Project Management Training Podcasts
Project Management Training Podcasts from Parallel Project Training
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Give to Gain: Building your Career in Project Management
03/09/2026
Give to Gain: Building your Career in Project Management
In this episode of the Parallel Project Training Podcast, host Ruth Phillips is joined by Becky Willmott, Senior Training Consultant, to discuss their career journeys in project management in recognition of International Women’s Day and its theme, “Give to Gain.” Becky shares how she entered project management through public procurement in the NHS, later moving into logistics and eventually becoming Head of a Project Management Office (PMO). The conversation highlights the wide variety of roles within project management, particularly the often-misunderstood role of the PMO. Rather than being purely administrative, PMOs provide vital support through governance, reporting, data analysis, and specialist expertise that enable project managers to deliver successful outcomes. Ruth and Becky also explore the different career paths within the profession, from project coordination through to programme and portfolio management. They emphasise that project management offers a dynamic, flexible and highly transferable career, with opportunities across many industries. The episode concludes with practical advice for anyone interested in starting or developing a career in project management, including gaining experience through workplace projects, exploring training and professional qualifications such as the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, and taking advantage of networking opportunities within the profession. Finally, the discussion looks ahead to the future of project management, considering how AI may reduce administrative workload and allow project professionals to focus more on leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organisational change—while also creating opportunities for greater diversity in the profession.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/40375025
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APM PMQ (2024) Ethics, Compliance and Professionalism (LO15)
11/03/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Ethics, Compliance and Professionalism (LO15)
15. Ethics, Compliance and Professionalism - This podcast discusses the ability to work consistently in a moral, legal and socially responsible manner, and covers: a) The importance of continuing professional development, which should cover both knowledge, skills and behaviours, and the individual’s role in identifying and addressing their own competence gaps. b) Knowledge of the sources of specialist advice and standards that need to be adhered to. c) The impact of the legal and regulatory landscape on projects (such as the impact on working conditions, risk management, governance and sustainability).
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/33761217
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APM PMQ (2024) Diversity and Inclusion (LO14)
11/03/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Diversity and Inclusion (LO14)
14. Diversity and Inclusion - This podcast discusses the ability to build and maintain an inclusive environment that embraces a diverse culture, and covers: a) Knowledge of diversity, including characteristics which may cause a person to be treated less favourably, such as: age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. b) Why incorporating diversity into all parts of a project, from team members to customers, is a factor in creating a positive working environment and the importance of embracing diverse thinking in teams as a means of generating innovative solutions. c) How conscious and unconscious bias can affect actions and how to treat people fairly, including adapting behaviours to support individuals’ needs and facilitate their contributions.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/33760967
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APM PMQ (2024) Sustainability (LO3)
11/02/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Sustainability (LO3)
3. Sustainability - This podcast discusses balancing the environmental, social, economic and administrative considerations that will impact a project, and covers: a) Why sustainability responsibilities, principles and priorities are considered within a project and the impact they may have. b) How sustainability measures are monitored and reported on.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/33757702
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APM PMQ (2024) Change Control (LO24)
10/30/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Change Control (LO24)
24. Change Control - This podcast discusses the ability to manage variations and change requests in a controlled way, and covers: a) The purpose and importance of each stage of a typical change control process (such as request, initial evaluation, detailed evaluation, recommendation, update plans and implement) and where these stages are different for linear and iterative life cycles. b) What should be captured and recorded in change requests. c) Ways in which to assess options related to a proposed change and the high-level impact of the proposed change. d) How to justify recommendations about whether to approve, reject or defer changes. e) The importance of updating plans and schedules to reflect and communicate changes.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/33695787
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APM PMQ (2024) Conflict Resolution (LO11)
10/17/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Conflict Resolution (LO11)
11. Conflict Resolution - This podcast discusses the ability to identify and address differences between individuals and/or interest groups, and covers: a) The sources of conflict within a project. b) How conflict can have both positive and negative impacts within a project. c) How conflict can be addressed in different situations (such as Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument).
