PM (Project Manager) Training Manual

Prepared by: ITA

What is Manual Testing?

Project management is a crucial discipline that ensures the successful execution of projects within an organization. As a Project Manager (PM), you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project, from initiation to completion, ensuring that objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

This manual is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and best practices required to excel in your role. You will gain insights into key project management methodologies, tools, and skills that will help you navigate the complexities of managing teams, stakeholders, resources, risks, and timelines.

Role of a Project Manager

A Project Manager (PM) is responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects. The key responsibilities include:

Defining project scope, goals, and deliverables
Creating project plans and schedules
Managing resources and budgets
Risk assessment and mitigation
Leading and coordinating teams
Ensuring stakeholder communication
Monitoring progress and ensuring project quality
Closing projects and documenting lessons learned

Project Management Methodologies

Understanding different project management methodologies is crucial for success:

Water-fall: Sequential approach, best for well-defined projects
Agile: Iterative approach, ideal for software development and flexible projects
Scrum: Agile framework emphasizing sprints and daily stand-ups
Kanban: Visual workflow management for continuous delivery
Hybrid: Combination of methodologies based on project needs

Project Lifecycle Phases

Initiation: This phase involves identifying the need for a project, conducting a feasibility study, and defining the scope, objectives, and stakeholders. A project charter is typically created during this phase to authorize the project and provide a clear direction.
Planning: In this phase, a detailed roadmap for the project is developed. This includes defining the scope in more detail, developing the project schedule, setting the budget, identifying risks, allocating resources, and establishing communication and quality management plans. Effective planning sets the foundation for successful execution.
Execution: This is the phase where the project plan is put into motion. Teams are assigned tasks, resources are utilized, and deliverables are developed and completed. The PM must ensure coordination among team members, manage stakeholder expectations, and handle any issues that arise. Regular team meetings and updates are crucial during this phase.
Monitoring & Controlling: Running parallel with execution, this phase involves tracking progress against the plan, measuring performance using KPIs, and making necessary adjustments. It includes scope verification, quality checks, cost control, and risk mitigation. The goal is to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its objectives.
Closure: Once the project objectives are met, the closure phase ensures that all deliverables are completed and accepted. It involves releasing project resources, conducting post-implementation reviews, documenting lessons learned, and formally closing the project. A final report may be created to summarize outcomes, successes, and areas for improvement.

Essential Skills for Project Managers

Leadership: Motivating and guiding teams
Communication: Clear and effective stakeholder engagement.
Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks proactively.
Negotiation: Managing conflicts and stakeholder expectations.
Technical Skills: Understanding industry-specific tools and processes.

Project Management Tools

Trello / Jira / Azure Boards: ask and workflow management
Microsoft Project / Asana: Project planning and tracking
Slack / Teams: Team collaboration and communication
Google Drive / Confluence: Document management and knowledge sharing
Power BI / Tableau: Data analysis and reporting

Risk & Issue Management

Identify potential risks early
Maintain a risk register
Prioritize and mitigate risks
Develop contingency plans
Regularly update stakeholders

Stakeholder Management

Identify key stakeholders
Engage stakeholders at each project phase
Address concerns proactively
Maintain transparency and open communication

Performance Measurement & Reporting

Use KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to track progress
Provide regular status updates
Conduct performance reviews
Gather feedback for continuous improvement

Best Practices for Successful Project Management

Define clear goals and objectives
Maintain effective communication
Use the right tools for collaboration and tracking
Keep documentation up-to-date
Adapt to challenges with flexibility
Focus on continuous learning and improvement

