Detailed Project Planning

Course Code
1510925

Create successful project plans that achieve project objectives. Address key areas like scoping, estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation to provides actionable insights that reduce uncertainty, prevent cost overruns, and ensure project success.

  • Start Date September 27
  • Time Sat 8:00am - 5:00pm (PDT)
  • Duration 16 Hours
  • Program Type Open-Enrollment/Public
  • Certificate Type Certificate
  • Format Live-Online
  • CEUs 1.6
  • PDUs 16
  • Fees $1,050

Create successful project plans that achieve project objectives. Address key areas like scoping, estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation to provides actionable insights that reduce uncertainty, prevent cost overruns, and ensure project success.

Detailed Project Planning

Program Experience

Detailed Project Planning, part of The Project Management Certificate Program, provides a structured approach to project planning and execution. Participants will learn to develop comprehensive project management plans, optimize work breakdown structures (WBS), integrate scope, time, cost, and resources into a unified project framework, and apply risk analysis and contingency planning, all in alignment with PMI® standards.

Interactive discussions and small group activities form the core of our learning approach, allowing you to apply theories in practical scenarios and engage with peers from various industries. Through a mix of exercises, case studies, and real-world examples, you'll gain insights into effective project initiation, costing, and selection processes.

Caltech CTME is a Premier Authorized Training Partner Of the Project Management Institute®, and this course provides 16 PDUs towards PMI certification. Our PMI-certified instructors bring nearly a century of combined experience across sectors such as energy, electronics, finance, aerospace, and IT. Their expertise enriches the course, providing you with actionable knowledge and skills. 

Benefits

The Detailed Project Planning required course is the cornerstone for you to build a successful career leading a variety of projects. Master the entire project planning process, from scope definition to execution readiness.

You will learn to:

  • Build a realistic project schedule and control budget variances
  • Utilize quantitative and qualitative risk management techniques
  • Implement agile and traditional planning strategies for project success
  • Enhance team collaboration and stakeholder engagement
Topics

1.  Introduction to Detailed Project Planning

  • The importance of structured planning in project management
  • How PMI standards and methodologies enhance project success


2.  Project Scope and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

  • Defining scope based on contractual requirements and business needs
  • Creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for task allocation and control
  • Using WBS dictionaries to document and manage project scope


3.  Scheduling and Time Management

  • Activity sequencing and network diagramming
  • Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)
  • Resource leveling and smoothing to optimize schedules


4.  Cost Estimation and Budgeting

  • Analogous, parametric, bottom-up, and three-point cost estimation techniques
  • Developing a cost baseline and managing budget reserves
  • Applying Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and cash flow analysis


5.  Risk Management and Contingency Planning

  • Identifying project risks and analyzing their impact
  • Developing a risk register and risk mitigation strategies
  • Applying Expected Monetary Value (EMV) to determine contingency reserves


6.  Change Control and Configuration Management

  • Managing scope creep through formal change control processes
  • Implementing Integrated Change Control (ICC) to maintain project alignment
  • Balancing the triple constraints (scope, cost, time)


7.  Stakeholder Communication and Engagement

  • Developing a communication plan for project visibility
  • Applying stakeholder engagement techniques to drive alignment
  • Handling conflict resolution and expectation management


8.  Agile Techniques in Project Planning

  • Incorporating iterative planning and adaptive scheduling
  • Understanding Scrum, Kanban, and Hybrid Agile frameworks
  • Managing project backlogs, sprints, and incremental releases


9.  Project Approval and Execution Readiness

  • Finalizing project charter, scope, budget, and schedule for approval
  • Conducting executive presentations to gain stakeholder buy-in
  • Ensuring team readiness for project execution and performance tracking
Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for professionals involved in project planning, execution, and cost control, including:

  • Project Managers & Team Leads – refining skills in planning and scheduling
  • Business Analysts & Schedulers – optimizing time and resource management
  • Engineers & Technical Professionals – defining technical project requirements
  • Cost & Budget Analysts – managing project cost estimation and financial planning
  • Senior Managers & Executives – ensuring projects align with strategic goals
Schedule
Course Duration Live Online (via Zoom)

Project Monitoring and Control 63.4

Course # 1520525

16 Hours

May 10 & 31, 2025
Sat 8 AM - 5 PM Pacific Time

Project Risk and Opportunity Management 63.5

Course # 1540625

16 Hours

June 14 & 21, 2025
Sat 8 AM - 5 PM Pacific Time

Project Initiation, Costing and Selection 65.1

Course # 1530925

16 Hours

September 6 & September 13, 2025
Sat 8 AM - 5 PM Pacific Time

Project Organization and Leadership 65.2

Course # 1501225

16 Hours

December 6 & December 13, 2025
Sat 8 AM - 5 PM Pacific Time

Detailed Project Planning 65.3

Course # 1510925

16 Hours

September 27 & October 4, 2025
Sat 8 AM - 5 PM Pacific Time

FAQ

Will completing the Project Management Certificate Program qualify me for PMP certification?

