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Improving Your Project Management Skills: The Basics for Success

As the business world grows more competitive, organizations find it necessary to take on an increasing number of projects. Unfortunately, these same organizations often don’t have skilled project managers to handle the work. In this seminar, you will learn and practice the critical tools and techniques that have been proven necessary for project management success. In lectures, discussions and exercises, you’ll cover the essential aspect of managing projects. While aligned with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) framework, this course is specifically designed to focus on the practical application of concepts. You’ll return to work with the knowledge and tools you need to get your projects started right and completed successfully.  

Seminar Number: 06503

4.8
(1597 reviews)
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • At Your Company Location

Course Scheduling & Pricing

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About This Course

This basic project management course helps professionals build core project management skills they can use immediately at work. It focuses on how projects are planned and executed, with practical training across the full project lifecycle. Designed for new and “accidental” project managers, this course emphasizes hands-on project management skills training rather than theory.

Read the FAQs

Who Should Attend

  • Individuals who are new to project management
  • “Accidental” project managers (professionals for whom PM is a secondary part of their jobs)
  • Business analysts; subject-matter experts from any field who contribute to projects; managers responsible for projects; and experienced project managers looking to review current tools, techniques and processes

  •   In-Person3 Day(s)
    1.8 CEU, 18 CLP, 21 CPE, 18 PDCs, 18 PDU, 18 PHR, 18 PMU, 18 SPHR
  •   Live Online3 Day(s)
    1.8 CEU, 18 CLP, 21 CPE, 18 PDCs, 18 PDU, 18 PHR, 18 PMU, 18 SPHR
 
 

As the business world grows more competitive, organizations find it necessary to take on an increasing number of projects. Unfortunately, these same organizations often don’t have skilled project managers to handle the work. In this seminar, you will learn and practice the critical tools and techniques that have been proven necessary for project management success. In lectures, discussions and exercises, you’ll cover the essential aspect of managing projects.

While aligned with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) framework, this course is specifically designed to focus on the practical application of concepts. You’ll return to work with the knowledge and tools you need to get your projects started right and completed successfully.

 

  • Ensure that your projects are set-up for success from the start
  • Learn the basics for effectively gathering and documenting requirements
  • Understand the role of the project manager, business analyst, and others in managing projects
  • Develop an integrated project plan including realistic scope, schedules, budgets, and risks—and turn that plan into successful action
  • Learn how to effectively track and report on project progress
  • Gain the respect of your project team and build credibility with top management

 

An Overview of Key Project Management Concept

Discussion of key concepts, terminology, and roles, including:

  • The project triangle
  • The definition of the "project"
  • The five core PM process groups

Initiating the Project

  • Creating a project charter and tying it to the business case
  • Gathering and documenting requirements
  • Setting customer, sponsor, and team member expectations

Identifying the Work

  • Creating the work breakdown structure (WBS) based on the charter and product requirements
  • Assigning ownership to tasks

Estimating the Work

  • Discussing industry best practices for creating realistic estimates

Scheduling the Work

  • Creating precedence (network logic) diagrams to show task dependencies
  • Producing Gantt charts to graph project timelines
  • Determining the critical path and calculating float

Creating the Budget

  • Estimating and tracking personnel and (out of pocket) expenses

Special Feature

AMA Blended Learning combines instructor-led training with online pre- and post-seminar assessments, tune-up courses and other resources to maximize your training goals. Through a blend of proven instructor-led seminars and powerful online technology, AMA Blended Learning provides a compelling and more comprehensive experience for the learner—producing a greater return-on-investment for the employer and the seminar participant.

EXTRAS FROM AMA

This seminar features fictional case studies that allow participants to immediately practice course concepts in group exercises. Participants will create key project documents, such as business case, charter, product requirements, project plan, status reports and lessons learned.

Participants have access to online blended learning components, including a full toolkit of integrated project management templates to download and use for getting started immediately after completing the seminar.

The Project Management Framework

  • Define the Basic Project Management Framework
  • Describe Key Project Management Terminology
  • Explain the Triple Constraints (Project Triangle)
  • Differentiate Between Operations and Projects
  • Describe Project Management in a Business Context

Initiate the Project

  • Discuss How Projects Are Initiated
  • Describe the Difference Between Project Requirements and Product Requirements
  • Describe the Purpose and Content of the Project Charter
  • Describe the Purpose and Content of the Product Requirements Document
  • Use the SMART Model When Writing Requirements
  • Identify Information-Gathering Techniques

Identify the Work

  • Discuss the Purpose of a Kick-Off Meeting
  • Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Estimate the Work

  • Discuss Guidelines for Making Better Estimates
  • Explain the Use of Three-Point Estimates

Schedule the Work

  • Describe Task Dependencies
  • Sequence Tasks via Precedence Diagramming
  • Develop Project Schedule

Create the Budget

  • Determine the Personnel Costs Needed for the Success of the Project
  • Determine the Expense Costs Needed for the Success of the Project
  • Differentiate Between Bottom-Up and Top-Down Cost Budget Planning, and State Which Is More Appropriate for Different Situations

Complete the Plan

  • Create the Project Communications Plan
  • Describe the Project Risk Management Processes
  • Describe the Purpose of the Project Procurement Plan
  • Discuss the Purpose of Reserves

Execute the Plan

  • Create a Project Status Report
  • Describe the Key Elements Required to Determine Project Health
  • Describe How to Run an Effective Project Status Meeting
  • Describe the Change Management Process

Close the Project

  • Identify the Elements in the Project Closure Procedure
  • Describe Administrative and Contractual Closure
  • Describe How Projects Are Terminated
  • Explain the Importance of a Repository and Lessons Learned

Download Extended Seminar Outline PDF

View a Sample of Our Reviews

4.8

1597 reviews

 
instructor very knowledgeable and lots of exercises allowing groups to get hands on training as to how these tools should be applied
5
Ashley L.
 
