Complexity Management in Projects

Course Aim:

The aim of this two-day course is to equip delegates with a range of project-management methodologies and frameworks for managing change and complex project environments. Participants will gain practical knowledge of recognised approaches including:

• PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge)
• DMAIC (Six Sigma Problem-Solving Process)
• 8D Process
• PDCA Cycle
• Change Management principles

Target Audience:

This course is designed for project managers, emerging project managers, and project-team members who need to manage complexity, change, and uncertainty within projects. It is also suitable for those who want to strengthen their leadership, communication, and risk-management skills using structured tools and techniques.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Apply multiple project-management methodologies to complex and evolving project situations.
• Build effective project teams and understand the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to support successful change.
• Assess team competency and identify development needs within a project context.
• Use stakeholder management and analysis methods to identify stakeholders, understand impacts of change, and prioritise their needs and expectations.
• Apply a range of project tools including quad charts, prioritisation matrices, SWOT, PESTLE, STEEPV, and Force Field Analysis.
• Conduct business risk assessments using Institute of Risk Management (IRM) methods.
• Utilise risk registers and risk matrices to select appropriate actions and controls that minimise threats and maximise opportunities.
• Develop communication plans based on stakeholder analysis and understand how to communicate risk effectively across all levels of an organisation.
• Strengthen project leadership, communication, problem-solving, and risk-management capability.

Course Overview:

This comprehensive two-day course explores how to navigate complexity in project environments using a combination of leading methodologies and practical tools. Delegates will learn how to build and assess effective project teams, apply competency frameworks, and support change through appropriate leadership behaviours.

Participants will be introduced to stakeholder-analysis techniques and engage in practical exercises involving quad charts, prioritisation matrices, SWOT, PESTLE, STEEPV, and Force Field Analysis to understand organisational change drivers and stakeholder expectations.

The course includes an in-depth introduction to risk management aligned with IRM standards. Through a case-study-based business risk assessment, delegates will learn how to evaluate risks, choose suitable mitigation actions, and use risk registers and matrices effectively. 

The course concludes by guiding delegates through developing communication plans, with a focus on risk-communication strategies that support clear, consistent engagement across internal and external stakeholders. 

Across the two days, delegates will gain practical skills that lead to improved project management, enhanced leadership capability, and more successful project delivery in complex environments.