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Improving Your Project Management Skills: The Basics for Success

Build a solid foundation of project management knowledge, techniques and tools in this hands-on workshop that covers the entire project life cycle.

As the business world grows more competitive, organizations find it necessary to take on an increasing number of projects. Unfortunately, these same organizations often don’t have skilled project managers to handle the work. In this seminar, you will learn and practice the critical tools and techniques that have been proven necessary for project management success. In lectures, discussions and exercises, you’ll cover the essential aspect of managing projects. While aligned with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) framework, this course is specifically designed to focus on the practical application of concepts. You’ll return to work with the knowledge and tools you need to get your projects started right and completed successfully.  

Seminar Number: 06503

4.8
(1500 reviews)
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • At Your Company Location

Course Scheduling & Pricing

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Who Should Attend

Individuals who are new to project management, “accidental” project managers (professionals for whom PM is a secondary part of their jobs), business analysts, subject-matter experts from any field who contribute to projects, managers responsible for projects and experienced project managers looking to review current tools, techniques, and processes.

  •   In-Person3 Day(s)
    1.8 CEU, 18 CLP, 21 CPE, 18 PDCs, 18 PDU, 18 PHR, 18 PMU, 18 SPHR
  •   Live Online3 Day(s)
    1.8 CEU, 18 CLP, 21 CPE, 18 PDCs, 18 PDU, 18 PHR, 18 PMU, 18 SPHR
 
 

As the business world grows more competitive, organizations find it necessary to take on an increasing number of projects. Unfortunately, these same organizations often don’t have skilled project managers to handle the work. In this seminar, you will learn and practice the critical tools and techniques that have been proven necessary for project management success. In lectures, discussions and exercises, you’ll cover the essential aspect of managing projects.

While aligned with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) framework, this course is specifically designed to focus on the practical application of concepts. You’ll return to work with the knowledge and tools you need to get your projects started right and completed successfully.

 

  • Ensure that your projects are set-up for success from the start
  • Learn the basics for effectively gathering and documenting requirements
  • Understand the role of the project manager, business analyst, and others in managing projects
  • Develop an integrated project plan including realistic scope, schedules, budgets, and risks—and turn that plan into successful action
  • Learn how to effectively track and report on project progress
  • Gain the respect of your project team and build credibility with top management

Seminar Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a PMI approved institution?

AMA has been approved as a provider of project management training by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Participants in this seminar can earn up to 18 PDUs for completing the course.

How far in advance can I purchase a seminar?

You have the ability to purchase a seminar seat as far as 6-12 months in advance. We do recommend scheduling seminars within 3 months of the purchase date. The number of classroom sessions may also vary from the online availability.

Are there any additional fees associated with my purchase?

You will not be required to pay any additional fees for your seminar seat. Once you purchase and schedule your seminar you won't incur any additional cost.

Do you provide any pretraining material or resources?

All the necessary course material will be provided the first day of your seminar. You are welcome to visit our resource section and study some of the material found there. We have several articles, pdfs, and readings that can benefit project managers.

What should attendees bring to their seminar?

Bring a willingness to learn in a collaborative environment. Other than that, attendees should bring a photo ID to ensure they can enter the building.

how long does it take to get pmi certified

The time it takes to become PMI certified can vary depending where you are in the prerequisite process. Some of those requirements include 4,500 hours leading projects and some sort of secondary education degree

An Overview of Key Project Management Concept

Discussion of key concepts, terminology, and roles, including:

  • The project triangle
  • The definition of the "project"
  • The five core PM process groups

Initiating the Project

  • Creating a project charter and tying it to the business case
  • Gathering and documenting requirements
  • Setting customer, sponsor, and team member expectations

Identifying the Work

  • Creating the work breakdown structure (WBS) based on the charter and product requirements
  • Assigning ownership to tasks

Estimating the Work

  • Discussing industry best practices for creating realistic estimates

Scheduling the Work

  • Creating precedence (network logic) diagrams to show task dependencies
  • Producing Gantt charts to graph project timelines
  • Determining the critical path and calculating float

Creating the Budget

  • Estimating and tracking personnel and (out of pocket) expenses

Special Feature

AMA Blended Learning combines instructor-led training with online pre- and post-seminar assessments, tune-up courses and other resources to maximize your training goals. Through a blend of proven instructor-led seminars and powerful online technology, AMA Blended Learning provides a compelling and more comprehensive experience for the learner—producing a greater return-on-investment for the employer and the seminar participant.

EXTRAS FROM AMA

This seminar features fictional case studies that allow participants to immediately practice course concepts in group exercises. Participants will create key project documents, such as business case, charter, product requirements, project plan, status reports and lessons learned.

Participants have access to online blended learning components, including a full toolkit of integrated project management templates to download and use for getting started immediately after completing the seminar.