ENGINEER
 
Industry: Membership Organization
The training was great for me because I feel confident now that I can utilize some of the tools I have acquired through the course.
4
David M.
 
Maintenance Supervisor
 
Industry: Manufacturing, Industrial Machinery & Equipment
The instructor was very knowledgeable, with deep practical experience. The 'hands-on' course work did more to set the information than simply reading through the course material. I highly recommend this class.
5
Linda C.
 
Business Support IV
 
Industry: Government
Well organized, good flow through the material. Examples really emphasized key points. The instructor kept the class moving and on time which is always appreciated.
5
Eric E.
 
Project Manager
 
Industry: Manufacturing
It was a great and engaging class. Perfect for someone like myself, who is not necessarily a project manager but does take on projects in my organization of varying scales.
5
Robert M.
 
Financial Analyst
 
Industry: Manufacturing

This course is valid for PMUs.

resized_HRCI_Generic_ApprovedProvider-2023_160X160

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

SHRM logo.

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

Talent Triangle PDUs
16 Ways of Working [WOW] 2 Power Skills [PS]
Project Management Institute (PMI) Talent Triangle, 2015.
Reproduced with the permission of PMI. Copyright and all rights reserved

 

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

In-Person Schedule

17 Sessions Available

Live Online Schedule

13 Sessions Available

  • $2,895.00 Non Members
  • $2,595.00 AMA Members
  • $2,567.00 GSA
Date Duration State City Zip
  2026-04-13 2026-04-15 Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026 3 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2026-05-11 2026-05-13 May 11, 2026 - May 13, 2026 3 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-06-01 2026-06-03 Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 3, 2026 3 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2026-06-08 2026-06-10 Jun 8, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026 3 Days GA Atlanta 30309-7705 Atlanta Register Now

  2026-06-22 2026-06-24 Jun 22, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026 3 Days TX Dallas 75001 Dallas Register Now

  2026-07-20 2026-07-22 Jul 20, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026 3 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2026-07-27 2026-07-29 Jul 27, 2026 - Jul 29, 2026 3 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2026-07-29 2026-07-31 Jul 29, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026 3 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-08-17 2026-08-19 Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 19, 2026 3 Days GA Atlanta 30309-7705 Atlanta Register Now

  2026-09-09 2026-09-11 Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026 3 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2026-09-28 2026-09-30 Sep 28, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 3 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2026-10-19 2026-10-21 Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026 3 Days MA Boston 02110 Boston Register Now

  2026-10-21 2026-10-23 Oct 21, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026 3 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-11-11 2026-11-13 Nov 11, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026 3 Days DC Arlington/Washington 22202-4807 Arlington/Washington Register Now

  2026-11-23 2026-11-25 Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026 3 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2026-12-02 2026-12-04 Dec 2, 2026 - Dec 4, 2026 3 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2026-12-07 2026-12-09 Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 9, 2026 3 Days GA Atlanta 30309-7705 Atlanta Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take project management courses?

This basic project management course is designed for professionals who manage projects as part of their role—team leads, managers, coordinators and emerging project managers—who want to build strong project management skills and a structured foundation for delivering projects successfully.

Does this project management course cover the full project lifecycle?

Yes. This project management skills training covers the full project lifecycle—from initiating and planning to executing, monitoring, controlling and closing—so you can manage projects more consistently and improve overall project outcomes.

Is this a PMP® exam prep or a certification course?

No. This course focuses on basic project management skills and practical tools rather than certification or exam prep. It’s ideal for improving project management skills you can apply immediately at work, using real-world methods and templates. AMA offers a course to prepare you for the PMP Exam.

What tools and techniques will I learn in this project management training course?

You’ll learn essential project management skills and tools, including defining scope, building a work breakdown structure (WBS), estimating and scheduling, budgeting, stakeholder management, risk management, status reporting and change control—core skills needed for project success.

How does this compare to PMI’s self-paced Project Management Basics?

PMI’s course introduces concepts in a self-paced format. This project management skills course is instructor led and hands on, making it a strong option for professionals who want guidance, practice and application support while building project management capabilities.

What project management skills will I improve after attending?

After completing this improving project management skills course, you should be able to define projects more clearly, make realistic commitments on scope, schedule and budget, manage stakeholders proactively and control changes so projects stay on track and don’t derail.

Can this project management training course be delivered in-house to help teams strengthen their project management skills?

Yes. This course can be delivered at your company, in person or live online, for team members who manage or contribute to projects. Delivery can be tailored to your organization’s project environment, tools, and priorities, helping participants plan, execute and communicate more effectively across projects. To explore options, please contact us for more information.
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