CPD credits 2. Provider: ONOVO (Pty) Ltd. (SAIChE-SPV-008/27)
A six Week Online Course for Professionals. Deal with techniques that can enhance the successful execution of our projects.
The completion of your client’s projects ON TIME, WITHIN BUDGET and meeting his QUALITY expectations are THE most important criteria on which your client evaluates your competence.
The key to achieving the desired level of client satisfaction lies in your project team’s ability to COMMUNICATE EFFECTVELY amongst each other, with contractors, and with the client.
In this 6-module online course you will learn HOW to achieve this so as to
- AVOID unnecessary delays
- Provide ACCURATE, COMPREHENSIVE, TIMEOUS information to all affected parties
- MONITOR progress so that completion is a well-planned process
- FACILITATE the seamless functioning of your team without unnecessarily interfering in the tasks of individuals on the team
- Deal with DIFFICULT INDIVIDUALS who can obstruct your progress.
The course is structured as one learning module a week at the end of which manageable exercises are assigned. These are then discussed two days later in a group Question & Answer (Q&A) session where participants have the opportunity to delve into specific problems THEY experience in THEIR projects, under the guidance of the course presenter. The course runs over 6 weeks.
The Course Presenters are highly experienced in the field of Project Management:
Dr Wolfgang Bernhardt (PhD Eng, PR Eng) has been leader of many large industrial projects. His LinkedIn profile is (31) Wolfgang Bernhardt | LinkedIn
Dr Khalid Osman (PhD Eng. PR Eng, MBA) has led many technical projects.
His LinkedIn profile is (31) "khalid osman" | Search | LinkedIn
COURSE OUTLINE
The topics are shown below:
Module 1 The challenge of Managing BIG PROJECTS. In this module Dr Bernhardt explores the reasons why the standard project management tools such as the Critical Path Method, a detailed Work Breakdown Schedule, and sophisticated Budget control systems are insufficient to provide the mechanism that lead to reliable project completion within the stipulated time and budget. The missing part is the development, amongst the team, of an effective communication process. This is far more comprehensive than following a prescribed set of rules, like drawing up a budget, or creating a detailed mechanical plan. It relies on the active participation of ALL MEMBERS of the team and culminates in forming, within the team, a communication mindset. In this lesson Dr Bernhardt elaborates on the principles underlying a communication mindset.
Module 2 What is effective communication? In this module, Dr Bernhardt focuses on what, in the context of project execution, effective communication is, and how it can be achieved. He also highlights examples of BAD communication, which are to be avoided. The emphasis in this module is not that everyone knows what effective communication is, but that EVERYONE on the team PRACTICES it. Becoming an effective communicator involves developing a valuable skill. EVERY member of the team needs to be competent in it.
Module 3 Using emails and meetings efficiently (including ZOOM). Emails are powerful communication tools. Using emails in such a way as to benefit the execution of a project requires planning, forethought and organization skills. Similarly, meetings are very useful ways of ensuring that the team is meeting the required deadlines. They are very efficient means whereby unexpected crises can be resolved. However, it is important to use meetings (as well as emails) carefully so that they achieve the desired outcomes. In the module we concentrate on using emails and meetings purposefully to serve our goal of completing the project within the target date.
Module 4 Managing the Human Element. For the team leader this is probably the most challenging aspect of managing a project, simply because every person on the team is a unique individual with his/her own personality, strengths, as well as weaknesses. In the module we cover what is necessary to keep members motivated, to effectively deal with sub-standard performance, as well as making allowance for extra-ordinary circumstances. Part of the leader’s task is to take ownership of developing a communication mindset – because EVERY member needs to play their part to ensure that there is timeous and accurate flow of information relating to completion of tasks to every team member that needs this information.
Module 5 Monitoring Progress. In order to be confident about completing the project on time, it is essential to monitor progress carefully. The monitoring process starts before project execution commences, and is complete only when satisfactory handover has taken place, together with a thorough close-out session at which a report is compiled of lessons learnt. It includes thorough training of the client staff ensuring that they are competent in executing any new techniques that may be required to operate new technology installed as part of the project. The principles underlying the communication mindset are operational throughout the monitoring process. These dictate that EVERYONE in the team is involved in monitoring, and transmitting all necessary information to all relevant people in the project team, so that each member of the team, as well as the leader, knows exactly what the progress is, as the project execution proceeds. In other words, while the leader takes the overall responsibility for the project, and how it is executed, each member plays a vital part in the monitoring process.
Module 6 The Role of the Team Leader. The leader plays a much more encompassing role than overall co-ordinator of all the activities executed by team members, as well as being the main liaison person between the client and the executing team. A big part of his role involves motivating the team members. He also plays a crucial part in managing unforeseen problems. He needs to build trust between himself and the team. A challenging part of his role involves dealing with members of the team that are not performing according to expectation. This needs to be done without causing major disruption of an otherwise well-functioning team.
Course fees for 2025
R1900 per person, or R1500 pp if 5 or more participants from the same organization.
Attendee Comments:
Which was the most valuable Module for you, and why?
“The Leaders Role” was quite important, as it touched on aspects project managers need to be critically aware of, specifically the roles and responsibilities and the variety of stressors project managers may be subjected to. Nivaar B.
Being proactive and monitoring are most useful. Very often project delays are due to postgraduate students being proactive in communicating challenges, and me not being proactive enough in communicating with them and monitoring their contributions. Madison L.
Knowing the fact that human beings are often sensitive and easily take offence have really helped me to be careful when dealing with individuals on site, it also helped to be able to try and better understand individuals’ personalities and how to approach them. Ntokozo H.
Trust building and securing willing co-operation - I found them very useful. I must build trust so that other team members can trust me and then co-operate. Lungile Z.
There has to be an understanding of the abilities of team members, and other social aspects that could impact on the project. It is also important to address any conflicts early to avoid delays in the project. David L.
For more information, or to make your booking, contact Wolfgang Bernhardt,
Course dates. Please go to Events for the latest course dates.
