414 Business Management courses in Cardiff delivered Live Online

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for all project managers and project team leaders. Overview At course completion, students will be able to identify, analyze, respond to, and control project risks. This course focuses on improving the project manager?s risk management expertise, from initial planning through project closure. Participants will apply all course principles to a work-related case study taken directly from their work environment. Risk Management Overview Risk Management Benefit and Uses Project Risk Management Project Management Life Cycle Initiating Process Group Initiating Process Group Overview Develop Project Charter Identify Stakeholders Project Selection Criteria ROI Analysis ROI Methods Risk Complexity Index Project Selection Planning Process Group Planning Process Group Overview Scope Risks Schedule Risks Resource Risks Plan Risk Management Identify Risks Delphi Technique Subject Matter Expert Input Brainstorming Fishbone Diagrams Process Analysis Five Whys Influence Diagrams Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) Risk Register Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis Probability and Impact Assessment Probability and Impact Chart Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis Three point estimates PERT Triangular Distributions Outlier Considerations Geometric Mean Normal Distributions Methods Tornado Diagrams Expected Monetary Value (EMV) Monte Carlo Plan Risk Responses Risk Response Strategies Overall Project Risk Checklists Executing, Monitoring and Controlling Process Groups Executing Process Group Overview Monitoring and Controlling Process Group Overview Control Risks Project Monitoring Longer Projects Closing Process Group Closing Process Group Overview Close Project or Phase Risk Activities During Closing Process Group Post-Project Risk Assessment

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for Those who need to understand the financial implications of their day-to-day decisions to increase the profitability and performance of their business. This course is suitable for managers with little or no financial knowledge. Overview Understanding of financial accounts and reports The ability to use and understanding of financial concepts Analytical skills to interpret financial results using ratios Ability to manage budgets more effectively This course shows how to interpret key financial statements highlighting the questions and areas that matter. It identifies warning signals that managers need to be aware of and shows how to understand key performance indicators to drive profitability. The course will also cover the essentials of budgeting and forecasting as well as addressing key financial terms such as goodwill and accruals & prepayments. Delegates will learn how to appraise capital projects with confidence, allowing them to make the best decisions for their business. Course Outline The basics of finance: How companies are financially structured Accrual v cash accounting The Business Cycle: understand how money flows in a business How businesses are financed: debt and equity Business objectives: using financial data to achieve business targets Key Financial Statements: Income Statement Balance Sheet Cash Flow Statement Key Financial Analysis Ratios Profitability: profit margins, EBIT & EBITDA, operational gearing Return on Investment: ROCE, ROA Leverage: financial gearing & interest cover Liquidity: current & quick ratios Cash Flow: working capital requirement Working capital management Cash flow management Key financial terms ? goodwill, accruals & prepayments, depreciation and amortization Cost analysis, control and reduction Capex v Opex Effective Budgeting and Forecasting to control the business Management Accounts and undertaking variance analysis Improving margins and sales in your business Break even analysis Capital Investment techniques ? NPV, IRR and discounted cash flows Asset Valuation Additional course details: Nexus Humans Finance for Non-Finance Managers (2 Day) 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 Finance for Non-Finance Managers (2 Day) 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 comprehensive one-day programme has been designed to provide participants with an overview of basic supply chain principles and concepts and to identify potential opportunities for reducing costs, minimising risks and adding value across the supply chain. This could include reducing inventory, procurement, transport and storage costs. Fundamentally, the object of the programme is to empower participants to be able to collaborate with all key stakeholders across the supply chain. This course will help participants: Appreciate the importance of the supply chain as a source of competitive advantage Understand the tools and techniques available to improve supply chain performance Analyse and mitigate risks across the supply chain Identify opportunities for improvements in their respective supply chains Demonstrate competence in the pro-active management of the supply chain

The aim of this course is to provide project managers, project engineers and project support staff with a toolkit they can use on their projects. The tools range from the simple that can be used on all projects to the advanced that can be used where appropriate. This programme will help the participants to: Identify and engage with stakeholders Use tools for requirements gathering and scope management Produce better estimates using a range of techniques Develop more reliable schedules Effectively manage delivery DAY ONE 1 Introduction Overview of the programme Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Stakeholder management Using PESTLE to aid stakeholder identification Stakeholder mapping The Salience model Stakeholder engagement grid 3 Requirements management Using prototypes and models to elucidate requirements Prioritising techniques Roadmaps Requirements traceability 4 Scope management Work breakdown structures Responsibility assignment matrix 5 Delivery approaches Sequential Agile 6 Estimating Comparative