Project management is a key skill for success in today’s workplace. From the full-time director of an IT project to the administrative assistant coordinating a departmental move, project management tools and techniques can help make work smoother and more effective.

This fall, two new project management courses are offered for University of Minnesota employees. The courses are designed to provide a hands-on and interactive opportunity to learn project management skills and apply them to real work situations.

These courses will be taught by Mary Slack, MA, PMP, of Eisele & Associates, Inc. Mary Slack is a management consultant who specializes in project management, quality improvement, management development, and communication skills. She has over 15 years of experience in using these skills to help people be effective in the process and interpersonal sides of project management. She is a PMP- certified Project Management Professional

Introduction to Project Management for Administrative Staff

This one-day course is designed for administrative support staff and others who wish to apply project management skills to their work responsibilities. It will focus on practical tools that can be used in day-to-day work.

During this hands-on session participants will:

• Learn basic project management tools for the four phases of project management
• Understand how the four phases of project management apply to their daily work environment
• Apply the tools to a work or personal project

There is a $75 fee for this course, payable by EFS# or check.

Project Management Fundamentals

This two-day course is designed for project managers, administrators, and others who are responsible for leading project teams. Hands-on activities will follow the four key phases of project definition, detailed planning, working, and completion.

Participants will:

• Understand the role of a project leader
• Learn to build, coach and evaluate the project team
• Determine project requirements, deliverables and measures of success
• Identify, obtain and organize resources to fit the project
• Use appropriate tools to monitor schedules, cost, and quality
• Review methods for managing the interpersonal side of projects
• Apply tools and techniques to a project from their own work environment

There is a $150 fee for this course, payable by EFS# or check.