"Managing Expectations and Relationships in Projects" is an essential course for aspiring and experienced project managers alike. This comprehensive program, offered by UMD and USMx, delves into the critical "people" aspect of project management, emphasizing that projects are ultimately "performed by people and for people." The course aligns with the Leadership skill area of the PMI Talent Triangle® and the people domain of the PMP Certification exam, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking professional development or certification.

What students will learn:

• Core interpersonal skills for effective project management
• Techniques for managing stakeholder expectations and relationships
• Resource planning and team management strategies
• Conflict resolution and risk management in project contexts
• Effective communication planning and execution
• Adapting management styles for predictive and agile environments
• Application of motivational theories in project leadership
• Emotional intelligence and its role in project success
• Decision-making techniques for project managers
• Vendor management as part of the procurement process

Pre-requisites:

This introductory-level course has no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to newcomers in the field of project management. However, a basic understanding of project management concepts would be beneficial.

Course Coverage:

• Identifying and managing project stakeholders
• Planning resource needs and team management
• Sharing project vision with stakeholders
• Educating stakeholders on project methodologies and frameworks
• Stakeholder communication in predictive vs. agile environments
• Motivational theories and their application in project management
• Addressing interpersonal conflicts
• Developing and applying emotional intelligence
• Decision-making techniques for project managers
• Communications management strategies
• Negotiation and active listening skills
• Servant leadership in project management

Who this course is for:

• Aspiring project managers seeking to develop crucial interpersonal skills
• Experienced project managers looking to enhance their stakeholder management abilities
• Professionals preparing for the PMP certification exam
• Team leaders and managers from various industries seeking to improve their people management skills
• Anyone interested in understanding the human dynamics of project management

Real-world Application:

The skills acquired in this course are directly applicable to real-world project management scenarios across various industries. Learners will be able to:

• Effectively manage stakeholder expectations and relationships
• Create positive work environments that foster team productivity
• Navigate complex interpersonal dynamics in project settings
• Implement effective communication strategies
• Apply emotional intelligence to improve team performance
• Make informed decisions that consider both technical and human factors
• Adapt leadership styles to different project environments and team structures

Syllabus:

Week 1: Introduction to Interpersonal Skills in Project Management

• The importance of "power skills" in project management
• Connection to the PMI® Talent Triangle® and PMP® certification
• Overview of critical interpersonal skills for project success

Week 2: Stakeholder Management

• Identifying and understanding project stakeholders
• Sharing project vision and managing expectations
• Adapting stakeholder management for predictive and agile projects

Week 3: Resource Management and Team Leadership

• People management strategies
• Motivational techniques and conflict resolution
• Managing virtual teams and recognizing team achievements

Week 4: Project Communications

• Effective vs. efficient communication
• Developing comprehensive communication plans
• Adapting communication strategies for different project environments

Upon completion, learners will earn 8 contact hours recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI), contributing to the 35 hours required for PMP® certification eligibility.