The Planning and Project Management Competency Course

Construction, renovation and relocation projects are some of the most visible efforts in your area, and well-managed projects will reinforce the value that you and your team bring to your company.

Although all facility projects differ in some way, they all have one thing in common—the project management process. Regardless of the type of project you are managing, you still need to create a project plan, develop a budget and schedule, and manage the programming and design phases. To bring projects in on time and on budget you need technical skills to manage the programming and design phases and management skills to lead and motivate your team.

Learning Objectives

Part 1: The Business context of a project
A strong linkage between the function of facility management and the vision, goals and strategies of the business is essential for success. A clear understanding of the overall business plan is required to provide a framework in which to develop, review and implement real estate strategic and tactical plans. These plans will support the goals of the business, and in many cases provide a direction for the business. Objectives include:

• Describe the overall corporate vision, mission and strategies
• Explain why the goals and objectives of the FM department must be based upon the company business plan
• Use terminology associated with business and facility plans
• Outline the components of various plan types and develop time frames
• Derive a facility plan from a company strategic business plan
• Analyze and document facility requirements
• Assess the business climate, describe organizational dynamics and culture
• Modify the facility plan, as changes in the company business plan require.
• Develop measurements and evaluate the success of facility plans

Part 2: Project Planning
Project planning and management are core skills in facility management. The skills are particularly important because of the wide range of projects assigned to the facility function. Projects vary in scope, complexity, duration and financial risk. Objectives include:

• Identify and describe the components of a project scope summary statement
• Write a project summary scope statement
• Identify the project team
• Develop a project plan
• Develop a contingency plan
• Prepare a project budget

Part 3: The Design Process
Programming and design are related. Programming is the process of defining user needs and developing a statement of requirements. Programs include space utilization and criteria for support systems. The design transforms the program requirements into specific ideas about allocations, systems, inventory, and equipment and ultimately visualizes the program. FMs must manage these two activities to ensure successful execution of the facility plan. Objectives include:

• Conduct a needs assessment
• Manage the programming phase
• Prepare the programming report
• Understand floor area measurement standards
• Evaluate space requirements
• Conduct a site evaluation
• Utilize space planning processes and develop furniture specifications
• Interpret construction documents

Part 4: The Construction and Occupancy Process
Construction projects include all the activities associated with arranging for and overseeing the construction of a new facility and the remodeling of a current facility. These projects include identifying the needs of the occupants, preparing facilities for new tenants, moving people from their current space and refurbishing the vacated space as needed. This part of the course stresses the role and responsibilities for the FM during the process. Objectives include:

• Identify the project team and their roles
• Establish a process to measure, track and report progress
• Understand the basic construction contract process
• Describe types of permits needed prior to construction
• Manage the construction process
• Close-out a construction project
• Manage relocation projects

FMP Required Course

On-site Registration Dates
View instructions for online version of course.

1.5 CEUs 15 CFM Maintenance Points