Course Learning Objectives
- Describe skills and traits of effective project managers.
- Use data to inform project planning and make decisions.
- Create a project plan containing essential elements for planning, implementation and evaluation.
- Engage stakeholders in different stages of the project.
- Explain basic principles and tools for effective budget and human resource management.
- Monitor and evaluate projects.
- Integrate capacity building into project plans to create a sustainable legacy.
Module Learning Objectives
Module 1: Essentials of Project Management
- Distinguish between project and program management.
- Describe the main activities associated with the five phases of a project cycle and challenges associated with each (project initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and control, and transition).
- Name the elements of the constraints triangle (time, scope, and budget or resources) and describe how each could impact project success.
- List and describe the key skills or practices required by project managers.
- Assess strengths and weaknesses in project management skills and make a plan for addressing or mitigating weaknesses.
Module 2: Needs Assessments
- List the benefits of conducting a needs assessment.
- Define “ needs assessment” in the context of project planning.
- Name three phases of a needs assessment.
- Describe the stages of a data cycle.
- Pose relevant questions for different phases or types of needs assessment.
- Choose sources of data useful for conducting a needs assessment.
- Describe how to use data for decision making.
- Identify key stakeholders.
- Plan, design, and implement a needs assessment.
Module 3: Project Development
- Use a conceptual framework to provide context for a project.
- Create a project charter or concept note.
- Write clear goals and SMART objectives.
- Design a logic model for a project.
- Explain the components of a governance structure.
Module 4: Project Plan Part 1
- Explain the benefits of a project plan or roadmap.
- Name the seven components of a project plan.
- Write a scope statement.
- Link activities and sub-activities to objectives.
- Consider how time, budget, and other factors may influence scheduling.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities on a project.
- Develop a project plan.
Module 5: Project Plan Part 2
- Anticipate risks and mitigation plan for project activities.
- Plan a communication strategy.
- Draft a budget.
Module 6: Monitoring & Evaluation Part 1
- Distinguish between monitoring and evaluation.
- Describe why the M&E plan is an important aspect of a project plan.
- Explain the relationship between logic models, project plans, and M&E plans.
- Name and explain at least 5 qualities of effective indicators.
- Distinguish between process and outcome indicators.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of M&E staff and management.
- Write quantitative and qualitative indicators and targets for an M&E plan.
Module 7: Monitoring & Evaluation Part 2
- Develop a monitoring and evaluation plan.
- Monitor progress towards project objectives.
- Manage the scope of projects and avoid scope creep.
- Manage project timelines and schedules so that deliverables will be met on time.
- Monitor budgets to ensure that resources are being allocated effectively.
Module 8: Keys to Success
- Describe the fundamental skills associated with effective management of individuals and teams.
- Identify the factors associated with high performing teams.
- Demonstrate technical and interpersonal skills for effective cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, and meeting management.
- Apply different strategies to engage key stakeholders.
Module 9: Working Across Cultures
- Assure that the culture of the project values diversity and inclusion.
- Name at least six characteristics of culture.
- Compare cultural relativism and ethnocentrism.
- Demonstrate respect for different cultural backgrounds and belief systems.
- Lead with humility.
- Observe the impact of different linguistic and cultural traditions on team functioning.
- Identify how the cultural dimensions described by Hofstede can help us to better understand organizations, operating environments, individuals, and teams.
Module 10: Transition & Sustainability
- Envision the project cycle as a whole and the knowledge and skills associated with managing it.
- Close and transition a project in a professional manner by attending to contractual, financial, and administrative areas.
- Define transition and sustainability in the context of global health development.
- Apply an ARCHI chart to identify roles and responsibilities for project close out and transition.
- Integrate capacity building into project planning to create a sustainable legacy.
- Name at least three characteristics associated with successful transition and sustainability of global health investments.
- Reflect on knowledge, skills, and insights you have gained from the course.