309 Agile courses in Potters Bar delivered Live Online

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for Experienced system administrators, network administrators, and system integrators responsible for designing and implementing networking solutions Network and security professionals who work with enterprise and data center networks Overview By the end of the course, you should be able to meet the following objectives: Discuss the SD-WAN architecture and platform deployment model options Identify and describe the SD-WAN solution components Explain the interaction between the SD-WAN Edge, Orchestrator, and Gateway components Describe the SD-WAN Software-Defined Networking (SDN) approach, traffic, and network flows Explore SD-WAN core features and evaluate how these dramatically improve operational automation Use SD-WAN features to perform simple, agile, and secure SD-WAN operations Simplify branch infrastructure by inserting network services on the branch edge, in the cloud, or in the regional and enterprise data centers This course provides you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to achieve competency in deploying and managing the VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud environment. In this course, you are introduced to workflows of various software-defined WAN constructs along with several operational tools that help you deploy and manage VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud. Course Introduction Introductions and course logistics Course objectives Introduction to VMware SD-WAN Solution Revisit the traditional WAN technology, WAN topologies and downsides Explain the challenges solved by Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and use cases List the components of the VMware SASE? solution Describe the VMware SD-WAN solution and list its capabilities VMware SD-WAN Components and Architecture Understand the architecture of the VMware SD-WAN solution and list all its components Explain the function of VMware SD-WAN Edges, Hub, Gateways, controllers, and Orchestrator Explain how the components of the VMware SD-WAN solution interact with each other Using VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator Describe key attributes of the VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator List primary features of the VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator Navigate the main menus of the VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator portal Deploy and Configure VMware SD-WAN Understand the deployment process of VMware SD-WAN components like VMware SD-WAN Edges, Hubs, Gateways, and more Understand the workflow of the VMware SD-WAN configuration List the optional network services that are supported by VMware and the steps to configure the same Understand the profiles and their application in the VMware SD-WAN infrastructure Describe the VMware SD-WAN Edge activation process Path and Traffic Management List the routing options supported by VMware SD-WAN: Static, BGP, OSPF Understand the Dynamic Multipath Optimization (DMPO) feature and its advantages Explain the Quality of Service and its configuration to manage traffic Securing VMware SD-WAN Environment Explain various options available to secure VMware SD-WAN environments. Understand the firewall capabilities and configuration Monitoring, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting List and understand the various features available to monitor the VMware SD-WAN infrastructure List and understand the various options available to troubleshoot and investigate issues in VMware SD-WAN Additional course details:Notes Delivery by TDSynex, Exit Certified and New Horizons an VMware Authorised Training Centre (VATC) Nexus Humans VMware SD-WAN: Deploy and Manage [V4.x] - On Demand training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the VMware SD-WAN: Deploy and Manage [V4.x] - On Demand course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is intended for managers, team leads, and individual contributors on techniques and best practices for continual improvement of themselves as leaders. Overview Define leadership. Assess your own leadership traits. Establish your leadership development plan. Develop your communication skills. Build your reputation. You have transitioned from an individual contributor to a manager, or as an individual contributor, you\'ve acquired practical skills to enhance your leadership abilities. When you want to take your leadership skills to the next level, you assess your leadership traits, develop your communication skills, and build your reputation. These strategies can increase your ability to effectively influence others and get results. Private classes on this topic are available. We can address your organization?s issues, time constraints, and save you money, too. Contact us to find out how. Prerequisites Students taking this course should have completed the course: Practical Leadership (Second Edition) 1. Defining Leadership Topic A: Identify Leadership Attributes Topic B: Identify Leadership Responsibilities 2. Assessing Your Leadership Traits Topic A: Assess Your Leadership Characteristics Topic B: Determine How Colleagues View Your Leadership Topic C: Evaluate Factors that Affect Your Leadership 3. Establishing Your Leadership Development Plan Topic A: Identify Your Destination Topic B: Establish Your Map Topic C: Build a Leadership Development Plan 4. Developing Your Communication Skills Topic A: Upgrade Your Listening Skills Topic B: Improve Your Communication