Project Management for Research (316)

17 and 24 November, 1 December

Ilaria Orsi

Dr Ulrike Rapp Fitchett

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 and 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 successful completion, and to build vital skills for their future career.

Workshop content

• Structuring projects in phases; designing work packages; setting milestones
• Formulating project objectives
• Evaluating a project proposal/charter
• Planning project time and workload in detail = scheduling
• Project monitoring and controlling
• Analyzing stakeholders and developing an information concept
• Assessing and managing risks
• Facilitating collaboration in a project context
• Documenting projects
• Reviewing agendas for project kick-off and closing meetings

Learning outcomes:

After this course, the participants are able to:

• define the terms "project" and "project management"
• critically review a project proposal
• structure a project in phases, subprojects, work packages and set milestones
• plan a phase in detail, and monitor and control progress
• analyze the project's stakeholders and produce a concept to inform them adequately
• identify project risks and develop measures for managing them
• use aspects of project management to work constructively with others in a project environment
• document project progress
• apply selected project management processes, tools and techniques effectively to their own research project (transfer period).

Pedagogical methods

Short theoretical inputs with practical examples, exercises, small-group and plenary discussions. Participants work on applying the theory to their own projects, during the workshop and during the transfer time.

Requirements

Participants should already have an outline of the research project's content or have written or received a project proposal. No prior knowledge of 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 PhD project.

Preparatory/Transfer Work

The participants will be asked to do a preparatory exercise describing their project and learning objectives and to send it by e-mail to the trainer one week ahead of the first training day (approximately 15 minutes of work).

The two transfer phases are an integral part of the course. In the interim period of the 3-day workshop, participants will apply several project management methods to their own projects and bring the results to the next day of the workshop (approximately 8 hours of work in total).

Université de Genève

Date : Fridays, 17 and 24 November, 1 December (3 days)

Schedule: 10:00 to 17:00

Location: University of Geneva

Trainer

Dr. Ulrike Rapp Fitchett studied pharmacy at the EPFZ, and did her thesis at the Institute of Medical Microbiology of the University of Zürich, in parallel to a full-time University assistant position. Thanks to the latter position, and in addition to the PhD, she earned a Diploma as Specialist in Medical Laboratory Analyses FAMH.
 
From 1994 to 2010 Dr. Rapp Fitchett worked in the field of project management in the pharmaceutical industry, initially as a leader for Swiss and EU projects, and then for over 10 years in charge of global development programs. In 2011 she received her PMP (Project Management Professional) license from the PMI (Project Management Institute, PA, USA) and began in 2011 a training program as an Adult Trainer at the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Institut Fédéral des Hautes Etudes en Formation Professionnelle EHB IFFP IUFFP) in Lausanne. In 2012 she obtained the Certificate of the Swiss Federation for Adult Education SVEB/FSEA, and in 2014 the Swiss Federal License as an Adult Trainer. Dr. Rapp Fitchett has completed her studies at the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training with an applied research project. In January 2016, she earned a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) "Specialization in Vocational Education and Training for Adults". Dr. Rapp Fitchett currently works as an independent adult trainer and quality auditor in the field of education and vocational training.

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). For full-day workshops, lunch costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of original receipts (no photocopies or scans). A reimbursement form will be supplied to all registered participants for this workshop.

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