79 Business Case Development courses delivered Online

Software comes in a variety of guises - application software, firmware, middleware, system software. Increasingly, however, it doesn't necessarily present that way, especially as the boundaries between software, data and source code are becoming more and more blurred. And as software becomes more complex and more difficult to disentangle, so it becomes harder to manage and to value. But as it becomes more integral to every aspect of a business, so it is ever more important to keep on top of the technical, legal and commercial issues that arise, issues such as: To address these issues, organisations need a process for evaluating their current situation from all perspectives and for identifying the key actions they need to take to ensure holistic management of their software. This very practical programme will help set your organisation on the right path. Note: this is an indicative agenda, to be used as a starting point for a conversation between client and consultant, depending on the organisation's specific situation and requirements. This programme is designed to give you a deeper understanding of: The technical, legal and commercial risks associated with software development, procurement, use and commercial exploitation The most appropriate processes and responsibilities for managing those risks Note: this is an indicative agenda, to be used as a starting point for a conversation between client and consultant, depending on the organisation's specific situation and requirements. 1 Software business model What is the software business model? What options exist? Has the software business model been thoroughly reviewed to ensure its viability? This means fully understanding the market opportunity, the business environment and customer and end-user expectations. 2 Technology What are the technologies? How has the technology selection been validated considering the competitiveness, structure, and potential for future innovation? 3 UI and UX What is the UI and UX? How to best articulate this? Has the user interface and user experience been studied from both a subjective and objective view to give insight into customer behaviour? 4 Legal framework / commercial aspects Has the necessary legal framework or commercial aspects that may impact upon use or operation of the software been understood and risks identified and mitigated? 5 Software development What is the software development process? Are both the business management and development team's processes resilient in order to improve the company's capability and the maturity of the software? 6 Software quality What is quality? What are the metrics around software quality? What is the maturity level, based around a qualitative and quantitative assessment? 7 Intellectual property associated What IP should be considered when it comes to software? Does the company understand both the intellectual property risks and potential opportunities associated with this software? 8 Security What does software security mean in this context? How is it being addressed? 9 An holistic approach Review of roles and responsibilities to ensure appropriate management and protection

When managers have too many decisions to make, it can have a serious impact on the speed and efficiency of the organisation. When those decisions are commercial ones, the results can wreak havoc with the bottom line. Often the problem arises when those below them or in operational areas of the organisation aren't equipped or allowed to make a decision for themselves. Issues get passed back up and that wastes time. This programme provides a solution, giving your entire team the skills to: And most importantly, they'll be able to do this in line with the broader aims and commercial objectives of the business. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Fully appreciate the importance of effective decision-making in business Use the five-step 'Stop, Think, Act!' decision-making process Stop leaping to conclusions Really understand the situations and decisions they are dealing with Identify good options Evaluate those options Make decisions and then put them into action Apply these tools and techniques to all their decisions in future 1 Understanding the business we work in What are the critical factors in our business? What is the SWOT analysis for our business? 2 Understanding what decision-making is 3 Background Culture of 'having to be doing' To change things we have to think about it! We are paid to make decisions! 4 Recognise the opportunity to make a decision 5 The 'Stop, Think, Act!' technique 6 STOP! Recognise the opportunity to make a decision Don't leap to conclusions Get ready to think Initial questions:Is this my decision? (Do I have the authority?)Who is this going to affect? (Do they need to be included?)When do I need to make the decision? (What's the timeline?) 7 THINK! The 3 Cs - making sure we understand the decisions we have to make What is the context of this decision?What is the overall situation?Why is this decision important?What do we need to achieve?What will success look like? Do I have clarity about the decision I need to make?Can I write it down?Can I express it clearly in two sentences? What are the criteria?What are the critical commercial factors that we will use to select our options?What will we use to measure the business success? 8 ACT! Identifying options What data do I need to collect?Issues with today's overloadIdentifying what will help you Select optionsHow many options?Must match your criteriaMust achieve success'Decision compass' exercise Analyse optionsTabular methodRisk analysis (likelihood v effect)Head, heart and gut (is there any organisational history/bias that we are up against?) Making your decision Taking it to actionFirst actionsPlanning how to make it happen

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for Executives, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Business and IT stakeholders working with analysts, Quality and process engineers, technicians, corrective action coordinators or managers; supervisors, team leaders, and process operators; anyone who wants to improve their ability to solve recurring problems. Overview At the completion of this course, you should be able to:Identify the different types of tools and techniques availableApply change management successfullyReview what to look for when applying business case thinking to Root Cause AnalysisDevelop a process to systematically approach problems Problem determination skills cannot be acquired by reading a book. They mostly come from experience. After this course, you will have a general understanding of a structured problem determination approach, which you can then apply in your daily work. RCA Foundation Concepts and Objectives Section Learning Objectives Discuss Definitions ? IT Perspective Discuss What is a problem and why do they exist? Exercise 1a: Why is RCA important What is Root Cause? RCA Benefits and Approaches Exercise 1b: Why are multiple approaches important? Event and Casual Analysis Exercise 1c: Apply Event and Causal Analysis Event and Causal Analysis: Exercise 1c Worksheet RCA Tools for each approach Exercise 1D: Prepare for Case Study Section Summary and Conclusions Enhance Use of RCA Tools Why use a Particular Method Tool: Change Analysis Change Analysis Examples Exercise 2a: Apply Change Analysis Exercise 2b: Change Analysis Worksheet Tool: How to Resolve Conflict Tool: 5 Why?s Example Learning Management Problem Exercise 2b: Apply 5 Why?s Sequence-of-Events Exercise 2b: Worksheet Tool: Cause and Effect Exercise 2c: Apply Cause and Effect Exercise 2c: Cause and Effect Worksheet Tool: Fault Tree Analysis Why do we use Fault Tree Analysis? How does it work? Fault Tree Diagram Symbols Example #1 of FTA: Car Hits Object Exercise 2D: Apply Fault Tree Analysis Tool: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Example: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Exercise 2E: Apply FMEA Tool: Design / Application Review Exercise 2d: Apply Design/Application Review Section summary & conclusions Problem Resolution & Prevention Section Objectives The Secret of Solving Problems A Note about Statistical Control A Note about Fire Fighting Technique: Business Process Mapping Example: IGOE Exercise 3A: Problem as IGOE Exercise 3A: IGOE Template Technique: Lean Six Sigma and DMAIC Lean Six Sigma Benefits Exercise 3B: Apply Lean Six Sigma Importance of Understanding the Business Process The Business Process Mandate Technique: Process Modeling Graphical Notation Standard (BPMN) What is Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN)? Benefits of BPMN Basic Components of BPMN Exercise 3C: Use BPMN to Document a Current State Technique: Business Process Maturity Model Five Levels of Maturity Exercise 3D: Appraise Business Process Maturity Level Section Summary and Conclusions Capability Improvement for RCA Section Learning Objectives Steps in Disciplined Problem Solving RCA as a RCA Process Key RCA Role Considerations Exercise 4A: Apply RCA to RCA Process Sustainable RCA Improvement Organizational Units Process Area Goals, Practices Specific and General Practices Specific Practice Examples Software Maturity Survey Exercise 4B: Apply Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) to RCA SWOT Analysis Worksheet Recognize the importance of the Change Management component in your RCA implementation Using the ADKAR Model to Communicate Change Review ADKAR© Model ? Awareness of the need for change Desire to participate and support the change Knowledge on how to change Ability to implement required skills and behaviors Reinforcement to sustain the change Exercise 4C: Create an Ability Checklist The ADKAR Model: Reinforcement Exercise 4D: Find two examples of how ADKAR will be different Section Summary and Conclusions Course Summary & Conclusions Plan the Proposal and Business Case Example: 1 Page Business Case Exercise 5A: Creating Action Plans Resource Guide Questions Additional course details: Nexus Humans BA17 - Advanced Root Cause Analysis 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 BA17 - Advanced Root Cause Analysis 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 solution architects, developers, business analysts, system administrators, or anyone who works as a solution builder within their company. Overview Build and deploy a solution Create properties and document classes Create roles and in-baskets Create a case type and tasks Create a workflow Use preconditions and sets Automate case packaging Add case stages Apply solution design principles In this course you will create basic case management solutions with IBM Case Manager Builder and Process Designer. Using