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/33504087
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APM PMQ (2024) Team Management (LO13)
10/09/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Team Management (LO13)
13. Team Management - This podcast discusses the ability to work with team members to create and sustain teams, and covers: a) The different stages in the development of a team, including creation, development, maintenance and leadership, and understanding the factors which influence these stages, including the knowledge of the models that are used to understand team development (such as Belbin, Margerison McCann, Myers-Briggs, Hackman, Tuckman, Katzenbach and Smith). b) The characteristics and benefits of effective teams and teamwork. c) Why different leadership approaches are needed to support virtual and hybrid teams.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/33396567
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APM PMQ (2024) Quality Management (LO18)
10/06/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Quality Management (LO18)
18. Quality Management - This podcast discusses the ability to ensure that outputs are delivered in accordance with requirements, and covers: a) What is meant by quality planning, including an understanding of quality indicators and how these relate to the business case. b) How quality control techniques are used to determine whether success criteria are met.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/33349287
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APM PMQ (2024) Risk and Issue Management (LO23)
10/06/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Risk and Issue Management (LO23)
23. Risk and Issue Management - This podcast discusses the ability to identify and monitor risks (threats and opportunities); plan responses to those risks and respond to issues, and covers: a) The benefits of risk and issue management and the role of contingency planning in projects. b) The purpose and importance of each stage in a risk management process (such as identification, analysis, monitoring, escalation, response and closure) and an issue management process (such as logging and analysis, escalation, and assignment of actions), and why these stages are different for linear and iterative life cycles. c) How to proactively and reactively respond to risks (such as avoid, reduce, transfer or accept and exploit, enhance, share or reject). d) Why governance is important in risk and issue management.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/33346442
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APM PMQ (2024) Budgeting and Cost Control (LO22)
08/22/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Budgeting and Cost Control (LO22)
22. Budgeting and Cost Control - This budget discusses the ability to estimate costs, develop and agree budgets and monitor actual costs against forecast costs, and covers: a) How to create a budget (including the use of a cost breakdown structure) and the different costs included in a budget (fixed, variable, direct, indirect etc.) b) How to forecast and refine budgets using cost control techniques e.g. earned value. c) How to monitor and report financial performance (including different types of financial reports). d) How to close down finances at the end of a project.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32691972
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APM PMQ (2024) Resource Management (LO21)
08/22/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Resource Management (LO21)
21. Resource Management - This podcast discusses the ability to identify and schedule the required internal and external resources, and covers: a) How to determine the resources required and their availability to deliver activities within a project. b) How an organisational breakdown structure is used to create a responsibility assignment matrix (RACI). c) How resources are categorised and allocated to both linear and iterative life cycle schedules. d) The differences between resource smoothing and resource levelling.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32689432
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APM PMQ (2024) Schedule Management (LO20)
08/21/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Schedule Management (LO20)
20. Schedule Management - This podcast discusses the ability to undertake time-based planning with an emphasis on activities and resource, and covers: a) How to define scope in terms of outputs, outcomes and benefits (including the use of product, work and cost breakdown structures). b) The links and dependencies between activities within a project and business-as-usual activities, for example how business-as-usual activities, costs, quality, risks and scope can all impact the schedule for the project.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32672107
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APM PMQ (2024) Integrated Planning (LO19)
08/21/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Integrated Planning (LO19)
19. Integrated Planning - This podcast discusses the ability to incorporate multiple plans and processes into an integrated project management plan, and covers: a) The format for an effective integrated project management plan and its typical contents. b) The importance of producing an integrated project management plan.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32668992
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APM PMQ (2024) Procurement (LO5)
08/21/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Procurement (LO5)
5. Procurement - This podcast discusses securing the provision of resources, choosing strategies for obtaining best value from supply chains, and covers: a) The purpose and importance of a procurement strategy and the typical contents of a procurement strategy. b) The stages of a supplier selection process, including how to plan the procurement process and conduct negotiations (for example ZOPA, BATNA and ‘Win Win’). c) The features of different contractual relationships and why different methods of supplier reimbursement are used and when it is appropriate to use them (including fixed price, cost plus fee, per unit quantity and target cost).
