Project Management: Interactive Problem Solving

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Overview

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This highly practical and interactive course takes a unique approach to developing project management skills. Created by leading project management experts Bonnie Biafore and Chris Croft, it places learners directly into realistic project scenarios and challenges them to decide what to do next. Project management rarely goes exactly to plan. The real challenge is not creating schedules or tracking tasks — it’s solving problems when people, priorities, and unexpected issues threaten to derail a project. Through a series of engaging role-play exercises, participants experience the kinds of situations project managers face every day, from managing difficult stakeholders and demanding customers to handling supplier issues, team conflicts, and competing priorities. Each scenario is designed to build practical decision-making and problem-solving skills. Learners make choices, see the consequences unfold, and explore alternative approaches in a safe learning environment. The result is a highly engaging experience that develops confidence, judgement, and the ability to respond effectively when projects encounter challenges. Ideal for project managers, team leaders, and anyone responsible for delivering projects, this course helps turn project management theory into practical action through realistic, hands-on learning.

Syllabus

Scenario 1 – Giving Customers Bad News

This module introduces a realistic project management scenario involving customer issues, project delays, and problem resolution. Learners will develop structured problem-solving skills, explore root causes, assess alternative solutions, and learn how effective communication can help manage customer expectations and resolve project challenges.

Scenario 2 – Subcontractor Has Let You Down

This module examines a project scenario where delivered software fails to meet requirements. Learners will investigate requirement failures, manage stakeholder expectations, assess corrective actions, and identify lessons learned to prevent similar issues in future projects.

Scenario 3 – Non-Stakeholder Tries to Add Scope

Large project delays can create significant business and customer impacts. In this module, learners will explore the consequences of missed deadlines, evaluate recovery options, manage stakeholder concerns, and develop practical plans to bring struggling projects back on track.

Scenario 4 – Customer Keeps Wanting Changes

Scope changes are a common challenge in project management. This module focuses on managing changing requirements while maintaining project control. Learners will examine change management processes, stakeholder expectations, project constraints, and techniques for balancing customer needs with project objectives.

Scenario 5 – No Business Plan for the Project

Without effective planning, projects can quickly lose direction. This module explores the importance of project scheduling, project controls, and resource planning. Learners will identify the consequences of poor planning and develop strategies for creating effective project schedules and delivery plans.

Scenario 6 – Stakeholders Conflicting

Conflicting stakeholder priorities can significantly impact project success. This module teaches learners how to manage disagreements, build consensus, negotiate solutions, and maintain productive working relationships while keeping projects moving forward.

Scenario 7 – Sponsor Not Doing Their Job

Projects often depend on active sponsorship and executive support. This module examines the role of project sponsors, the consequences of sponsor disengagement, and strategies for improving sponsor involvement and project governance.

Scenario 8 – Project Results Are Disappointing

Even when projects are delivered successfully, outcomes may fail to meet expectations. This module explores project evaluation, performance measurement, root cause analysis, and lessons learned processes. Learners will develop approaches for identifying improvement opportunities and increasing future project success.

Scenario 9 – Giving a Customer Bad News

Delivering bad news is one of the most challenging responsibilities for project managers. This module focuses on communicating difficult project information, managing customer reactions, maintaining trust, and preserving professional relationships during challenging circumstances.

Scenario 10 – Team Member Hasn’t Delivered on Their Work

Project managers often face situations where team members fail to complete assigned work on time or to the required standard. This module explores the causes of poor performance, workload issues, accountability challenges, and communication breakdowns. Learners will develop practical approaches for addressing performance concerns while maintaining team morale and project progress.

Scenario 11 – Unrealistic Scope Agreed Before

Projects sometimes begin with unrealistic commitments that were agreed before the project manager became involved. This module focuses on managing unrealistic expectations, assessing project feasibility, and communicating project constraints. Learners will develop techniques to negotiate practical solutions while preserving stakeholder confidence.

Scenario 12 – Stakeholders Conflicting

Difficult clients can create significant challenges for project managers. This module examines techniques for managing demanding stakeholders, handling conflict professionally, setting boundaries, and maintaining productive business relationships. Learners will practice strategies for resolving issues while preserving trust and project success.

Scenario 13 – Pre-Set Goal Date and Budget

Resource reductions can place projects under significant pressure. This module explores how project managers can respond to staffing cuts, changing priorities, and resource constraints. Learners will evaluate impacts on scope, schedule, and quality while developing strategies to continue delivering value despite limited resources.

Scenario 14 – Resistance to Holding Reviews

This final module consolidates the lessons learned from all project management scenarios covered throughout the course. Learners will review key problem-solving frameworks, stakeholder management techniques, communication approaches, and decision-making strategies. The module reinforces practical skills that can be applied immediately in real-world project environments.