The programme is addressed to:-University graduates from all sectors and final year students of Universities who deliver a 5-years Grade, with some or no working experience in the field of project management.-Experienced managers who wish to get certified in Project Management.-Senior executives who sponsor and/or assign projects in their organization.-Organizational management and project management consultants.
Advanced Project Management (with community educational support)
The educational online course “Advanced Project Management – Professional Education” is based on the International Project Management Association (IPMA) standards. An additional-optional training lesson is also available (with an extra fee 150€), in order to train the candidates for the IPMA Level D (Certified Project Management Associate) exam, which is organized by the Authorized Hellenic IPMA Project Managers Certification Body (PMGCert) at Athens, Greece.
The learning material consists of extensive text, presentations, video lectures and the solution of the acquired knowledge tests assessed and integrated with remarks and explanations by the tutor. The present course is included in the Business - Economics category of our online courses and it runs via a user-friendly educational platform. Once the participant completes all the units successfully, he/she receives a certificate of specialized training.
The programme is offered in two versions:
1) with personal educational support and total cost 750 €. In that case, elearners receive full academic support from their personal tutor, share any concerns or anxieties related to the programme and receive relevant academic material.
2) with community educational support and total cost 400 €. In that case, elearners can pose their questions/ queries in the customized blog for the course. All queries will receive feedback from our academic team.
The educational programme “Advanced Project Management – Professional Education” provides a comprehensive body of knowledge on the state of art for Project management and Project-oriented Organizations. It is based on the International Project Management Association (IPMA) standards and the National Austrian Member Association “Projekt Management Austria” Standards, which are also adopted as National Hellenic Standards by the Hellenic Member Association “PM-Greece”.
The main focus is on the International Competence Baseline (ICB– ver3.0) Standard and the National Austrian pm baseline (PMB- ver3.0) Standard, which covers the crucial elements of the project management competence. These elements are divided into three main areas: technique, behavior and context.
In the twenty (20) first elements are described the most essential technical project management competences. These elements form the basis of what good project management is. A project manager who has a good command of the major part of these techniques is in position to structure a project soundly, and to maintain this structure for the duration of the project. This is an important condition for success, but is not enough.
Then are covered fifteen (15) behavior elements which accomplish a connection between technique and social behavior.The last eleven (11) elements cover the connection between the temporary project organization and the permanent organization which operates by projects. A project manager needs a certain amount of general management knowledge. So, four (4) of these elements are related to the professional implementation of project management in an organization and seven (7) are related to general knowledge about companies and organizations.
As soon as the new versions of IPMA Standards are issued and used for certification purposes, the course will upgrade its content to these new versions.
MODULE 1
PROJECT ORIENTATION AS A MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
The scope of this lesson is to establish the course as a project, where all team members, namely the Instructors and the Participants will work together to achieve the project’s success. The course structure is presented, along with the definition of its objectives. Introductory information about the Organizations who provide the main Standards used in the course is provided. The traditional project organization models are presented and the new project organizational model of the “project-oriented organization” is introduced. The individual roles and team member roles in projects according to the new project organizational model are analyzed.The objectives of the business process of project management, its boundaries and its structure are analyzed. A brief introduction to each of the six sub-processes which form the project management process, their objectives and their time boundaries is presented.
The lesson includes 3 lessons-educational units:
Lesson 1 Programme objectives and structure. Projects and Programmes, project and programme management. IPMA – International Competence Baseline ICB 3. PM-Greece – National Competence Baseline.
Lesson 2 Project organization models, project roles and new project model design elements.
Lesson 3 Design of the business process “Project Management”.
MODULE 2
MANAGING PROJECTS METHODS FOR THE PROJECT START
The scope of this module is the Start sub-process in-depth analysis. An overview of the methods for the Start sub-process is presented and the concept of project scope within the project context is introduced, focusing on the design of the objects of consideration and project objectives plans.The process of designing a project organization is analyzed, including the project assignment, the project organization chart, and the project roles definition and descriptions.
Additionally, the module aims at presenting the methods for designing the context relationships.The definition and methods for the development of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), is presented, including the definition and methods for the development of the work package specifications and the design of the Project Responsibility Matrix.
The methods for scheduling are presented, along with the definition of methods for the development of the various project Resources, Budgeting, Project Cost and Project Income and Project Finance plans.The methods and tools for project risk management are provided, including project risks identification, evaluation, calculation, controlling and development of contingency plans. Additionally, the methods for avoiding and/or promoting project discontinuities focusing on project crises and for the development of alternative project plans are included.
The module includes 6 lessons-educational units:
Lesson 1 Defining the project scope and project context.
Lesson 2 Designing the project organization.
