Because our brain is an association machine, kind of like artificial intelligence, using specific words are more effective than others. In NeuralPlan we look to research to inform us on how asking the right question with the right frame can completely flip the project outcome for the better.

If you do risk planning before schedule planning, or vice versa, the accuracy of the plan changes, due to psychological association in the brain. The Anchoring Effect bias causes the brain to associate its decisions with recent data its heard, making the sequence crucial to an executable plan.

The brain gathers information in a less logical way than we think. As we are planning, the future executability of the project hinges on what occurs in our thinking and how each process is detailed. 

To make projects more executable within schedule and budget, we can design our processes, metrics, interfaces (such as software), and skills around the way we think. Sometimes we can make improvements without even having to teach people about human behavior. We just design for better cognition!

Issues like time pressure, cognitive load, decision fatigue, psychological safety, and much more, impact how much information gets through to our brain. And as you may know, an executable plan requires information to make good decisions. But if the information is getting through, we have to design the environment to enable data to come through. The brain cannot process information it does not have.

It depends! Much of the performance reporting we do does not add a lot of value. Because the brain needs decision-data to take better action, performance reporting should be tweaked to enhance our thinking, not cloud it with noise. The frequency of feedback, when we get the feedback (quantitative or qualitative), and how much cognitive load is in that feedback, all impact how effective our reporting is and if it adds value or is actually counterproductive to project success.

The person that facilitates the planning or forecasting is more important than we think; almost pivotal. Research shows we plan our own work more optimistically than others. Furthermore, advanced organizations that use earned value and other schedule metrics can have insights into reliability that can be used to diagnose the organization for better planning accuracy, resulting in accelerated project delivery.

Not only do all the things mentioned above impact executable plans, but they also share common attributes with risky decision-making and safety. The design of our processes and environment are not only pivotal to success, but their are organizational culture issues than cause bad project outcomes from issues like organizational silence, strategic misrepresentation, and more.

Anyone who manages or works in projects

The course takes about 60 hours to complete

You will have access to the learning platform for a full year, and keep the NeuralPlan manual forever.

The course has a community where you can post updates, engage with other students, comment on their posts, etc.

You will get immediate access on a self-paced gamified learning platform, with content from 24 chapters, assigned reading, and 44 videos from the instructors.

You will learn how to apply cognitive science to design your project decisions toward effective delivery. You will learn the importance of the sequence of steps we take in project management, who asks the questions, how organizational environments impact our decision quality, the significance of visualization on the brain, and how the type of feedback we get and when impacts our accuracy. The ultimate outcome is ensuring an executable and low-risk plan by understanding the most important computer there is: your brain. You will achieve a mastery of psychology in project management by completing the course!

All you need is a basic understanding of project management.

Yes. As soon as you place your order, you will immediately receive the NeuralPlan manual via email. The learning platform is online, and that is only accessible via an internet connection.

You can send an email to neural-plan@nbpmi.com for a refund

Yes. After passing the final test, you will receive your certificate for NPPQ certification, with the ability to post the links to your socials.