A two-day workshop
R&D work is often carried out in entrepreneurial companies with the aim of developing solutions to scientific or technological problems for a wide range of customers. Projects can include longer term ‘frontiers of science’ research, medium term product development/manufacturing or more immediate troubleshooting or contract research assignments.
In all these contexts, the ability to create innovative solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner is the essence of successful R&D. Whilst R&D groups typically excel in technical expertise, those involved often recognise that there is scope for improving the way that projects are managed. The aim of this training programme is to address this need whilst ensuring that the creative, entrepreneurial spirit that is fundamental to good R&D continues to flourish.
- the key principles of successful project management in an R&D environment
- a structured, generic methodology for managing R&D projects
- techniques for managing the initiation and definition stages of the project lifecycle with particular emphasis on how to manage the key decisions during these stages
- a range of useful project management tools and techniques for project planning, risk management, project tracking and control
- some helpful models for supporting the development of team performance
Expert trainer
John de Newtown BSc, MSc, CEng, MIMechE, MInstP, MAPM is an independent consultant specialising in project and change management. He established his consultancy practice in 1990, following 20 years of industrial management experience and has extensive experience of designing and delivering management training and team development programmes.
Session outline
MODULE 1: Creating the foundations for success
- Off-line video tutorials and exercises
- Total time ~ 1 – 1.5 hours
Video 1: Making the most of project management in R&D
- Characterising R&D projects
- Applying project management to R&D work
- Exploiting the potential of project management in R&D
Video 2: Promoting success in R&D project management
- Modelling successful project management
- Evaluating performance and promoting success
- The role and skills of the project manager/leader
MODULE 2: Initiating and defining R&D projects
- Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
- Session 1: 10:00 – 12:00
- Session 2: 14:00 – 15:30
Session 1: Selecting and initiating projects
- Recognising worthwhile opportunities; initiating projects
- Identifying stakeholders and their goals
- Characterising and engaging stakeholders
Session 2: Defining goals and agreeing deliverables
- Establishing the full scope of the project
- Clarifying and prioritising project deliverables
- Defining and agreeing deliverable specifications
MODULE 3: Planning R&D projects
- Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
- Session 1: 10:00 – 12:00
- Session 2: 14:00 – 15:30
Session 1: Identifying and organising activities
- Creating effective plans; avoiding planning pitfalls
- Identifying tasks and assigning responsibilities
- Sequencing tasks and estimating durations
Session 2: Developing the timeline and resource plan
- Identifying the ‘critical path’; creating a resource plan
- Dealing with estimating uncertainty
- Accelerating the programme
MODULE 4: Leadership and teamwork in R&D projects
- Off-line video tutorials and exercises
- Total time ~ 1 - 1.5 hours
Video 1: Working effectively in project teams
- Building teamwork in contemporary organisations
- Recognising each other’s skills; building synergy
- Building good working relationships; handling conflict
Video 2: The role of the R&D project team leader
- Building teamwork: the role of leadership
- Creating an effective team culture
- Delegating work and motivating team members
MODULE 5: Managing uncertainty in R&D projects
- Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
- Session 1: 10:00 – 12:00
- Session 2: 14:00 – 15:30
Session 1: Characterising uncertainty; identifying risks
- Exploring uncertainty; applying risk management
- Focusing the risk management process
- Identifying and defining risk events
Session 2: Managing and controlling risks to the project
- Evaluating risk events
- Selecting between risk strategies; setting contingencies
- Updating and controlling exposure to risk
MODULE 6: Implementing and controlling R&D projects
- Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
- Session 1: 10:00 – 12:00
- Session 2: 14:00 – 15:30
Session 1: Initiating assignments and managing changes
- Creating a pro-active implementation and control culture
- Establishing effective implementation and control procedures
- Assigning work and managing changes
Session 2: Monitoring, managing and developing performance
- Adopting meaningful monitoring techniques
- Responding to problems; building performance
- Managing and controlling multiple project assignments