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32668407
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APM PMQ (2024) Solutions Development (LO17)
08/15/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Solutions Development (LO17)
17. Solutions Development - This podcast discusses the ability to determine the optimal solution to satisfy agreed requirements, and covers: a) How to evaluate and prioritise requirements in order to deliver the optimal solution, and the different approaches for different life cycle models, e.g. the use of MVP and MMP in iterative life cycles.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32589302
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APM PMQ (2024) Requirements Management (LO16)
08/15/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Requirements Management (LO16)
16. Requirements Management - This podcast discusses the ability to capture and monitor the requirements of a project, and covers: a) How to establish scope through requirements management processes (such as gather, analysis, justifying requirements and baseline needs). b) How to manage scope through configuration management processes (such as planning, identification, control, status accounting and verification audit).
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32586742
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APM PMQ (2024) Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Management (LO10)
08/14/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Management (LO10)
10. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Management - This podcast discusses the ability to work with people internally and externally to achieve intended outcomes, and covers: a) The relationship between stakeholder analysis, influence and engagement. b) The relationship between stakeholder analysis and an effective communication management plan. c) The benefits to a project of a communication plan. d) The importance of managing stakeholder expectations to the success of the project. e) The range of communication methods available and the importance of tailoring messaging to meet stakeholder requirements. f) The factors which can positively or negatively affect communication.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32577537
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APM PMQ (2024) Benefits Management (LO9)
08/14/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Benefits Management (LO9)
9. Benefits Management - This podcast discusses benefits management as the monitoring of benefits realisation throughout a project, and covers: a) What is meant by benefits management (including identification, definition, planning, tracking and realisation). b) The importance of aligning benefits with strategic objectives and ways in which the benefits of a project can be communicated to stakeholders.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32577402
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APM PMQ (2024) Business Case (LO4)
08/14/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Business Case (LO4)
4. Business Case - This podcast discusses the business case as the justification for the initiation, investment and/or continuation of a project in terms of benefits, costs and risks, and it covers: a) The tools and techniques used to determine factors which influence and impact a project’s business case (including PESTLE, SWOT and VUCA). b) The importance of regularly reviewing the impact of any changes in a project to the business case, and how the business case forms the baseline for the project.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32575832
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APM PMQ (2024) Governance Arrangements (LO2)
08/14/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Governance Arrangements (LO2)
2. Governance arrangements - This podcast discusses governance structures as a framework of authority and accountability for the delivery of a project, which align with organisational practice, and covers: a) Knowledge of different types of permanent and temporary organisation structures and their features (including functional, matrix, and project),and that an organisation’s governance approach will inform the approach used for a project. b) Why there are distinct roles within project management and what the responsibilities of each role are (including users, project team members, the project manager, the project steering group/board and the product owner), and the differences in responsibilities of the project manager and project sponsor throughout the project. c) Why aspects of project management governance are required (such as the use of policies, regulations, functions, processes, procedures and delegated responsibilities), and the impact of a project’s life cycle on its governance framework and the limits of financial authority. d) The importance of linking projects to an organisation’s objectives.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32573817
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APM PMQ (2024) Leadership (LO12)
08/06/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Leadership (LO12)
12. Leadership - This podcast discusses leadership as the way to empower and inspire others to deliver successful projects, and covers: a) How leadership impacts on team performance and motivation (using models such as Maslow, Herzberg and McGregor). b) Why it may be necessary to change leadership styles depending upon the situation. c) The importance of a coaching and mentoring style in leadership, and the role of emotional intelligence.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32461987
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APM PMQ (2024) Reviews (LO6)
08/06/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Reviews (LO6)
