Fundamentals of Project Management & Project Lifecycle

The Fundamentals of Project Management & Project Lifecycle Management program provides participants with a complete introduction to project management principles, tools, and best practices based on internationally recognized PMI® standards. This course is ideal for professionals who are new to project management or those who wish to strengthen their foundational knowledge to support more effective project delivery. Participants learn how projects are initiated, planned, executed, monitored, controlled, and closed using practical tools and real-world Afghan case studies.

On completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts and terminology of project management
• Explain the complete project life-cycle from initiation to closure
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of project team members
• Develop basic project plans, schedules, and work breakdown structures
• Apply essential planning techniques for scope, schedule, budget, risk, and communication
• Understand stakeholder engagement and project governance
• Monitor progress using simple tools and performance measures
• Manage risks, issues, and changes throughout the life-cycle
• Close projects systematically and capture lessons learned

• Confidence with the project life-cycle
• Practical planning skills
• Risk and stakeholder management basics
• Readiness for CAPM®/PMP® preparation

8 modules — select any module to review its content.

1. 01Introduction to Project Management−
   • What is a project? What is project management?
   • Projects vs. operations
   • Overview of PMI® standards and processes
   • Project roles and organizational structures
2. 02Understanding the Project Lifecycle+
   • Project phases: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Control, Closure
   • Predictive, Hybrid, and Adaptive life-cycles
   • How life-cycle choice impacts planning and execution
3. 03Project Initiation+
   • Business case and project justification
   • Defining project objectives
   • Stakeholder identification and analysis
   • Developing the Project Charter
4. 04Project Planning Essentials+
   • Scheduling basics: activities, sequencing, duration estimates
   • Cost estimating and budgeting fundamentals
   • Communication planning and stakeholder engagement
   • Risk identification and basic risk analysis
   • Quality planning and resource planning
   • Scope planning and WBS
5. 05Project Execution+
   • Team development and leadership
   • Managing project work and communication
   • Procurement and vendor management basics
   • Tools for coordination and task management
6. 06Monitoring & Controlling+
   • Tracking progress and performance
   • Schedule, cost, and scope control
   • Change control processes
   • Simple tracking tools: Gantt charts, checklists, status updates
7. 07Project Closure+
   • Administrative closure
   • Contract closure (if applicable)
   • Lessons learned and knowledge capture
   • Final reporting and handover
8. 08Practical Application+
   • Mini case studies from Afghan projects
   • Hands-on work: WBS creation, schedule building
   • Group activity: building a simple project plan

• Junior & mid-level project staff
• Program and project assistants
• NGO field staff and officers
• Fresh graduates entering project roles
• Government and private-sector employees in project activities
• Anyone considering future PMP®, CAPM®, or PMI-ACP® certification