Project Management Course WebEx Introduction

Don Cole & Felix Sanchez

Project Management for ARA Engineers and Scientists

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Overview of Web-Ex Overview of Web-Ex

• Introductions• Web-Ex and PM Course Overview• Designing the Program During the Proposal

Phase• Identify the Teams • Intro to Exercise 1• Instructions for Exercise 1

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Web-Ex Desired Learning ObjectivesWeb-Ex Desired Learning Objectives• Recognize how ARA Core Values impact Project

Management• Understand how initial project planning begins at

opportunity phase and then well developed through proposal phase

• Introduce appropriate project management tools• Be able to use Eoffice to track project from

opportunity through proposal

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PM Course Desired Learning ObjectivesPM Course Desired Learning Objectives

Train qualified Project Managers and Principal Investigators Instill the ARA culture for excellence in Project Management,

Technical Performance and Marketing Learn applicable tools/processes and best practices that can

be adapted for any project, regardless of size, duration and complexity

Provide team building opportunities and interactions

Have Fun!Have Fun!

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Why Do We Need an ARA PM Course?Why Do We Need an ARA PM Course?

The Current Environment – the competition is tough! • ARA is now a large business competing with SAIC, Northrop

Grumman, Lockheed Martin, etc.

• ARA is seeking larger prime contracts

ARA’s PM is the Key to our Success• ARA continues to lean on the PM as we grow

• Share tools and success experience with new PMs

• Formal PM training provides mechanism to share proven approaches

The 30 Years of ARA’s Reputation is in YOUR Hands!The 30 Years of ARA’s Reputation is in YOUR Hands!

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Why Do We Need an ARA PM Course?Why Do We Need an ARA PM Course?

Our Customers are Requiring Best Practice Management Approaches• Integrated Master Plans, integrated

Master Schedules, tailored Earned Value Management, etc., for middle and large programs

• Proven Best Practices influence award decisions

• Past Performance Evaluations: significant influence on new award decisions

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Five Elements for Program ManagementFive Elements for Program Management1. Organization: Define contractual effort and assign responsibility for work.

2. Planning and Budgeting: Plan, schedule, budget and authorize work.

3. Cost Reporting: Accumulate cost of work and material.

4. Analysis: Compare planned and actual costs to performance and analyze variances. Develop estimates of final cost.

5. Close Out: Ensure within cost and schedule and market follow-on efforts.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Program Organization

Task Definition

SchedulesBudget (Resource Loaded Network)

Cost Reporting

Performance Measurement

Variance Analysis Reports (VAR)

Estimate at Completion (EAC)

Close Out

Performance Measurement

Close Out

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ARA’s Business Philosophy and ApproachARA’s Business Philosophy and Approach

Our Business Philosophy is Embodied in ARA’s Motto:

“ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE, THAT MATTERS, FOR FUN AND PROFIT”

Our Business Approach is Derived from the Essential Elements of this Motto

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ARA Core Values

• Passion• Freedom• Service• Growth

We can make a difference

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Why Is Growth So Important In ARA’s Culture Why Is Growth So Important In ARA’s Culture and Business Model?and Business Model?

• Stability – Withstand Downward Business Trends• Vibrancy – Provides an “Electric,” Stimulating

Atmosphere• Opportunity – Advancement for Staff• Renewal and Refreshment – New Ideas,

Challenge to the Old Ways• Wealth – Growing Companies are More Valuable

Than Stagnant Companies