Description

R&D work is often carried out in entrepreneurial companies with the aim of developing solutions to scientific or technological problems for a wide range of customers. Projects can include longer term 'frontiers of science' research, medium term product development/manufacturing or more immediate troubleshooting or contract research assignments.

In all these contexts, the ability to create innovative solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner is the essence of successful R&D. Whilst R&D groups typically excel in technical expertise, those involved often recognise that there is scope for improving the way that projects are managed. The aim of this training programme is to address this need whilst ensuring that the creative, entrepreneurial spirit that is fundamental to good R&D continues to flourish.

MODULE 1: Creating the foundations for success

Off-line video tutorials and exercises
Total time ~ 1 - 1.5 hours

Video 1: Making the most of project management in R&D

Characterising R&D projects
Applying project management to R&D work
Exploiting the potential of project management in R&D

Video 2: Promoting success in R&D project management

Modelling successful project management
Evaluating performance and promoting success
The role and skills of the project manager/leader

MODULE 2: Initiating and defining R&D projects

Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
Session 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Session 2: 14:00 - 15:30

Session 1: Selecting and initiating projects

Recognising worthwhile opportunities; initiating projects
Identifying stakeholders and their goals
Characterising and engaging stakeholders

Session 2: Defining goals and agreeing deliverables

Establishing the full scope of the project
Clarifying and prioritising project deliverables
Defining and agreeing deliverable specifications

MODULE 3: Planning R&D projects

Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
Session 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Session 2: 14:00 - 15:30

Session 1: Identifying and organising activities

Creating effective plans; avoiding planning pitfalls
Identifying tasks and assigning responsibilities
Sequencing tasks and estimating durations

Session 2: Developing the timeline and resource plan

Identifying the 'critical path'; creating a resource plan
Dealing with estimating uncertainty
Accelerating the programme

MODULE 4: Leadership and teamwork in R&D projects

Off-line video tutorials and exercises
Total time ~ 1 - 1.5 hours

Video 1: Working effectively in project teams

Building teamwork in contemporary organisations
Recognising each other's skills; building synergy
Building good working relationships; handling conflict

Video 2: The role of the R&D project team leader

Building teamwork: the role of leadership
Creating an effective team culture
Delegating work and motivating team members

MODULE 5: Managing uncertainty in R&D projects

Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
Session 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Session 2: 14:00 - 15:30

Session 1: Characterising uncertainty; identifying risks

Exploring uncertainty; applying risk management
Focusing the risk management process
Identifying and defining risk events

Session 2: Managing and controlling risks to the project

Evaluating risk events
Selecting between risk strategies; setting contingencies
Updating and controlling exposure to risk

MODULE 6: Implementing and controlling R&D projects

Live interactive sessions (via Zoom):
Session 1: 10:00 - 12:00
Session 2: 14:00 - 15:30

Session 1: Initiating assignments and managing changes

Creating a pro-active implementation and control culture
Establishing effective implementation and control procedures
Assigning work and managing changes

Session 2: Monitoring, managing and developing performance

Adopting meaningful monitoring techniques
Responding to problems; building performance
Managing and controlling multiple project assignments

Course Images

R&D project management (In-House)

By The In House Training Company

Booking options

Highlights