Completing the Project Management Certificate Program at Caltech does not directly confer PMP certification but provides a professional certificate from the California Institute of Technology. The program satisfies the 35 required education hours needed to sit for the PMP exam as stipulated by PMI. Our courses offer a comprehensive understanding of project management, going beyond the basics covered in a certification exam. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge and skills that are applicable to real-world project management challenges, which is a significant value beyond merely preparing for the PMP exam.

What is the Project Management Certificate Program at Caltech?

Caltech's Project Management Certificate Program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip professionals with the skills required to lead successful projects. The program covers all phases of project management, from initiation to closeout, aligned with PMI standards.

How does Caltech's partnership with PMI benefit me?

As a Premier Authorized Training Partner of PMI, Caltech provides up-to-date training that earns you PDUs towards your PMI certification. Our courses are taught by PMI-certified instructors with extensive industry experience, ensuring you receive relevant and actionable learning.

Can I earn PDUs by completing these courses?

Yes, each course in the Project Management Certificate Program provides 16 Professional Development Units (PDUs) that you can apply towards your PMI certification requirements.

What project planning techniques will I learn? 

Participants will learn to develop comprehensive project plans, optimize work breakdown structures, and apply risk analysis techniques, all aligned with PMI standards.

How does the course address risk management? 

The course includes quantitative and qualitative risk management techniques, preparing you to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions to your project.

How can these courses advance my career in project management? 

These courses provide you with the skills and certifications needed to enhance your credentials and advance in roles such as project management, business analysis, and program leadership.

Are these courses suitable for industry professionals outside of traditional project management roles? 

Yes, the skills taught are applicable across various industries, including IT, finance, aerospace, and more, making them valuable for anyone involved in project oversight or leadership.

How do I enroll in the Project Management Certificate Program? 

To enroll in the Project Management Certificate Program, visit the Caltech CTME website, navigate to the Project Management Certificate section, and select the 'Enroll Now' button. Follow the prompts to complete your registration. For assistance or more information, you can also contact our admissions team directly via email or phone.


What are the prerequisites for enrolling in this program? 

This program is designed for professionals with a basic understanding of project management principles. While there are no strict prerequisites, having experience in project management or related fields will help you maximize the learning outcomes. We recommend familiarity with basic project management concepts and terminology.

What recognition or accreditation does the PMI partnership provide? 

Caltech’s partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI) signifies that our Project Management Certificate Program meets the highest standards of project management education and adheres to the PMI framework. This partnership not only ensures that the educational content is current and relevant but also allows our participants to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs), which are necessary for obtaining and maintaining PMI certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional).

Are there financing options or scholarships available for this program? 

Caltech CTME offers a variety of financing options to help manage the cost of the certificate program, including payment plans and, for some applicants, scholarships or corporate sponsorships. We are committed to making education accessible and encourage you to contact our admissions office for detailed information about available financial support.

What are the technical requirements to attend the live-online sessions? 

Participants will need a stable internet connection, a computer with a webcam, and a microphone to engage in live-online sessions. We recommend using a headset for better audio clarity. Our platform is compatible with most web browsers, but for the best experience, we suggest using the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

What opportunities or career advancements can I expect after completing this certificate?

Completing the Project Management Certificate Program can significantly enhance your project management skills, making you a valuable asset to any organization. This certification can lead to career advancements such as higher-level management positions, increased job responsibilities, or opportunities in industries that value structured project management. Additionally, the skills acquired are applicable globally, opening up international career opportunities.

How does Caltech incorporate student feedback into the continuous improvement of the Project Management Certificate Program? 

Caltech is dedicated to continuous improvement and actively solicits feedback from participants at the end of each course through surveys and discussions. This feedback is systematically reviewed by our program directors and faculty to refine and update the curriculum and instructional methods, ensuring that the program remains cutting-edge and relevant to the needs of today’s professionals.

Parent Program

Project Manager outlines project plan on whiteboard as co-workers look on.
Project Management

Elevate your project management career with Caltech’s comprehensive Project Management Certificate Program. Designed for professionals, this 5-course online program enhances skills in planning, leadership, risk management, and delivery, aligning with PMI® certification standards to prepare you for diverse industries and critical project roles.

  • Live-Online
  • Certificate