Applied Project Management Program

The PDFO will be pilot-testing a revised version of the Applied Project Management Program in May/June 2025.

A follow-up to the PDFO's Fundamentals of Project Management Program, the Applied Project Management Program is designed to equip participants to apply project management principles and practices to their projects and work environments through a series of written assignments and facilitator feedback.

The Applied Project Management Program runs concurrently with the Fundamentals of Project Management Program and involves a series of written assignments between class sessions. Assignments will be graded and the facilitator will provide written feedback for each assignment submission. This format will allow participants to apply the learnings of the Fundamentals of Project Management program to a real-world project scenario directly applicable to their field(s).

The Applied Project Management Program is comprised of one mandatory assignment, as well as the choice of two out of four subsequent assignments. Those who complete the required assignments with a grade of 75% or above will receive a certificate of completion from the PDFO.

TIME COMMITMENT AND DEADLINES

Assignments ask students to consider a current or recent project of their own. While it is preferable that such a project is a research or work-related project, any project the student is involved in or familiar with is acceptable; projects like home renovations, self-improvement, or personal events like weddings or parties may be used. Assignment submissions should be based on participants’ own projects and experience, as well as any additional reading or study on the topic.

There are a total of five assignments as part of the program. Assignment 01 is mandatory for all participants, and participants must then complete two of the four subsequent assignments for a total of three per participant. The assignment deadlines are as follows:

Due to the streamlined nature of the program, late submissions will not be permitted.

Participants who do not complete the mandatory Assignment 01 will not be permitted to continue in the Applied Project Management Program. Should participants complete more than two of assignments 02 through 05, feedback and grades will only be provided for the first two assignments submitted.

PREREQUISITES

In order to be eligible for the Applied Project Management Program, participants must be either enrolled in the current (May/June 2025) run of the Fundamentals of Project Management program or have already completed the Fundamentals program in full.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

The PDFO will provide a Certificate of Completion to students who complete and receive a minimum grade of 75% on the following assignments.

• Assignment 01 (mandatory)
• Two of Assignments 02 through 05

While the course does qualify as training and professional development towards PMP or other certification, the course does not meet the standard for PMP exam preparation.

FACILITATOR

Robyn Roscoe

Robyn Roscoe, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 30 years of experience in scientific and technical project management, is the principal of Lyric Management. Her expertise spans management and leadership training, grant writing and facilitation, and coaching and mentorship. She has led the development and expansion of project teams in research, paving the way for project management as a career path for many professionals.

Robyn has been recognized for excellence in research project management with several awards from CARA. She is active in the local and national communities as a trainer, mentor, and champion of research project administration, management, and leadership.

Lyric Management delivers proposal development, grant writing, and project management services for success across scientific domains. We also provide training in project management and leadership. With decades of research management experience, we ensure excellence for individuals and companies seeking success through sound management and clear leadership.

Registration

Registration in the Applied Project Management Program is required and will open closer to the program date. Please note that space in the pilot run of this program is limited, and submitting this registration form does not guarantee a seat in the program. Those successfully registered in the program will receive an email with additional information.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• All participants must be currently enrolled in the concurrent run of the Fundamentals of Project Management Program or have completed the Fundamentals of Project Management Program in full.
• Participants who do not complete the mandatory Assignment 01 will not be permitted to continue in the Applied Project Management Program.
• All applicants must hold a current UBC postdoctoral fellowship appointment at the time of application and for the duration of the program.
• Postdocs who have repeatedly missed PDFO workshops without notice/cancellation may be considered ineligible to attend.

Accessibility

If you have a disability or medical condition that may affect your full participation in the program, please email postdoctoral.fellows@ubc.ca in advance of the program.