The most effective way to learn is to 'do'. Traditional project management training focusses on theory rather than practice. Simulation puts the theory into practice.

1. Improving Project Management
Training with Simulation

2. © ARR Management Ltd, 2013
Project problems
The project objectives and scope are unclear
Estimates for time and cost goals are unreliable or unrealistic
Changing business needs or technology impact the project
People working on the project are incompetent or unmotivated
There are poor conflict-management procedures
Communications are poor
Suppliers are not delivering as promised
The project sponsor or senior managers are not very supportive of the
project
The project manager is inexperienced
Key stakeholders are not sufficiently involved in project decision-making
- List from Mike Lecky’s blog on Project Times

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Key theme - People
People deliver projects:
with other people;
to other people;
that impact other people.
So people skills are vital in a project manager
Leadership
Communication
Stakeholder management
Negotiation
Conflict resolution

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Typical PM training
Project Management
training:
Methodology
Software tools
Techniques
People Management
training:
Leadership
Communications
Managing staff
Negotiation skills

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Bringing people & project
training together
You do need the
theory
But you also need the
practice

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Simulation is the ‘glue’
With simulation you get to apply the theory in a
practical situation
It combines both training elements in a project
situation, so the lessons are relevant
You learn through doing!

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Why simulation
Projects are too expensive to practice on!
Simulators are used extensively elsewhere
Pilot training
Nuclear power plant emergency training
Emergency response
F1 driver training
Economic simulations

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Key features of simulation
Immerses trainees in the situation
Enables a wide range of problems to be faced – at
the same time
Time acceleration adds to the pressure
It provides a risk free environment

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How to use simulation
Simulation is part of the training mix
Link to key formal training elements
Methods
Tools & techniques
Back up with real, practical examples
Make it fun – people that enjoy training remember
more when back in the workplace

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Confuscious
I hear and I forget.....
I see and I remember.....
I do and I understand.....

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Some doing.......
SimulTrain® the project management simulator

12. © ARR Management Ltd, 2013
Details......
Allen Ruddock
Director of ARRA Management Ltd
project and programme management solutions
Allen has been working with clients for ten years establishing and developing their project and
programme management capabilities. Through its consultancy and training offerings, and its
range of experienced associates ARRA Management is ideally suited to support clients seeking
to build their delivery capabilities in these areas. Prior to moving in to consultancy, Allen spent
over 20 years leading projects and programmes for a number of blue-chip organisations and has
been part of, or led a number of initiatives to build an organisational project management
capability.
See our simulation based training solutions at http://www.arra-pm.com/Training.htm
Follow us on Twitter at @arrapm
Linkedin uk.linkedin.com/in/allenruddock