Project Smart Ireland
Resources & References
Your complete library of video resources, course materials, academic sources, professional tools, and the full bibliography for every reference cited across Project Smart Ireland.
50+ Academic References
20+ Video Resources
8 Free Templates
6 Topic Areas
JUMP TO SECTION
Find What You Need.
VIDEO RESOURCES
Course-Style Video Resources.
Carefully selected videos from leading project management educators, professional bodies, and technology companies. All are free to access on YouTube.
Strategy
11 min
Max Mao
What is Project Management? — Explained in 10 Minutes
A comprehensive 10-minute introduction to project management covering what it is, why it matters, key phases, and core skills. A perfect starting point for anyone new to managing projects.
Teams
12 min
TED / Simon Sinek
Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe — Simon Sinek
One of the most watched TED Talks on leadership. Simon Sinek explains why the best leaders create environments of trust and safety — directly applicable to Irish project teams.
Risk
8 min
ProjectManager.com
Risk Management Basics — Identify, Assess, and Respond
Professional explainer covering the full risk management process — identification, assessment, response planning, and monitoring. Aligned with ISO 31000 and PMI standards.
Methodologies
5 min
Atlassian
Agile vs Waterfall — What's the Difference?
From Atlassian, one of the world's leading Agile companies — a clear explanation of the core differences between Waterfall and Agile methodologies with practical examples.
Strategy
15 min
Google / Coursera
Google Project Management Certificate — Foundations
From Google's free Project Management Certificate on Coursera. This foundational video covers what project management is, why it matters, and how it applies to real organisations.
AI
6 min
Microsoft
How to Use Microsoft Copilot — Beginner's Tutorial
A practical beginner's guide to Microsoft Copilot showing how to use it across Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Highly relevant for Irish organisations already using Microsoft 365.
Methodologies
4 min
Axelos / PRINCE2
What is PRINCE2? — Official Overview
The official Axelos overview of PRINCE2 — the world's most widely adopted project management methodology. Covers the 7 principles, 7 themes, and 7 processes in an accessible format.
Teams
9 min
ProjectManager.com
Leadership Styles in Project Management Explained
Covers servant, democratic, and transformational leadership styles and how each applies to different project team contexts — including charities and SMEs.
Strategy
14 min
AlvinthePM
PMBOK 7th Edition Explained in 15 Minutes
A concise 15-minute breakdown of the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition — covering performance domains, the 12 principles, and what the shift from process groups means for practitioners.
Risk
7 min
ProjectManager.com
Project Governance Explained — Structures, Roles and Accountability
Clear explainer on project governance frameworks including steering groups, decision-making authority, and accountability structures — directly relevant to Irish charity governance.
AI
10 min
Proper Project Management
How To Use ChatGPT For Project Management
A practical guide to using ChatGPT for project management tasks — drafting reports, generating risk registers, writing stakeholder updates, and creating project templates in minutes.
Methodologies
12 min
Atlassian
What is Agile? — The Complete Beginner's Guide
Atlassian's comprehensive beginner guide to Agile methodology — covering sprints, backlogs, standups, and retrospectives. Practical and immediately applicable to any team.
PMBOK GUIDE VIDEO SERIES
PMBOK Guide 7th Edition — Core Concepts Explained.
This curated series covers the key performance domains and principles of the PMI PMBOK Guide 7th Edition (2021) — the global standard for project management that underpins this entire guide.
FEATURED
PMBOK 7th Edition — Explained in 15 Minutes
A concise, practical breakdown of PMBOK 7th Edition — covering performance domains, the 12 project management principles, and what changed from the 6th Edition.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Domain 1
Stakeholder Performance Domain
Managing stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Read more at pmi.org ↗
Domain 2
Team Performance Domain
Building, leading, and developing a high-performing project team using modern leadership principles.
Read more at pmi.org ↗
Domain 3
Development Approach & Lifecycle
Choosing between predictive, adaptive, and hybrid approaches based on project context.
Read more at pmi.org ↗
Domain 4
Planning Performance Domain
Organising and coordinating activities to deliver project outcomes within constraints.
Read more at pmi.org ↗
Domain 5
Uncertainty & Risk Domain
Addressing risks, uncertainty, and complexity throughout the project lifecycle.
Read more at pmi.org ↗
PODCASTS & AUDIO
Learn by Listening.