Lesson 3 Project objectives, Work Breakdown Structure and Responsibility Matrix.
Lesson 4 Project scheduling and project resources.
Lesson 5 Project costs and financing.
Lesson 6 Project risks.
MODULE 3
MANAGING PROJECTS METHODS FOR THE NEXT PROJECT sub-processes
The scope of this module is in-depth analysis of all the sub-processes following the Start sub-process.The analysis, methods and tools for the tasks performed continuously by the project manager during the project coordination sub-process are ensured provided. The definition of project marketing, the instruments for project marketing and its budgeting are also included.The analysis, methods and tools for the tasks performed by the project manager during the project controlling sub-process are provided.
The module includes the control and adaptation of project objectives and objects of consideration. It also includes the methods for measuring progress, schedule control, for adapting project costs and project income on the basis of changes of scope and the earned value analysis at the project level. Additionally, it includes the methods for “social” project controlling.The analysis, methods and tools for the tasks performed by the project manager whenever the project discontinuity controlling or crises sub-process is launched during the project life span, are provided.
The module includes the definitions and clear distinction between a project issue, a project discontinuity and a project crisis. It also includes the planning of immediate and additional measures for resolving a project discontinuity, its relevant root-cause analysis and the planning of alternative resolution strategies.The analysis, methods and tools for the tasks performed by the project manager during the project close-down sub-process are provided. The module includes planning of measures for the remaining work, the completion application, the formal approval and the development of project management documentation reflection. It also includes the know-how transfer, the assessment of performance and the dissolution of the project as a social system. Additionally, it includes specific features in order to expand the already learned project management methodologies to programme and project portfolio management methodologies.
The module includes 4 lessons- educational units:
Lesson 1 Methods for project coordination and for project marketing.
Lesson 2 Methods for project controlling.
Lesson 3 Methods for managing project discontinuities and crises.
Lesson 4 Methods for project close-down and specific features of programme & project portfolio management.
MODULE 4
SOCIAL COMPETENCE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The scope of this module is to provide the methods and tools for the development of a project-specific culture, focusing on the methods of symbolic project management including the cultures of the project-oriented organization and to provide the in-depth analysis of the fifteen (15) Behavioural (Social) Competences: Leadership, Engagement & motivation, Self-control, Assertiveness, Relaxation, Openness, Creativity, Results orientation, Efficiency, Consultation, Negotiation, Conflict crisis, Reliability, Values appreciation and Ethics.Adequate behaviors and behaviors requiring improvement are analyzed for each competence.
The module includes 3 lessons-educational units:
Lesson 1 Project culture and behavioural (social) competences I.
Lesson 2 Behavioural (social) competences II.
Lesson 3 Behavioural (social) competences III.
MODULE 5
MANAGING PROJECT-ORIENTED ORGANIZATIONS
The scope of this module is to provide the knowledge for applying Management by Projects as an organizational strategy in a project-oriented organization.The module includes information for the organization charts, the expert pools, the project portfolio group and a detailed analysis of the project/programme management office (PMO) and the role of the PMO manager. It also includes the essential knowledge for the project management consulting and coaching within the project oriented organization, and the process and methods for auditing projects and programmes.
The basic knowledge of the management standards and systems relevant to a project-oriented organization is also provided. This includes the basic information and knowledge for the following normative or non-normative standards: ISO 9000 family (Quality), ISO14000 family (Environment), OHSAS 18000 family (Health & Safety), ISO 50001 (Energy), ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility) and ISO 31000 family (Risk).
In addition the basic knowledge of the maturity and excellence models relevant to a project-oriented organization is also provided, including basic information and knowledge for the IPMA® Project Excellence Model and the IPMA Organizational Competence Baseline (OCB™).
Finally in this module basic knowledge of the non-normative standards ISO 21500:2012 “Guidance on project management” and ISO 10006:2003 “Quality management systems – Guidelines for quality management in projects” is provided. It also includes basic knowledge of the Green Project Management (GPM) PRiSM® methodology and P5 standard.
The module includes 4 lessons- educational units:
Lesson 1 The project-oriented organization. Management consulting, auditing and coaching.
Lesson 2 Management systems in the project-oriented organization.
Lesson 3 Maturity and excellence models in the project-oriented organization.
Lesson 4 ISO 21500, ISO 10006, GPM PRiSM™ and GPM P5™ overview and comparison with the IPMA approach.
The learning material consists of extensive text, presentations, video lectures and the solution of the acquired knowledge tests assessed and integrated with remarks and explanations by the tutor. The relevant standards of IPMA and the Austrian Member Association “Projekt Management Austria” are also provided.