6. Reviews - This podcast discusses how reviews are a way of gathering information to provide an assessment on the status of a project and the ongoing viability of the work, and covers: a) The benefits of conducting reviews throughout the life cycle (including decision gates, benefits reviews and audits). b) The factors which would typically be reported on to help ensure successful project outcomes. c) The importance of producing information and collecting data to inform decision making and communicate actions and decisions to stakeholders. d) Why activities may be re-planned after a review.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32461857
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APM PMQ (2024) Assurance (LO7)
08/06/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Assurance (LO7)
7. Assurance - This podcast discusses the ability of assurance to provide confidence to the governance board that a project is on track to deliver its objectives and the purpose of assurance within a project, including awareness of the scope, priorities and strategic aims of assurance activities.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32461677
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APM PMQ (2024) Transition Management (LO8)
08/06/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Transition Management (LO8)
8. Transition Management - This podcast discusses the integration of the outputs of a project into business-as-usual, and covers: a) The basic requirements needed to support a successful transition, including considering business-as-usual throughout a project and planning for transition from the outset of the project. b) The importance of knowledge transfer in the transition process, including learning from experience and continuous improvement. c) How to engage stakeholders to agree a transition plan, including transfer of risks.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32461412
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APM PMQ (2024) Lifecycles (LO1)
08/06/2024
APM PMQ (2024) Lifecycles (LO1)
1. Life cycles - This podcast discusses the distinct life cycle stages used to structure and organise a project, and covers: a) The distinctive features of linear, iterative and hybrid life cycles (including why projects are structured as phases in linear life cycles) and when each is applicable. b) The differences between a project life cycle and an extended life cycle. c) How the context and culture of an organisation, and the needs of a specific project, influence the choice of life cycle and any adaptations that may be needed to the life cycle. d) The strengths and limitations of different life cycles.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/32459412
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APM PPQ Establish and develop teams to achieve project aims and objectives
04/23/2024
APM PPQ Establish and develop teams to achieve project aims and objectives
2.1 Critically Evaluate Tools, Techniques, and Leadership Behaviours Tools and Techniques: The podcast discusses utilizing the Tuckman model (forming, storming, norming, performing) as a framework to understand team development stages. It emphasizes the importance of trust and confidence through practical approaches like kick-off meetings, social events, and fulfilling commitments. Leadership Behaviours: Effective leadership in project management is highlighted through the necessity of establishing trust and confidence. Leaders are advised to under-promise and over-deliver, ensure clear communication of expectations, and actively maintain commitments to build credibility within the team. 2.2 Critically Analyse Response to Changes in Project’s Environment The dialogue explores the adaptation to changes in a project's environment, emphasizing the need for flexibility in leadership styles. It discusses the situational application of leadership models like Hersey and Blanchard, and Max Landsberg's skill-will model to cater to evolving team needs and environmental contexts, ensuring that team requirements and interests are continuously supported. 2.3 Critically Analyse Tools and Techniques for Effective Team Development For maintaining an effective team, the session underscores the importance of clarity in roles and responsibilities through tools like RACI matrices and comprehensive project plans. It also suggests regular updates and adaptations to the project environment, advocating for proactive management of team dynamics and ensuring alignment with project goals through continuous development and training. 2.4 Critically Evaluate the Role of Monitoring and Feedback Monitoring and feedback are framed as crucial for recognizing individual contributions and guiding team progress. The discussion points out that both project-oriented and personal feedback are necessary. The former ensures that the project stays on track, while the latter supports individual development, addressing personal challenges and aligning them with project goals. 2.5 Critically Evaluate Relationship Between Performance Management and Motivation Performance management is linked directly to motivating team members by aligning individual professional growth with project goals. The conversation highlights how performance appraisals, development opportunities, and potentially even financial incentives like bonuses can enhance motivation, leading to successful project outcomes. 2.6 Critically Evaluate the Use of Conflict to Improve Performance The podcast illustrates the concept of 'positive conflict', suggesting that controlled, constructive conflict can be beneficial. It can stimulate innovation, challenge ideas to improve project outcomes, and enhance performance through healthy competition. Moreover, resolving conflicts respectfully can strengthen team cohesiveness and trust among members.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/30952788
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APM PPQ Provide visionary leadership for a project.
03/07/2024
APM PPQ Provide visionary leadership for a project.
