Production and Project Management System Integration, Training and Support

There are three main types of project management training:

• Project Management Methodologies and Techniques
• How to use Project Management Software
• Other Project Management Skills (soft skills)

When you are looking for project management training you should first decide which of these you need.

Project Management Techniques

If you are looking to become skilled in project management techniques, then you should evaluate training courses based around methodologies such as PRINCE2. These courses will cover such things as:

• The basic principles of project management
• Roles, responsibilities, sponsors, project boards
• Creating work breakdown structures, estimating, building in contingencies
• Negotiating contracts or agreements
• Reviewing progress, managing risk and quality

Project Management Software

If you are looking to use a particular software package, such as Microsoft Project, then you should look for a course that covers the 'how to' of the package, such as:

• An introduction to the software
• Entering and retrieving information
• Creating project plans
• Updating the system with progress
• Setting options
• Printing reports
• Exporting information

Some courses may cover both the package and the techniques, but most software-based courses usually assume you understand the principles of project management already.

Soft Skills

Finally, there are more advanced project management training courses associated with the soft skills involved: managing the people. Such training courses should cover:

• influencing individuals
• managing small team dynamics
• overcoming team islands
• managing the project culture