Fundamentals of Project and Program Management Course

Module 1: Introduction

• Overview of course structure, objectives, and certification path.
• Introduction to the project lifecycle and key phases.
• Discussion of course expectations, grading policy, and team dynamics.
• Review of foundational project management principles.
• Participant introductions and goal-setting exercises.

Module 2: The Integrated Project Team (IPT)

• Roles and responsibilities within the IPT framework.
• Strategies for effective team collaboration and consensus building.
• Stakeholder and communications management planning.
• Conflict resolution using the Thomas-Kilmann Model.
• Development of a Team Operating Agreement (IPT Charter).

Module 3: Justifying the Solution

• Conducting a Business Case Analysis to justify project initiation.
• Identifying capability gaps and developing high-level requirements.
• Using Market Research and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA).
• Differentiating between material and non-material solutions.
• Building and defending a business case with cost-benefit analysis.

Module 4: Developing Requirements

• Refining high-level into detailed technical requirements.
• Creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Dictionary.
• Applying requirement traceability and verification principles.
• Using performance-based requirements for better outcomes.
• Developing project requirements through exercises and team planning.

Module 5: Planning the Acquisition

• Understanding the Project Management and Acquisition Plans.
• Writing Performance Work Statements and Source Selection Plans.
• Evaluating proposals based on technical and cost factors.
• Applying market research and QASP (Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan).
• Analyzing ethical considerations in acquisition activities.

Module 6: A Systems Engineering Approach

• Introduction to systems thinking and engineering methodologies.
• Developing system-level and item-level requirements.
• Designing, testing, and evaluating technical solutions.
• Managing technical risk and risk response strategies.
• Applying lessons learned to achieve best-value system integration.

Module 7: Monitoring and Measuring Performance

• Developing Implementation Plans and transitioning solutions.
• Using Earned Value Management (EVM) to track project performance.
• Establishing baselines for cost, schedule, and scope.
• Creating and applying management plans (risk, scope, quality, etc.).
• Understanding the transition to Operations and Maintenance phase.

Module 8: Course Summary and Post-Test

• Review of key concepts from project life cycle and management tools.
• Summarizing takeaways from case studies and exercises.
• Post-test assessment with 40 questions (1 hour, open book).
• Instructions for applying for certification and maintaining CLPs.