Project Management

Project Scheduling, Cost Estimation and Control

This course provides practical skills in project scheduling, cost estimation, and control techniques. Participants will learn to develop accurate project timelines, estimate costs effectively, and implement control measures to ensure project success, enhancing their project management capabilities.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Project managers frequently face challenges in delivering projects on time and within budget. Inaccurate scheduling and cost estimation can lead to project overruns, resource misallocation, and stakeholder dissatisfaction. This course addresses these critical issues by equipping participants with essential skills to create reliable schedules and accurate cost estimates, ensuring better project outcomes. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply learned techniques to actual project situations. By mastering these skills, they will enhance their ability to manage project timelines and budgets effectively, ultimately improving their professional performance and career prospects.

Effective project management requires a comprehensive understanding of scheduling, cost estimation, and control measures. Participants will practice developing project schedules using Gantt charts and critical path methods, estimating costs through various techniques, and applying control measures to monitor project performance. They will also learn to communicate project status and financial implications to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment. These practical capabilities will empower participants to make informed decisions, manage resources efficiently, and navigate the complexities of project management with confidence, leading to successful project delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Schedules that overlook dependencies and resource constraints.
Cost estimates with inconsistent assumptions.
Late identification of schedule slippage and cost overruns.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, practical exercises, and group workshops to enhance learning. Participants will engage in scenario-based simulations where they will create project schedules and cost estimates. Each session will culminate in a group discussion to analyse outcomes and refine techniques. Participants will produce project schedules, cost estimation reports, and control plans as tangible outputs, demonstrating their understanding and application of the concepts taught. This hands-on approach ensures that participants can directly apply what they learn to their own projects, reinforcing their skills and knowledge in a practical context. This integration of theory and practice is essential for effective learning.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Analyse project requirements to develop a comprehensive project schedule that meets stakeholder expectations.
Calculate project costs using various estimation techniques and tools to ensure budget accuracy.
Construct a Gantt chart to visually represent project timelines and milestones for effective tracking.
Assess project performance using earned value management principles to identify variances and trends.
Prioritise tasks based on critical path analysis to optimise project delivery and resource allocation.
Justify cost control measures to mitigate budget overruns and resource wastage effectively.
Develop a project control plan to monitor and manage project performance throughout the project lifecycle.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Project Managers responsible for overseeing project execution and delivery.
Cost Estimators involved in preparing project budgets and financial forecasts.
Project Planners tasked with developing and maintaining project schedules.
Operations Managers who need to align project outcomes with organisational goals.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Developing detailed project schedules using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
Estimating project costs accurately using various methodologies and techniques.
Implementing effective project control measures to track progress and performance.
Utilising earned value management for performance assessment and reporting.
Conducting critical path analysis to optimise project timelines and resource allocation.
Communicating project status and financial implications to stakeholders effectively.
Creating contingency plans to address potential project risks and challenges.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Foundations of Project Scheduling

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional project brief to identify key milestones and deliverables. They will create an initial project schedule using a Gantt chart, considering task dependencies and timelines, while discussing potential scheduling challenges.

Output: A Gantt chart outlining the project schedule with identified milestones and dependencies.

09:00–09:54Introduction to project scheduling concepts and terminology, including key terms and definitions.
09:54–10:48Understanding the project life cycle and its phases, from initiation to closure.
10:48–11:00Identifying key components of a project schedule, such as tasks, milestones, and dependencies.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identifying key components of a project schedule, such as tasks, milestones, and dependencies. (continued)
12:12–13:06Exploring different scheduling methodologies and tools, including Agile and Waterfall approaches.
13:06–14:00Overview of Gantt charts and critical path method, including their applications and benefits.

Day 2Cost Estimation Techniques

Applied activity: Using a fictional project scenario, participants will apply different cost estimation techniques to develop a comprehensive project budget, considering various cost factors, contingencies, and potential risks associated with the project.

Output: A detailed cost estimation report for the fictional project, including a breakdown of costs and assumptions.

09:00–09:54Understanding the importance of accurate cost estimation in project management and its impact on project success.
09:54–10:48Exploring different cost estimation techniques: analogous, parametric, and bottom-up, with practical examples.
10:48–11:00Identifying direct and indirect costs in project budgeting, including fixed and variable costs.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identifying direct and indirect costs in project budgeting, including fixed and variable costs. (continued)
12:12–13:06Utilising software tools for cost estimation, such as Excel and project management software, to enhance accuracy.
13:06–14:00Developing a cost estimation template for projects, including necessary cost categories and calculations.

Day 3Implementing Control Measures

Applied activity: Participants will review a case study of a project facing budget overruns. They will develop a control plan using EVM principles to monitor and report on project performance, including suggested corrective actions based on their analysis.

Output: A project control plan with EVM metrics, identified variances, and proposed corrective actions.

09:00–09:54Understanding project control and monitoring processes, including the role of project managers in maintaining control.
09:54–10:48Exploring key performance indicators (KPIs) for project success, including schedule variance and cost variance metrics.
10:48–11:00Introduction to earned value management (EVM) principles, including how to calculate and interpret EVM metrics.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Introduction to earned value management (EVM) principles, including how to calculate and interpret EVM metrics. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing a project control plan to track progress, including reporting mechanisms and frequency.
13:06–14:00Identifying corrective actions for budget and schedule variances, including strategies for effective communication with stakeholders.

Day 4Optimising Project Delivery

Applied activity: In teams, participants will analyse a complex project schedule to identify critical paths and potential bottlenecks. They will propose optimisations and contingency plans to enhance project delivery, considering resource availability and project constraints.

Output: An optimised project schedule with identified critical paths, proposed solutions, and contingency plans.

09:00–09:54Conducting critical path analysis for project optimisation, including identifying critical tasks and their impact on project timelines.
09:54–10:48Identifying bottlenecks and resource constraints in project schedules, including techniques for resource allocation and management.
10:48–11:00Utilising scheduling software for advanced project management, including features that enhance scheduling accuracy.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Utilising scheduling software for advanced project management, including features that enhance scheduling accuracy. (continued)
12:12–13:06Implementing risk management strategies in scheduling, including risk identification and mitigation planning.
13:06–14:00Developing contingency plans for potential project delays, including communication strategies and stakeholder engagement.

Day 5Integrated Project Management Application

Applied activity: Participants will work in groups to integrate their schedules, cost estimates, and control measures into a comprehensive project management plan for a fictional project. They will present their plans to a panel of stakeholders, addressing potential questions and concerns.

Output: A complete project management plan including schedule, budget, control measures, and a presentation summarising key aspects.

09:00–09:54Bringing together scheduling, cost estimation, and control measures into a cohesive project management approach.
09:54–10:48Developing a comprehensive project management plan that integrates all aspects of project execution.
10:48–11:00Simulating project execution and monitoring in a controlled environment, including real-time decision-making.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Simulating project execution and monitoring in a controlled environment, including real-time decision-making. (continued)
12:12–13:06Presenting project plans to stakeholders for approval, including effective communication techniques and presentation skills.
13:06–14:00Reflecting on lessons learned and best practices in project management, including continuous improvement strategies.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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