estimating Parametric Bottom-up Three-point estimating Delphi and Planning Poker Creating realistic budgets DAY TWO 7 Scheduling Critical path analysis Smoothing and levelling Timeboxing Team boards Monte Carlo simulations Probability of completion 8 People management Situational Leadership The Tuckman model Negotiation Conflict management Belbin 9 Monitoring and control Earned value management 10 Course review and action planning Identify actions to be implemented individually Conclusion PMI, CAPM, PMP and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Getting Started The MSc Project Management programme is designed to show people from any discipline or degree how to manage projects. This program aims to identify, develop and perform essential skills and techniques needed for expertise in Project Management. The programme focuses on enhancing graduate and practicing engineers' knowledge and skills in relevant management skills, principles, and procedures. This course equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to project management research significantly. The programme comprises two phases; the first is the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Business Strategy, awarded by Qualifi and delivered by the School of Business and Technology London. The second phase is the MSc Project Management Top-Up, awarded and delivered 100% online by Anglia Ruskin University. At Anglia Ruskin University, you will study through Canvas, a world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments. After successfully completing your studies, you'll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus at Anglia Ruskin University. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible, we'll arrange to send your certificate to you. School of Business and Technology London partners with Chestnut Education Group to promote this programme. About Awarding Body Anglia Ruskin University began in 1858 as the Cambridge School of Art founded by William Beaumont. It was then merged with the Cambridge shire College of Arts and Technology and the Essex Institute of Higher Education and was renamed Anglia Polytechnic. It was then given university status in 1992 and renamed Anglia Ruskin University in 2005. The university has campuses in the UK (Cambridge, Chelmsford, London and Peterborough), as well as they are partnered with institutions around the world including Berlin, Budapest, Trinidad, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Assessment Assignments and Project No examinations Entry Requirements A bachelor's degree Applicant without a bachelor's degree but holding significant managerial experience will be considered for entry on a case-by-case basis. Further, candidates are also required to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Learners must request before enrolment to interchange unit(s) other than the preselected units shown in the SBTL website because we need to make sure the availability of learning materials for the requested unit(s). SBTL will reject an application if the learning materials for the requested interchange unit(s) are unavailable. Learners are not allowed to make any request to interchange unit(s) once enrolment is complete. Structure Phase 1 - Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Business Strategy Programme Structure Mandatory Units Unit 703: Strategic Marketing Unit code: M/506/9074 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit will explore the fundamental models, techniques, and theories that form the marketing foundation and can contribute to achieving strategic objectives. Additionally, it will impart learners with a critical comprehension of the marketing function within intricate organizations. Unit 704: Finance for Managers Unit code: D/506/9071 TQT :150 Credit :15 The focus of this unit is to assist learners in comprehending and effectively utilizing financial information and data. This unit holds significance for learners as it underpins informed decision-making. Unit 705: Strategic Direction Unit code: D/506/9068 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit will delve into an organization's strategic aims and objectives, emphasizing their importance in establishing direction and gauging success and progress. Furthermore, the unit will examine how various strategic options may prompt the organization to alter its course. Unit 706: Strategic Planning Unit code: Y/506/9070 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit focuses on the importance of the strategic planning process in crafting suitable strategies and creating a plan that garners support from stakeholders and other organizational leaders. Additionally, the unit addresses the critical evaluation of the program and its subsequent success. Unit 707: Creative and Innovative Management Unit code: H/618/0795 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit equips the learner with the knowledge to acknowledge the significance of creative and innovative management concepts for organizations, as well as the skills to put this understanding into practice effectively. Unit 708: Managing Corporate Responsibility in the Wider Business Environment Unit code: K/618/0796 TQT :100 Credit :10 This unit offers the learner insight into how legislation and global integration impact the decisions, policies, processes, and activities carried out by organizations. Specialism Units GENERAL MANAGEMENT SPECIALISM Unit 701: Research Method Unit code: Y/506/9133 TQT :200 Credit :20 The objective of this unit is to enhance the learner's knowledge and comprehension of academic practices and research methodologies. It employs a problem-based learning approach to cultivate practical proficiency in areas relevant to educational practice and research within business and management. Unit 702: Development as a Strategic Manager Unit code: J/506/9064 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit seeks to foster organizational and self-awareness in learners. It establishes the groundwork for a self-critical and reflective approach to personal development, which is crucial for learners operating at a strategic level. Additionally, it considers broader organizational and environmental factors, recognizing their role as contributors to the overall strategic success of both the individual and the organization.   HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SPECIALISM Unit 709: Contemporary Human Resource Management Unit code: Y/615/3304 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower learners with the capacity to comprehend and assess the influence of internal and external environmental factors on organizational strategy and people management. Additionally, it aims to enable the learner to analyze various organizational contexts and devise strategies to address these ecological forces while recognizing the role of HR professionals in contributing to this process. Unit 710: Resourcing, Talent Management and Development Unit code: K/615/3307 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit aims to cultivate proficiency in comprehending and analyzing employment markets and demographic trends to devise and execute effective, ethical, and fitting strategies for resourcing, retention, talent management, and development. Additionally, it will explore the potential and constraints of learning and talent development policies and procedures in shaping and attaining objectives at the national, organizational, group, and individual levels. Learners will evaluate the pivotal role of HRM professionals in formulating, implementing, and assessing strategic planning pertinent to employee resourcing, talent management, and development. Unit 711: Performance Management Unit code: M/615/3308 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower learners with the knowledge to grasp the key factors that impact employee performance across all levels within an organisation and how these factors can be effectively managed. Additionally, it aims to equip learners with the understanding to create and execute suitable HR practices and strategies aligned with Performance Management.   FINANCE SPECIALISM Unit 712: Business Finance Unit code: R/618/8634 TQT :100 Credit :10 This unit seeks to enhance students' knowledge and comprehension of management accounting techniques tailored for small businesses. It also introduces students to applying management accounting information in effectively managing small companies through planning, organizing, executing, and controlling activities. Unit 713: International Financial Management Unit code: Y/618/8635 TQT :150 Credit :15 This module fosters students' comprehension and expertise in investments beyond national boundaries. It delves into matters that transcend domestic economies, encompassing the handling of foreign currencies and addressing international economic and cultural disparities. As a result, this module provides students with the skills needed to navigate the intricate realm of international finance. Unit 709: Contemporary Human Resource Management Unit code: Y/615/3304 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower learners with the capacity to comprehend and assess the influence of internal and external environmental factors on organizational strategy and people management. Additionally, it aims to enable the learner to analyze various organizational contexts and devise strategies to address these ecological forces while recognizing the role of HR professionals in contributing to this process.   MARKETING SPECIALISM Unit 714: Customer Growth Marketing Unit code: D/618/8636 TQT :100 Credit :10 The primary objective of this module is to conduct a critical examination of the tools and methods employed to achieve successful customer growth across various contexts. Through this, students will cultivate an essential grasp of the factors that shape consumer behaviour and assess relevant literature and theories elucidating consumer motivation and customer relationships. Additionally, students will be able to scrutinize an organization's marketing strategy and showcase the implementation of crucial concepts, elements, and tools within the business environment. Unit 715: Advanced Strategic Marketing Unit code: H/618/8637 TQT :150 Credit :15 The Marketing Strategy module builds upon the pre-existing knowledge that students and practitioners have regarding marketing principles. It aims to empower candidates to suggest strategic approaches to emerging market trends. It encourages them to contemplate the repercussions of marketing and its interplay with other facets of the organization. Unit 709: Contemporary Human Resource Management Unit code: Y/615/3304 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower learners with the capacity to comprehend and assess the influence of internal and external environmental factors on organizational strategy and people management. Additionally, it aims to enable the learner to analyze various organizational contexts and devise strategies to address these ecological forces while recognizing the role of HR professionals in contributing to this process.   PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALISM Unit 716: Planning, Controlling and Leading a Project Unit code: K/618/8638 TQT :150 Credit :15 This unit is designed to acquaint learners with the practical aspects of initiating and overseeing a project. Additionally, it will familiarize them with the unique challenges of project management in the global business landscape. The unit encourages critical thinking about project management, viewing it as a complex, process-driven cultural system that is continually evolving through the collaborative efforts of high-performing teams. With an increasing number of firms engaging in project development and management activities, acquiring a sound understanding of efficient project management becomes crucial. Learners will delve into the roles and responsibilities of project team members and examine various levels of management skills, placing special emphasis on success factors, monitoring, and control. Unit 717: Procurement Risk and Contract Management Unit code: M/618/8639 TQT :100 Credit :10 The objective of this unit is to empower students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of procurement. It emphasizes the significance of recognizing and mitigating risks associated with procurement and contract management. Additionally, learners will cultivate a critical appreciation for the various legislative frameworks that play a crucial role in procurement and explore frameworks for assessing risks within the procurement context. Unit 718: Advanced Project and Logistics Management Unit code: H/618/8640 TQT :100 Credit :10 The goal of this unit is to enable the learner to grasp the concepts of portfolio management and its related characteristics. It will also delve into the significance of having a Project Management Office, exploring the stages of establishing an effective PMO. Additionally, learners will assess the supply chain ecosystem and evaluate IT frameworks suitable for managing the complexities of logistics and the supply chain.   