Let’s look at the topic of planning, and why it is key to Project Management and the success of a Project.
A quote from Brian Tracy, a self-development author and motivational speaker, exemplifies the importance of planning: “Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 100% return on energy!”
Planning is a key aspect of how Project Managers achieve success. Rushing or ignoring the project planning process can be detrimental to the success of a project. The more you plan, the better you use your time and ultimately the more you and your team achieve.
5 reasons to plan
Planning can provide a clear roadmap for all stakeholders, here are 5 reasons to plan:
- Clarifies Objectives: Everyone involved in the project will understand what needs to be achieved and how success will be measured.
- Resource Allocation: Project managers can ensure that necessary resources are available when needed.
- Risk Management: Project managers can be proactive and will be able to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Time Management: Projects can be broken into tasks and deadlines, ensuring they progress smoothly and are completed on time.
- Cost Control: Project managers need to plan to control costs and avoid going over budget.
How Project Management Apprenticeships Work:
The Level 4 Associate Project Management apprenticeship at The Apprentice Academy includes learning about Budgeting and Cost Control – two key elements of the planning phase.
Modules are broken down into scope, resources, budgets, risks, fixed and variable costs, direct and indirect costs, and tracking systems for actual costs. This helps Project Managers to monitor progress against consolidated plans and refine them as appropriate.
The benefits of apprenticeship learning are that project managers can come together from various backgrounds and sectors and share their experiences on how to best manage projects, with the discussions facilitated by an experienced trainer. These sessions are complemented with specific learning sessions and project work to demonstrate competence and skill.
Project Management Sessions at The Academy
The online learning sessions at The Apprentice Academy are very interactive and practical and make Managers re-examine and consider ‘best practice’ ways to manage projects.
The sessions cover:
- All the tools and techniques to support robust project management.
- How to prepare a project business case & align with business objectives.
- How to manage resources through the full project lifecycle.
- How to monitor projects & report on performance.
- How to apply change control processes.
- How to manage costs & budgets.
- How to identify risks and manage issues.
- How to manage stakeholders and use communication tools.
- How to apply relevant legislation, regulation, and codes of practice.
- How to apply ethical procurement strategies & processes.
- How to manage quality & continuous improvement
Furthermore, the knowledge acquired from the apprenticeship would support those who chose to take the Association of Project Management PFQ or PMQ. These qualifications are not mandatory in the apprenticeship so learners can successfully complete the programme without sitting these exams. However, anyone wishing to do so, can easily book and take them online via the APM website. Our coaches will be happy to give guidance on how to do this and how best to prepare.
Learn more about our Project Management programme.
For more information, please contact us using this email address – [email protected]
or please call us on 0161 200 1673.
