Training

Project Team Members

Project team members (PTMs) who will conduct LL must be trained before they become engaged in the process. The purpose of LL training is to educate the project team by transferring Explicit Knowledge (systematic and codifiable ways of knowing). The two primary training and development areas include project management and evaluation; however, other skills are required for an effective project evaluator*. The project team is responsible for developing a training program that is tailored to the needs of the project team.

Training deliverables may include how to:
  • Review records of previous LL with explanation (summative and formative examples)
  • Develop an instrument for capturing LL, i.e., survey, interview protocol, focus group protocol
  • Create a web-page or use a subscription service to capture LL electronically
  • Capture audio or video
  • Take notes using an instrument, i.e., form or checklist
  • Role play scripts for interviewing people, i.e., stakeholders, sponsors, subject matter experts
  • Enter LL into the repository, i.e., MS Sharepoint
  • Facilitate a LL workshop, i.e., reverse brainstorming to stimulate discussion
The training methodology for LL is ADDSUP
  • Assess: review the LL training and development needs of the PTMs
    • Which PTMs will participate in LL training based upon their role in LL process
    • What training is required for each PTM
    • How will the training be conducted, i.e., instructor-led, e-learning
    • When will the training be conducted
    • Who will conduct the training
    • Where will the training be conducted
  • Define: the LL training resources (people, systems and materials) are outlined
    • A LL Roles and Responsibility Assignment Matrix (LLRAM) will detail PTMs role in the LL process
    • A LL Training Requirements Matrix (LLTRM) will identify the required training for each PTM
    • A LL Training Method Matrix (LLTMM) will show the training methods (i.e., instructor-led) for each item to be trained
    • A LL Training Schedule (LLTS) will detail when the training modules can be delivered
    • A LL Trainer Matrix (LLTM) will detail the availability of designated LL trainers
    • A LL Facility Assignment Matrix (LLFAM) will be used to reserve rooms, web-conferencing timeslots, supplies, etc.
  • Develop: the LL training is created
    • Presentations or instructor guides for the PTMs serving as trainers
    • Trainee handouts are assembled
    • Policies, procedure or guidelines for compliance considerations specific to training are written
    • Fun quizzes to challenge trainee's knowledge are built
    • The schedule of the training to allow for active sign-up is posted
    • Trainee evaluations find gaps in PTMs knowledge before they conduct LL are designed
  • Start: the LL training begins
    • Give trainees sign-in sheets for local or virtual training to document attendance
    • Provide trainee's with handouts in local or virtual environment after the training to ensure active engagement
    • Run training as an interactive discussion instead of a lecture
    • Use blended training approaches as appropriate, i.e., instructor-led on-site and instructor-led via web conferencing
    • Give trainees the answers to the challenging quiz questions
    • Administer trainee evaluations, which are designed to find gaps in PTMs knowledge before they conduct LL
  • Unwind: the training concludes
    • Express appreciation to all trainees who attended training
    • Collect sign-in sheets and document training attendance
    • Give each trainee a certificate detailing all LL training attended for the purpose of professional development units (PDUs)
    • Review trainee evaluations
    • Summarize LL specific to training conducted (right, wrong, differently)
    • Store all LL training materials in LL repository
  • Participate: the training transitions to engagement
    • Assign a PTM as mentor to each trainee using the LLRAM
    • Have the PTM coach the trainee through each component of LL
    • When appropriate let the interviewees of the LL know the PTM is a trainee in the area of LL through appropriate wording
    • Hold weekly meetings of at least 15-30 minutes to discuss LL activities with all trainees and PTMs
    • Document the LL discussion as meeting minutes and post in the LL repository as a separate entry
    • Allow trainee to perform as much work as possible in the LL to gain experience
*See the Competency Development Framework for Project Evalutors.