

Project planning
Careers information, advice and guidance (CIAG)

Part of the BPN Boost provision


Part of the BPN Boost provision
(PowerPoint will be shared & a Podcast will be available)
Aim
To develop the ability to plan and structure projects using recognised tools and techniques, engage stakeholders effectively and evaluate project success within an organisational context.
Objectives
•Understand the key components of project planning in an organisational context
•Identify and apply project planning tools and techniques
•Evaluate stakeholder engagement strategies and negotiation techniques
•Assess project success
Thrive and NPQSL
K8 How to identify and manage organisational improvement opportunities
K9 Project management tools and techniques
K25 The strategic direction of the organisation and the impact on operational plans
S21 Develop and implement operational plans that align with the strategic direction of the organisation
B3 Takes accountability and ownership of their own and the team’s tasks and workload
NPQH and NPQEL
K5 Programme management; systems thinking; research methodologies
K7 Competitive strategies, decision-making, using big data for change management
S2 Set strategic direction and gain stakeholder support
S13 Translate vision into strategy with clear communication and sustainability focus
B2 Take personal accountability aligned to values
Thrive and NPQSL
K6 Methods for researching, analysing, interpreting and evaluating data to inform judgements and enable decision-making
K9 Project management tools and techniques
S2 Identify problems and provide solutions
S5 Manage and influence project activity to deliver within budget and resource requirements
S8 Use digital tools to analyse information and monitor performance and budgets
NPQH and NPQEL
K5 Programme management and data/research methods
K8 Financial strategies and decision-making models
S3 Undertake research and critically analyse complex information
S10 Use KPIs to set budgets and challenge financial assumptions
S11 Use financial data for resource allocation
B3 Curious and innovative – finding creative solutions
Thrive and NPQSL
K10 Methods used to identify, manage and prioritise stakeholder relationships
K13 Influencing and negotiation models and techniques
S16 Influence and negotiate with stakeholders to shape and agree goals and outcomes
S17 Manage relationships across multiple and diverse stakeholders
B2 Supports an inclusive culture, treating colleagues and stakeholders fairly and with respect
NPQH and NPQEL
K12 Influencing and negotiating strategies
K13 Social and political environments; diplomacy with stakeholders
S17 Build constructive working relationships using matrix management
S19 Manage diverse stakeholder relationships
S20 Influence and negotiate upwards and outwards
B1 Work collaboratively enabling empowerment and delegation
Thrive and NPQSL
K11 The current and future needs of the sector and the impact on their organisation
K17 Change management concepts and methods for implementing change within the organisation
S15 Identify and respond to external factors that may influence the future landscape and evaluate their impact on the organisation
S12 Manage continuous improvement and change for their team and organisation
B5 Works flexibly and adapts to circumstances
and NPQEL
K2 Horizon scanning; policy implications; governance
K4 Drivers of change, sustainability, disruptive technologies
K7 Use of big data and insight to manage change
S1 Use horizon scanning to develop growth strategies
S4 Lead change, drive innovation and continuous improvement
S7 Challenge strategies with ethics, sustainability and risk in mind
Inspire Learning
Every child able to receive an excellent education, regardless of background.
Work Together
Every education professional supported to be their best.
Act with Integrity
We aim to change lives for the better by inspiring and developing colleagues working in education. As a team and a network, we inspire each other to grow personally and professionally.
Across the network, personal relationships and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. We show care and support for our candidates, partners and colleagues, and we go the extra mile to get things done.
We can be trusted, and we do what we say we will. We are open and straightforward, tackling challenges head-on rather than avoiding them. We treat each other with respect and dignity.
We have high expectations of ourselves and others. We invest and innovate to deliver the best learning, systems and outcomes. We keep things simple, use evidence and embrace change to achieve our best.
www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/safeguarding https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/our-policies
A. I have plenty of experience and know (& have used) a range of project management tools.
B. I have some experience and know of some project management tools (maybe not used them).
C. I have limited experience of project planning or knowledge of specific project management tools.
D. I have no experience of delivering projects or knowledge of project management tools.
Aim To develop skills in planning a project, evaluating tools and techniques and assessing stakeholder and organisational needs.
Introduce yourself to the group
• Discuss what you already know about project planning
• Any examples of a project you have already managed?
• What went well? Even better if..?
• What KSBs do you think you need to develop?
1. Understand the key components of project planning in an organisational context
Resource 1 contains the in-depth detail for each of these headings
1. Project scope
Timeline & schedule
Communication plan
Roles and Responsibilities
Budget
(Resources 2, 3, 4 & 5)
A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps organisations assess their internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats, providing a framework for making informed decisions and developing effective strategies.
A PESTLE analysis is a strategic management tool that helps an organisation understand and assess external factors (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) that can impact their operations and strategies.
A risk register is a project management tool that documents and tracks potential risks, their likelihood, potential impact and mitigation/contingency strategies, serving as a central repository for identifying and managing risks throughout a project's lifecycle.
A Gantt chart is a project management tool that visually represents a project's timeline, tasks and their dependencies, using horizontal bars to show start and end dates, duration and progress.
• Consider each of the four scenarios
• Which planning tool do you think is the best fit for each?
• Why?
• Make a note of your choices (for a poll after the breakout rooms)
Scenario A: Hybrid working rollout
Scenario B: Induction overhaul
Scenario C: Departmental relocation
Scenario D: Launch of a mentoring scheme
Evaluate stakeholder engagement strategies and negotiation techniques (Resource 7)
(Mendelow, 1991)
A stakeholder matrix is a project management tool that helps identify, analyse and prioritise stakeholders based on their influence and interest in a project, allowing for better communication and engagement strategies.
High interest
Manage closely
Keep fully informed, consult regularly, involve in decision-making. Keep informed Provide updates, listen to feedback.
Low interest
Keep satisfied
Engage selectively, provide key info, monitor concerns. Monitor only
Minimal effort, keep an eye on changing needs.
• Use a stakeholder matrix (Mendelow, 1991) to assess/evaluate the influence and interest of your key stakeholders
• Identify as many stakeholders as you can
• Place in the appropriate quadrant
• Consider what communication/negotiation strategies you would use
• Why? High power Low power
High interest
Low interest
Manage closely
Keep fully informed, consult regularly, involve in decision-making.
Keep satisfied
Engage selectively, provide key info, monitor concerns.
Keep informed
Provide updates, listen to feedback.
Monitor only
Minimal effort, keep an eye on changing needs.
Post-project reviews
Data analysis
Project management software
Aim
To develop the ability to plan and structure projects using recognised tools and techniques, engage stakeholders effectively and evaluate project success within an organisational context.
Objectives
•Understand the key components of project planning in an organisational context
•Identify and apply project planning tools and techniques
•Evaluate stakeholder engagement strategies and negotiation techniques
•Assess project success