These leading project management podcasts are all free to access and cover topics directly relevant to Irish organisations.
Projectified by PMI
Project Management Institute
Real stories from project professionals around the world. Episodes cover leadership, risk, strategy, AI in PM, and career development. Highly credible and professionally produced.
200+ episodes, weekly releases
LeadershipRiskStrategyAI
Listen on Spotify
The PM Podcast
Cornelius Fichtner
One of the longest running project management podcasts with over 500 episodes. Covers PMP exam prep, PM tools, methodologies, and interviews with leading practitioners.
500+ episodes
PMP PrepToolsMethods
Listen at pmpodcast.com
Agile for Humans
Ryan Ripley
Focused on Agile, Scrum, and modern team practices. Ideal for Irish teams adopting Agile or Hybrid methodologies. Practical, warm, and accessible in tone.
150+ episodes
AgileScrumTeams
Listen on Spotify
HBR IdeaCast
Harvard Business Review
Weekly podcast from Harvard Business Review covering management, leadership, and strategy. Episodes regularly feature project management and organisational themes from leading academics and practitioners.
900+ episodes, weekly
LeadershipStrategyManagement
Listen at hbr.org
The Rebellion Project
PMI
A newer PMI podcast focused on challenging conventional thinking in project management. Covers sustainability, ethics, diversity, and the future of the profession — directly relevant to ECCSR principles.
Growing library
EthicsSustainabilityFuture
Listen at pmi.org
Beyond the To-Do List
Erik Fisher
Productivity and personal effectiveness podcast that explores how project managers and team leaders can work smarter. Practical for Irish SME owners managing projects alongside operational responsibilities.
300+ episodes
ProductivityFocusPlanning
Listen on Apple Podcasts
WRITTEN GUIDES AND BOOKS
Essential Reading for Project Managers.
These are the core academic texts, professional guides, and online resources referenced throughout Project Smart Ireland. All are credible, current, and directly relevant to Irish practice.
Core Academic Texts
Strategy & Planning
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) — 7th Edition
The global standard for project management. 7th edition introduces performance domains and principles-based approach.
General PM
APM Body of Knowledge — 7th Edition
The UK and Ireland standard for PM competence. Widely used in Irish public sector and charity contexts.
Methodologies
Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 — 6th Edition
The official PRINCE2 guide. Comprehensive structured framework used in 50+ countries.
Teams & Leadership
Leadership: Theory and Practice — 9th Edition
The leading academic text on leadership theory — servant, democratic, and transformational styles.
Strategy
Project Management: A Managerial Approach — 10th Edition
Classic PM text combining academic rigour with practical application. Strong on strategic alignment.
General PM
Project Management: A Systems Approach — 12th Edition
Comprehensive systems approach to PM. Strong on monitoring, control, and change management.
Leadership
Leading Change
The foundational text on change management. Kotter's 8 steps widely used in Irish organisational change projects.
Strategy
Reinventing Project Management
Challenges conventional PM wisdom. Introduces the Diamond Model of project strategy.
Sustainability
Sustainability in Project Management
The definitive academic text on sustainable PM. Covers triple bottom line and social responsibility.
Teams
Transformational Leadership — 2nd Edition
Academic foundation of transformational leadership theory. Essential for Irish charity leaders.
Strategy
The Handbook of Project-Based Management — 4th Edition
Comprehensive strategic PM handbook. Strong on activity traps and strategic alignment failures.
ECCSR
Project Management Made Easy: The ECCSR Approach — 1st Edition
Primary source for the ECCSR framework. Written by co-creator of the MSc PM at UCD Smurfit. Directly referenced throughout this site.
Professional Bodies and Online Resources
PMI
Project Management Institute
pmi.org — Global PM body. Access PMBOK, research reports, Pulse of the Profession, templates, and certification guidance.
Visit pmi.org →
APM
Association for Project Management
apm.org.uk — UK and Ireland PM body. Free resources, knowledge hub, and the APM Body of Knowledge.
Visit apm.org.uk →
AX
Axelos / PeopleCert
axelos.com — Official PRINCE2 and MSP guidance, certification pathways, and free practitioner resources.
Visit axelos.com →
CR
Charities Regulator Ireland
charitiesregulator.ie — Governance Code 2020, annual reporting requirements, and regulatory guidance for all registered Irish charities.
