Critical Chain Workshop

Dramatically Accelerate Projects

Developed by world-renowned experts in the Critical Chain and Theory of Constraints methodology, this 2-day workshop is indispensable for project and resource managers, engineers, project leaders, executives and members of the Project Management Office who are seeking extraordinary improvements in project cycle time. Participants who have influence in the multi-project environment will also benefit from learning the Critical Chain multi-project solution.

Improving Project Portfolio Management

The goal of project portfolio management is to improve the return on investment from projects. So why is it so hard for most organizations to achieve this goal? If we can answer this question correctly, then we know what obstacles the process must overcome and what a participant must learn in a workshop in order to get significant results in their organization.

In this workshop, we address both the correct processes to dramatically improve project portfolio ROI and how to educate executives to make such improvements permanent and easy to implement.

Learn From Practical Field Experts

Gerry and Jacquelyn Kendall will present emerging innovations, best practices, and lessons learned. The Critical Chain Workshop offer a wide range of valuable information for the Portfolio Management implementer. Take advantage of this experienced rich environment, and walk away with the tools to improve your own organization’s Portfolio Management implementation strategy.

Featuring:

•  How to reduce project durations by 25% or more
•  Finally, the definitive way to permanently eliminate multi-project resource  conflicts
•  How to increase project flow in the multi-project environment
•  Board games and simulations that provide hands-on practice in every aspect  of the Critical Chain methodology
•  New knowledge on how to use trends in buffer management
•  How to turn Critical Chain buffer penetration into a process of ongoing  improvement in project management practices
•  A convincing presentation approach to gain executive support
•  How to blend earned value and Critical Chain metrics
Implementation tips

In this workshop, participants have extensive hands on practice. Participants first create and execute a single project schedule using the traditional approach of estimating and managing. Then, using the same project and the same actual execution times, participants create a Critical Chain schedule that protects the project delivery date by using project and feeding buffers, and the new Critical Chain measurement system – the “Relay Runner” work ethic. By having the point of comparison between the two approaches, participants can see the difference.

Participants then learn the multi-project environment through simulations and hands-on exercises. The effect of pushing too many projects into a system is clearly demonstrated with a simulation. Students learn the difference between good and bad multitasking. They discover how to significantly reduce bad multitasking, through staggering projects correctly. Finally, participants learn the use of the Drum and Strategic Resource buffers.

During the program, participants learn how to keep projects under control using buffer management. The use of Dr. Edwards Deming’s philosophy of predictability and trends is introduced, using Critical Chain metrics. Students learn how to relate the Critical Chain percentage complete to the penetration of the project buffer, to determine whether or not the project is in control. The use of project and feeding buffers for both project and resource managers is discussed.

The program also covers implementation considerations. You will have a Critical Chain implementation plan designed to overcome many generic obstacles to implementing successfully.

This workshop is filled with exercises that build each participant’s knowledge and confidence in planning a Critical Chain project successfully. The workshop has been designed by Project Management Professionals (Certified PMPs) with the real-life knowledge and experience to cause an immediate impact and success for any organization that implements this enhanced method of project planning and execution.

During the workshop, you will master the following subjects:

•  Deliver on time, greater than 95% of the time!
•  Reduce project durations by 25% or more!
•  Master the multi-project environment, with senior management support for a  much smaller number of active projects!
•  Use Critical Chain buffer management and reporting methods to focus the  efforts of every project and resource manager, automatically.
•  Complete project reviews in less time, with better results.
•  Drive relay runner work ethic on the most important tasks within every  project.
•  Use the Five Focusing Steps to create any Critical Chain Schedule.
•  Change measurements to reduce estimates and the waste of Student  Syndrome and Parkinson’s Law
•  Identify the Critical Chain, manually or using software, in any project network
•  Determine how and where to use project buffers, feeding buffers, drum  buffers and strategic resource buffers in any project plan
•  Integrate the Critical Chain approach into the Project Management Body of  Knowledge (PMBOK®) and your life cycle methodology.
•  Blend Critical Chain and Earned Value reporting