Project Management – From an Idea to a Quality Result

Aims & objectives

This training course aimed at empowering participants and to engage actively in the process of project management by:
a) Exploring themes and knowledge on the topic
b) Being inspired and motivated
c) Learning from each other’s experience
The general approach implemented had a strong practical dimension, focused on the creation of concrete outputs related with participants’ project ideas.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

The training targeted motivated adult learners who work either as volunteers or as staff in their organizations and are expected to implement projects or want to get more actively involved in managing and implementing complete projects. We aimed for a more beginner’s level, so no prior experience in project management was required, but any project-related experience was welcome and used as resource.
There were 17 participants coming from these countries: Croatia, Portugal, Slovenia, Italy, Germany.

Training methods used & main activities

We used a lot of non-formal methods linked to the topic of the training and the larger project - we can mention: Group building, discovering the surroundings, work in pairs, in small groups and in plenary, brainstorming, inputs by the trainers, group discussions, role play, self-assessment activities, update of the process in social networks, introspection, CookLab, Learning Space Dynamics.

Outcomes of the activity

The flow of the activities was balanced and adapted to the objectives and strategy previously defined, starting from a moment of group building, moving to a process of building common understandings on the concepts of project, project management and its cycle, and having also the space to develop personal projects and to identify personal challenges and goals as project manager.
The activities happened in different settings, including indoor rooms, outdoor spaces, the city centre and the park nearby. This change of space and environment was very positive to the group dynamics.
There was an adequate combination of sessions providing inputs and time both for working on practical projects and for self-assessment and reflection.
Participants expressed that the training was very useful and that they finished it with a clearer view about the process of project management. At the same time, participants appreciated the practical approach and the fact they could have the chance to work, exchange on and therefore develop their project ideas.
The majority of the group mentioned that they would have liked for the training to be longer.
Also the team building activities were mentioned as a highlight, given that they created very quickly an easy atmosphere for sharing in the group.
In the end, participants felt motivated and inspired to implement their projects in their local realities and there were even new ideas born for future projects.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I was one of the 3 full-time trainers involved in designing and deciding all activities and the flow of the training, organizing and preparing it, delivering and evaluating it.

I worked on this training for 5 days as a full time trainer.