Effectiveness 5. Building Your Reputation Topic A: Establish Your Credibility Topic B: Use Influence to Get Results Additional course details: Nexus Humans Developing Yourself as a Leader (Second Edition) training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Developing Yourself as a Leader (Second Edition) course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for Technical leaders Overview This course provides general overview of Blockchain technology and is specifically designed to answer the following questions:What is Blockchain? (What exactly is it?)Non-Technical Technology Overview (How does it work?)Benefits of Blockchain (Why should anyone consider this?)Use Cases (Where and for what apps is it appropriate?)Adoption (Who is using it and for what?)Implementation (How do I get started?)Future of Blockchain (What is its future?) This instructor-led 1 day Blockchain Architecture training is for technical leaders who need to make decisions about architecture, environment, and development platforms. What is Blockchain? A record keeping system Trust Decentralization Trustless environment How does Blockchain work? Announcements Blocks Nodes Chaining Verification Consensus Scalability Privacy Crypto Hashing Digital Fingerprinting PoW vs PoS Types of Blockchains Public vs Private Open vs closed Smart Contracts Blockchain as History Tokens / Coins Gas How is Blockchain different from what we have today? Decentralized Peer-to-peer architecture Software vs Firmware Database vs Blockchain Distributed database or other technology? Data Sovereignty Group Consensus What are Use Cases for Blockchain? Use Case Examples Currency Banking Services Voting Medical Records Supply Chain / Value Chain Content Distribution Verification of Software Updates (cars, planes, trains, etc) Law Enforcement Title and Ownership Records Social Media and Online Credibility Fractional asset ownership Cable Television billing High fault tolerance DDoS-proof Public or Private Blockchain? Who are the participants? What does a Blockchain app look like? DApp Resembles typical full stack web application Any internal state changes and all transactions are written to the blockchain Node.js IDE Public Blockchain visibility Private Blockchain solutions Oracles How do I design a Blockchain app? What does this solution need to let users do? Will the proposed solution reduce or remove the problems and pain points currently felt by users? What should this solution prevent users from doing? Do you need a solution ready for heavy use on day 1? Is your solution idea enhanced by the use of Blockchain? Does the use of Blockchain create a better end-user experience? If so, how? Has your business developed custom software solutions before? What level of support are you going to need? How big is the developer community? Does your vision of the future align with the project or platform's vision of the future? Does the platform aim to make new and significant contributions to the development space, or is it an efficiency / cost play? Should the solution be a public or private Blockchain? Should the solution be an open or closed Blockchain? Create a plan for contract updates and changes! Hybrid solutions Monetary exchanges? How do I develop a Blockchain app? AGILE approach pre-release Define guiding principles up front Software vs Firmware Announcements, not transactions! Classes, not contracts Link contracts to share functions Use calling contracts to keep contract address the same Hyperledger vs Ethereum CONSIDER No of Users * Avg No of Transactions (state changes) per User Should a Blockless solution be applied? Performance Security Anonymity Security Monolithic vs Modular Sandwich complexity model How do I test a Blockchain app? Recommend 5x to 10x traditional application testing time Security Networks Additional course details: Nexus Humans Blockchain - An Overview for Business Professionals training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Blockchain - An Overview for Business Professionals course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Duration 4 Days 24 CPD hours This course is intended for This course assumes the student has successfully taken and passed the NCSF Foundation 2.0 course based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework version 1.1, release April 2018. Following the course introduction, the course provides an introduction to the intersection between digital transformation and cybersecurity, which is followed by an overview of the threat landscape. Following an approach to the implementation of cybersecurity controls, the course delves into an organizational approach to cybersecurity that starts governance, management, and a supportive culture,Finally, the course provides additional guidance for the cybersecurity practitioner to determine the current state, the desired state, and a plan to close the gap - and to do this over and over again to inculcate it into organizational DNA. Overview This course looks at the impact of digital transformation on cybersecurity risks, an understanding of the threat landscape, and an approach to the application of cybersecurity controls. It provides guidance for students on the best approach to design and build a comprehensive cybersecurity program. Executives are keenly aware of the risks but have limited knowledge on the best way to mitigate these risks. This course also enables our executives to answer the critical question - Are we secure? The class includes lectures, informative supplemental reference materials, quizzes, exercises, and