Visit charitiesregulator.ie →
EI
Enterprise Ireland
enterprise-ireland.com — Supports Irish SME growth. Resources on project management, innovation funding, and business development.
Visit enterprise-ireland.com →
ISO
ISO — International Organisation for Standardisation
iso.org — ISO 31000 Risk Management Guidelines and other international standards directly referenced on this site.
Visit iso.org →
GRI
Global Reporting Initiative
globalreporting.org — International sustainability reporting standards. Used for measuring and communicating project sustainability performance.
Visit globalreporting.org →
UN
United Nations — SDG Portal
sdgs.un.org — The 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Free resources, data, and guidance on integrating SDGs into organisational practice.
Visit sdgs.un.org →
DPC
Data Protection Commission Ireland
dataprotection.ie — Irish GDPR authority. Guidance on AI tools, data processing, and compliance obligations for Irish organisations.
Visit dataprotection.ie →
AG
Agile Alliance
agilealliance.org — Original home of the Agile Manifesto and the leading global community for Agile practitioners.
Visit agilealliance.org →
FREE TEMPLATES
Download Your Free Project Management Templates.
Eight professionally designed templates you can use immediately on your next project. All are aligned with PMI PMBOK 7th Edition and Irish best practice.
Templates are available as part of the Project Smart Ireland resource library. Click any download button to access your copy.
Project Brief Template
One-page project brief covering title, objectives, scope, stakeholders, timeline, budget, assumptions, and success criteria. Aligned with PMI PMBOK 7th Edition.
2 pages · PDF format
⬇ Download Project Brief
PMI PMBOK aligned · Free
Risk Register Template
Comprehensive risk register with columns for risk ID, description, probability, impact, score, response strategy, owner, and status. ISO 31000 aligned.
1 page spreadsheet · Excel / PDF
⬇ Download Risk Register
ISO 31000 aligned · Free
Stakeholder Comms Plan
Maps all stakeholders against communication frequency, channel, owner, and required information. Ensures consistent, planned stakeholder engagement.
1 page · Excel / PDF
⬇ Download Comms Plan
PMBOK aligned · Free
Project Charter Template
Single-page project charter covering purpose, objectives, key deliverables, milestones, budget summary, and sponsor sign-off section.
1 page · PDF format
⬇ Download Project Charter
PMI aligned · Free
Lessons Learned Log
Structured template for capturing lessons from each project phase. Includes category, what happened, root cause, and recommendation for future projects.
1 page · Excel / PDF
⬇ Download Lessons Log
Best practice aligned · Free
Project Closure Checklist
Step-by-step closure checklist covering deliverable handover, contract closeout, team release, knowledge transfer, and final stakeholder sign-off.
1 page · PDF format
⬇ Download Closure Checklist
PMBOK aligned · Free
Meeting Agenda Template
Professional project meeting agenda with attendees, objectives, timed agenda items, action log, and next steps. Keeps meetings focused and accountable.
1 page · PDF format
⬇ Download Meeting Agenda
Ready to use · Free
Governance Checklist
Aligned with the Charities Regulator Governance Code (2020). 10-point checklist for Irish charities ensuring governance obligations are met at each project phase.
2 pages · PDF format
⬇ Download Governance Checklist
Charities Regulator aligned · Free
IRISH RESOURCES
Resources Specific to Ireland.
These organisations, funding bodies, and regulatory authorities are specifically relevant to Irish small businesses and charities managing projects in Ireland.
Funding Bodies
Funding Body
Pobal
Pobal manages government and EU funding programmes on behalf of the Irish state. Many Irish charities and community organisations receive Pobal funding — which requires strict project planning, monitoring, and reporting compliance.
Key requirement: Quarterly reporting, budget tracking, outcomes measurement
Visit pobal.ie
Government Agency
Tusla — Child and Family Agency
Ireland's dedicated child and family agency funds community services and requires rigorous project governance and compliance reporting from funded organisations.
Key requirement: Governance standards, safeguarding compliance, outcome reporting
Visit tusla.ie
Business Support
Enterprise Ireland
The Irish government agency responsible for growing Irish enterprises. Provides funding, mentoring, and project support for Irish SMEs and startups.
