Project management refers to the practice in an organization aimed at achieving a clearly defined objective (usually by means of a specification), ensuring that various constraints of time, resources and expected quality of the deliverable are met. The objective of the course is to provide the theoretical and practical tools to deal appropriately with each of these constraints.
Time constraints are processed using statistical tools (potential method, or PERT). These tools make it possible to establish a clear planning of the project, and to manage its critical tasks, its safety margins, or its deadlines. A probabilistic and/or simulation layer is typically added to these models in order to better manage the risks associated with working in a dynamic environment. Resource constraints are central, and addressed through tools such as the Gantt chart. Optimizing resource allocation is obviously the key issue in this part of the management process. Budgetary control aimed at ensuring the adequacy between planned/realized costs/budgets, investment decisions and cash flows are also an integral part of the financial management of the project. Quality constraints, for their part, are addressed through tools such as Kanban, Lean Manufacturing or the Agile approach, depending on the area of application. This last point usually encompasses broader considerations of continuous improvement.
In addition, project management has a strong human component, and must therefore address the many theories on leadership and team management, on conflict and change management, as well as on the motivational aspects of work. in Group. All of these secondary skills generally contribute to the development of soft skills such as assertiveness, the ability to present results orally and in writing, time and priority management, or relationship skills with subordinates.
