Operational Project Management: Practical Implementation Tools for Officers and Managers

Event Details

  • Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • ️ Dates: May 13-14-15, 2026
  • Format: Professional workshops with role-play and hands-on training
  • Certification: ETCP Certificate of Qualification upon completion

Join us for an intensive 3-day professional training designed for EU project managers, managing authorities, and implementation agencies seeking to master integrated project management—combining proven UK/USA management techniques with EU frameworks.

Day 1 – Theme: Foundations & Methodology

08:30 – 09:00 | Registration and Welcome Coffee

09:00 – 10:30 | Lesson 1: Definitions and Challenges
Comprehensive integration: definitions and key concepts
Critical challenges in EU funds coordination
Organizational models for managing authorities and major beneficiaries
Common integration pitfalls and how to avoid them

10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break

10:45 – 12:30 | Lesson 2: New Method – Gantt Visualization of Deliverables – “Next -level Gantt”
Introduction to integrated project timeline management
Gantt methodology for multi-dimensional deliverables

Using visual planning to align timelines, budget allocations and tangible deliverables

Best practices for tracking complex interdependencies
Hands-on workshop: Building your first integrated Gantt chart

12:30 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch

13:30 – 15:15 | Lesson 2 (continued): Advanced Gantt Applications
Managing diverse teams through integrated timelines
Critical path analysis for EU project deliverables
Tools and software for effective implementation
Case study analysis

15:15 – 15:30 | Afternoon Break

15:30 – 17:00 | Workshop: Applying Gantt Visualization to Your Projects
Practical exercises using real project scenarios
Group work: Developing integrated timelines
Peer feedback and expert guidance

Day 2 – Theme: Evaluation, Selection & Verification in Practice

09:00 – 10:30 | Lesson 3: Role-Play on Evaluation/Selection of Projects (Part 1)
Evaluation frameworks and selection criteria
Strategic decision-making in project assessment
Scenario introduction and role assignment
Team formation and briefing materials

10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break

10:45 – 12:30 | Lesson 3 (continued): Role-Play Simulation
Interactive evaluation committee exercise
Assessing competing project proposals
Managing stakeholder perspectives and conflicts
Scoring, ranking, and justifying selection decisions

12:30 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch

13:30 – 15:15 | Lesson 4: Role-Play on Verification/Reporting (Part 1)
Verification principles and reporting requirements
Common issues in project reporting and documentation
Scenario setup: Technical and financial verification challenges
Role assignments: verifiers, project managers, financial officers

15:15 – 15:30 | Afternoon Break

15:30 – 17:00 | Lesson 4 (continued): Verification Simulation
Hands-on verification exercise
Document review and compliance checking
Handling discrepancies and irregularities
Feedback session and lessons learned
Debrief: Best practices in verification and reporting

Day 3 – Future Programming & Risk Management

09:00 – 10:30 | Lesson 5: 2028+ Integration of Team Work
Latest policy developments for 2028+ programming period
New Cohesion Policy framework and strategic planning requirements
Partnership Agreement negotiations and timelines
Multi-level governance and institutional arrangements

10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break

10:45 – 12:30 | Lesson 5 (continued): Organizational Models for 2028+
Managing Authority structures for the new period
Digital transformation in programme management
Administrative capacity building strategies
Integration tools and technology platforms
Teamwork optimization across functions and stakeholders

12:30 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch

13:30 – 15:15 | Lesson 6: SCO/FNLC Risks Management
Introduction to Simplified Cost Options (SCO)
Financing Not Linked to Costs (FNLC) mechanisms
Risk identification and assessment for SCO/FNLC
Common pitfalls and compliance challenges
Risk mitigation strategies and control frameworks
Case studies: SCO/FNLC success and failure scenarios

15:15 – 15:30 | Afternoon Break

15:30 – 17:00 | Action Planning & Conclusion
Developing implementation roadmaps for participants' organizations
Integrating all lessons: from Gantt planning to risk management
Individual action plans for comprehensive integration
Q&A session
Certificate distribution and closing remarks

Learning objectives

This comprehensive seminar bridges methodology, practical application, and future planning:

Day 1: Master Advanced Planning Tools Discover the “Next-Level Gantt” methodology—a revolutionary approach integrating Anglo-American project management best practices with EU requirements. Visualize deliverables across timelines, budgets, and multi-dimensional project components. Gain hands-on experience building integrated charts that track complex interdependencies.

Day 2: Experience Real-World Scenarios Participate in interactive role-play simulations covering project evaluation, selection, verification, and reporting. Practice making strategic decisions, managing stakeholder conflicts, and handling documentation challenges in realistic settings using internationally-proven assessment frameworks.

Day 3: Prepare for the Future Navigate the 2028+ programming period with insights into the latest Cohesion Policy framework, digital transformation strategies, and risk management for Simplified Cost Options (SCO) and Financing Not Linked to Costs (FNLC).

Expert Instructors

Monika Štesková brings 15+ years of EU project management and evaluation expertise, specializing in cross-sectoral coordination and practical implementation methodologies.

Franck Sottou has trained over 7,500 participants across all EU Member States since 2005, with deep expertise in management systems, risk assessment, and administrative capacity building. His UK/French cooperation programme experience brings unique international perspectives.

Investment

  • Standard Rate: €1,435
  • Early Bird (15% off): €1,219.75 (Save €215.25!)
  • Group Rate (10% off): €1,291.50 (2+ participants)
  • Limited to 20 participants for optimal interaction

Pre-Save your Seat (early-bird price)