Key requirement: Business case, milestone tracking, impact reporting
Visit enterprise-ireland.com
Regulatory Bodies
Regulator
Charities Regulator Ireland
Regulates all registered charities in Ireland. The Governance Code (2020) sets out five principles all Irish charities must comply with. Annual reporting is mandatory.
Key requirement: Governance Code 2020, annual reporting, compliance
Visit charitiesregulator.ie
Regulator
Data Protection Commission
The Irish GDPR supervisory authority. Issues guidance on AI tools, data processing in project management, and organisational data compliance obligations.
Key requirement: GDPR compliance, AI tool guidance, data processing
Visit dataprotection.ie
Government
Revenue Commissioners Ireland
Relevant for Irish project managers dealing with budget management, procurement, VAT, and financial compliance in project delivery.
Key requirement: Tax compliance, procurement rules, financial governance
Visit revenue.ie
Support Organisations
Charity Support
The Wheel
Ireland's largest representative body for charities, community organisations, and social enterprises. Provides training, resources, and advocacy for the Irish third sector.
Key requirement: Sector guidance, training, networking
Visit wheel.ie
Charity Support
Charities Institute Ireland
Represents larger Irish charities and provides governance, leadership, and fundraising guidance. Publishes research on Irish charity management.
Key requirement: Governance, leadership, fundraising compliance
Visit charitiesinstitute.ie
Business Support
Local Enterprise Offices
LEOs are the 'first stop shop' for Irish SMEs. Located in every county, they provide training, mentoring, and funding support for small businesses managing projects.
Key requirement: Business planning, funding applications, mentoring
Visit localenterprise.ie
AI TOOLS DIRECTORY
AI Tools for Irish Project Managers.
A quick-reference directory of the leading AI tools available to Irish project managers — most with free tiers suitable for small organisations.
GPT
ChatGPT — OpenAI
Writing & Planning
Draft reports, generate templates, summarise documents
Free tier availablechat.openai.com →
MS
Microsoft Copilot
Integrated Productivity
Word, Excel, Teams — AI in your existing workflow
Microsoft 365 requiredmicrosoft.com →
N
Notion AI
Knowledge Management
Project plans, meeting notes, action tracking
Free tier availablenotion.so →
T
Trello AI — Atlassian
Task Management
Kanban boards, card automation, workload view
Free tier availabletrello.com →
CL
Claude — Anthropic
Analysis & Research
Document analysis, long reports, contract review
Free tier availableclaude.ai →
GM
Google Gemini
Research & Workspace
Google Docs, Sheets, Meet integration, research
Free tier availablegemini.google.com →
MO
Monday.com AI
Project Platform
Status updates, workload balancing, predictions
Free trial availablemonday.com →
PX
Perplexity AI
Research & Discovery
Current research, funding discovery, fact checking
Free tier availableperplexity.ai →
FULL BIBLIOGRAPHY
All References Cited Across Project Smart Ireland.
All sources referenced throughout this guide are listed below in APA 7th Edition format, organised by topic area.
PMI. (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge: PMBOK guide (7th ed.). Project Management Institute.
StrategyMeredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2018). Project management: A managerial approach (10th ed.). Wiley.
StrategyTurner, J. R. (2014). The handbook of project-based management (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
StrategyShenhar, A. J., & Dvir, D. (2007). Reinventing project management: The diamond approach to successful growth and innovation. Harvard Business Review Press.
StrategyKerzner, H. (2017). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling (12th ed.). Wiley.
StrategyCSO. (2023). Business in Ireland 2023. Central Statistics Office. https://www.cso.ie
StrategyPMI. (2023). Pulse of the profession 2023: Power skills. Project Management Institute. https://www.pmi.org
StrategyCovey, S. R. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people. Simon & Schuster.
StrategyNorthouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications.
TeamsBass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational leadership (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
TeamsAPM. (2019). APM body of knowledge (7th ed.). Association for Project Management. https://www.apm.org.uk
TeamsTuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384–399.
TeamsGreenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Paulist Press.
TeamsBurns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper & Row.
