Training and Consultancy - Agile Projects

INTRODUCTION

Projects are one of the main ways organisations turn ideas into change, but successful project management involves considerably more than producing a plan and keeping an eye on deadlines. Projects need clear objectives, appropriate governance, realistic planning and an understanding of the people, resources, risks and uncertainties involved.

This course provides a practical introduction to project management and Agile delivery. Participants will explore how projects move from an initial idea through planning and delivery to completion and review, alongside the tools and techniques that can help projects remain focused, controlled and responsive to change.

The course also considers different approaches to managing projects. Traditional approaches can provide structure and predictability where requirements are reasonably well understood, while Agile approaches can be particularly useful where requirements are evolving or where regular feedback and adaptation are important. In practice, many projects draw upon elements of both.

Agile concepts and techniques including Scrum, Kanban, user stories, backlogs, iterative delivery and retrospectives are introduced alongside more established project management techniques. While methodologies such as PRINCE2®, MSP® and Scrum provide useful frameworks, the emphasis is on understanding the principles that underpin successful project delivery rather than following any single methodology.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Explain the importance of effective project management in delivering successful change and improvement.
Understand the principal stages of the project lifecycle.
Recognise the roles and responsibilities of sponsors, project boards, project managers, project teams and stakeholders.
Understand the principles of effective project planning and control.
Apply appropriate approaches to resource, risk and stakeholder management.
Understand the principles underpinning Agile project management.
Recognise common Agile tools and techniques and understand how they can be used.
Explain the differences between Agile, Waterfall and hybrid approaches.
Consider the advantages and limitations of different approaches to project delivery.
Select an appropriate approach according to the nature of a project and the environment in which it is being delivered.

Training Methodology

The course combines tutor-led explanation with practical examples, discussion and exercises. Examples are drawn from healthcare, public services and other sectors to demonstrate how project management principles can be applied in different environments.

Participants will have opportunities to apply concepts to practical situations and to their own experience of projects. The emphasis is on understanding why particular approaches and techniques may be useful, rather than simply learning the terminology associated with a particular project management methodology.

The precise balance between traditional project management and Agile approaches can be adapted according to the experience, interests and needs of the group.

Organisational Impact

Effective project management helps organisations translate ideas and strategic objectives into practical change. Poorly defined objectives, unclear responsibilities, unrealistic timescales and inadequate consideration of risk can all contribute to projects failing to achieve their intended outcomes.

Participants will develop a broader understanding of the principles that support effective project delivery and how these can be adapted to different situations. An understanding of Agile, Waterfall and hybrid approaches can also help organisations avoid applying the same methodology to every project regardless of its circumstances.

The course encourages a proportionate approach to project management, with the methods and controls used reflecting the size, complexity, uncertainty and risks associated with the project.

Personal Impact

Participants will develop greater confidence in contributing to, managing or supporting projects and in understanding the decisions that need to be made throughout the project lifecycle.

They will gain a practical understanding of commonly used project management and Agile concepts, making it easier to participate in project discussions and to select techniques appropriate to the work being undertaken.

The course will also help participants recognise when established plans and approaches remain appropriate and when changing circumstances require a different response.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is suitable for anyone who manages, contributes to or supports projects and change initiatives, including:

Project and programme staff
Service managers
Analysts
Improvement teams
Clinical and operational staff
Researchers
Commissioners
Business and information professionals
Team leaders and managers
Staff moving into project management responsibilities
Anyone involved in organisational change or service improvement

The course is particularly appropriate for people who want a practical understanding of project management and Agile delivery without undertaking training in a specific formal methodology.

Course Outline

The course will explore areas including:

The principles of effective project management
The project lifecycle
Project objectives, scope and intended outcomes
Project roles, responsibilities and governance
Project planning and prioritisation
Managing resources, timescales and dependencies
Risk, issues and change
Stakeholder involvement and communication
Monitoring and controlling projects
Traditional approaches to project management
Agile principles and ways of working
Agile tools and techniques
Scrum and Kanban
User stories, backlogs and iterative delivery
Agile, Waterfall and hybrid approaches
Selecting an appropriate approach for different projects
Project review, learning and continuous improvement
Practical application through examples, discussion and exercises

The specific content and emphasis can be adapted to reflect the needs, experience and working environment of participants.

Duration:

1 day

A shorter half-day course is also available: Introduction to Project Management.

Pre-requisites:

None

Certification:

Upon successful completion of this course, delegates will receive a John Varlow | Training and Consultancy Certificate of Completion. This certification recognizes participants' understanding of how to write a structured research proposal and the key components of the research process.