For researchers, much professional development and advancement is linked to successfully delivering projects.   Any post-doctoral or early–career researcher will have had to organize, analyze and present an enormous amount of information, set goals, reviewed progress - and probably worked with others to encourage them to do the same.   However, for many researchers and research leaders, these actions are not often contained within a cogent Project Management framework. 

This programme offers two linked sessions (and a small amount of preparatory and interim work) that will equip researchers with practical tools and new ways of thinking to help them manage projects with confidence.  At all times the programme will be contextually rooted in the realities of academic research management.

This focused programme will equip delegates with professional applied project management skills and an overview of various project-planning tools and techniques.   The phased sessions will help participants to build a toolkit and an approach to projects that they can use with their own work and teams immediately and in any future projects.  However, we will not be addressing issues specific to the administrative and financial systems at Lancaster. 

Session I – Research Project Management Essentials.  15th January 2025, 9.30am till 12.30pm

In the first session, we’ll tighten up the essential elements of Research Project Management and equip participants with a series of tools to help with:

• Understanding the value of coherent management in research projects and recognising contextual difficulties.
• Identifying and protecting the scope boundaries with a project (i.e. helping identify and work with what any given project IS and IS NOT.)
• Project planning and recognising the life-cycle of a project
• Understanding, identifying and communicating with stakeholders
• Communicating objectives and timelines
• Managing risks and uncertainties within a project

Session II – Enhanced Management Practice. 22nd January 2025, 9.30am till 12.30pm

In the second session we’ll build on the material covered in session one, and explore

• Keeping things on track - Monitoring and Status Reporting
• Working with collaborative project teams
• Handling project changes, issues and crises
• Influencing project stakeholders

These sessions are designed to run together rather than separately. This means you will be required to attend both sessions. 

This session will be held via Zoom

For any enquiries about this event please contact Organisational Development: od@lancaster.ac.uk

We understand that priorities change and you may no longer be able to attend. In these cases please cancel your place at the earliest opportunity. Please note that departmental charges may apply for cancellations less than 5 days in advance of for no-shows. For more information please see our Access Statement and Cancellation Policy.