Abacus Caledonia Ltd - Project Management

Project management is a business approach, which provides structure, focus, flexibility and control. Increasingly, it is being used by small and large organisations to provide a framework, which will deliver results. Yet some of the approaches being used by many organisations still leave a lot to be desired.

How many times, for example, have you heard of high profile projects failing to deliver the quality of outcome originally asked for, or £x millions over budget? The answer is too many! Similarly, do you know how many people involved in a project fully appreciate where their authority starts and ends? And how does it differ from ordinary day-to-day work?

From scoping out the project, drafting a project plan, and compiling the closure reports, we can guide you through the project management journey and show you how to initiate, plan, manage, control and close a project. Fully complimentary to the PRINCE2 model, our approach combines theory with practical advice and develops skills, not just knowledge, to ensure the successful delivery of your project(s).

We operate a four-tier approach, to cover the full spectrum of employees within an organisation, from senior management to key stakeholders, team managers and team members (see table below.) We can help you in a number of ways – one-to one consultancy, facilitation or tailored training courses through all four levels of the process. Smaller, less risky projects may require fewer interventions; larger projects, on the other hand, may require a more in-depth look at the management development required for all levels of supervisors and staff. You will see that the tiers do overlap, allowing clients to select the interventions that meet their needs.

Abacus Support
Tiers 1 & 2	Developing a Project Environment Developed for senior corporate managers, directors and board members, this course is designed to guide senior managers through the project management process, in defining roles and responsibilities, identifying the most appropriate project management process, and focuses on setting the project up. We also encourage senior managers to create the right culture for project management, which may challenge the existing ways of working within their organisation. Depending on the size, risk and complexity of the project, project sponsors may also benefit from this one-day awareness course.
Tier 2	Working in a Project Environment Developed specifically for Project Sponsors, this one-day course focuses on the Sponsor’s role within a project, their responsibilities, the project management process, and the tools and techniques to be used to manage projects.
Tiers 2 & 3	Leading in a Project Environment This three-day course is aimed specifically for Project Managers. It focuses on the project management process and developing the knowledge and skills to lead and manage a project. Project Sponsors are free to attend but may find the course looks at the more practical side of initiating, planning, leading, controlling and evaluating projects.
Tiers 3 & 4	Working in a Project Environment This two-day course is aimed at project managers and team members and looks at project management and the tools and techniques to be used as part of the project. It is ideal for individuals who are new to working as part of a project team. By the end of the two days, delegates are able to take a wide range of project management tools back to the work place.
Consultancy Support	In addition, we can offer support to project teams in the form of reviewing project management processes, working with the corporate board to develop a project management culture, scope out the project, support project management teams throughout the duration of the project and carrying out interim and final project evaluation studies.