formal examination. The exercises are a critical aspect of the course; do not skip them. Outcomes and benefits from this class is a practical approach that students can use to build and maintain comprehensive cybersecurity and cyber-risk management programs. This course is targeted at IT and Cybersecurity professionals looking to become certified on how to operationalize the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSP) across an enterprise and its supply chain. Digital Transformation Explores what the Practitioner needs to know about the relationship between digital transformation and cybersecurity Explain how to determine the impact of cybersecurity on DX. Explain the relationships between culture and digital transformation from the perspective of a practitioner. Explain the delivery of value to stakeholders in a DX & cybersecurity environment. Illustrate the interdependent relationship between cybersecurity and DX. Threat Landscape The Practitioner needs to understand what threat actors do and their capabilities. Compare the evolving attack type impact to the threat environment. Apply knowledge about the threat landscape to maintain a readiness to respond. Develop a risk profile based on business impact analysis Establish the relationship between awareness and training in the continual improvement of cybersecurity posture. Develop and treat training & awareness as a critical aspect of deterrence Use knowledge about the threat landscape as a predicate to the adoption and adaptation of your cybersecurity posture. The Controls This chapter provides a sample set of controls based on an informative reference. Understand the purpose goals & objectives for each control. Characterize & explain the informative reference controls Discover how to apply the controls in an organizational context. Adopt & Adapt Adopt is a decision about governance; adapt is the set of management decisions that result from the decision to adopt. Distinguish Adopt, Adapt, Management & Governance. Develop an approach to adoption & adaptation. Distinguish & demonstrate the impact of organizational culture on developing cybersecurity as a capability. Develop an assessment approach to define current state. Adaptive Way of Working Threat actors are agile and highly adaptive. The cybersecurity Practitioner must develop the same capabilities Break down what constitutes an adaptive approach. Characterize & apply the need for crossfunctional teams. Recognize and prioritize the first steps (get started). Demonstrate & establish cybersecurity phases. Break down the impact of the flows. Rapid Adoption & Rapid Adaptation FastTrack FastTrack? is an approach to allow organizations to learn to adapt to an evolving threat landscape rapidly. Approach: Establish what it takes to adopt CS. Determine how that impacts management adaptation of CS. Determine how that impacts the capability to assess. CS Capability: Determine the gap between existing & needed capabilities. Establish what must be developed. Develop appropriate risk management profile. Discover how cybersecurity impacts people, practice & technology impacts organization. Differentiate CIS Implementation groups. Determine appropriate implementation group & approach. Develop appropriate phase approaches. CIIS Practice Cybersecurity is an ongoing game of cat and mouse. Organizations must learn how to inculcate cybersecurity improvement into their DNA. Break down & develop mechanisms for ongoing cybersecurity improvement that includes developing a learning organization. Illustrate an improvement plan based on the NIST 7-Step Approach. Illustrate an improvement plan based on the Improvement GPS Demonstrate understanding of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Break down the balancing loop & how it fits into the escalation archetype Use the Fast Track? (improvement & implementation) cycles.

Talent Management and Succession Planning,” the podcast where we explore the critical aspects of attracting and retaining top finance talen Talent management is the lifeblood of any organisation, and finance departments are no exception. In a competitive business landscape, attracting and retaining top finance talent can make a significant difference. Highly skilled and motivated professionals drive innovation, improve financial performance, and contribute to strategic decision-making. By investing in talent management, CFOs ensure their organisations have the right people in the right roles, which is vital for sustainable growth and success. Talent management also enables CFOs to build a culture of continuous learning and development. By nurturing the skills and capabilities of finance professionals, we create an environment that fosters innovation and adaptability. This is crucial in today’s rapidly changing business landscape, where finance teams need to keep pace with evolving technologies, regulations, and industry trends. Talent management provides a foundation for building a resilient and agile finance function. Succession planning is an integral part of talent management. How do CFOs approach succession planning, particularly in finance leadership roles? Succession planning is a proactive approach to ensure a smooth transition of leadership roles. CFOs need to identify high-potential individuals within their finance teams and provide them with opportunities for growth and development. This includes mentorship, training programs, and exposure to cross-functional experiences. By preparing a pipeline of future finance leaders, CFOs