This eLearning course will give you an overview of how projects are initiated, planned, monitored, executed well - and led, in the Pharma/Biotech and Life Siences sector. key techniques and tools for projects are introduced and discussed, as well as…
The drug development process is long, complex and brought about by a large number of expert scientific, technical and commercial disciplines working together. A working knowledge of the process is essential for those leading or working within cross-functional projects in…
The Pharma world has in recent decades been successful, but operates with a marked low level of productivity. Aspects of this are of course due to the uncontrollable uncertainties of new molecule development. But not all. How much do we…
The quality and timeliness of decision making in Pharma is the subject of constant discussion and some dissatisfaction. This is despite our sector having some 30+ years of working with, for example, specially configured cross function portfolio decision teams, as…
Routine risk management is fundamental to project management. These days most experienced PM's will be doing some sort of risk identification and assessment. We still find however that in many, even quite large and sophisticated organisations, it is not done…
The Project Manager has an active role to play in reviewing and learning. During the execution of a project the team should periodically discuss progress against the defined metrics, and look for operational tactics and behaviours that might have contributed…
The Project Manager is typically not accountable for formal performance management of function staff. But if individuals' performance is affecting the progress of a project, the PM has a legitimate remit to address it, at least initially. Also, conflict within…
Project teams most of the time do not take the big decisions, but often will have a pretty good grasp on what should be done. The complexity of decision making dynamics in our sector, particularly in organisations with many projects…
Many experienced people in our sector who have reached positions of responsibility as (for example) section heads, find themselves out of their comfort zones when taking leadership of a project. Rather than being the senior scientific/technical expert of the group,…
Professional risk management is, in theory, essential in projects. Yet our sector is particularly tolerant of poor practice. In an environment of increasing costs, constrained budgets, mounting difficulties in conducting trials and resistance to new healthcare innovations, it is both…
Communication around projects forms the majority of the day's work for many functional professionals. Also, it is rarely a source of satisfaction! In theory, the times when we are in meetings should be focused on the highest value activities, such…
Properly drafted plans are critical to synchronise various functions separate activities on a project, to enable proper monitoring or progress, plus to maximise usage of resources as multiple projects operate. This live, trainer-led session* will introduce a variety of practical…
A comprehensive initiation process is important to ensure full understanding of a project in all team members. Also to set up processes and effective team working from the outset. This live, trainer-led session* will introduce a variety of practical tips…
How and when does a life science project 'end'? Our sector is highly regulated and may be generating (for example) medicines to be used in healthcare for decades. so it is essential that proper recording and archiving of critical project…
As we mentioned in the intro to a previous course, the PM typically does not have direct 'line' authority over team members. But while the PM may not be accountable for their performance, some aspects of it may impact the…
There are almost never enough resources to make the operations of a project easy and comfortable! Sponsors are always looking to achieve maximum quality, in minimum time, with the lowest possible spend. As well as this, it's well known that…
Across the various sectors of industry, very many projects involve major investment and long timelines. However, few operate with the same levels of uncertainty as is in life science, and have as much diversity in the mix of functional disciplines…
Projects in our sector are typically 'cross-functional'; a team consists of representatives from each key function in the organisation, led by a project manager. Leaders of functional sections (e.g. groups of similar scientists) will typically be asked to manage projects.…
Sponsors of a project - perhaps investors, or certainly senior organisation managers, may not be involved in the operations of a project but need periodic updates on progress. In an organisation that has c. 5+ projects running, freeform conversations about…
