Innovation in Projects Workshop

Summary Description of Workshop

Innovation is not always associated with project management but projects are one-time opportunities and unique endeavours. Sometimes they may be the only time for organizations to innovate as the opportunity may simply not exist after the project. This workshop is unique as it examines how to take a proactive approach to incorporating innovation so it is part of projects.

Many project managers avoid innovation because it can create uncertainty and increase costs. They minimize the risks by relying on tried-and-tested techniques, established routines, and proven technologies. They select the lowest cost approach, transfer risks to contractors, freeze the design early, and stick rigidly to the plan.

This workshop examines case studies in project innovation from the First Industrial Revolution. These case studies have rarely been associated with innovation (and projects) and this is what makes this course so unique. Through these case studies the course highlights the importance of innovation and why it needs to be considered in projects, and how it needs to be carefully fostered to thrive. You will also see how it was used to create unique solutions that would resolve difficult problems, and how the resulting projects were transformational beyond the expectations of the stakeholders.  

Through exercises and video samples the workshop attendees, working in groups, will be given a chance to use their skills to analyze core problems within the projects, play out what if scenario, and discuss what made these projects so transformational for the stakeholders and the society who reaped the benefits.

The analysis allows attendees to draw out patterns, techniques, and make comparatives to today’s projects. The workshop also examines the project leaders and their character traits, and the role they played in the project.

The workshop is based on the publication The History of Project Management which traces the development of project management, from the ancient world through to the industrial revolutions of the last 300 years. These projects were selected because of their impact on subsequent projects and project management.

Who Should Attend?

Entry/Intermediary level of experience for project managers, project leaders, team leaders and general business professionals.

Learning Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

• Readily describe project innovation fundamentals based on the set of case studies.
• Relate how these projects were conducive to innovation and how they carefully fostered and encouraged it to thrive.
• Relate how these case studies used innovation in varying degrees to bring solutions to the marketplace.
• Relate how innovation was used within the project to decrease project costs, increase project opportunities, and improve the project return.

The Benefits of the Workshop

The workshop analysis is done through the modern lens of project management and provides valuable insights into how these projects were planned and executed. The workshop examines common emergent patterns across the projects, the best practices and techniques used, and then draws out practical project lessons to apply to today’s projects.

The workshop is based on the following publication.

Note: This course conforms to the internationally recognized standards of the Project Management Institute (PMI®). You will receive 8 PDUs (professional development units) upon completion.