Principles, Methods, and Tools for Managing Complex Projects

The objective of the project management teaching module is to cover the basic principles and advanced methods for managing complex projects. Examples of complex projects in humanitarian logistics are the establishment of logistics infrastructures such as distribution centers in various parts of the world or the implementation of new information technology and communications systems to improve ongoing operations and disaster response.

 

Objectives

The overall objective of this course is to introduce basic principles, methods, and tools for project management in a realistic context, such that they can be taken back to the workplace to improve your ability to manage complex development projects;

Understand the theory underlying the methods and tools of project management;  

Be able to apply the methods and tools and understand their limitations;

Obtain an appreciation for organizational and human aspects in (1) Project Organizations and (2) Project Manager soft skills and typical profiles.

 

Topics

Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)           

Critical Path Method (CPM)

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

Workflow and Design Structure Matrices (DSM)

Budgeting and Earned Value Management

Project Risk Management

Human and Organizational Aspects of Project Management

Principles of Project Management Summary