Course Details

Project Scheduling & Cost Planning Skills Training Course

INTRODUCTION

Project scheduling and cost planning are critical components of project management. They help ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to the set scope. This course provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively manage project timelines and financial resources.

Through this training, participants will learn to develop comprehensive project schedules, accurately estimate project costs, and control project resources. Whether you're new to project management or looking to enhance your skills, this course is designed to improve your ability to plan, execute, and close projects successfully.

DURATION

5 Days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This Macskills Development Institute training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Those who have a project role such as project managers, cost estimators, project schedulers, project designers, project planner, contract professionals, project procurement and purchasing staff, and project control and business services professionals who have the responsibility for preparing cost/schedule estimates and project proposals in client and contracting companies
• Senior managers who want to understand best practice in project management
• Those who are interested in knowing more about estimation and control in a project environment

OBJECTIVES

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

1. Understand project scheduling techniques – Learn how to develop, modify, and maintain realistic project schedules.
2. Master cost estimation and budgeting – Gain skills in accurately estimating project costs, creating budgets, and managing financial resources effectively.
3. Use scheduling software – Become proficient in using tools like Microsoft Project or Primavera for scheduling and cost control.
4. Analyze and control project performance – Understand how to track project progress and apply corrective actions when deviations from the plan occur.
5. Apply best practices in project resource management – Efficiently allocate and manage resources to ensure project success.
6. Implement earned value management (EVM) – Learn how to apply EVM techniques to monitor and control both schedule and cost performance.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to Project Scheduling and Cost Planning

• Definition and Importance of Project Scheduling and Cost Planning
• Key Concepts: Scope, Time, Cost, and Quality
• Overview of Project Management Processes
• Key Project Constraints and Trade-offs

Module 2: Project Scheduling Techniques

• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
• Activity Definition, Sequencing, and Duration Estimation
• Critical Path Method (CPM) and PERT Analysis
• Gantt Charts and Network Diagrams
• Scheduling Best Practices

Module 3: Tools for Project Scheduling

• Overview of Popular Scheduling Tools: Microsoft Project, Primavera
• Setting up a Project Schedule in Software
• Task Dependencies, Milestones, and Constraints
• Resource Assignment and Management in Software

Module 4: Cost Estimation Techniques

• Cost Estimation Methods: Analogous, Parametric, Bottom-up, and Three-Point Estimating
• Creating a Project Budget
• Estimating Direct and Indirect Costs
• Cost Baseline and Contingency Planning

Module 5: Earned Value Management (EVM)

• Introduction to Earned Value Management (EVM)
• EVM Metrics: Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), Actual Cost (AC)
• Schedule and Cost Variances, and Performance Indices
• Forecasting Project Performance

Module 6: Monitoring and Controlling Project Costs and Schedules

• Tracking Progress and Identifying Variances
• Change Control Process
• Corrective Actions and Managing Schedule Delays
• Cost Control Techniques
• Use of Software for Monitoring and Reporting

Module 7: Case Studies and Practical Application

• Real-World Case Studies in Project Scheduling and Cost Planning
• Hands-on Exercises using Scheduling and Cost Planning Software
• Team-Based Project Scenarios for Practice
• Discussion of Lessons Learned from Successful and Failed Projects

Module 8: Final Assessment and Course Wrap-Up

• Final Project Submission and Review
• Assessment of Key Learning Outcomes
• Feedback and Q&A
• Certificate of Completion

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com