can mitigate the risks associated with unexpected departures or retirements, ensuring continuity and stability in finance leadership. Additionally, succession planning should encompass diversity and inclusion. CFOs recognize the importance of building diverse finance teams that reflect the broader talent pool. By providing equal opportunities for underrepresented groups and promoting inclusivity, we foster a culture of belonging and tap into a wider range of perspectives and ideas. Diverse teams drive innovation and improve decision-making, contributing to the overall success of the organisation. How do CFOs create a talent development culture within their finance teams, and what initiatives can be implemented to foster continuous growth? CFOs can create a talent development culture by prioritizing learning and development initiatives. This includes offering ongoing training programs, supporting professional certifications, and providing access to resources that enhance technical and soft skills. CFOs should encourage finance professionals to take ownership of their own development and provide opportunities for them to stretch their capabilities. This may involve cross-functional projects, exposure to different areas of the business, or participation in industry conferences and networking events. Additionally, mentorship and coaching programs play a crucial role in talent development. CFOs can pair experienced finance leaders with up-and-coming talent, fostering knowledge transfer, and providing guidance and support. Encouraging regular feedback and performance discussions helps finance professionals understand their strengths and areas for improvement, enabling targeted development plans. By creating a culture that values continuous learning and growth, CFOs empower their finance teams to reach their full potential. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/talent-management-and-succession-planning/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Classes Online Business Classes #leadership #development #successionplanning #employees #talentmanagement

Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for The target students for this course are office professionals with a foundational understanding of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC who want to use the advanced productivity features and the creative features of Acrobat Pro DC. Overview In this course you will create and manage PDF documents. Students will: Customize the Acrobat Pro DC workspace. Create PDFs from technical documents. Enhance PDF documents. Create interactive PDF forms. Finalize PDF files for commercial printing. In this course, students will learn to use advanced document tools and modify document properties, compare documents, enhance scans, as well as enhance documents by adding rich media such as sound, video, and interactive buttons. Students will learn to use the measurement tool, the distance tool, the perimeter tool and the area tool. Students will create interactive forms from a Word document or InDesign document, add form elements, add check boxes and radio buttons, and distribute forms for feedback. Students will understand the importance of accessibility and test for accessibility. Finally, students will understand signatures, create signatures, and add signatures to a document. 1 - Introduction Introduction 2 - Advanced Document Tools Using Document Properties Comparing Documents Enhancing Scans 3 - Adding Rich Media Adding Sound Adding Video Adding Buttons 4 - Using the Measurement Tools Understanding the Measurement Tool Using the Distance Tools Using the Perimeter Tool Using the Area Tool 5 - Creating Forms Creating a Form from a Word Document Creating a Form from InDesign Adding Form Elements Adding Check Boxes and Radio Buttons Distributing Forms 6 - Understanding Accessibility What is Accessibility? Running an Accessibility Test 7 - Creating Signatures and Certificates What is a Digital Signature? Creating a Digital Signature Adding a Signature to a Document 8 - Conclusion Course Recap Additional course details: Nexus Humans Adobe Acrobat Pro DC - Advanced training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Adobe Acrobat Pro DC - Advanced course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Duration 4 Days 24 CPD hours This course is intended for Cisco integrators and partners Network operators Network administrators Optical network administrators System administrators System integrators and professional services Overview After taking this course, you should be able to: Describe Cisco EPN Manager's features and navigate the Cisco EPN Manager's user interface Understand the network inventory, topologies, and circuits Manage dashboards, alarms, and events Create and interpret reports Distinguish the system requirements for Cisco EPN Manager, and procedures for new installations, upgrades, licensing, and high availability Manage device groups and virtual domains Establish user accounts and their role-based access to EPN Manager's features and devices Configure and combine devices Perform backups and restores Manage data retention, purging, and software updates Monitor system health and performance Update and manage software images Archive, review, and restore configuration files Configure Quality of Service (QoS) actions and policies Configure devices using templates Perform compliance audits Configure monitoring policies Provision Carrier Ethernet services Provision Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Traffic Engineering (TE) services Provision Circuit Emulation (CEM) services Provision an Optical Channel Network Connection (OCHNC) circuit Provision an Optical Channel Client Connection (OCHCC) circuit Provision an optical Media Channel Group with an OCHCC circuit Describe how Cisco EPN Manager can work with Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) to provide automated service provisioning The Configuring and Operating Cisco EPN Manager (EPNM100) v4.0 course shows you how to create efficient and agile network management through automated device operations, fast provisioning install, network configuration, dashboard management, and device management using Cisco¸ Evolved Programmable Network (EPN) Manager. Through a combination of lessons and hands-on labs, you will learn to maximize the benefits of the Cisco EPN Manager as a simplified, flexible, and cost-effective end-to-end lifecycle management solution for network provisioning, and network assurance management for today?s converging packet and optical multilayer networks. Exploring Cisco EPN Manager Cisco EPN Manager Overview Cisco EPN Manager Key Features Viewing Devices and Inventory Device Types View Devices Viewing Network Topologies and Circuits Topology Map Basics Change Information Displayed Using Dashboards Dashboards Overview Customize Dashboards Managing Alarms and Events Alarms and Events Overview View Alarms and Events Generating Reports Report Fundamentals Create and Schedule Reports Performing Basic Administration Installation Basics Perform Server Setup Adding Devices Device Management Fundamentals Add a Device Manually Add User-Defined Fields Backup and Restoring Backup Fundamentals Schedule a Backup Performing System Maintenance Software Updates Data Retention and Purging Software Image Management (SWIM) Software Image Management Fundamentals Setting Up Software Image Management Configuration Management Configuration Management Fundamentals Archive Setup Configuring QoS QoS Basics Create a Classification Profile Configuring Devices with Templates Device Configuration Methods Template Basics Performing Compliance Management Compliance Audit Basics Compliance Policy Basics Monitoring with Policies Monitoring Policy Fundamentals Edit a Monitoring Policy Circuit and Video Conferencing (VC) Fundamentals Circuit Provisioning Basics Supported Service Types Provisioning Carrier Ethernet Services Provision a Carrier Ethernet Service Verify a Service Provisioning Cisco MPLS Traffic Engineering Services Cisco MPLS TE Service Basics Provision a Cisco MPLS TE Service Provisioning Circuit Emulation Services Circuit Emulation Services Basics Provision a CEM Service Provisioning an OCHNC Circuit OCHNC Circuit Basics Set Up Devices for Circuit Provisioning an Optical OCHCC Circuit OCHCC Circuit Basics Set Up Devices for Circuit Provisioning a Media Channel Group with an OCHCC Circuit Media Channel Group with OCHCC Basics Provision a Media Channel Group Introducing Cisco EPN Manager with Cisco NSO Cisco EPN Manager with Cisco NSO Basics For More Information Additional course details: Nexus Humans Cisco Configuring and Operating Cisco EPN Manager v4.0 (EPNM100) training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Cisco Configuring and Operating Cisco EPN Manager v4.0 (EPNM100) course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

This five-day programme empowers participants with the skills and knowledge to understand and effectively apply best practice commercial and contracting principles and techniques, ensuring better contractor performance and greater value add. This is an assessed programme, leading to the International Association for Contracts & Commercial Management (IACCM)'s coveted Contract and Commercial Management Practitioner (CCMP) qualification. By the end of this comprehensive programme the participants will be able to: Develop robust contracting plans, including scopes of work and award strategies Undertake early market engagements to maximise competition Conduct effective contracting and commercial management activities, including ITT, RFP, negotiated outcomes Understand the legalities of contract and commercial management Negotiate effectively with key stakeholders and clients, making use of the key skills of persuading and influencing to optimise outcomes Undertake effective Supplier Relationship Management Appreciate the implications of national and organisational culture on contracting and commercial activities Appreciate professional contract management standards Set up and maintain contract and commercial management governance systems Take a proactive, collaborative, and agile approach to managing commercial contracts Develop and monitor appropriate and robust KPIs and SLAs to manage the contractor and facilitate improved contractor performance Appreciate the cross-functional nature of contract management Collaborate with clients to deliver sustainable performance and to manage and exceed client expectations Understand the roles and responsibilities of contract and commercial managers Use effective contractor selection and award methods and models (including the 10Cs model) and use these models to prepare robust propositions to clients Make effective use of lessons learned to promote improvements from less than optimal outcomes, using appropriate templates Effectively manage the process of change, claims, variations, and dispute resolution Develop and present robust propositions Make appropriate use of best practice contract and commercial management tools, techniques, and templates DAY ONE 1 Introduction Aims Objectives KPIs Learning strategies Plan for the programme 2 The contracting context Key objectives of contract management Importance and impact on the business 3 Critical success factors Essential features of professional commercial and contract management and administration The 6-step model 4 Putting the 'management' into commercial and contract management Traditional v 'new age' models The need for a commercial approach The added value generated 5 Definitions 'Commercial management' 'Contract management' 'Contracting' ... and why have formal contracts? 