Phase 2 - MSc Project Management Top-Up Programme Structure Project Management Systems Project Management Techniques Dissertation (Major Project)   Delivery Methods The programme comprises two phases; the first is the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Business Strategy, awarded by Qualifi and delivered by the School of Business and Technology London. The School of Business and Technology London offers flexible learning methods, including online and blended learning, allowing students to choose the mode of study that suits their preferences and schedules. The program is self-paced and facilitated through an advanced Learning Management System. Students can easily interact with tutors through the SBTL Support Desk Portal System for course material discussions, guidance, assistance, and assessment feedback on assignments. School of Business and Technology London provides exceptional support and infrastructure for online and blended learning. Students benefit from dedicated tutors who guide and support them throughout their learning journey, ensuring a high level of assistance. The second phase is the MSc Project Management Top-Up, awarded and delivered 100% online by Anglia Ruskin University. At Anglia Ruskin University, you will study through Canvas, a world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), accessed from your phone, pc or tablet at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments. After successfully completing your studies, you'll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus at Anglia Ruskin University. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible, we'll arrange to send your certificate to you. School of Business and Technology London partners with Chestnut Education Group to promote this programme. Resources and Support School of Business & Technology London is dedicated to offering excellent support on every step of your learning journey. School of Business & Technology London occupies a centralised tutor support desk portal. Our support team liaises with both tutors and learners to provide guidance, assessment feedback, and any other study support adequately and promptly. Once a learner raises a support request through the support desk portal (Be it for guidance, assessment feedback or any additional assistance), one of the support team members assign the relevant to request to an allocated tutor. As soon as the support receives a response from the allocated tutor, it will be made available to the learner in the portal. The support desk system is in place to assist the learners adequately and streamline all the support processes efficiently. Quality learning materials made by industry experts is a significant competitive edge of the School of Business & Technology London. Quality learning materials comprised of structured lecture notes, study guides, practical applications which includes real-world examples, and case studies that will enable you to apply your knowledge. Learning materials are provided in one of the three formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, or Interactive Text Content on the learning portal. How does the Online Learning work at SBTL? We at SBTL follow a unique approach which differentiates us from other institutions. Indeed, we have taken distance education to a new phase where the support level is incredibly high.Now a days, convenience, flexibility and user-friendliness outweigh demands. Today, the transition from traditional classroom-based learning to online platforms is a significant result of these specifications. In this context, a crucial role played by online learning by leveraging the opportunities for convenience and easier access. It benefits the people who want to enhance their career, life and education in parallel streams. SBTL's simplified online learning facilitates an individual to progress towards the accomplishment of higher career growth without stress and dilemmas. How will you study online? With the School of Business & Technology London, you can study wherever you are. You finish your program with the utmost flexibility. You will be provided with comprehensive tutor support online through SBTL Support Desk portal. How will I get tutor support online? School of Business & Technology London occupies a centralised tutor support desk portal, through which our support team liaise with both tutors and learners to provide guidance, assessment feedback, and any other study support adequately and promptly. Once a learner raises a support request through the support desk portal (Be it for guidance, assessment feedback or any additional assistance), one of the support team members assign the relevant to request to an allocated tutor. As soon as the support receive a response from the allocated tutor, it will be made available to the learner in the portal. The support desk system is in place to assist the learners adequately and to streamline all the support process efficiently. Learners should expect to receive a response on queries like guidance and assistance within 1 - 2 working days. However, if the support request is for assessment feedback, learners will receive the reply with feedback as per the time frame outlined in the Assessment Feedback Policy.

