ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW: Module 0 – Getting Started

The purpose of Module 0 is to give you a confident start in the Project Manager Foundations (PMF)
program. The first set of orientation activities will familiarize you with how the program works,
introduce you to your learning team, and ask you to connect with your supervisor. The second set of
activities describes the role of a Project Manager from different perspectives and invites you to evaluate
yourself as an aspiring PM.

Upon completing Module 0, you will be able to:

• Articulate program goals
• Acknowledge expectations for participation
• Establish individual development goal(s)
• Navigate program site
• Network with your Learning Team
• Compare and contrast personal strengths, opportunities and preferences to key attributes and
skills of a PM

Unit Assignment Title (and Link) Format Estimated Time

0.1 Orientation Update Your Supervisor Action Learning 30 minutes
Assignment1 (ALA)
Getting Started with OneNote Activity 10 minutes
Learning Team Basics Read 5 minutes
GlobeSmart Activity 15 minutes
0.2 Role of a Project Role of a Project Manager Video 6 minutes
Manager Visualizing the Balance Activity 15 minutes
Interview a Project Manager Team Activity 75 minutes
PM Competencies Read 15 minutes
Reflections on the PM Role Discussion 30 minutes
TOTAL SELF-PACED: 3H 21M
Live Session PM Foundations Kick-off Session Virtual (Preferred) 60 minutes
OR
Recording
Optional I Want to Learn More2 Varies N/A-Optional

1
Action Learning Assignments (ALAs) are activities that require you to apply target knowledge/skills in the context
of your current role and, in some instances, report back to your Learning Team. These assignments often involve
more complex planning, such as scheduling time with others or identifying an opportunity to apply specific
knowledge and/or skills on the job.
2
Every module includes an I Want to Learn More document of additional resources related to the core topics that
are intended to supplement the above content, but are not required for successful completion of the module.

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Unit 0.1: Orientation

 Action Learning Assignment: Update Your Supervisor

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Instructions
1. Schedule time with your supervisor.
2. Optional/Recommended: Share this document with your supervisor prior to your meeting.
3. Review and discuss this document with your supervisor.
4. Capture any key points of discussion or agreements reached (for your reference).
5. Record your participation in PM Foundations in your Development Goals in BLUEPRiNT.

Recommended Discussion Points

• Overview of PM Foundations program.
• Professional’s reason for participating (i.e. what is your development goal?).
• Expectations for how professional will manage their time in order to stay-up-to-date on their
current work and program coursework.
• Gain agreement on the following:
o How and how often he or she would like to be updated on your participation in the
program, and
o How you will charge your time in the program (refer to the Program Overview Guide for
recommendations).

• Your supervisor was asked to complete an assessment of your current skills. This would be a
good opportunity to discuss the skills that you need to be a successful PM.

Agreement to Participate
By agreeing to participate in the PM Foundations program, you acknowledge the following:

Completion
• Successful completion of the PM Foundations program is dependent on 100% completion of all
required assignments.
• While the program is self-paced, there is an expectation that the group is focused on the same
module throughout the program. Falling behind negatively impacts the quality of your
experience as well as the experience of your Learning Team.

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Status Reporting
• Each module includes a specific deadline by which all assignments are to be completed. If you
miss a module deadline, you will be notified (by the BLUEPRiNT system). Extensions can be
granted but are not encouraged.
• Your supervisor will be updated on your program status at three points in the program – May,
September, and December. You will be notified prior to these updates being sent.
Mindset
• You will get out of the program equal to what you invest. Staying curious about your
opportunities to learn and contribute will greatly enhance your learning experience.
• The program offers an opportunity to receive and provide constructive coaching and feedback.
Approaching these opportunities with openness and thoughtfulness will (again) greatly enhance
your learning experience.
• Program Managers consider this offering a partnership with you, the participants. Our intent is
to provide a quality learning environment. We are committed to continuous improvement and
we look forward to hearing your thoughts on what is working well and your ideas for making the
program even better.
Integrity
• Participants are responsible for manually marking many assignments complete in BLUEPRiNT
Training. Falsifying information on your training record (i.e. marking an activity complete that
you have not yet completed) is a violation of the BV Code of Conduct. Doing so may result in
disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

BLUEPRiNT
Record your participation in PM Foundations as a Development Goal in BLUEPRiNT. This ensures proper
tracking of your work and efforts in the PM Foundations program. Some things to consider when talking
through these goals:

• Use the completion of each module, and follow up discussions with your supervisor, as an
Activity Step in your development plan.
• For detailed step-by-step instructions on creating Goals in your Development Plan please
consult the My Development Goals Step Guide document

Final Thoughts
Your participation in this program will not only expose you to the tools and basic skills necessary to
successfully manage projects, it will also provide you the opportunity to demonstrate some of the
behavioral competencies needed to be a successful PM.