6 Stakeholders Stakeholder mapping and analysis The 'shared vision' concept Engaging with key functions, eg, HSE, finance, operations 7 Roles and responsibilities Contract administrators Stakeholders 8 Strategy and planning Developing effective contracting plans and strategies DAY TWO 1 Contract control Tools and techniques, including CPA and Gantt charts A project management approach Developing effective contract programmes 2 The contracting context Key objectives of contract management Importance and impact on the business 3 Tendering Overview of the contracting cycle Requirement to tender Methods Rationale Exceptions Steps Gateways Controls One and two package bids 4 Tender assessment and contract award I - framework Tender board procedures Role of the tender board (including minor and major tender boards) Membership Administration Developing robust contract award strategies and presentations DAY THREE 1 Tender assessment and contract award II - processes Pre-qualification processes CRS Vendor registration rules and processes Creating bidder lists Disqualification criteria Short-listing Using the 10Cs model Contract award and contract execution processes 2 Minor works orders Process Need for competition Role and purpose Controls Risks 3 Contract strategy Types of contract Call-offs Framework agreements Price agreements Supply agreements 4 Contract terms I: Pricing structures Lump sum Unit price Cost plus Time and materials Alternative methods Target cost Gain share contracts Advance payments Price escalation clauses 5 Contract terms II: Other financial clauses Insurance Currencies Parent body guarantees Tender bonds Performance bonds Retentions Sub-contracting Termination Invoicing 6 Contract terms III: Risk and reward Incentive contracts Management and mitigation of contractual risk DAY FOUR 1 Contract terms IV: Jurisdiction and related matters Applicable laws and regulations Registration Commercial registry Commercial agencies 2 Managing the client-contractor relationship Types of relationship Driving forces Link between type of contract and style of relationships Motivation - use of incentives and remedies 3 Disputes Types of dispute Conflict resolution strategies Negotiation Mediation Arbitration DAY FIVE 1 Performance measurement KPIs Benchmarking Cost controls Validity of savings Balanced scorecards Using the KPI template 2 Personal qualities of the contract manager Negotiation Communication Persuasion and influencing Working in a matrix environment 3 Contract terms V: Drafting skills Drafting special terms 4 Variations Contract and works variation orders Causes of variations Risk management Controls Prevention Negotiation with contractors 5 Claims Claims management processes Controls Risk mitigation Schedules of rates 6 Close-out Contract close-out and acceptance / completion HSE Final payments Performance evaluation Capturing the learning 7 Close Review Final assessment Next steps

From Practitioner to Leader

Masterclasses? Refreshers? Introductions? It depends what you're looking for and where you want to pitch them, but here are six tried-and-tested highly focused sessions that organisations can take individually or as a series, to help develop their teams' project management capabilities one topic at a time. Objectives for each individual session are set out below, as part of the session outlines. Taken together, as a series, however, these modules are an ideal opportunity to develop your team's levels of project management capability maturity, whether that's by introducing them to the basic principles, refreshing them on best practice, or giving them the opportunity to really drill down into a specific area of challenge in your particular operating environment. Session outlines 1 Stakeholder management Session objectives This session will help participants: Understand why stakeholders matter to projects Be able to identify and engage stakeholders Be able to categorise stakeholders by their significance 1 Key principles What does 'stakeholder' mean - in theory? What does this mean in practice? Why stakeholders matter Consequences of missing stakeholders The stakeholder management process:IdentifyAssessPlanEngage 2 Identifying stakeholders Rapid listing CPIG analysis PESTLE analysis Drawing on the knowledge and experience of others Other ways to identify stakeholders 3 Assessing stakeholders Which stakeholders are significant? Stakeholder radar Power-interest maps Power-attitude maps 4 Planning The adoption curve Dealing with obstacles Who should engage which stakeholder? How should the project's organisation be structured? How will communication happen? 