Practical Project Management

If your employer is a compact member of the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, you may be eligible to take this program at a reduced cost. Visit our Harold Alfond Center Workforce Development Funding page for more information.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

NEW for Fall 2025!

You are responsible for organizing and managing a multifaceted activity that involves people from diverse specialties to deliver a new product or service. Quality is essential, resources are limited, and time is of the essence . . . where do you start?

Through team exercises and discussions, participants will learn how to plan, organize, and manage project work, as well as when to apply specific tools to increase the likelihood of successful project execution in their work settings.

Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of project management, approaches to address common project challenges, and the evolving role of project managers.

A group of people sit casually around a conference table.  A speaker stands at the head of the table, with notes on the wall behind them.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Define the scope of project management by identifying its key functions, responsibilities, and deliverables.
  • Describe the full range of responsibilities performed by project managers and explain their impact on project success.
  • Explain the stages of the Project Management Lifecycle and apply them to a sample project scenario.
  • Develop a project schedule by estimating task durations, prioritizing activities, and sequencing them appropriately.
  • Identify potential project risks and issues, and analyze their impact on project outcomes.
  • Assign roles and responsibilities within a project team, ensuring clarity of accountability.
  • Discuss common project risks and mistakes by sharing personal or professional experiences with peers.
  • Create and organize a toolkit of essential project management documents (e.g., project charter, risk log, task tracker).
  • Apply practical strategies for managing projects in their own workplace and evaluate their effectiveness in real-world contexts.

TOPICS COVERED

  • Project Life Cycle
  • Essential Project Artifacts
  • Building a Project Schedule
  • Working with Teams and Stakeholders 
  • Risk Analysis and Issue Management
  • Project Communications 
  • Project Manager Competencies

WHO SHOULD ENROLL

The program is designed for people who want a practical “how-to” experience in structuring a successful project. The course will benefit professionals from various sectors and at different levels of experience. Aspiring project leaders will receive a thorough introduction to real-world project environments, new project leaders will gain valuable tools, and experienced project leaders can utilize this course to optimize their work.

Not sure if this program is right for you? Contact us at um.continuinged@maine.edu or 207.581.3167 and we can help you figure it out.

Program details

INSTRUCTOR

Margaret Van Note, PMP®, WCP®,  CSPO®, PAL-EBM® is a certified Project Management Professional and Agile practitioner. She has worked for over 20 years in project and program management. She has implemented business services and technical solutions in healthcare and financial services nationally and internationally, and has established Project Management Offices in a variety of business settings. Margaret is a standing member of PMI, PMI Maine Chapter, and PMI Madison, WI Chapter. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College, certifications in various project management methodologies, and is studying to attain Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM)® and PSM-1® certifications. Margaret’s professional focus is to helping organizations improve results with quality, financial performance, and teamwork while running projects. Margaret grew up overseas and has lived in Maine since 1986.

DATES & TIMES

October 30 and November 6, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST

MODALITY

This interactive online program will be offered synchronously via Zoom—you’ll need access to a stable internet connection. Active participation is encouraged—this is not a recorded session.

PROGRAM FEE

$480

Maine Community Foundation Scholarship Resources

CLASS CAPACITY

18 participants

evidence of Learning

Certificates

Certificates of Completion available.

Continuing Education Units

15 contact hours / 1.5 CEUs available.

If you’d like to receive CEUs for participating in this course, please note this in your registration via our online store.

Learn more about Continuing Education Units

ACCOMMODATIONS

For more information or to request an accommodation contact um.continuinged@maine.edu, 207.581.3167.