PM (Project Management) Skill Development Materials

Skill	Keypoints	Study Material	Study Report	Implementation
Project Initiation Skill	Understanding the significance of this phase To be clear about Project's Purpose and Business Value	Project Initiation Phase	Project Initiation	To kick off a project what formalities should be maintained Concepts of business model for a project should be consider Project definition before the project planning Criterias we need to follow for project planning Stakeholders
	Creating a Project Charter or Business Case Start by broadly defining the project Clearly articulate why undertaking the project and what value it will deliver to the organization	Prepare Project Charter
	Identifying Key Stakeholders and Pitching the Project Engage with relevant stakeholders early on Explain the project’s objectives, benefits, and potential impact	Identify Stakeholders		Stakeholders (LMS)
	Feasibility Study Consider factors like technical feasibility, resource availability, and potential risks	Feasibility Study	Project Feasibility Study	Feasible technical researches for the LMS project (Figma to HTML code conversion) Feasible existing system analysis (Research the adguard application and system process)
Project Planning Skill	Understanding Project Goals & Objectives Define the Project Purpose and Goals. Then define the objectives in smaller steps. Start the project scope document by explaining these goals and objectives	Defining Project Goals and Objectives Understanding project objectives in project management		Requirement Definition (LMS system)
	Undestanding Project Requirements Define the project requirements including the expected quality, risks, benefits, and costs, and get it approved by all stakeholders	Project Requirements Management		Requirement Definition (LMS system)
	Defining the Project Scope Define all scopes that encompass all the work needed to complete the project. Use a WBS(work breakdown structure) to visualize tasks, deliverables, and milestones Project Exclusions Identify project constraints, such as time or cost limitations	What is project scope?		Sprint scope & WBS (LMS system) ScAI Board LMS Board
Project Scoping Skill	Actual steps management Documented project requirements Develop WBS Sequence activities Resource planning	Agile Project Management		Schedule Managment & WBS (LMS system)
	Tasks in WBS(Work Breakdown Structure) Management Specific activities that need to be accomplished within a set period Tasks are assigned to team members based on their roles and skill sets		Learn About WBS	ScAI Board LMS Board
	Milestones Management Important points in the schedule that indicate progress Signify completion of deliverables or phase of a project	What is Milestone?		Sprint Review ScAI Board LMS Board
	Resources Management Add Team Members Role clarification Assign responsibilites Effective task managment	Resource management in Project Management
	Documentation Management Drafting a project plan that links to relevant documents RACI chart (Responsibility Assignment Matrix) and a project charter, helps define roles and outlines project details	Project Documentation		Sprint & WBS Report (LMS system) ScAI Board LMS Board
	Time Management Estimated duration of the project, including start and end dates for tasks and milestones	Time management strategy in Project		Sprint & WBS Report (LMS system) ScAI Board LMS Board
Project Kickoff Meeting Skill	Conducting kickoff meetings sets the tone for the project and ensures everyone is on the same page	7 steps of Project Kickoff Meeting		A kickoff meeting was held between the JP and BD team Several meeting will be held but BD team are waiting for getting all the requirements After requirement and system analysis, another meeting will be held with the STG team members and BD team members for getting all the requirements more clearly
	Pre-work Share background information in advance Involve the team and stakeholders actively Agenda Create a streamlined agenda with key questions for the team
	Meeting Structure Introduction Purpose Action Plan Success Criteria
Project Timeline Mapping Skill	Define the Project Scope and Goals Clearly outline the project’s purpose, objectives, and deliverables Understand what needs to be accomplished and the overall project duration	How to create project timeline?		Sprint Review ScAI Board LMS Board
	Identify Project Deliverables List down all the tasks and deliverables required to complete the project Break them down into manageable components			Sprint & WBS Report (LMS system) ScAI Board LMS Board
	Create a List of Activities Identify the specific activities or tasks needed to achieve each deliverable Consider dependencies between tasks (i.e., which tasks must be completed before others)
	Estimate Task Durations Estimate the time needed for each task Be realistic and consider factors like resources, complexity, and team availability
	Determine Milestones Define significant points in the project, such as completion of major tasks or project phases
	Create the Project Timeline Use tools like Gantt charts, specialized project timeline software, or even Excel1 to map out the tasks and milestones Arrange tasks chronologically, showing their start and end dates Visualize the timeline to make it easy for everyone involved to understand
Project Brief Writing Skill	A concise document that outlines the essential elements of a project Project Goals (Clearly state what the project aims to achieve) Scope (Describe the boundaries of the project) Deliverables (List the main outputs or results expected from the project) Milestones (Identify key points in the project timeline) Timeline (Specify start and end dates or durations) Stakeholders: Mention key individuals or groups involved Constraints: Highlight any limitations (budget, resources, etc.)	5 Steps to Writing a Clear Project Brief

Conclusion

Project management is a dynamic role that requires a mix of technical, leadership, and organizational skills. By following best practices and leveraging the right tools, you can successfully deliver projects on time and within scope.

PM Training Manual