• As you manage your ongoing responsibilities along with the program content, you will be
demonstrating the ability to set priorities and plan ahead.
• As you actively collaborate with your Learning Team, you will be demonstrating the ability to
listen well, delegate, motivate and manage conflict.

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• As you give and receive constructive coaching and feedback to/from fellow participants,
mentors, and PM Foundations Program Managers, you will be demonstrating the ability to
communicate effectively.
• As you resolve program challenges by leveraging job aids, FAQs and your peers, you will be
demonstrating an ability to manage processes and make timely decisions.

Project Managers own the project. Adopt the mindset of OWNERSHIP and own your experience in this
program!

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Unit 0.1: Orientation Page 5 of 14

 Activity: Getting Started with OneNote

Estimated Time: 10 minutes

ONLINE ACCESS ONLY

Instructions
1. Watch this video about using OneNote online: Understanding the OneNote Web App Interface
(1:27 Minutes). You need to be logged into Office 365 to view the video.
2. Go to your Learning Team’s Microsoft Teams group, select the General Channel and open your
team’s OneNote notebook tab.
3. On the Team Captains Rotation template, type your name in the chart next to the Module you
will lead.
Note: Some modules will have more than one Team Captain.

4. Add your Team Captain month as a Task in your Planner.

a. Click the Team Tasks tab.
b. Click the plus sign under the Team Captains header to add a new task.
c. Type [Your Name] Team Captain as the Task Name.
d. Set the due date as the first of the month you are leading.
e. Assign the task to you.
f. Click Add Task.

Microsoft Planner will send you a reminder when it is your turn to be team captain.

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Read: Learning Team Basics

Estimated Time: 5 minutes

Instructions
This document outlines the role and responsibilities of the Learning Team Members and the Learning
Team Captain.

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 Activity: GlobeSmart
Estimated Time: 15 minutes

ONLINE ACCESS ONLY

Instructions
GlobeSmart is an online resource for developing global awareness and building skills for interacting with
global counterparts. In this activity you will complete the GlobeSmart survey and review the definitions
of the dimensions that make up your profile.

Follow the link within BLUEPRiNT for the steps to access GlobeSmart and complete your profile.3

3
Access the link through BLUEPRiNT Training.

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Unit 0.2: Role of a Project Manager Page 8 of 14

Unit 0.2: Role of a Project Manager

 Video: Role of a Project Manager
Estimated Time: 6.5 minutes
Instructions
1. Follow the link in the BLUEPRiNT assignment to view the video.4
2. Listen for the following:
• What was the speaker’s path to the PM role?
• How does each speaker describe the role and responsibilities of a PM?
• What does the speaker enjoy about the PM role?
• What are the challenges the speaker expresses about the PM role?
3. Capture notes on the key points made by each speaker. (These notes are for your own reference
and will help you in the upcoming Learning Team discussion).

4
Access the video through BLUEPRiNT Training.

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 Activity: Visualizing the PM Balance

Estimated Time: 15 minutes

Instructions
Katie Werner, in her “Role of a PM” video interview, pointed
out that a PM must balance three interests – Black & Veatch,
the project Team and the Client. Consider what this balance
looks like and capture your thoughts on the following:

• Within each area write some of the expectations a PM

would need to consider. For example, Black & Veatch
expects PMs to make money on their projects, clients
expect their scope to be met, a project team expects to
be given a clear vision of what project success looks like and the path/tools to achieve it.
• What are the consequences if a PM does NOT balance these interests? For example, what is the
consequence to the project team if the PM only meets the needs of Black & Veatch and/or the
client, or what might a client experience if the PM is focused too much on the Project Team
and/or Black & Veatch expectations?
• What techniques could a PM use to monitor and maintain balance across the three interests?
• Finally, reflect on your past projects. How well did the PM manage this balance?

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 Team Activity: Interview a Project Manager

Estimated Time: 75 minutes

NOTE: Refer to the Interview Guide located on the PMF SharePoint site for detailed instructions. It is the
Team Captain’s responsibility to schedule the interview.

Interview Questions
• How did you get to your current position?
• What are the primary tasks of a Project Manager?
• What skills are required to complete those tasks effectively?
• What do you like most about being a Project Manager?
• What do you like least about being a Project Manager?

Feel free to ask additional questions as time allows. Capture notes on the key points made by the
Project Manager in each question.

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 Read: PM Competencies
Estimated Time: 15 minutes

Instructions
Go to the PM Development site and review the progression of competencies throughout the career
development of a Black & Veatch Project Manager. Scroll down to ‘What competencies does a PM
need?’

