An introduction to project management

Projects are major elements of a change process and on them rests the career and future of the greenkeeper. The larger the project, the greater the prestige, risk and potential rewards. Many projects are approached in an inefficient and high-risk manner and this may leave an owner and the greenkeeper exposed to failure. Whether a small or large job, planning and correct execution is required to achieve the positive project outcomes. Through a mix of group work and lecture, this dynamic class sets out everything you need to know to ensure project completion and the achievement of the intended outcomes.

Noel MacKenzie has worked in the sports turf and amenity industry since 1993, holding both head groundsman and head greenkeeper roles and working for the leading consultancies in sports turf management. He has undertaken in excess of 4,000 advisory visits and presented at numerous seminars for BIGGA at both national and regional events. Noel has also taught to Master’s degree level in this topic and on other management-related sciences.

Noel has experience overseeing complicated projects and their management, including the £6m Olympic Park/Hackney Marsh conversion and reinstatement, numerous drainage system installations and site developments.

Learning outcomes:

• What constitutes a successful project outcome
• How to approach a project
• The change management process
• How to structure construction works and project management
• The importance of contract paperwork and cash control
• Outcomes (planned and unplanned) and what post construction issues may arise