Webinars

Researchers receive years of training in how to understand and critically evaluate the current scientific literature, how to ask compelling research questions, and how to obtain grant funding to support their ideas. However, the vast majority of researchers have had no formal training in what to do once they receive grant funding. Fulfilling the objectives of a grant efficiently and effectively requires strong project management skills, which can streamline processes and maximize resources. Application of project management processes to a research grant can optimize research team productivity, allowing researchers to focus on what they do best - the science. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) is a framework adopted from the engineering field and is focused on optimization of biobehavioral and behavioral interventions to strategically balance intervention effectiveness against affordability, scalability, and efficiency. The MOST framework includes the use of optimization trial designs (e.g., factorial trials) that often entail managing anywhere from 8 to 64 intervention conditions. Given the complexity of conducting these types of optimization trials, substantial attention is needed to efficiently coordinate project management.  Thus, the objectives of this webinar are to 1) provide an overview of project management skills that can streamline processes and enhance research team productivity and 2) discuss project management skills that are particularly relevant to conducting highly efficient experimental designs. Webinar attendees will learn about several resources and templates that can be adapted for their own projects (e.g., documentation strategies, condition materials and management, participant tracking approaches, database development considerations, meeting protocols, structured agenda templates, managing budgets, managing project timelines and objectives) as well as other resources (e.g., consulting services to optimize project management within their own teams). The webinar will be presented by a senior research staff member with 17+ years of experience and training in project management and by an SBM member who is an Associate Professor with experience in project management for complex factorial trials under the MOST framework. 

 

Learning objectives 

1. Attendees will recognize the critical role of project management skills in efficiently and effectively fulfilling grant objectives, enhancing research team productivity, enabling delegation of study tasks, and allowing researchers to focus on their scientific work. 

2. Attendees will gain insights into specific project management skills applicable to conducting highly efficient experimental designs, such as those recommended by the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework. 

3. Attendees will be introduced to various resources and templates (e.g., tips for running effective meetings, structured agenda templates, project schedule and timelines, and project status update document) that can be adapted for their own projects, as well as other consulting services to optimize project management within their teams. 

Speakers:

Moderator: