This course focuses on the practical implementation and management phase of EU-funded projects - the critical period where plans turn into real actions. Participants will learn how to effectively coordinate, monitor and report project activities while ensuring compliance with EU rules, maintaining strong partnerships and achieving impact.

Through a mix of activities, case studies and simulations, participants will gain hands-on experience in managing work packages, monitoring progress, communicating with partners and ensuring quality and sustainability. The course concludes in a realistic project management model, where participants step into the role of an EU project manager and navigate real life scenarios and challenges.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

•   Understand the full scope of project management responsibilities during implementation.

• Coordinate work packages and manage activities, deliverables and milestones.

• Facilitate clear and effective communication across project partners.

•  Monitor progress and ensure compliance with quality and reporting standards.

• Plan, execute and document research and fieldwork activities ethically and efficiently.

•  Design effective dissemination, exploitation and sustainability strategies.

• Apply leadership, negotiation and problem-solving skills in complex project contexts.

• Navigate real-life management challenges through practical, scenario-based exercises.

Day 1: Welcome & introduction to EU project implementation

• Icebreakers

• Overview of the EU project lifecycle and documentation (Grant Agreement, Partnership Agreement)

• Understanding the implementation phase: from kick-off to final report

• Roles and responsibilities of coordinators and partners

• Group activity: mapping the structure of a real EU project & developing an action plan

Day 2: WP1 - Project Management
Coordination, Communication & Partnership Management, Progress Monitoring, Reporting & Quality Assurance

• Setting up project management structures and internal communication flows

• Tools and practices for effective coordination among partners

• Monitoring mechanisms: indicators, milestones, deliverables and risks

• Quality assurance and internal reporting procedures

• Group activity: developing a project management and communication plan

Day 3: WP2 - Research & implementation phase of other work packages

• Organising and implementing research or fieldwork activities

• Managing thematic work packages and coordinating deliverables

• Ethical considerations and data management in EU projects

• Group activity: organise WP2 as a leader & execute WP2 as a partner

• Peer discussion: challenges in coordinating multi-stakeholder WPs

Day 4: WP5 – Dissemination, exploitation & sustainability

• EU visibility and communication requirements

• Designing and managing dissemination activities

• Exploiting results and ensuring project sustainability beyond its duration

• Group activity: developing a dissemination and sustainability plan

• Reflection: measuring impact and lessons learned

Day 5: Hands-On - Being a real-life EU project manager

• Simulation: managing a real EU project scenario

• Participants receive sample project proposals and common challenges (delays, partner disengagement & disagreements, financial issues, etc.)

• Group activity: evaluating scenarios & managing real-life project challenges

• Role-play presentations and peer feedback

• Final reflection and closure

Day 6 – Cultural Excursion

• Cultural visit in the local area

• Opportunities for networking and intercultural exchange

Here are the important specifics regarding attendance, scheduling, activities, and what you will need.