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Project Workshop – Monitoring and Control

By Project Management No Comments

Workshop Aim: the aim of this workshop is to identify issues that are occurring in the Monitoring and Control phase of projects. The workshop can also be used to train new Project Managers or to introduce a framework for managing projects.

Purpose of the phase: To empower project teams with the systems, metrics, and processes required to effectively monitor progress, manage risks, and take timely corrective actions — ensuring predictability and control throughout delivery.


1. Workshop Goals

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

  • Define key project performance indicators (KPIs) for schedule, cost, scope, and quality.
  • Understand and apply Earned Value Management (EVM) principles for tracking progress.
  • Establish data-driven reporting dashboards and performance thresholds.
  • Develop risk and issue escalation mechanisms for early intervention.
  • Align leadership on performance review cadence and reporting standards.

2. Prerequisites

Before the workshop:

  • Approved execution plan and baselines (schedule, budget, scope).
  • Historical performance data (if available) from prior projects or early stages.
  • Access to reporting tools or PMIS (Project Management Information System) if used.
  • Existing risk and issue logs.
  • Agreement on governance review cycles (weekly, monthly, etc.).

3. Workshop Structure and Content

SegmentDurationActivitiesOutputs
1. Introduction: From Reporting to Control30 minDiscuss how monitoring drives proactive management; review common pitfalls.Shared understanding of purpose and challenges.
2. Defining KPIs and Performance Metrics60 minIdentify leading and lagging indicators across scope, time, cost, quality, and risk.KPI Framework and Data Dictionary.
3. EVM and Variance Analysis60 minHands-on session applying Earned Value (CPI, SPI, variance tracking).EVM Worksheet and Variance Dashboard.
4. Building Dashboards & Reporting Cadence60 minDesign templates for dashboards, status reports, and governance packs.Performance Dashboard Template.
5. Risk Escalation & Early Warning Systems60 minDefine thresholds, triggers, and escalation routes for emerging risks/issues.Risk Threshold Matrix and Escalation Protocol.
6. Review and Action Planning30 minConfirm metrics, assign data owners, and plan dashboard rollout.Monitoring & Control Implementation Plan.

Total Duration: ~5 hours (half-day to full-day, depending on depth of KPI design)


4. Workshop Deliverables

  • Defined Project KPI Set (with formulas and thresholds)
  • Earned Value Management (EVM) Worksheet & Guidance
  • Performance Dashboard Template (schedule, cost, risk indicators)
  • Risk Escalation and Issue Management Protocol
  • Monitoring & Control Implementation Plan

5. Learning Outcomes for Participants

After completing the workshop, participants will:

✅ Understand the purpose and mechanics of monitoring and controlling processes

✅ Know how to design and interpret key project metrics (CPI, SPI, variance %)

✅ Be able to implement dashboards for transparent performance reporting

✅ Recognize early warning signs and apply structured issue escalation

✅ Gain the confidence to lead data-driven project reviews and corrective actions

Project Workshop – Execution Phase

By Project Management No Comments

Workshop Aim: the aim of this workshop is to identify issues that are occurring in the Execution phase of projects. The workshop can also be used to train new Project Managers or to introduce a framework for managing projects.

Purpose of the phase: To establish a governance framework, clear accountability, and structured communication processes that ensure smooth project execution, alignment, and control.


1. Workshop Goals

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

  • Define a fit-for-purpose project governance model (decision-making hierarchy, committees, escalation routes).
  • Establish clear roles and responsibilities using a RACI or similar framework.
  • Design a communication cadence that keeps stakeholders aligned and informed.
  • Introduce change control mechanisms to prevent scope creep.
  • Strengthen team collaboration and decision discipline during execution.

2. Prerequisites

Before the workshop:

  • Approved Project Management Plan and baseline (scope, schedule, cost).
  • Confirmed project organization chart (or draft).
  • Existing meeting and reporting structures (to review and optimize).
  • Access to key team leads and stakeholders.
  • Change control or issue management templates (if any exist).

3. Workshop Structure and Content

SegmentDurationActivitiesOutputs
1. Kick-Off & Execution Realities30 minDiscuss execution challenges and lessons from past projects.Shared understanding of pain points.
2. Governance Model Design60 minDefine decision-making structure, escalation paths, and steering governance.Draft Governance Model and Decision Tree.
3. RACI Mapping Exercise60 minClarify roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities across functions.RACI Matrix finalized and validated.
4. Communication Cadence & Tools60 minDesign meeting rhythms, reporting channels, dashboards, and collaboration tools.Communication Plan and Meeting Schedule.
5. Change Control Simulation60 minSimulate scope change request process — from initiation to approval.Agreed Change Control Workflow and Template.
6. Alignment & Commitment Session30 minReview governance setup, confirm ownership, and agree on immediate actions.Execution Governance Charter and Action Log.

Total Duration: ~5 hours (half- or full-day workshop depending on project scale)


4. Workshop Deliverables

  • Execution Governance Model (Org Chart, Roles, Escalations)
  • Validated RACI Matrix
  • Project Communication Plan (Meetings, Reports, Dashboards)
  • Change Control Framework and Templates
  • Execution Governance Charter (signed off by project sponsor)

5. Learning Outcomes for Participants

Participants will:

✅ Understand the principles of governance and how it supports execution success

✅ Know how to apply a RACI to clarify accountability and avoid confusion

✅ Be able to design and maintain effective communication rhythms

✅ Recognise how disciplined change management protects delivery integrity

✅ Gain a shared sense of control and transparency across the project team

Project Workshop – Planning Phase

By Project Management No Comments

Workshop Aim: the aim of this workshop is to identify issues that are occurring in the Planning phase of projects. The workshop can also be used to train new Project Managers or to introduce a framework for managing projects.