an iterative solution development process, you will create, deploy, test, and revise your solutions, adding complexity and functionality to your solutions as you gain skills. You will create properties and document classes, configure roles and in-baskets, and define case stages. You will work with case types, tasks, and workflows. This course includes some guidelines on solution design principles. After completing this course, you can build on these skills by taking more advanced or specialized courses in security, user-interface customization, and solution deployment. Build and Deploy a Solution Build a solution Deploy a solution Test a solution Manage roles Redeploy a solution Create Properties and Document Classes Create case properties Create task properties Create a business object Create document classes Create Roles and In-Baskets Create roles Create in-baskets Create Tasks Create a to-do task Create a container task Add the to-do list widget to the Case Details pag Create a Step Map Open a task in Step Designer Create a step map Add a workgroup to a step map Add an attachment to a step map Use Preconditions and Sets Organize tasks with preconditions Organize tasks with inclusive sets Organize tasks with exclusive sets Automate Case Packaging Open a task in Process Designer Add a component step to a task Use a component step to package a case Add Case Stages Add case stages to a solution Use a system step to perform a case stage operation Use a case stage as a task precondition Solution Design Principles Describe solution design principles

Generating new leads and new business can be both time-consuming and frustrating. It's not easy - it takes skill, careful preparation and the creation of effective models and methods, even perhaps using formal approaches and scripts. Once generated, a new lead or enquiry must also be carefully managed to maximise the potential revenue it can generate. But it's crucial to get it right. If your company can afford not to worry about getting new business - congratulations! If your company is completely confident that it is performing at peak potential in generating new leads - again, congratulations! But if your company is working in the real world, couldn't your team do with some help, to become even just that little bit more effective, to make the process just that little less painful? This highly practical, intensive workshop gives sales teams the proven strategies and tactics they need to build a sustainable new business pipeline. This course will help participants: Develop a clear and consistent process for new business development and lead-generation Master the secret of effective new business development and lead-generation - 'only sell the appointment or next stage of the sales process, not your product or service' Set and achieve the right level of new business development and lead-generation activity to achieve your personal and organisational sales goals Apply the key principles of effective prospecting and pipeline management using a proven toolkit and approach Overcome the most common 'put-offs' when conducting telephone or face-to-face business-development and lead-generation activities Develop an engaging telephone voice and manner - and a 'networking personality' Qualify potential opportunities with more accuracy on a consistent basis Prioritise opportunities and manage their time when sourcing new business Discover online sources of leads, contacts and referrals Overcome psychological blocks to cold or warm calling - theirs and the client's Identify potential prospects - and decision-makers and influencers within target prospects - with greater accuracy Make outbound sales or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results Improve the conversion of calls to appointments by using more effective questions and sales messages Get past gatekeepers and assistants more effectively Make the most of your CRM software and systems 1 Online marketing - what works! Workshop overview and learning objectives Choosing your social media channels LinkedIn for sales and marketing Designing and implementing an effective new business email campaign online Creating a lead-generation strategy online - with case studies Avoiding common mistakes in social media marketing Case study: 'Best practice in social media sales and marketing' Using blogs and video-based marketing (eg, YouTube) New trends and how to keep your finger on the 'social media' pulse Twenty essential websites and online marketing tools 2 Making appointments by telephone Planning the call, telephone techniques, integrating with email and online marketing Developing a clear and consistent process to appointment-making Setting and achieving the right level of telephone activity to achieve your appointment goals Applying the key principles of effective prospecting and pipeline management generation, using a proven toolkit and approach Overcoming the most common 'put-offs' to seeing or engaging with you Overcoming psychological blocks to cold or warm calling - yours and the client's Identifying potential prospects - and decision-makers and influencers within target prospects - with greater accuracy Making outbound sales or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results Improving conversion of calls to appointments by using more effective questions and sales messages The five keys to