In Scope: Managing Projects at UW–Madison
In Scope is designed for managers of small- to medium-sized projects at UW–Madison.
In this series, project management experts address managing projects in the university environment, introduce project management methods and resources, and facilitate conversations around common problems and solutions.
Presenters assign minimal prework (e.g., videos or articles) for each discussion; prework materials are accessible through the Canvas learning management system.
Upon the completion of each In Scope session, the event recording and session materials are archived in the corresponding Canvas module to serve as a resource for participants.
All sessions are online. Participants can register for the entire series or select individual sessions.
Past Session Recordings
All In Scope session recordings are archived in Canvas, which requires registration and a valid NetID. Registrants may view recordings after a session has passed.
Fall 2024 Schedule
Effective Strategies for Engaging Project Sponsors
September 26 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Online
Presented by Kevin Murtha, interim director, strategic initiatives, Office of Strategic Consulting
(this session has passed)
Content level: introductory
Project sponsors can make or break the success of a project. But while they are ultimately accountable for the project’s outcome, they are often juggling many competing priorities that also demand their time and attention. During this session, participants learned how to maximize the engagement of a project sponsor, foster more desirable sponsor attributes, and implement specific steps to help a sponsor be more effective throughout a project.
Achieving Project Success with Change Management and Communications
October 10 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Online
Presented by Vanessa Taulbee, business analysis and change management associate director, Portfolio and Project Management Office, and Lauren Bruce, communications manager, Division of Information Technology
(this session has passed)
Content level: introductory
Change management and communications are critical components that are often overlooked when measuring project success and health. In this session, participants explored the meaning of project success, learned how to identify a project’s strengths, and considered strategies to turn project weaknesses into opportunities. The presenters walked through different scenarios and facilitated a conversation about practical approaches to change management and communications. Participants had the opportunity to connect with experts and left with ideas they can turn into action.
Saving Time with AI: Smart Ways to Initiate Projects and Lessen the Administrative Burden
November 6 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Online
Presented by Bernard Agrest and Andi Smetana, senior project managers, Office of Strategic Consulting
(this session has passed)
Content level: introductory
Project initiation can be an administrative burden for project managers. This session offered some tips and tricks on how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to cut down on the administrative burden of project initiation. It explored how AI can help you ask the right questions to properly initiate a project and avoid common pitfalls that lead to wasted time and resources. Session presenters used a practical, real-world example to demonstrate how generative AI can support smaller administrative projects. At the end of the session, Todd Shechter, chief technology officer for information security, provided guidance on what tools you can use and how to use them responsibly.
Work Breakdown Structure: A Project Management Planning Tool that Can Benefit Any Project
December 3 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Online
Presented by Dr. Ardala Katzfuss, professor, Applied Drug Development Program, School of Pharmacy
(this session has passed)
Content level: introductory
Sometimes, managing a project feels like drinking from a firehose. There are so many tasks, deliverables, decisions, risks, and constraints to contend with that it can overwhelm even the most seasoned project manager. And the planning phase of a project can be especially intense (if not daunting)! A well-constructed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) makes planning more manageable, providing a framework for successfully navigating and overseeing a project’s timeline, budget, and resources. In this session, participants learned how to create their own WBS—and turn that firehose into more of a faucet.