5 Engaging Seven principles of stakeholder engagement 2 Requirements and prioritisation Session objectives This session will help participants: Understand how clarity of requirements contributes to project success Use different techniques for prioritising requirements Agree requirements with stakeholders Manage changes to requirements 1 Understanding and managing stakeholder needs and expectations What are 'requirements'? What is 'requirements management'? Sources of requirements - and the role of stakeholders Are stakeholders sufficiently expert to specify their needs? Do they understand the detail of what they want, or do they need help to tease that out? What do stakeholders want to achieve? Working within constraints Prioritising requirements - three techniques 2 MoSCoW prioritisation 'Must have', should have', 'could have, 'won't have this time' When to use MoSCoW 3 The Kano Model Customer satisfaction - 'attractive' and 'must-be' qualities When to use Kano 4 Value-based prioritisation Understanding risk v value Using risk v value to prioritise features and schedules 5 Agreeing requirements Perfect v 'good enough' Establishing acceptance criteria Requirements traceability Agreeing project scope 6 Changing requirements Why requirements change Why change control matters Impact on projects A formal change control process Paying for change - managing change for different types of project 3 Estimating Session objectives This session will help participants: Understand the different purposes estimates satisfy Be able to use different estimating techniques Understand how to achieve different levels of accuracy 1 Key principles What's an estimate? Informed guesswork What needs to be estimated? Costs, resources, effort, duration Tolerances Precision v accuracy 2 Estimating through the lifecycle Start Plan Do 3 Early estimates Comparative ('analogous') estimating Parametric estimating Using multiple estimating techniques 4 Bottom-up estimating Bottom-up ('analytical') estimating Pros Cons 5 Three-point estimating Three-point ('PERT': Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) estimating Uncertainty and the range of estimates Calculating a weighted average Three-point with bottom-up 4 Scheduling Session objectives This session will help participants: Understand how to create a viable schedule Be able to use different forms of schedule Understand the concept of the critical path 1 Key principles The planning horizon Rolling wave planning Release planning 2 Viable scheduling Creating a viable schedule Define the scope Sequence the work Identify the risks and build in mitigations Identify the resources Estimate the effort and durations Check resource availability Refine until a workable schedule is produced 3 Critical path analysis The critical path Network diagrams Sequence logic Practical application:Network diagram with estimated durationsThe 'forward pass'The 'backward pass'Calculating total floatIdentifying the critical pathCalculating free float Gantt charts 5 Risk and issue management Session objectives This session will help participants: Understand the difference between risks and issues Be able to identify and assess risks Understand ways of mitigating risks Manage issues 1 Key principles Understanding risk Threats and opportunities The risk management processPreparation - proactive risk managementThe process - identify, assess, plan, implementStakeholder communication Roles and responsibilities Risk management strategy The risk register Risk appetite 2 Risk identification Brainstorming Interviews Assumption analysis Checklists 3 Risk assessment and prioritisation Probability, impact and proximity Triggers Qualitative risk assessment Qualitative impact assessment Qualitative probability assessment Probability / impact grid Bubble charts Risk tolerance 4 Planning countermeasures To mitigate or not to mitigate? Categories of risk response Avoid and exploit Reduce and enhance Transfer Share Accept Contingency Secondary risks 5 Issue management What is an issue? Tolerances Issues and tolerances The PRINCE2 view of issues Ownership of issues An issue management process Issue register 6 Budgeting and cost control Session objectives This session will help participants: Understand what to include in a budget - and why Choose - and use - the appropriate estimating technique Align the budget with the schedule Understand how to monitor spend and control costs Trouble-shoot effectively to get projects back within budget Session format Flexible. The session can be tailored to the participants' average level of project management maturity - a 60-minute session (delivered virtually) is an effective introduction. A 90-minute session allows for more in-depth treatment. A half-day session (face-to-face or virtual) gives time for a more challenging workshop, particularly to discuss specific cost control issues with any of the participants' current projects. 1 Where is the money coming from? Can we pay from revenue? Do we need to borrow? How long will the project take to pay back? The lifecycle of the budget Through-life costs Stakeholder involvement 2 Estimating costs Reminder: the relationship between estimates Reminder: possible estimating techniques What do we need to estimate?PeopleEquipmentMaterialsFacilities and operating costsWork package estimateEstimated project costs Estimating agile projects 3 Aligning budget and schedule Scheduling and financial periods Spreading the budget 4 Reserves and agreeing the budget Contingency reserve Management reserve Agreeing the budget 5 Cost control Planned spend over time Actual spend over time Work completed over time Evaluating different scenarios: delivery v spend 6 Trouble-shooting Why are we where we are? What has caused the project to spend at the rate it is? Why is it delivering at the rate it is? What are the root causes? What can we do about it?