 Discussion: Reflections on the PM Role

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

NOTE: This assignment should be completed AFTER you have completed the following: 1) Video: Role of
a Project Manager, 2) Activity: Visualizing the PM Balance, 3) Team Activity: Interview a Project
Manager, and 4) Read: PM Competencies.

Instructions
1. Read the Discussion Guide.
2. Watch this introduction video about using Teams: Introducing Microsoft Teams (2:07 minutes)
3. Go to your Learning Team's Microsoft Teams discussion channel and reply to the announcement
titled "0.2-Reflections on the PM Role Discussion".

4. After the assignment has been posted by the Team Captain, enter your response to the
questions below in the “Start a new conversation” box.
• In your own words, what are the key attributes of a Project Manager?
• What are the attributes that come naturally for you?
• Unlike attributes, skills can be learned. What PM-related skill do you have an opportunity
to improve?

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Be sure to also reply to two of your teammates posts as well. Refer to the discussion guide for tips on
writing a quality post and reply.

DISCUSSIONS are an important part of an online class. Use discussion assignments to

deepen your understanding of the course content, increase your ability to think critically,
network with your Learning Team, and practice effective written communication.
Be sure to review the Discussion Guide prior to participating in your first online
discussion to ensure you are meeting discussion requirements and demonstrating best
practices.

Live Session
Estimated Time: 60 minutes

Please complete ONE of the following sessions. Attendance at the virtual classroom session is preferred.

 PM Foundations 2022 Kick-Off Session (VIRTUAL CLASSROOM)

Please join us for the PM Foundations 2021 kick-off session. You will receive an overview of the PM
Foundations program and be able to ask questions.

 PM Foundations 2022 Kick-Off Session (RECORDING)

If you are unable to participate in the virtual classroom, you may complete the assignment by listening
to a recording of the session. Access the posted recording via BLUEPRiNT Training.

NOTE: Program Managers make every effort to post the live session recordings within 48 hours of the
first live session. Availability of the recording will be announced via the PM Foundations Yammer Group.

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OPTIONAL: I want to learn more!

The following pages include additional resources related to the topics covered in this module. Items listed
below are not required as part of the PM Foundations curriculum.

Learn how to learn

Make the most of your personal investment in this program by learning about how you learn. You will
see this theme repeat throughout the year with additional resources for becoming a master learner!

• How to get better at the things you care about (11:22) – Source: TED. Speaker: Eduardo Briceño.
November 2016.
• Managing Yourself: Learning to Learn (5 pages) – “Mental tools to help you master new skills.”
Article by Erika Andersen. Source: Harvard Business Review. 1-March, 2016.

Update your BLUEPRiNT profile

BLUEPRiNT is one of the tools selected to support BV’s Workforce Planning strategy. BLUEPRiNT provides
functionality for professional profiles, performance management, career development, training/learning
management, and talent search.

• BLUEPRiNT video: Short video explanation of BLUEPRiNT and the various functions it supports.
• BLUEPRiNT portal: Your source for training guides, frequently asked questions and other
resources for BLUEPRiNT activities.

Enroll in self-paced ASPiRE training

Why become an ASPiRE Graduate? A better understanding of how to apply ASPiRE concepts helps us
collaborate more effectively and leads to behaviors that increase productivity. Ultimately, it will fuel
innovation and drive companywide growth, and we’ll all share in the rewards of that growth.

• Learn more and enroll here.

• Already an ASPiRE Graduate? Visit the link above to see the latest examples of ASPiRE in action!

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Participate in the BV Mentoring Program

Mentoring is a mutually rewarding relationship in which one individual (Mentor) offers support, wisdom,
insight and perspective in response to the identified developmental needs of another individual
(Mentee).

• Learn more and sign-up here.

Bookmark the following resources

Throughout the program you may find quick access to the resources listed below helpful. Take a few
minutes to bookmark them now.

• PM Foundations SharePoint site

• Project Management Development Site
• BLUEPRiNT Home Page
• Central Document Library – Corporate Manuals
o Manual for Black & Veatch Services Project Execution
o Manual for Black & Veatch EPC Project Execution

Looking for the “how”?

PM Foundations is designed for aspiring Project Managers. The program provides a high-level overview
of the role and “what” it takes to be a PM, as opposed to more advanced curriculum that covers “how”
to be a PM. If you find yourself looking for more detailed information at any point in the program, you
are encouraged to explore the following resources.

• BLUEPRiNT self-paced training:

o Development and Alignment of Project Objectives (CII)
o Design for Construction Safety (CII)
• Project Management Development Site
• Construction Industry Institute (CII)

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