TeamsCharities Institute Ireland. (2022). Annual report and sector overview 2022. Charities Institute Ireland. https://www.charitiesinstitute.ie
TeamsHofstede, G. (2010). Cultures and organisations: Software of the mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
TeamsISO. (2018). ISO 31000:2018 — Risk management guidelines. International Organisation for Standardisation. https://www.iso.org
RiskCharities Regulator. (2020). Charities governance code. Charities Regulator Ireland. https://www.charitiesregulator.ie
RiskAPM. (2022). APM survey: Conditions for project success. Association for Project Management. https://www.apm.org.uk
RiskKotter, J. P. (1996). Leading change. Harvard Business Review Press.
RiskEU. (2016). Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament — General Data Protection Regulation. Official Journal of the European Union.
RiskIreland. (2022). Protected disclosures (amendment) act 2022. Government of Ireland. https://www.irishstatutebook.ie
RiskIreland. (2009). Charities act 2009. Government of Ireland. https://www.irishstatutebook.ie
RiskAxelos. (2017). Managing successful projects with PRINCE2 (6th ed.). TSO.
MethodsBeck, K., Beedle, M., et al. (2001). Manifesto for agile software development. https://agilemanifesto.org
MethodsSchwaber, K., & Sutherland, J. (2020). The scrum guide. Scrum Alliance. https://www.scrumguides.org
MethodsConforto, E. C., Salum, F., Amaral, D. C., da Silva, S. L., & de Almeida, L. F. M. (2016). Can agile project management be adopted by industries other than software development? Project Management Journal, 45(3), 21–34.
MethodsRoyce, W. W. (1970). Managing the development of large software systems. Proceedings of IEEE WESCON.
MethodsHoughton, J. (2023). Project management made easy: The ECCSR approach (1st ed.). http://www.houghton.consulting/pm/
SustainabilitySilvius, A. J. G., & Schipper, R. (2014). Sustainability in project management. Gower.
SustainabilityUnited Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org
SustainabilityWorld Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Our common future (The Brundtland Report). Oxford University Press.
SustainabilityPMI. (2006). PMI code of ethics and professional conduct. Project Management Institute. https://www.pmi.org
SustainabilityEuropean Commission. (2019). The European green deal. European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu
SustainabilityIreland. (2023). Climate action plan 2023. Government of Ireland. https://www.gov.ie
SustainabilityEuropean Commission. (2024). Corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD). Official Journal of the European Union. https://ec.europa.eu
SustainabilityGRI. (2021). GRI standards: Universal standards 2021. Global Reporting Initiative. https://www.globalreporting.org
SustainabilityOECD. (2011). OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises. OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd.org
SustainabilityEuropean Parliament. (2024). Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 — Artificial intelligence act. Official Journal of the European Union. https://eur-lex.europa.eu
AIData Protection Commission. (2023). Guidance on artificial intelligence and data protection. Data Protection Commission Ireland. https://www.dataprotection.ie
AIMcKinsey & Company. (2024). The state of AI in 2024. McKinsey Global Institute. https://www.mckinsey.com
AIGartner. (2024). Gartner top strategic technology trends 2024. Gartner Research. https://www.gartner.com
AIPinto, J. K. (2023). The influence of artificial intelligence on project management. International Journal of Project Management, 41(4), 102–118.
AIOpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT usage and safety policies. OpenAI. https://openai.com
AIMicrosoft. (2024). Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365: AI assistance overview. Microsoft Corporation. https://www.microsoft.com
AIEnterprise Ireland. (2022). Annual report 2022: Supporting Irish enterprise. Enterprise Ireland. https://www.enterprise-ireland.com
IrishPobal. (2023). Annual report and programme review 2023. Pobal. https://www.pobal.ie
IrishCSO. (2023). Census of population 2022: Principal demographic results. Central Statistics Office. https://www.cso.ie
IrishThe Wheel. (2022). The wheel annual review: The scale and impact of the Irish nonprofit sector 2022. The Wheel. https://www.wheel.ie
IrishMendelow, A. (1991). Stakeholder mapping. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Information Systems. Cambridge, MA.
IrishNo references found matching your search. Try different keywords or clear the filter.
How to cite Project Smart Ireland
When referencing content from this website in academic work, use the following format:
Gilligan, D. (2026). Project Smart Ireland: An online project management guide for Irish businesses and charities. https://www.davingilligan.com
For any specific page, add the page title and URL. For example: Gilligan, D. (2026). Strategy and planning. In Project Smart Ireland. https://www.davingilligan.com/strategy-planning
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