This accredited classroom course is accredited and approved by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), on completion of this course you will earn 1 ECSA CPD Point, PMP Certificate holders will also be eligible for 7 PMI PDUs. Introduction to Lean and Agile Principles for Construction Professionals is a comprehensive course designed for construction professionals who are looking to improve their skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing construction environment. The course covers the key philosophies, principles, and methods of Lean, Agile, Kaizen, Scrum, and Kanban, which are the leading adaptive project management approaches.
 

The course is based on the following publications:

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• The PMBOK® Guide – 6th Edition

• The PMBOK® Guide – 7th Edition

• The Agile Practice Guide – 2017 Edition

• The Construction Extension to the PMBOK® Guide – 2nd Edition

• The Scrum Guide – November 2020

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Participants will gain a deep understanding of the terminology, tools, and techniques used in these approaches and learn how to apply them to construction projects. By the end of the course, attendees will have a clear understanding of how these principles can be utilized to resolve problems quickly, enabled by speedy information processing and frictionless workflow management, and leverage agile methodologies to augment waterfall practices.

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In today's construction industry, construction professionals who understand and can apply the principles of adaptive approaches are in high demand. This is because construction management Agile project management and other adaptive project management approaches are quickly becoming the norm across different industries. By taking this course, construction professionals will be better equipped to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in a rapidly changing construction environment.

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In summary, this course provides a comprehensive overview of adaptive project management approaches and helps construction professionals understand how to apply these principles to their construction projects. By taking this course, participants will be better equipped to resolve problems quickly, enabled by speedy information processing and frictionless workflow management, and leverage agile methodologies to augment waterfall practices.

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Obtain your certificate and differentiate yourself from others

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Earning a certificate in Lean and agile principles can enhance your portfolio and LinkedIn profile, demonstrate your knowledge and skills in this field, set you apart from other candidates, and potentially open up new job opportunities. It can also show that you are dedicated to staying up-to-date on industry best practices and have the necessary skills to succeed in a Lean and agile principles role. Many employers prioritize hiring candidates with advanced training and certifications, making a certificate in Lean and agile principles a valuable investment in your career.

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A detailed look at the course outline and contents that will be covered:
 

• Section 1: Overview of Project Development Approaches This section will provide a high-level understanding of the different project development approaches, including Lean, Agile, Kaizen, Scrum, Kanban, and hybrid models. It will explore the basic concepts, principles, and values that each approach embodies.

• Section 2: The Lean Philosophy The Lean philosophy focuses on continuous improvement and eliminating waste in the development process. This section will provide an in-depth understanding of the Lean methodology and its application in project development. It will cover the 7 waste categories and how to identify and eliminate them.

• Section 3: The Agile Philosophy Agile methodology emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. This section will cover the Agile Manifesto, its 12 principles, and how to apply Agile practices to project development. Topics include Scrum, Kanban, and other Agile frameworks.

• Section 4: The Kaizen Philosophy Kaizen is a Japanese term for continuous improvement. This section will provide a comprehensive overview of the Kaizen philosophy, its history, and its application in project development. Topics will include the Kaizen cycle, problem-solving methods, and how to create a Kaizen culture.

• Section 5: Scrum Methodology Scrum is a popular Agile framework for project management. This section will cover the basics of Scrum, including the roles, events, and artifacts used in a Scrum project. It will also explore how to plan and execute a successful Scrum project.

• Section 6: Kanban Methodology Kanban is an Agile methodology that uses visual boards to manage work and prioritize tasks. This section will provide a comprehensive overview of the Kanban method, including its history, principles, and how to implement a Kanban system in project development.

• Section 7: Predictive, Lean, and Agile Hybrid Project Approaches This section will explore hybrid models that combine aspects of predictive, Lean, and Agile approaches. Topics will include the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid models, and how to choose the right approach for a particular project.

• Section 8: Lean and Agile vs the PMBOK Knowledge Areas The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is a widely recognized guide for project management. This section will compare and contrast the Lean, Agile, and PMBOK approaches to project development. Topics will include the similarities and differences between the methods, and how to apply PMBOK concepts in a Lean or Agile context.

• Section 9: Considerations for Adopting Agile Approaches This section will provide guidance on the key factors to consider when adopting Agile approaches in project development. Topics will include organizational culture, team structure, stakeholder involvement, and the impact of Agile on project management roles and responsibilities.

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What are the learning objectives of this course and how can they be applied to your job.
 

• This course is designed to prepare you for the PMP certification exam, specifically the 50% of the exam questions that test your knowledge on adaptive project management approaches. The course will cover the fundamental concepts, principles, and best practices of these approaches, giving you a comprehensive understanding of how to apply them to real-world projects.

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• Construction management is rapidly adopting Agile project management and other adaptive methods, making it a norm across various industries. This course will give you a broad understanding of how these approaches can be applied to construction projects, helping you to stay ahead of the curve and meet the demands of the changing construction industry. You will learn about the benefits of Agile and other adaptive approaches, such as improved communication, increased collaboration, and more efficient problem-solving.

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• The construction industry is always evolving, and construction professionals who have the skills to adapt to change are in high demand. By taking this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement adaptive project management approaches in your construction projects. This will set you apart from your peers and position you as a leader in your field.

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• In this course, you will learn about the key components of Agile project management and other adaptive approaches, such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. You will gain hands-on experience with these methodologies, as well as practical tools and techniques for resolving problems quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the course will cover how to blend Agile and waterfall practices, enabling you to leverage the strengths of each method for maximum results. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to apply these methods to your construction projects and drive success.

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The future Lean and Agile Principles in the Construction and Engineering Environment and why this is an important skill to have
 

Lean and agile methodologies have been gaining popularity in the construction and engineering industries in recent years, and it is likely that their use will continue to grow in the future. These approaches focus on maximizing efficiency, minimizing waste, and promoting flexibility and adaptability in order to deliver high-quality products and services.

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One trend that is likely to continue is the use of lean principles to streamline construction processes and improve productivity. This may involve using techniques such as value stream mapping, 5S, and kanban to identify and eliminate waste and improve flow. In addition, the use of digital tools and technologies, such as building information modeling (BIM) and project management software, can help to automate and optimize various aspects of the construction process.

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Agile methodologies, which are commonly used in software development, are also being applied to construction and engineering projects. Agile approaches emphasize iterative development and the ability to respond quickly to change. This can be particularly useful in the construction industry, where projects often involve complex systems and variables that can change over time.

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In the future, it is likely that lean and agile methodologies will continue to evolve and be integrated with other approaches, such as sustainable design and construction practices. The use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, may also play a role in the future of lean and agile construction and engineering.

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What are the learning objectives of this course and how can they be applied to your job. 

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Upon completing this course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, principles, and practices of Lean, Agile, Kaizen, Scrum, and Kanban. They will be familiar with the terminology and tools used in these approaches and will be able to apply them to construction projects. This course will also prepare them for the PMP exam, as 50% of the questions are based on adaptive approaches. Additionally, the course will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively utilize agile methodologies and address problems efficiently in the construction industry, which is increasingly seeking professionals with expertise in adaptive project management.

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Accreditation earned on completion of this course:

 

Upon completing this course, professionals will earn 1 ECSA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) point and 7 Project Management Institute (PMI) Professional Development Units (PDUs) for PMP certificate holders. You will also have access to a course group where you can connect with fellow students, ask the instructor questions, and share your experiences. This course is accredited and approved by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and PMI certificate holders are eligible to claim 7 PDUs from PMI.