Project Management for Research

30 October & 13 November 2014

Dr Pamela Alean-Kirkpatrick; alean-academics

Project management is a valuable skill that can be applied right from the outset of doctoral research. It is also a skill that prospective employers highly appreciate - both inside, but especially outside, the university environment. The doctoral research project presents an ideal context in which to learn and apply the basic processes, tools and techniques of project management.

Participants in this workshop learn how they can use their limited resources effectively. Ideally suited to the beginning of the research project, understanding the concepts and practices of project management and applying them to their doctoral thesis will help participants to guide the research process towards its completion, and to build vital skills for their future career.

Course Objectives
After this course, the participants are able to:

• define the terms “project”, “project management” and “project boundaries”
• structure a project in phases, subprojects, work packages and set milestones
• plan a phase in detail, and track and control progress
• analyse the project’s stakeholders and produce a concept to inform them adequately
• identify project risks and develop measures for managing them
•  document project progress
• define roles and responsibilities in a project context
• use aspects of project management to work constructively with others in a project environment
• apply selected project management processes, tools and techniques effectively to their own research project (transfer period)

Content

• Structuring projects in phases; designing work packages; setting milestones
• Formulating project objectives (for the whole project or for the next phase)
• Planning project time and workload in detail
• Project tracking and controlling
• Stakeholder analysis and information concept
• Risk assessment and risk management
• Project organisation: roles and responsibilities
• Documenting projects
• Project start and end

Methods
Short theoretical inputs, exercises, small-group discussions. Participants work on applying the theory to their own projects.

Target Group
Participants should already have an outline of the project’s content or have written a project proposal. No prior knowledge of (classical) project management is assumed.

The workshop can be attended at any stage of the doctoral work, to greatest advantage during the first half of the project.

Transfer Phase
The transfer phase is an integral part of the course. In the time between the two course days, participants will apply several project management methods to their own projects and bring the results to the second day.

Neuchâtel COMPLET

Date : Thursdays, 30th October and 13th November 2014

Schedule: 9.00 - 18.00

Location: University of Neuchâtel

Trainer: Dr. Pamela Alean-Kirkpatrick holds a doctorate in Chemistry and a postgraduate certificate in Education. Since 1993 she has been working in tertiary education as an academic developer in the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and in Human Resources. She also works part time as a team member at the Academic Support Office, Biology Departement, University of Zurich.

Participants are eligible for reimbursement of incurred travel expenses by train between the town of their university and the location of the workshop (half-fare card, 2nd class).

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