1.1 Critically Evaluate Ethical, Flexible, Inspirational, and Collaborative Approaches to the Leadership of Others in Evolving Situations The discussion emphasises the multifaceted nature of leadership within the context of project management, highlighting the need for leaders to exhibit ethical, flexible, inspirational, and collaborative behaviors. Ethical leadership involves openness, honesty, and integrity, ensuring transparency and trust within the team. Flexibility in leadership styles is crucial to adapt to varying team and stakeholder needs, fostering an environment where the project manager's approach evolves based on situational demands. Inspirational leadership focuses on motivating and encouraging team members towards achieving project goals, cultivating a sense of purpose and commitment. Collaborative leadership underlines the importance of engaging with the team in problem-solving and decision-making processes, promoting inclusivity and collective ownership of project outcomes. 1.2 Critically Analyse Ways in Which to Engage with a Diverse Range of Individuals and Teams to Agree Aims and Objectives Which Are Aligned to a Project’s Strategic Goals Effective engagement with a diverse team is central to aligning individual tasks and broader project objectives. This involves utilizing tools like RACI charts to clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring everyone understands their contribution to the project’s success. The approach requires analysing different methods of engagement, identifying the pros and cons to tailor communication and leadership strategies that resonate with varied team dynamics. This segment also stresses the significance of establishing clear, tangible goals that are communicated effectively, fostering an environment where every team member is bought into the vision and motivated to contribute to the strategic objectives. 1.3 Critically Evaluate Environments Which Encourage and Sustain Empowered and High-Performance Teams Creating an environment conducive to high performance and empowerment involves considering both the physical and cultural aspects of the workplace. This includes decisions on co-location versus virtual collaboration, which hinges on the nature of the team and project requirements. The importance of daily or regular check-ins, such as agile stand-ups, is highlighted as a means to foster communication and accountability. The discussion also touches on the significance of the project manager's role in setting up structures that facilitate performance, including the strategic use of work package descriptions and ensuring alignment with the project's objectives. Lastly, it mentions the need for a supportive culture that encourages innovation, responsibility, and collaborative problem-solving, enabling teams to thrive regardless of their geographical distribution
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/30271323
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APM PPQ: Deliver the intended benefits of a project.
01/31/2024
APM PPQ: Deliver the intended benefits of a project.
In this podcast, Paul Naybour and Tom O'Shea explore the complexities of benefits management within project governance, with a specific focus on the APM's PPQ qualification. They highlight the critical nature of ensuring that benefits are measurable, meaningful to stakeholders, and align with an organisation's strategic objectives. The conversation delves into developing a benefits management strategy, emphasising the importance of setting priorities, assigning responsibilities, and defining timescales. The significance of prioritising benefits based on their contribution to strategic objectives is a key point of discussion. Naybour and O'Shea also address the creation of a benefits realisation plan, considering factors such as funding, tracking, monitoring, and scheduling. They explore strategies to maximise the achievement of planned benefits, including integrating benefit considerations into project design and management. Throughout the podcast, the importance of project managers' understanding and active involvement in benefits management is underscored despite it not being a routine task. The speakers recommend consulting the APM's guidance on benefits management and suggest embedding benefits planning into various project stages to ensure effective project outcomes and value for the organisation. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the role of benefits management in programmes, emphasising its importance regardless of project scale or complexity.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/29730933
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APM PPQ Manage change control processes and protocols
01/26/2024
APM PPQ Manage change control processes and protocols
In this podcast, Paul Naybour and Tom O'Shea discuss change control in project management, focusing on four key areas: the benefits and features of effective change control processes, methods for capturing, recording, and reviewing change options, implementing and managing approved changes, and the use of trend analysis. They emphasise the importance of understanding change control's rationale, the need for structured management approaches, and the role of trend analysis in project improvement. The discussion also highlights the challenges in adapting change control processes in dynamic project environments, underscoring the necessity of clear communication and documentation updates.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/29662333
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APM PPQ Use information to inform reviews and help manage deviations from a project plan.
01/22/2024
APM PPQ Use information to inform reviews and help manage deviations from a project plan.
In the podcast, Tom and Paul explore the APM PPQ assessment criteria related to project reviews and management. They underscore the vital importance of critically evaluating reliable and valid information to assess various project factors across its lifecycle. They also emphasise the significance of aligning reviews with organisational, legal, and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, they analyse scenarios where deviations from the project plan may arise and discuss strategies for resolving them. The podcast underscores the need for accurately documenting deviations and highlights the advantages of doing so. Additionally, they discuss change control processes and protocols, including a critical assessment of their benefits and features. Throughout the conversation, they provide valuable insights into effective project management practices.
/episode/index/show/parallelprojecttraining/id/29595553