developing an engaging telephone voice and approaching manner 3 Power networking Strategies for networking and B2B referral-based marketing The importance, and different types, of networking How to work a room - preparation and strategy Communication dynamics in networking - the power of the listening networker Assumptions when networking Business networking etiquette Making connections, asking for cards, contact details and referrals, gaining follow-up commitments Building relationships - follow-up and follow-through 4 Developing new leads Strategies for first-time sales calls Gaining rapport and opening first-time and new business sales calls effectively Advanced consultative selling - questioning techniques to quickly and efficiently uncover opportunities, need areas and preferences Presenting your solution to a new or first-time customer - creating an enthusiastic and compelling personalised and persuasive summary of your proposal Value message - differentiate your solutions clearly and accurately, with tailored value statements Presenting the right initial USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer Smart ways to position price, emphasise value and be a strong player without being the cheapest or leading on price Learn and use advanced techniques to determine customer needs, value and decision-making criteria in depth on a first-time call 5 Organised persistence - CRM and prospect-tracking Organised persistence - sales tracking, following up on 'sleeping' customers, gaining referrals, time and territory management Maintaining a good database for maximising new business ROI Developing a contact strategy with different types and levels of contact Analysing your contact base using state-of-the-art software and tools Making the most of your CRM systems and solutions Understanding that your attitude makes a difference when sourcing new business Setting SMART objectives for new business development and lead-generation Practical exercise - setting personal development and business goals Time management tips to improve daily productivity New business pipeline management strategies for peak sales performance 6 Workshop summary and close Practical exercise - developing your new business action plan Review and feedback

Businesses that don't control their costs don't stay in business. How well are you doing? Is everyone in your organisation sufficiently aware of costs, managing them effectively and maximising opportunities to reduce them? If there is scope for improvement, this course will help get you back on track. It will demonstrate that cost reduction is so much more than cost control and cost cutting. True cost management is about being aware of costs, seeking to reduce them through good design and efficient operating practices whilst taking continuing action on overspending. This course will develop the participants' skills in: Being aware of costs at all times Seeking cost reduction from the start (including life-cycle costing) Appraising projects / production to identify and take out risk Understanding real budgeting Using techniques such as ZBB and ABC where appropriate Ensuring cost reports lead to action Managing a cost reduction process that delivers Benefits to the organisation will include: Identification of cost reduction and business improvement opportunities Better reporting and ownership of costs Greater awareness and control of everyday costs 1 Introduction - the cost management process The risks of poor cost control Capital and revenue costs The importance of cost awareness The importance of cost reduction Cost management - the key aspects How to build a cost management and control process checklist for your areas of responsibility 2 Cost removal - taking out costs Cost awareness Costs of poor design / poor processes Value engineering Removing redundant costs 3 The need for commercial, technical and financial appraisals Understand the problems before cash is committed and costs incurred Making the effort to identify commercial and technical risk The time value of money - DCF techniques for long term projects Cost models for production processes and projects Costing models - project appraisals The use of spreadsheets to identify sensitivity and risk How to focus on risk management 4 Budgeting - proper budgeting challenges costs The philosophy of the business - are costs an issue? The importance of having the right culture The need for detailed business objectives Budgetary control measures Designing budget reports - for action 5 Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) - the principles Much more than starting with a clean sheet of paper What ZBB can achieve The concept of decision packages - to challenge business methods and costs Only necessary costs should be incurred A review of an operating budget - demonstrating what ZBB challenges and the costs it may lead to being taken out 6 Awareness of overheads and other costs Definitions of cost - direct and indirect Dealing with overheads - what is meant by allocation, absorption or apportionment? The apparent and real problems with overheads Different ways of dealing with overheads Review of overhead allocation methods and accounting and reporting issues 7 Overheads and product costing Activity-based costing (ABC) - the principles Where and how the ABC approach may be helpful Know the 'true' cost of a product or a