GHD Business School Courses

Further information for Technical and Design Career Pathways

Consult your SLL for specific Service Line discipline training and software applications training
such as Bentley, Autodesk etc.

Refer to Business Development and Marketing Circumplex for client service skills training

Refer to Operational Management Circumplex for Team and Management skills related training
programs

JM Skills Clinics descriptors (60-90 mins)

Scope Definition and Confirmation
Defining 'scope' is crucial for successful project management; however it is often under emphasized. High
importance is placed on clear and precise scope definition, gaining early client agreement which in turn
impacts upon all elements of job planning and execution. The simplest definition of scope is what is
included and excluded from the job brief.
Variation Management Changes to the agreed scope generally give rise to the need to lodge a variation
with the client. Once a variation is confirmed, Job Managers will typically engage a GHD process with the
client to recover the costs related to the additional work. This module covers the systematic and
communication steps involved.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Accurate completion of the WBS ensures reliable project
deliverables are achieved on time and in budget to the specific quality. Several WBS approaches will be
explored leading to the development of WBSs that are aligned to the job in terms of sufficient task
breakdown and allocation of time/fee.
Fee Estimation Job fees must be estimated using an accurate scope, several common best practices
and tools to consider when preparing a fee estimate will be explored, including commercially aware
techniques to provide flexibility to GHD and value to clients.
Project Debrief Meetings
This one hour session is designed for project teams to reflect how well
their delivery approach matched what was important to the client and to capture key outcomes and
learnings in order to improve our understanding of the client expectations and the delivery approach..
Cost Monitoring & Control
Successful financial management translates to job completion within the
fee budget, prompt invoicing and timely payment from the client. Additionally, job health and progress can
be monitored using accurate forecasting and timely adjustments as required. Tools such as cost curves &
EV will be discussed.
Risk Assessment
Risk refers to future conditions or circumstances that exist outside the control of
the project team that will have an adverse impact on the project if they occur. A proactive job manager
seeks to resolve potential problems before they occur by assessing and controlling risks. The GHD Risk
Framework is discussed.
Other Courses and Development available
Service Line Leader Onboarding
This 3 hour program for new SLLs focuses on the SLL role inc. technical leadership, key leadership skills
such as influencing without formal authority, meeting / teleconference / forum facilitation techniques, and
the skills for developing and leveraging knowledge areas. It also covers building technical capacity for the

future.
GHD Technical Conferences
GHD Technical Conferences bring together a number of related Service Line clusters to focus on Service
Line specific technical sessions and in addition allows delegates to participate in common sessions and
network building with a broader group. With the participation of executive leaders such as EMG members,
Regional Market Leaders & Regional Technical Service Leaders, the Conference provides an opportunity
to gain an insight into GHD strategy and business direction. 4 Conferences are held each year for Service
Line clusters and attendance is by nomination and invitation only. Find out more from your Service Line
Leader