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Essentials of Project Management for the Non-Project Manager

To work together effectively on any project, everyone on the team needs to use a common language and have a clear understanding of all expectations. This unique project manager training seminar is designed for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of project management who serve on project management teams, those who simply want to know more about PM or those who are making the transition to project management. In just two days, you’ll develop an understanding of essential terminology and apply basic PM tools and techniques to increase your effectiveness both on the team and in your own functional area.

Seminar Number: 06548

5
(580 reviews)
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • At Your Company Location

Course Scheduling & Pricing

About This Course

You don't need "project manager" in your title to be the one who makes things happen. This essentials of project management course is built for those who find themselves leading initiatives and herding stakeholders on top of their normal day-to-day. AMA’s project management for non-project managers training cuts through the jargon and gives you actionable insights: how to plan without overcomplicating, how to budget when numbers aren't your native language, how to spot risks before they become crises and how to lead teams who don't report to you. You'll leave with hands-on knowledge of project management essentials and the confidence to navigate competing priorities while keeping all stakeholders aligned.

Read the FAQs

Who Should Attend

  • Those who are involved in projects but do not manage them
  • Experts, team members, project sponsors, contributors, facilitators and coordinators

  •   In-Person2 Day(s)
    1.2 CEU, 12 CLP, 14 CPE, 12 PDCs, 12 PHR, 12 SPHR
  •   Live Online2 Day(s)
    1.2 CEU, 12 CLP, 14 CPE, 12 PDCs, 12 PHR, 12 SPHR
 

To work together effectively on any project, everyone on the team needs to use a common language and have a clear understanding of all expectations. This unique project manager training seminar is designed for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of project management who serve on project management teams, those who simply want to know more about PM or those who are making the transition to project management. In just two days, you’ll develop an understanding of essential terminology and apply basic PM tools and techniques to increase your effectiveness both on the team and in your own functional area.

  • Know the purpose and process of project management
  • Understand the roles, responsibilities and needs of project team members
  • Identify and apply critical project management tools
  • Identify stakeholders, their relationships to one another and how these relationships affect projects
  • Recognize stakeholder issues within the organization
  • Identify and apply critical communication tools and protocols
  • Key project management terms
  • Five groups of the project management process
  • Estimating project activity accurately
  • Identifying and aligning the project stakeholders
  • Evaluating the project charter
  • Validating project requirements against the SMART Tool
  • Understanding and creating the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Getting Your Hands Around Project Management

  • Distinguish Between a Project and Operations
  • Recognize the Factors That Contribute to Project Success or Failure
  • Identify the Framework for Project Management

Getting It Off the Ground

  • Recognize the Value of Knowing Why/How a Project Is Important to the Organization and to You
  • Explain the Elements of a Charter and Its Relevance to Initiating a Project
  • Identify Stakeholders and Their Roles on a Project

Planning the Work

  • Apply Techniques to Define the Work to Be Done
  • Identify an Apply Techniques to Estimate Needed Resources, Cost, and Hours for the Project
  • Apply Techniques to Schedule the Project
  • Identify Roles and Responsibilities for the Project
  • Plan for Potential Risks to the Project

Working the Plan

  • Build an Effective Status Report
  • Recognize the Types and Purposes of Meetings
  • Identify Action Items and Issues
  • Recognize the Importance of Managing Change

Putting It to Bed

  • Contribute to the Lessons Learned Database
  • Identify the Project Records and Files that Must Be Archived for Historical Purposes
  • Describe a Project Closure Checklist
  • Compare Closing Out Successful Versus Unsuccessful or Canceled Projects

Download Extended Seminar Outline PDF

View a Sample of Our Reviews

5

580 reviews

 
It was particularly helpful to learn the foundational basics/ theory of project management. The course materials and group activities helped me apply the curriculum to real-life situations.
5
   
Excellent class - well paced through early lessons - a lot of concepts in last 2 lessons which could have benefitted from being spread out a little more.
5
   
Extremely knowledgeable and upbeat instructor. Plenty of techniques taught. I can't wait until I apply them throughout my day-to-day work!
5
   
Very informative. I have learnt some very helpful techniques/approaches that I'm going to use on daily basis.
5
   
Class was informative and covered the full breadth of the experience overseeing a project in an engaging and accessible way.
5
   

AMA is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (12 PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM.

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The use of this seal confirms that this activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.

American Management Association is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

American Management Association is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. For additional information or for more information regarding administrative policies such as complaints and refunds, please contact Customer Service at 800-262-9699.

Recommended CPE Credit: 14 hours/Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live/Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Technical – Management Services

In-Person Schedule

8 Sessions Available

Live Online Schedule

8 Sessions Available

  • $2,695.00 Non Members
  • $2,445.00 AMA Members
  • $2,390.00 GSA
Date Duration State City Zip
  2026-05-07 2026-05-08 May 7, 2026 - May 8, 2026 2 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2026-06-04 2026-06-05 Jun 4, 2026 - Jun 5, 2026 2 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2026-07-20 2026-07-21 Jul 20, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026 2 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-08-06 2026-08-07 Aug 6, 2026 - Aug 7, 2026 2 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2026-09-09 2026-09-10 Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 10, 2026 2 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2026-10-22 2026-10-23 Oct 22, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026 2 Days GA Atlanta 30309-7705 Atlanta Register Now

  2026-11-12 2026-11-13 Nov 12, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026 2 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-12-14 2026-12-15 Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026 2 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend project management for non-project managers training?

This project management training is designed for professionals who lead projects but do not have formal project manager titles. It’s ideal for department managers, team leaders, technical professionals and business managers who are responsible for timelines, budgets and outcomes. If you manage initiatives alongside your regular role, this course is built for you.

Is this project management course the same as certification-based project manager training?

No. This is not a PMP® exam prep course or certification program. It is applied project manager essentials training designed for working professionals who need to manage projects effectively without pursuing formal certification. If you are searching for project management for managers or foundational project management instruction, this course delivers the essential skills without exam preparation requirements.

Is this course appropriate for someone new to project management?

Yes. This course is built specifically for individuals who are new to project management or who have been assigned project responsibilities without formal training. Many participants enroll because they need structured project management training for non-project managers that gives them a clear framework they can use right away. No prior experience is required.

How is this different from general project management seminars?

Many project management seminars are designed for full-time project managers and assume a deep technical background. This program focuses specifically on project management for the non-project manager, meaning it addresses the realities of managing projects while balancing other responsibilities. It emphasizes clarity, structure and practical tools that can be used immediately in a business setting.

What skills will I gain from this essentials of project management training?

After completing this essentials of project management program, participants gain the ability to define project objectives, create structured plans, manage scope changes, communicate effectively with stakeholders and reduce risk. The focus is on building confidence and control so projects are delivered more consistently and with fewer surprises.

Is this relevant for IT or technical professionals?

Yes. While the course is not limited to technical roles, it is highly applicable for professionals seeking foundational IT project manager training or for technical leads who manage cross-functional initiatives. The principles taught apply across industries and functions, making it relevant for both business and technical environments.

Can this project management training course be delivered in-house for teams who are not formal project managers?

Yes. This course can be delivered at your company, in person or live online, for team members who manage projects without formal project management training. Delivery can be tailored to your organization’s workflows, tools, and project priorities, helping participants plan, organize, and execute projects more effectively while improving communication and coordination across teams. To explore options, please contact us for more information.
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