Innovation and Project Management (Live Online)

In this course, participants will systematically explore the relationship of innovation (doing things in different ways) and project management (establishing and following standards to accomplish a goal). In this context, “innovation” represents a strategy that can add value to project deliverables, more easily satisfy the customer’s need, and increase the capabilities of the performing organization. Innovation, whether technology-based or process-based, is best defined as discovering a different way to address a problem or use a technology to enhance an existing solution. Effective project management techniques also benefit both the customer by meeting their need and the performing organization either through financial return or supporting their Strategic Objectives. Combining project management discipline with innovative insights can supply dramatic results to project outcomes. By the end of the session, participants will create a plan to apply the content to their current work.Module 1: IntroductionReview project management approaches in the context of innovationPredictive or traditionalAgile/adaptiveHybridEstablish definition of “innovation” as different from “creativity” and “optimization”“An original or novel approach to an existing problem providing a value-added solution”Examine five types of innovationExplore mental habits – structured or flexibleExamine the dynamic balance between standards and new ideas or processesIdentify “innovation” as changeReview of mental habits regarding “innovation”Case Study 1Module 2: Innovation ProjectsExplore how innovation adds valueUsing a business modelUsing a technology modelUsing a culture modelExamine innovation as a project objectiveCase Study 2Module 3: Innovation Within ProjectsExplore the role of the PM in project innovationExamine project management processes and governance as candidates for innovationExplore innovation related to deliverablesCase study 3Module 4: Encouraging InnovationEstablish a project culture to support innovationUse Team Charter to support innovationExplore three traps to avoid and six solution strategiesCase Study 4Module 5: Summary and Next StepsReview strategies to respond to internal and external pressure for innovationCreate personal Application Plan (how participant will use content at work)Final QuestionsCourse EvaluationsLearning ObjectivesTo use innovation strategies to improve the project outcomes and deliverables.To explore innovative approaches to processes and methods to increase productivity (effective use of project time and money)Establishing and promoting a culture of innovation within the project team.