Influencing without Authority

Recognizing that not all projects require the use of project management software, and that not all organizations and/or departments will purchase/supply project management tools, this presentation will provide tips and tricks for starting and maintain projects using common software and project management skills. Using an interview format, this presentation will review how to initiate a project, including first steps of organization and developing a project and communication plan. Tips for maintaining project organization will be reviewed, including how to approach and manage conflict, as well as recognizing and implementing quality control and assurance over the life of a project. Communication strategies will also be reviewed, including how to communicate and document conversations and decisions made on projects in which multiple constituents are involved.

Learning Objectives:

• Tips and tricks for starting and maintain projects using common software and project management skills.
• How to initiate a project, including first steps of organization and developing a project and communication plan.
• Tips for maintaining project organization.
• Recognizing and implementing quality control and assurance over the life of a project.
• communication and documentation strategies for use on projects in which multiple constituents are involved.

About the Speaker:

Brenda Branchaud has worked in healthcare for 40 years, with 22 years working in research at Duke University. She started her career in healthcare working in cardio-pulmonary, and then worked as a surgical assistant for 7 years in ophthalmology. Upon coming to Duke, Brenda joined the Duke Eye Center where she began her foray into the clinical research realm. She has accumulated 10 years of experience as a Regulatory Coordinator and 12 years of experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Within this time, Brenda has organized and coordinated research studies from a cadre of sources including biopharma, philanthropic, grant funded, and principal investigator-initiated projects. From these experiences, Brenda has developed and honed organizational skills for coordinating projects at the site level utilizing targeted, simple project management skills, including documentation and communication tools, for which she has been asked to present at Investigator Meetings. At these meetings, Brenda presents tips and tricks for successfully starting and managing projects involving multiple constituents without the use of more complicated project management software.
Outside of Duke, Brenda may be found attending Blue Grass festivals with her husband, and enjoying playing with her three dogs. She considers herself a lifelong learner having obtained her Medical Assistant diploma, Surgical Assistant certification, Technician certification, Associate Degree in Arts, Bachelor of Arts degree, and her Association of Clinical Research Professional (ACRP) Certified Professional accreditation simultaneously while working full-time at her career.