project Should you be in business? Will you stay in business? Identifying weaknesses in a traditional overhead allocation How ABC will help improve product or service costing Identifying which products and activities should be developed and which abandoned 8 Cost reduction culture The need for cost reports What measures can be used to identify over-spends as early as possible Cost control performance measures and ratios 9 Design of cost control reports Reports should lead to action and deliver Selecting cost control measures which can be acted upon Practice in designing action reports 10 Course summary - developing your own cost action plan Group and individual action plans will be prepared with a view to participants identifying their cost risks areas and the techniques which can be immediately applied to improve costing and reduce costs

The market for professional services is becoming increasingly competitive, with some firms and individuals becoming very effective at winning new work, leaving others lagging way behind. Given the choice between spending time on client work and business development work, we all tend to choose that which we feel to be easier, more attractive and more aligned with our image of ourselves. We stay within our comfort zones, we focus on client work, and we only resort to business development work when we have to, which can also lead to 'feast or famine' syndrome. The programme will help participants: Understand the professional business development approach and the style that is appropriate for their business and their clients Follow a process to guide their conversations and business development meetings Prepare thoroughly for a business development meeting/contact with a client to ensure they use their time efficiently and maximise results Create a great first impression and professional opening to a conversation Ask open questions and listen effectively in order to spot opportunities, understand needs and progress the opportunity Identify and understand buying and decision-making processes and criteria Skilfully and confidently handle questions and objections Sell the benefits of their services and approach over those of their competitors Progress the sale by agreeing next steps and gaining commitment appropriately 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the programme Personal introductions and objectives Workshop overview 2 An introduction to business development and selling for professionals What is selling? Who are you selling to? The buying experience What clients want The four-step business development process The business development cycle and pipeline management Upselling and cross-selling as well as winning new clients 3 Networking and generating leads What is networking? Networking objectives It's not what you know but who you know Asking for referrals and introductions Making appointments from networking activity 4 Opening the sales relationship/sales meeting What potential customers are thinking Judging first impressions Creating positive first impressions Building rapport and creating interest and impact Earning the right 5 Core communication skills for professional selling Overcoming barriers to listening The art of listening Questioning refresher Types of questions Questioning funnel 6 Understanding and identifying needs and opportunities Identifying the questions to ask to identify needs and opportunities Questions to move us through the buying and selling process Understanding their buying processes Asking questions that position you as a 'trusted adviser' The questions that give you a competitive advantage Knowing when you have asked enough questions 7 Introducing solutions Tailoring your 'pitch' to the client Speaking the client's language Using features and benefits Applying the benefit cycle 8 Handling objections and concerns Identifying the typical objections and concerns Understanding why clients raise objections and concerns Following a structure for handling objections Handling the price objection 9 Gaining commitment Knowing when to close The art of checking Recognising buying signals Small c and big C 10 Putting it all together Personal learning summary and action plans

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for It is appropriate for Managers, Executives, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Business and IT stakeholders working with analysts, Quality and process engineers, technicians, managers; supervisors, team leaders, and process operators. Overview Describe business process improvement (BPI) business drivers.Plan, manage and close requirements for a Business Process Improvement project Understand the essential elements of a successful BPI initiative.Identify candidate business processes for improvement.Understand the essential elements of a successful BPI initiative.Identify candidate business processes for improvement.Apply a methodology to business process improvement projects. This 2-day course aims at introducing its attendees to the core values, principles, and practices of Business Process Improvement. Introduction - A Business Process Improvement (BPI) Overview Why are we here today? What is BPI? Benefits of BPI Specific challenges/obstacles and successes Process improvement examples: Industry specific examples Famous debacles to avoid and successes to emulate Your role in helping to identify