action.

Lesson 1 • Budget Development and Baseline

Aggregates activity costs into a time-phased cost baseline. The cost baseline is the financial benchmark for all performance measurement.

Lesson 2 • Cost Estimation Methods

Covers order-of-magnitude through definitive estimation and their accuracy ranges. Choosing the right method for each project phase prevents budget surprises.

Lesson 3 • Cost Control and Corrective Action

Translates EVM signals into actionable corrective and preventive measures. Timely intervention keeps projects within approved financial boundaries.

Lesson 1 • Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Analysis

Prioritises risks using probability-impact matrices and models uncertainty with simulation. Analysis results guide where to invest response resources.

Lesson 2 • Risk Identification Techniques

Applies brainstorming, checklists, assumption analysis, and SWOT to surface risks. Comprehensive identification is the foundation of effective risk management.

Lesson 3 • Risk Monitoring and Control

Tracks identified risks, watches for triggers, and identifies emerging risks during execution. Continuous monitoring keeps the risk register current and actionable.

Lesson 4 • Risk Response Planning

Selects appropriate threat and opportunity response strategies and assigns risk owners. Planned responses reduce residual risk to acceptable levels.

Lesson 1 • Managing Stakeholder Expectations

Teaches techniques for setting, calibrating, and resetting stakeholder expectations. Aligned expectations reduce late-stage dissatisfaction and scope disputes.

Lesson 2 • Conflict Resolution and Negotiation

Introduces conflict modes and principled negotiation for project contexts. Resolving conflicts constructively preserves relationships and project momentum.

Lesson 3 • Communications Management Planning

Defines information needs, formats, frequency, and channels for each audience. A structured plan prevents information overload and communication gaps.

Lesson 4 • Managing Project Meetings Effectively

Applies facilitation techniques to make meetings purposeful and time-efficient. Effective meetings accelerate decisions and maintain team alignment.

Lesson 1 • Project Closure and Lessons Learned

Formalises administrative and contractual closure and captures organisational knowledge. Structured closure ensures benefits realisation and continuous improvement.

Lesson 2 • Performance Reporting and Dashboards

Designs status reports and visual dashboards that communicate project health clearly. Timely, accurate reporting enables informed stakeholder decisions.

Lesson 3 • Quality Assurance and Control

Applies quality audits, inspections, and control charts to maintain deliverable standards. Quality processes reduce defect costs and protect stakeholder satisfaction.

Lesson 4 • Integrated Change Control

Establishes a formal process for evaluating, approving, and implementing changes. Integrated change control protects baselines while accommodating necessary adjustments.