Purpose of the phase: Build a robust, realistic, and integrated project plan that aligns scope, schedule, cost, and risk — turning the approved charter into an executable roadmap.


1. Workshop Goals

By the end of this workshop, the team will:

  • Translate project objectives into a structured Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
  • Develop an integrated, achievable schedule with dependencies and milestones.
  • Identify and assess key risks and define mitigation strategies.
  • Establish a cross-functional planning baseline (scope–time–cost–quality alignment).
  • Build team ownership of the plan and clarify accountability for each workstream.

2. Prerequisites

Before the workshop:

  • Approved Project Charter and initial stakeholder alignment
  • Resource availability list (roles and key contacts)
  • Preliminary budget constraints or funding envelope
  • Known technical or regulatory constraints
  • Templates / Tools ready: WBS template, risk register, and integrated Gantt structure

3. Workshop Structure and Content

SegmentDurationActivitiesOutputs
1. Kick-Off & Context30 minReview charter, confirm objectives, constraints, and success metrics.Shared understanding of project intent.
2. WBS Development Session90 minGuided exercise to break down project deliverables into components and work packages.Draft Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
3. Schedule & Dependencies Mapping90 minIdentify task sequences, milestones, and dependencies; integrate into high-level timeline.Preliminary Project Schedule (Gantt).
4. Risk Identification & Prioritization60 minBrainstorm risks, assess probability/impact, and assign owners.Updated Risk Register with response actions.
5. Cross-Functional Integration45 minReview interdependencies across teams, align resource needs and sequencing.Integrated, validated plan baseline.
6. Review & Commitment30 minConfirm ownership, discuss monitoring cadence, and finalize planning outputs.Agreed draft of the Project Management Plan.

Total Duration: ~6 hours (full-day session or two half-days for large projects)


4. Workshop Deliverables

  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
  • High-Level Integrated Schedule (with milestones)
  • Initial Risk Register
  • Preliminary Budget and Resource Estimates
  • Planning Baseline Document (Scope, Time, Cost, Quality)

5. Learning Outcomes for Participants

Participants will learn to:

✅ Apply structured decomposition techniques to create a comprehensive WBS

✅ Translate deliverables into logical, sequenced tasks

✅ Use risk-based planning to build realistic schedules and budgets

✅ Understand how interdependencies drive integrated planning

✅ Gain confidence in aligning the plan with PMBOK knowledge areas (Scope, Time, Cost, Risk)

Project Workshop – Initiation Phase

By Project Management No Comments

Workshop Aim: the aim of this workshop is to identify issues that are occurring in the Initiation phase of projects. The workshop can also be used to train new Project Managers or to introduce a framework for managing projects.

Purpose of the phase: Align stakeholders, define business intent, and produce a validated, actionable Project Charter. Get the project off to a solid start.


1. Workshop Goals

By the end of this session, the organization will:

  • Clarify the business case — why the project exists and what strategic objectives it supports.
  • Define measurable success criteria — clear objectives, KPIs, and value drivers.
  • Identify and align key stakeholders — roles, expectations, and influence mapped.
  • Establish a common understanding of scope and constraints.
  • Draft or validate the Project Charter — ensuring executive sponsorship and accountability.

2. Prerequisites

Before the workshop:

  • Business Case Draft or Concept Note (at least preliminary)
  • High-Level Sponsor and Stakeholder List
  • Any Available Feasibility or Market Analysis
  • Organizational Strategy Document / Annual Objectives
  • Pre-Workshop Survey: Capture perceptions of project purpose, value, and risks among stakeholders.

3. Workshop Structure and Content

SegmentDurationActivitiesOutputs
1. Kick-Off & Context Setting30 minIntroduce objectives, review project context and strategic alignment.Shared understanding of purpose and scope.
2. Business Case Deep Dive60 minFacilitate discussion on expected outcomes, ROI, success measures, and assumptions.Refined, agreed-upon business rationale and success metrics.
3. Stakeholder Alignment Exercise60 minIdentify key stakeholders, map influence and interest, define engagement strategies.Stakeholder Map and Communication Outline.
4. Scope & Boundary Definition45 minDefine what’s in/out of scope, key deliverables, high-level risks and constraints.Initial Scope Statement and Risk Register.
5. Governance & Roles Discussion30 minClarify sponsor, steering committee, PM, and team responsibilities.Draft RACI Matrix and Governance Model.
6. Charter Drafting & Next Steps45 minConsolidate outcomes into draft charter; validate commitments and timelines.Draft Project Charter and Action Items List.

Total Duration: ~4–5 hours (half-day session, can be extended for complex programs)


4. Workshop Deliverables

  • Validated Project Charter (aligned with PMBOK structure)
  • Stakeholder Map & Communication Outline
  • High-Level Risk & Assumption Log
  • Defined Governance Framework
  • Summary Report / Executive Brief (produced post-session)

5. Learning Outcomes for Participants

After completing the workshop, participants will:

✅ Understand how strategic alignment drives project success

✅ Be able to clearly articulate the project’s purpose and expected outcomes

✅ Know how to identify and manage stakeholders effectively from day one

✅ Recognize early risks and constraints that shape planning

✅ Gain confidence in using the Project Charter as a management and communication tool