Managing Research Projects

Introduction:

This course, with a particular focus on research project management, provides participants with practical experience. Fundamental principles of project and program management will be introduced, allowing participants to gain a deep understanding of project planning, control, and scheduling concepts. The course covers various tools available for managing research projects and presents practical models for initiating and tracking studies from beginning to end.

The core principles of project management essential for executing successful research projects are thoroughly covered in this course. It aims to equip participants with the skills needed to handle complex research initiatives, from defining research project management plans to applying various managerial techniques.

A key component of the course is an in-depth examination of MS Project software, which ensures that any given study is executed as planned, achieving its objectives within the allocated budget and time frame.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this Managing Research Projects, participants should be able to:

• Comprehend basic research project management methodologies.
• Develop skills in planning, scheduling, and budgeting for research projects.
• Learn effective communication strategies to engage project stakeholders.
• Manage risk assessment and mitigation techniques specifically suited for conducting experimental investigations.
• Explore tools and technologies that improve efficiency in research project execution.
• Understand ethical considerations and regulatory compliance in research.
• Take on leadership roles in research teams, equipped with team management skills.
• Foster a culture of innovation with continuous improvement in scientific practices.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive Lectures
• Case Study Analysis
• Collaborative Workshops
• Simulation-Based Scenarios
• Peer Collaboration Sessions
• Role-Playing Exercises
• Live Project Simulations
• Mentoring & Coaching Sessions
• Ongoing Assessments & Feedback

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Understanding the Essentials

• Project life cycle stages and research knowledge
• Process groups and phases in scientific investigations
• Project initiation and knowledge requirements for research
• Understanding project planning and knowledge management in research
• Project execution and knowledge needs for managing research
• Monitoring and control processes in research projects
• Project closing processes and knowledge management in research settings

Unit 2: Analysis

• Scheduling research projects using the Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Efficiency of Research Projects: SPI/CPI Analysis
• Projections for Completion of Research Projects using SPI/CPI
• Performance Measures Tailored to Research Projects
• WBS and Work Packages for Research
• Gantt Charts and PERT Techniques in Research Project Management
• Establishing a baseline for a research project

Unit 3: Project Management Skills in Research

• Managing execution processes for effective control over scientific investigations
• Tracking progress during experimental projects
• Establishing meaningful indicators relevant to experimental processes
• Awareness of pitfalls in measuring operations related to studies
• Using trend charts to determine progress in research
• Variance analysis and quantification methods for scientific studies
• Conducting earned value analysis in scientific endeavors

Unit 4: Operational Planning in Research Management

• Crafting an all-inclusive research project management plan
• Managing different types of clinical studies:
  • Part I: Observational Studies
  • Part II: Interventional Studies

Unit 5: Ethics and Market Research Project Management

• Adhering to ethical codes while conducting medical inquiries
• Performing comprehensive literature analyses and tracking strong evidence
• The importance of scientific paper writing in communicating research results during market research project management