• Classroom
Course Description

SANS MGT525: IT Project Management and Effective Communication provides the training necessary to maintain the Project Management Professional (PMP)® and other professional credentials.

During this class you will learn how to improve your project planning methodology and project task scheduling to get the most out of your critical IT resources. We will utilize project case studies that highlight information technology services as deliverables. MGT525 follows the basic project management structure from the PMBOK® Guide and also provides specific techniques for success with information assurance initiatives. Throughout the week, we will cover all aspects of IT project management from initiating and planning projects through managing cost, time, and quality while your project is active, to completing, closing, and documenting as your project finishes. A copy of the PMBOK® Guide is provided to all participants. You can reference the PMBOK® Guide and use your course material along with the knowledge you gain in class to prepare for the GIAC Certified Project Manager Exam and earn PDUs/CPEs to maintain the Project Management Professional (PMP)® and other professional credentials.

The project management process is broken down into core process groups that can be applied across multiple areas of any project, in any industry. Although our primary focus is the application to the InfoSec industry, our approach is transferable to any projects that create and maintain services as well as general product development. We cover in-depth how cost, time, quality, and risks affect the services we provide to others. We will also address practical human resource management as well as effective communication and conflict resolution. You will learn specific tools to bridge the communications gap between managers and technical staff.

NOTE: PMP® and PMBOK® are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. PMP® exams are not hosted by SANS. You will need to make separate arrangements to take the PMP® exam and this course is not an official PMP® prep class.

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize the top failure mechanisms related to IT and infosec projects, so that your projects can avoid common pitfalls
  • Create a project charter which defines the project sponsor and stakeholder involvement
  • Document project requirements and create requirements traceability matrix to track changes throughout the project lifecycle
  • Clearly define the scope of a project in terms of cost, schedule and technical deliverables
  • Create a work breakdown structure defining work packages, project deliverables and acceptance criteria
  • Develop a detailed project schedule, including critical path tasks and milestones
  • Develop a detailed project budget including cost baselines and tracking mechanisms
  • Develop planned and earned value metrics for your project deliverables and automate reporting functions
  • Effectively manage conflict situations and build communication skills with your project team
  • Document project risks in terms of probability and impact, assign triggers and risk response responsibilities
  • Create project earned value baselines and project schedule and cost forecasts

Framework Connections

The materials within this course focus on the Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs) identified within the Specialty Areas listed below. Click to view Specialty Area details within the interactive National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.