SC353 NEW! An Overview of R&D Program Management

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Michael T. Dehring, Lockheed Martin, USA
Level: Beginner (no background or minimal training is necessary to understand course material)


Course Description

This class provides an overview of program management and is intended for new and aspiring program managers in research & development (R&D). The course covers the principles of program management as applied to R&D programs under $20M for government and commercial contracts. Program management expectations and needs will be explored from contract start-up through close-out. The initial focus of the course will be on the essential elements of program start-up and planning, which are key factors in creating and maintaining a high-performing program. The objective will be to develop a program plan that encompasses a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), task scheduling, cost planning, resource allocation, risk/opportunity management and program performance metrics. The final section of the course will focus on Program Performance Management (PPM) and close-out. PPM is critical throughout the execution phase of a program. This section of the course will provide students with practical experience on assessment and control of program performance, including managing cost, schedule, financial report interpretation and risks. Earned Value Management concepts will be introduced in the course as a tool to aid in measuring program performance. Emphasis will be placed on practical and cost-effective application of EVM methods to R&D programs.


Benefits and Learning Objectives

This course should enable you to:

  • Identify and apply basic program management principles.
  • Explore program management expectations and needs from contract start-up through close-out.
  • Develop a program plan to include a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) that defines task scheduling, cost planning, resource allocation, risk/opportunity management and performance metrics.
  • Gain practical experience in Program Performance Management (PPM) to assess and control program performance, including management of cost, schedule, financial report interpretation and risks.
  • Apply Earned Value Management concepts to assist in measuring performance.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for new and aspiring program managers in research & development (R&D).

Biography

Over the past 10 years, Mr. Dehring has served as a program manager on ground-based, airborne and near-space technology demonstration programs that ranged in size from $50k study contracts to $20M development contracts. He is currently a program manager with Lockheed Martin (LM). Prior to joining LM, Mr. Dehring was a program and business unit manager at a small aerospace company, Michigan Aerospace Corporation. In addition to running programs for LM, he works with other program managers within the organization on improving processes and tools for effective program management and performance on research & development contracts.