The Project Management Framework

  • Define the Basic Project Management Framework
  • Describe Key Project Management Terminology
  • Explain the Triple Constraints (Project Triangle)
  • Differentiate Between Operations and Projects
  • Describe Project Management in a Business Context

Initiate the Project

  • Describe How Projects Are Initiated
  • Describe the Difference Between Project Requirements and Product Requirements
  • Describe the Purpose and Content of the Project Charter
  • Describe the Purpose and Content of the Product Requirements Document
  • Use the SMART Model When Writing Requirements
  • Identify Information-Gathering Techniques

Identify the Work

  • Discuss the Purpose of a Kick-Off Meeting
  • Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Estimate the Work

  • Discuss Guidelines for Making Better Estimates
  • Explain the Use of Three-Point Estimates

Schedule the Work

  • Describe Task Dependencies
  • Identify the Sequence of Tasks via Precedence Diagramming
  • Develop the Project Schedule

Create the Budget

  • Determine the Personnel Costs Needed for the Success of the Project
  • Determine the Expense Costs Needed for the Success of the Project
  • Differentiate Between Bottom-Up and Top-Down Cost Budget Planning, and State Which Is More Appropriate for Different Situations

Complete the Plan

  • Create the Project Communications Plan
  • Describe the Project Risk Management Processes
  • Describe the Purpose of the Project Procurement Plan
  • Discuss the Purpose of Reserves

Execute the Plan

  • Create a Project Status Report
  • Describe the Key Elements Required to Determine Project Health
  • Describe How to Run an Effective Project Status Meeting
  • Describe the Change Management Process

Close the Project

  • Identify the Elements of Both Administrative and Contractual Project Closure Procedures
  • Describe the Different Ways That Projects Can Be Terminated
  • Explain the Importance of a Repository and Lessons Learned

Download Extended Seminar Outline PDF

View a Sample of Our Reviews

4.8

1500 reviews

 
It was a great and engaging class. Perfect for someone like myself, who is not necessarily a project manager but does take on projects in my organization of varying scales.
5
Robert M.
 
Financial Analyst
 
Industry: Manufacturing
Well organized, good flow through the material. Examples really emphasized key points. The instructor kept the class moving and on time which is always appreciated.
5
Eric E.
 
Project Manager
 
Industry: Manufacturing
The instructor was very knowledgeable, with deep practical experience. The 'hands-on' course work did more to set the information than simply reading through the course material. I highly recommend this class.
5
Linda C.
 
Business Support IV
 
Industry: Government
The training was great for me because I feel confident now that I can utilize some of the tools I have acquired through the course.
4
David M.
 
Maintenance Supervisor
 
Industry: Manufacturing, Industrial Machinery & Equipment
instructor very knowledgeable and lots of exercises allowing groups to get hands on training as to how these tools should be applied
5
ASHLEY L.
 
ENGINEER
 
Industry: Membership Organization

This course is valid for PMUs.
18 Business Acumen [BA]
12 Business Acumen [BA]

HRCI. The use of this seal confirms that this activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.

SHRM logo.

AMA is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM.

PMI logo.

AMA has been reviewed and approved as a provider of project management training by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Talent Triangle PDUs

Classroom [L] 2 [T] 16 / Live Online [L] 3 [T] 9

Project Management Institute (PMI) Talent Triangle, 2015.
Reproduced with the permission of PMI. Copyright and all rights reserved

 

American Management Association is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

AMA is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. For additional information or for more information regarding administrative policies such as complaints and refunds, please contact Martha Leon at 212-903-8173.

Recommended CPE Credit:

Classroom 21 hours/Basic

Live Online: 14 hours/Basic

Prerequisites: None

Advanced Preparation: Online pre-and post-assessment

Delivery Method: Group Live/Group Internet-Based 

Field of Study: Technical - Management Services

In-Person Schedule

15 Sessions Available

Live Online Schedule

10 Sessions Available

  • $2,895.00 Non Members
  • $2,595.00 AMA Members
  • $2,390.00 GSA
Date Duration State City Zip
  2025-06-23 2025-06-25 Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025 3 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2025-07-21 2025-07-23 Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025 3 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2025-07-28 2025-07-30 Jul 28, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025 3 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2025-07-30 2025-08-01 Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 1, 2025 3 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2025-08-18 2025-08-20 Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025 3 Days GA Atlanta 30309-7705 Atlanta Register Now

  2025-09-08 2025-09-10 Sep 8, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025 3 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2025-09-15 2025-09-17 Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025 3 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2025-09-17 2025-09-19 Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025 3 Days TX Houston 77001 Houston Register Now

  2025-10-07 2025-10-09 Oct 7, 2025 - Oct 9, 2025 3 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2025-10-20 2025-10-22 Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025 3 Days MA Boston 02110 Boston Register Now

  2025-10-22 2025-10-24 Oct 22, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025 3 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2025-11-12 2025-11-14 Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025 3 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2025-11-24 2025-11-26 Nov 24, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025 3 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2025-12-03 2025-12-05 Dec 3, 2025 - Dec 5, 2025 3 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2025-12-08 2025-12-10 Dec 8, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025 3 Days GA Atlanta 30309-7705 Atlanta Register Now

It was a great and engaging class. Perfect for someone like myself, who is not necessarily a project manager but does take on projects in my organization of varying scales.
5
Robert M.
 
Financial Analyst
 
Industry: Manufacturing
Well organized, good flow through the material. Examples really emphasized key points. The instructor kept the class moving and on time which is always appreciated.
5
Eric E.
 
Project Manager
 
Industry: Manufacturing
The instructor was very knowledgeable, with deep practical experience. The 'hands-on' course work did more to set the information than simply reading through the course material. I highly recommend this class.
5
Linda C.
 
Business Support IV
 
Industry: Government
The training was great for me because I feel confident now that I can utilize some of the tools I have acquired through the course.
4
David M.
 
Maintenance Supervisor
 
Industry: Manufacturing, Industrial Machinery & Equipment
instructor very knowledgeable and lots of exercises allowing groups to get hands on training as to how these tools should be applied
5
ASHLEY L.
 
ENGINEER
 
Industry: Membership Organization
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