OPTIONAL MODULE – CERTIFICATION IPMA Level D
(extra tuition fees 150 €)
The duration of the additional-optional training module is of six weeks, in order to train the candidates for the IPMA Level D (Certified Project Management Associate) exam.The module aims at reviewing and integrating the knowledge established in the main-educational course and prepares the applicants in order to be successful in the certification process for IPMA level D “Certified Project Management Associate”.
The application procedure is presented, the self-assessment based on all forty six (46) competences of the International Competence Baseline ICB 3 is thoroughly described and relevant examples are given.For the Part A, the computer-based multiple-response test, techniques for dealing with multiple-response questions and examples of exam questions are provided.For the Part B, the written part of the exam, techniques for dealing with the written exam case-study and examples of exam case-studies are provided.A simulation exam is performed, in a “realistic” context for the examination day.
A Part A multiple-response questions test and a Part B case-study written exam are provided to be filled out by the applicants, within the specified time and other constraints of a real assessment. The performance of the applicants in the simulation exam is assessed by the trainer. The correct answers for the Part A multiple-response questions test and a benchmark solution for the Part B case-study are provided. Strong points and points requiring improvement are analyzed for each applicant and final training instructions for the assessment day are provided.
The module includes the following lessons- educational units:
Lesson 1 Certification process: Application procedure, Self-assessment and Assessment requirements.
Lesson 2 Training for Part A: the computer-based part of the certification exam.
Lesson 3 Training for Part B: the written part of the certification exam.
Lesson 4 Simulation exam for Parts A and B of the certification exam.
Lesson 5 Review of the simulation exam.
For the additional training module, in addition of the text and presentations material, live streaming sessions are included and a database of exam questions and case studies is provided. Successful candidates at the exam organized by the Authorized Hellenic IPMA Project Managers Certification Body (PMGCert), in Athens, Greece, are certified as Project Management Associate (IPMA Level D) and listed at the IPMA register. This certification is recognized worldwide, regardless of the Authorized National Body who delivered it. For all National Authorized Certification Bodies and exam requirements see here: http://www.ipma.world/membership/member-associations/
For each lesson the trainees have to submit their solution of an acquired knowledge test. Successful trainees are considered these who have a passing grade of 50% for each test. They receive from the Center of Continuing Education and Training (Vocational Training Center) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens the Certificate of Specialized Training (12,5 ECVET) and the Europass Diploma Supplement in the field of “Advanced Project Management – Professional Education”.
Online and distance learning at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens offers a new way of combining innovative learning and teaching techniques with interaction with your tutor and fellow students from around the world.
The e-learning programme is implemented via a user-friendly educational platform adjusted to the Distance Learning Principles. Programmes are structured as weekly online meetings; interaction with the programme tutor and other students takes place in a virtual learning environment. The programmes are designed to fit around your schedule; you access the programme whenever it is convenient for you.
The whole world becomes your classroom as e-learning can be done on laptops, tablets and phones – it is a very mobile method.The educational platform is a portal that offers access to electronic classrooms based on modern distance learning technologies. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced all the time to help students engage and learn in a tailored way that will meet their needs. Each e-classroom is similar to a traditional teaching classroom. Students have access to e-classrooms with their personal code number in order to browse the teaching material, to being informed about the latest news/updates and interact with their instructors. The educational process of this course is implemented either:
- with personal educational support.In that case, elearners receive full academic support from their personal tutor, share any concerns or anxieties related to the programme through own personal e-mail account and receive relevant academic material.
or
- with community educational support. In that case, elearners can pose their questions/ queries in the customized blog for the course. All queries will receive feedback from our academic team.
In each programme, learners submit the corresponding tests, within the deadline given by their instructors. Final mark fluctuates from 0 to 100%. The overall grade in each programme is calculated based on the student's marks on assessment exercises that follow each unit while their instructor might also assign them with a final assessment at the end of the programme. Finally, if the total score on one or more lessons of the programme does not exceed 50%, students can ask for reassessment.
During the programme students will be attending lectures and group seminars presented by academics and speakers from the National University of Athens as well as from other Universities, Research Institutes and Cultural organizations around Greece. In addition, when you study with us, you have online access to first-class resources relevant to your programme – plus you can browse material in other subject areas.
Every week e-learners are provided with the relevant material , either video-lectures or typed notes and relevant resources or a combination of both.
Interactivity, lower costs and our long experience guarantees that studying with us will offer a successful and rewarding experience. Finally, the access to a large variety of material and online resources available in each unit aims to excite your curiosity and guide you in studying further on your favourite topic will the online material which can be downloaded will give you the opportunity to quickly refresh your memory after the completion of the programme.