Project Management Monitoring and Evaluation with MS Projects Course

Introduction

Effective project management requires robust monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure project success and sustainable outcomes. The Project Management Monitoring and Evaluation with MS Projects Course equips professionals with advanced skills to plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate projects effectively using Microsoft Project software. This course integrates project management principles with real-world application, enabling participants to manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables efficiently.

The course focuses on the practical use of MS Projects for tracking project progress, managing budgets, and analyzing performance metrics. Participants will gain hands-on experience in creating Gantt charts, setting baselines, and managing risks through dynamic project schedules. Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making to ensure transparency and accountability in project execution.

Designed for project managers, M&E officers, and development professionals, this course features relevant case studies across industries such as construction, healthcare, and international development. Participants will learn to link monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks with project management methodologies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and donor requirements.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to lead projects from initiation to closure with a focus on impact measurement. The skills acquired will enhance their ability to meet deadlines, optimize resources, and deliver projects that meet stakeholder expectations.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the principles of project management and M&E.
2. Master the use of Microsoft Project for planning and scheduling.
3. Develop frameworks for monitoring and evaluation of projects.
4. Track project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
5. Analyze project performance metrics using MS Projects tools.
6. Identify risks and create mitigation strategies for project success.
7. Align M&E frameworks with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
8. Create detailed project reports with data visualization.
9. Enhance decision-making with evidence-based project insights.
10. Foster accountability and transparency in project execution.

Organization Benefits

1. Improved project planning and resource allocation.
2. Enhanced tracking of project milestones and deliverables.
3. Better alignment of project outcomes with strategic goals.
4. Increased efficiency in monitoring and evaluation processes.
5. Transparent reporting for stakeholders and donors.
6. Timely identification and mitigation of project risks.
7. Optimized use of budgets and resources.
8. Data-driven decision-making for project adjustments.
9. Strengthened capacity of project teams in MS Projects.
10. Successful completion of projects with measurable impacts.

Target Participants

• Project managers aiming to enhance their M&E skills.
• Monitoring and evaluation officers in development organizations.
• Professionals in NGOs and donor-funded projects.
• Team leaders managing complex or multi-sectoral projects.
• Managers responsible for tracking project performance metrics.
• Professionals seeking to learn MS Projects for career growth.

Course Outline

Module 1: Fundamentals of Project Management and M&E

• Principles of project management and M&E integration.
• Importance of monitoring and evaluation in projects.
• Key M&E frameworks and methodologies.
• Overview of Microsoft Project software.
• Linking project plans to M&E frameworks.
• Case Study: Integrating M&E in a donor-funded education project.

Module 2: Planning and Scheduling with MS Projects

• Setting up project timelines and milestones.
• Creating Gantt charts and project calendars.
• Resource allocation and task assignment.
• Budgeting and cost estimation in MS Projects.
• Establishing project baselines for performance tracking.
• Case Study: Developing a project schedule for a healthcare initiative.

Module 3: Monitoring Project Progress

• Tracking task completion and resource usage.
• Updating project schedules in real-time.
• Identifying deviations from project baselines.
• Using dashboards and reports for monitoring.
• Managing team performance and deliverables.
• Case Study: Monitoring progress in a construction project.

Module 4: Evaluation and Performance Analysis

• Setting evaluation criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Analyzing project performance metrics.
• Conducting impact assessments.
• Reporting evaluation findings to stakeholders.
• Using MS Projects for scenario planning and forecasting.
• Case Study: Evaluating the impact of a community development project.

Module 5: Risk Management and Mitigation

• Identifying project risks and challenges.
• Creating risk management plans.
• Monitoring risks during project implementation.
• Updating schedules to address risks dynamically.
• Lessons learned and best practices in risk management.
• Case Study: Risk mitigation in an infrastructure project.

Module 6: Reporting and Lessons Learned

• Generating comprehensive project reports in MS Projects.
• Visualizing data for stakeholder presentations.
• Capturing lessons learned for future projects.
• Ensuring accountability through transparent reporting.
• Strategies for continuous improvement in M&E practices.
• Case Study: Reporting results to donors in an international development project.\

General Information

1. Customized Training: All our courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of participants.
2. Language Proficiency: Participants should have a good command of the English language.
3. Comprehensive Learning: Our training includes well-structured presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group work. Our facilitators are seasoned experts with over a decade of experience.
4. Certification: Upon successful completion of training, participants will receive a certificate from Foscore Development Center (FDC-K).
5. Training Locations: Training sessions are conducted at Foscore Development Center (FDC-K) centers. We also offer options for in-house and online training, customized to the client's schedule.
6. Flexible Duration: Course durations are adaptable, and content can be adjusted to fit the required number of days.
7. Onsite Training Inclusions: The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of Successful Completion. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses, airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health/accident insurance, and personal expenses.
8. Additional Services: Accommodation, pickup services, freight booking, and visa processing arrangements are available upon request at discounted rates.
9. Equipment: Tablets and laptops can be provided to participants at an additional cost.
10. Post-Training Support: We offer one year of free consultation and coaching after the course.
11. Group Discounts: Register as a group of more than two and enjoy a discount ranging from 10% to 50%.
12. Payment Terms: Payment should be made before the commencement of the training or as mutually agreed upon, to the Foscore Development Center account. This ensures better preparation for your training.
13. Contact Us: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at training@fdc-k.org or call us at +254712260031.
14. Website: Visit our website at www.fdc-k.org for more information.