The secret to successful project management
“The Project Management program was well structured and dynamic, easy to understand, and yet with numerous resources to complete the knowledge acquired during the sessions” according to Sarai Sotero (Mexico) who joined the 5-day executive Project Management program which has run from 20 – 25 September 2021.
On the first day Rui Miguel Santos, expert and trainer in Results-Based Management and Evaluation of Development Programs & Projects, explained about the main structural elements in a project and on how these elements interact as part of the logic model. The participants learned about the importance of a project management mindset and the conditions needed to ensure that a project runs successful.
Introduction to analytical tools
The second day, the participants learned about the differences between all kind of stakeholders and how to analyze stakeholders and their behavioral patterns. In the afternoon, Rui explained several techniques for running a project context analysis which means analyzing the internal and external environment that a project operates in. A project context analysis will lead to the identification of influences, needs and opportunities of a project.
Introduction to planning tools
An important part of project management are the planning techniques that are needed to formulate a project and to tackle the opportunities and needs. The participants were introduced to several planning techniques and learned how to apply the critical path method, a technique that requires mapping out every task that is necessary to complete a project.
The importance identifying assumptions and risk management tools
On the fourth day, the participants got familiar with different categories of assumptions, the learned about the types of project assumptions and the sources of evidence to support assumptions. In every project it is important to understand what project assumptions are and how to identify them. In the afternoon, the participants gained a better understanding of risk assessment strategies and learned about the definition of mitigation measures.
Monitoring tools to track performance
The program concluded with learning about monitoring tools. Rui Miguel introduced the participants to different types of indicators and evaluation criteria and showed them the main steps in the design of a Monitoring & Evaluation system (M&E). In the afternoon, the participants presented their individual assignments on which they have worked throughout the program. The program was highly appreciated by all participants. Sarai Sotero looks back at a very successful program: “I decided to follow this program mainly for two reasons. One because the content offers me helpful tools to my professional career to be applied in any project that will come along and secondly because of the well know high education quality at MSM. It was stimulating to virtually meet people from around the world with interesting backgrounds and interests. It must be a challenge to deliver such an extensive content in only 5 days and still make it complete, relevant, and appealing.”
For Tala Saleh (Lebanon) the Project Management program was just what she needed: “I have been looking for a project management course to develop my knowledge and strengthen my skills after I have been promoted to program manager at the organization I work for. My colleague recommended MSM after she had already taken several courses and highlighted the learning experience. And she was right, The Project Management course has complimented my experience with the needed technical knowledge to implement a successful project. It has provided me with the steps, tools, concepts and strategies needed to apply in each of the 5 phases. The course was very well organized, interesting, and actually quite challenging."
Ashraf Asad Arief from Libya was also positive about the program, but he had hoped the program could have taken place on the MSM campus: “I decided to join this project program because of the urgent need to learn how to control resources, avoid risks, manage resources, and learn techniques in order to contribute to the success of our projects. Although, I would have preferred to join this program face-to-face, it was an excellent, science-based course led by a skilled trainer who was able to deliver information in an adequate way and who was very understanding and flexible.”
Sarai fully agrees with the words of Ashraf: “Rui was always willing to explain as much as needed, and answer our questions in the most respectful, friendly, and professional way. I can only recommend the Executive Education programs at MSM to improve your skills and apply them in your daily lives.”
Also from Tala nothing than positive words abut Rui: “The way Rui managed the sessions was super. He is very knowledgeable in the field and thus really masters the topics highlighting the best practices and the challenges. He was very interactive and used our projects when giving examples making which made it easier and more relatable. Also the way he designed the sessions was very dynamic, smooth, and not boring at all!"
Would you like to join the Project Management program as well?
The dates for the next 5-day Project Management program is not scheduled yet. In case you are interested, please send an email to ep@msm.nl. As soon as the new dates are fixed, they will inform you.
About MSM’s executive education programs
Today’s rapidly changing societies and economies demand the most from organizations, leaders, managers and professionals. MSM’s Executive Education programs for emerging markets are developed to achieve a successful and sustainable transformation of both individuals and organizations to support local economic development and business management.
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