76 Budgeting courses in Cardiff delivered Live Online

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?

This course will move a manager’s focus away from simply reviewing last year’s financial performance, toward the development of an interactive approach, designed to really understand financial performance and the consequence of inaction. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN HOW TO: • The confidence to use budgeting tools and techniques • An understanding of the demands of financial management • The ability to analyse and challenge financial and accounting • Information • An understanding of fixed and variable costs and how these affect the sales price and profitability • Understanding the challenges of overhead allocation • Understanding the P&L • Developing awareness of fundamental investment appraisal techniques COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE: • Budget Definitions & Planning • Designing and developing a budget • Performance reporting systems & cost control • Zero-based budgeting systems • Understanding business costs (FC & VC) • Understanding variance analysis • Profit and Loss & Balance Sheet

Portfolio Building for Property Course Overview: This course on "Portfolio Building for Property" offers a comprehensive guide to the key principles of property investment and management. Designed for individuals seeking to develop a successful property portfolio, the course covers various property types, investment strategies, and risk management techniques. Learners will gain an understanding of the financial aspects of property investment, from budgeting and financing to analysing property value and market trends. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to build and manage a diverse property portfolio and make informed decisions that contribute to long-term financial success. Course Description: "Portfolio Building for Property" explores the essential elements of property investment, focusing on the strategies and tools needed to create a profitable and diversified property portfolio. Key topics include property selection, financing options, market analysis, risk management, and growth strategies. Throughout the course, learners will explore how to evaluate properties, understand market dynamics, and develop a sustainable portfolio. The course also introduces financial models and investment techniques that are critical in today’s property market. Learners will finish with the skills to assess opportunities, maximise returns, and make well-informed decisions within the property industry. Portfolio Building for Property Curriculum: Module 01: Module 02: Module 03: (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to enter the property investment market. Professionals aiming to enhance their property investment knowledge. Beginners with an interest in property management and investment. Investors looking to diversify their portfolio. Career Path Property Investor Real Estate Analyst Portfolio Manager Property Consultant Investment Advisor

Certified Project Manager Course Overview: The "Certified Project Manager" course is designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and skills required for effective project management. Covering key topics such as leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and change management, this course provides a comprehensive foundation for managing projects from start to finish. It is ideal for professionals looking to enhance their project management expertise and ensure successful project delivery. By the end of this course, learners will be prepared to manage projects efficiently, aligning them with organisational goals while maintaining focus on quality, budget, and timelines. Course Description: This course offers an in-depth exploration of project management principles, including project communication, leadership, and stakeholder management. Learners will delve into project methodologies, budgeting, scheduling, and performance assessment, ensuring they can lead projects effectively within diverse environments. The curriculum also covers critical topics like change management and scope definition, preparing learners to manage projects through every stage. Through the course, learners will gain valuable insights into essential project management tools, techniques, and strategies to address challenges and optimise project outcomes. This course is structured to provide a solid foundation in project management, preparing learners for a successful career in the field. Certified Project Manager Curriculum: Module 01: Introduction & Overview Module 02: Teams & Leadership Module 03: Project Communication Module 04: Stakeholder Management Module 05: The Basics of Project Management Module 06: Scope and Requirements Module 07: Developmental Methodologies Module 08: Effective Budgets & Schedules Module 09: Project Performance Module 10: Change Management (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to develop their project management skills. Professionals aiming to advance their careers in project management. Beginners with an interest in managing projects across industries. Those seeking to understand the fundamentals of project management processes. Career Path: Project Manager Programme Manager Project Coordinator Operations Manager Team Leader Project Analyst Construction Project Manager IT Project Manager

Course Overview: This course provides a comprehensive guide to preparing for a successful retirement life. It explores the key aspects of retirement planning, including financial strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and health considerations. Learners will gain a clear understanding of how to approach their retirement years with confidence and clarity, ensuring that their future is financially secure and personally fulfilling. This course covers vital topics such as budgeting for retirement, managing time effectively, staying healthy, and maintaining a positive mindset for life after work. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with essential knowledge and actionable strategies to create a balanced and enjoyable retirement lifestyle. Course Description: In this course, learners will explore various dimensions of preparing for a fulfilling retirement. Topics include financial planning, understanding pension schemes, managing healthcare needs, and making the most of personal time. The course delves into how to set achievable retirement goals, how to adjust to life post-retirement, and the importance of staying mentally and physically healthy. Learners will be guided on how to maintain a sense of purpose and continue developing new skills in retirement. By the end of the course, participants will have a well-rounded understanding of what is required to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable retirement. They will be able to confidently navigate the financial and emotional shifts that come with retirement, equipping them with skills that will help them thrive in this next phase of life. Course Modules: Module 01: Preparing for Retirement Module 02: Financial Planning for the Future Module 03: Health and Wellness in Retirement Module 04: Creating a Purposeful Retirement Lifestyle Module 05: Adjusting to Life After Work Module 06: Managing Time and Staying Active Module 07: Legal and Estate Planning for Retirement Module 08: Social Connections and Community Engagement Module 09: Transitioning to Retirement: Emotional Considerations Module 10: Maintaining a Positive Mindset in Retirement (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to plan a secure and fulfilling retirement. Professionals aiming to prepare for life after their career. Beginners with an interest in retirement planning and lifestyle management. Those who want to make informed decisions about their financial future and well-being. Career Path Financial Advisor specialising in retirement planning Retirement Consultant Life Coach for retirees Social Worker focusing on elderly care Retirement Planning Specialist Healthcare Planner for retirees

Understanding how to plan for capacity, be able to forecast and manage budgets is a critical skill in today's leadership and management environment. This programme will not only support your understanding but will also help you to practically put the learning into practice.