problems Overview of the Joiner 7-Step Method What is the Joiner 7-Step Method? Walkthrough of the Joiner 7-Step Method Template: Introduce and review Process Improvement Template Case Study Exercise: Read and discuss introduction to the Case Study Step #1: Initiate the Project Types of business problems typically encountered at insurance companies and banks How to recognize a business-related problem Identifying the gaps (delta between current and future states) Ownership of the project and the business problem Defining measurable success criteria Case Study Exercise: Complete the Problem Statement section (Step #1) of the template Step #2: Define Current Situation What are symptoms of a problem? Looking for symptoms of the problem Performing Stakeholder Analysis Technique: View a RACI Matrix Defining the impacts caused by the problem Technique: Business Process Modeling (As-Is) Understand how to draw an As-Is Business Process Model Case Study Exercise: Complete the Define Current Situation section (Step #2) of the template Step #3: Identify Root Causes What are root causes? Performing Root Cause Analysis Technique: Fishbone Diagram using the cafeteria example Case Study Exercise: Discuss a Fishbone Diagram Technique: Pareto Chart (discuss and show example) Case Study Exercise: Complete the Identify Root Causes section (Step #3) of the template Step #4: Develop Solutions Identifying options for problem resolution Avoid jumping to conclusions Technique: Brainstorming Case Study Exercise: Conduct a Brainstorming Session Recognizing pros and cons for each option Technique: Kempner-Tregoe (?Must-Have? vs. ?Nice-to-Have?) Case Study Exercise: Determine best solution using a ?simple? Kempner-Tregoe model Case Study Exercise: Complete the Develop Solutions section (Step #4) of the template Step #5: Define Measurable Results Prototyping the solution Technique: Business Process Modeling (To-Be) Measuring results against the success criteria (Step #1) Case Study Exercise: Review changes to an As-Is Business Process Model Case Study Exercise: Complete the Define Measurable Results section (Step #5) of the template Step #6: Standardize Process Defining how the process will be documented Plan and understand organizational readiness Discuss how employees are empowered to identify and act upon their ideas Identifying follow-up needs (i.e., training) for the staff that will be impacted Technique: Communication Plan Case Study Exercise: Complete the Standardize Process section (Step #6) of the template Step #7: Determine Future Plans Monitoring the process for Continuous Process Improvement (The ?Plan-Do-Check-Act? Cycle) Understand how to sustain the improvements made by the Joiner 7-Step Method Technique: PDCA form Case Study Exercise: Complete the Determine Future Plans section (Step #7) of the template Going Forward with a Plan of Action Identifying process problems in your organization Individual Exercise: Name three (3) possible areas for improvement Prioritize and define the next steps Individual Exercise: Using a new template complete Step 2 & Step 3 for one possible area for improvement you have identified

The importance of building services to the success of an organisation has never been greater and continues to grow. Developers and occupiers are becoming more aware of the contribution that building services make to the well being of occupants and hence their perception of the quality of the working environment. Those involved with the design, construction, maintenance and operation will increasingly be required to deliver building services that demonstrable contribution to the occupier's business. Energy efficiency, carbon management and occupant satisfaction depend substantially on the way building services are designed, managed and operated. To optimise these aspects, an informed strategic approach is essential. Tried and tested techniques and processes are available that, when applied holistically, will deliver substantial benefits. This course reviews best practice in the area and inspires participants to ensure that building services perform at their optimal level. To provide a better understanding of how building services can be designed, managed and operated to: Maximise occupant comfort, satisfaction and wellbeing Add value and contribute to the success of the business of the occupier Improve health safety Reduce operating cost, energy use, carbon emissions and environmental impact Optimise cost and value Provide strategies for continuous improvement and sustainable operation 1 Building services fundamentals The function of services in commercial buildings and their importance to the core business 2 Techniques and processes for optimising cost and value Programmed operation evaluation Continuous commissioning Lifetime product management Performance-based service Energy efficiency and the scope for environmental improvement 3 Making the business case and preparing the strategy Motivating decision-makers Empowering those who have to deliver the results Managing business risk 4 Strategy implementation and monitoring results Ensuring that rich and robust feedback is available to support continuous improvement and strategy enhancementWhen to get feedbackWhyHowWhat to do with it 5 Case histories and 'air time' Sharing experience and addressing specific issues of interest to participants Course review Close