PfMP® Exam Prep: Virtual In-House Training This is an intensive PfMP® Exam preparation course. This learning experience guides you through the multi-faceted discipline of portfolio management by focusing on the related technical, leadership, and business skills required to navigate it in the real world. First and foremost, this is an intensive PfMP® exam preparation course. Over the course, we go beyond exam prep to provide selected practice in applying key portfolio management skills, tools, and techniques. This learning experience guides you through the multi-faceted discipline of portfolio management by focusing on the related technical, leadership, and business skills required to navigate it in the real world. The journey zooms in and out between governance context and specific operational activities. The ultimate goal is practical application, with the bonus of certification along the way. What You Will Learn By the end of this program, you will be able to: Align and manage the portfolio, strategically, to satisfy organizational objectives and priorities, through benefit realization Articulate and emulate the role of a portfolio manager Apply the principles and skills of a portfolio manager to your real-world environment Study and prepare for the PfMP® Examination Apply for the certification, per the PMI PfMP Handbook and pass the initial panel review on your application Getting Started Course Overview Details of the PfMP® Certification process Foundation Concepts Projects, program, and portfolios A portfolio management process Strategy and value The role of the portfolio manager The role of key stakeholders Life cycle management The Portfolio Life Cycle Overview of Life Cycle Portfolio Management Information System (PMIS) Governance within the Portfolio Life Cycle Strategic Management Strategy concepts Supporting documentation and the strategic plan Planning and optimization Organizational risk appetite Managing strategic change Governance Management Overview and Guiding Principles The Concept of Governance Effective Design Factors Governance Roles Capacity and Capability Management Overview and Guiding Principles Capacity Management and Planning Supply and Demand (Management and Optimization) Organization Capabilities (Assessment and Development) Performance Management (Reporting, Analytics, and Balance) Stakeholder Engagement The Importance of Stakeholders Overview and Guiding Principles Definition and Identification Analysis and Planning Communications Approaches and Management Value Management Overview (Guiding Principles, Definition, and Components) Negotiating Expected Value Maximizing Value Assuring Value Realizing Value Measuring and Reporting Value A Look at Tools Risk Management Overview and Guiding Principles Portfolio Risk Planning Portfolio Risk Identification Portfolio Risk Assessment Portfolio Risk Response Examination Content Outline (ECO) Overview Structure Strategic Tasks Mapping Governance Tasks Mapping Performance Tasks Mapping Risk Tasks Mapping Communication Tasks Mapping List of Knowledge and Skills Exam Prep and Practice Overview Documenting experience Submitting the application Preparing to sit for the exam

Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for This advanced course is for: AIX technical support personnel Performance benchmarking personnel AIX system administrators Overview Define performance terminology Describe the methodology for tuning a system Identify the set of basic AIX tools to monitor, analyze, and tune a system Use AIX tools to determine common bottlenecks in the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Virtual Memory Manager (VMM), Logical Volume Manager (LVM), internal disk Input/Output (I/O), and network subsystems Use AIX tools to demonstrate techniques to tune the subsystems In this course, students will develop the skills to measure, analyze, and tune common performance issues on IBM Power Systems running AIX. Day 1 Performance analysis and tuning overview Data collection Monitoring, analyzing, and tuning CPU usage Day 2 Virtual memory performance monitoring and tuning Day 3 Physical and logical volume performance File system performance monitoring and tuning Day 4 File system performance monitoring and tuning Network performance Day 5 NFS performance Performance management methodology

All organisations today operate in an environment of constant and rapid change. Managing this change effectively is often achieved through a portfolio of formal projects. Many organisations today have qualified and experienced project management staff to run their projects. Some organisations today have dedicated functions, staff or processes to support their project management teams. The very largest organisations have in-house Enterprise Programme Offices, or project management specialists in corporate audit or risk functions; or organise 'Red Team Reviews' of a project by other staff with project management experience who are not participating in the reviewed project. But for many mid-size businesses and SMEs - and even some larger organisations - these resources are simply not available. For them, having access to external expertise to assure project management disciplines and to coach project managers can be a major contributor to project success. Such reviews can take place at project initiation; at major stage-gates (especially if significant capital is to be committed at the stage-gate); or at any other time if concerns arise concerning project quality, cost or timescales. And it is for those organisations that we offer the necessary expertise, on an ad hoc basis, in reviewing projects and coaching senior project management staff. A document review and workshop led by one of our consultants can help you assess whether: The strategic goals and priorities for the project are clear and being addressed Governance of the project within the business is defined and being effectively executed Project roles and responsibilities are clear and effective The credibility and robustness of the project plan can be enhanced Performance measures and reporting procedures are effective Critical risks are identified and being managed and contingencies are agreed The roles, responsibilities and capabilities of the key players in the project team are fit for purpose Budgets are realistic and costs being managed effectively Communication and change management activities are effectively planned and being executed At your discretion, you can capture the outcomes from the workshop for yourselves, in terms of identifying opportunities for improvement, or you can have our consultant write a report and make recommendations to you.

This course has a simple objective: to help gain appointments with potential clients. In most consultative selling situations clients won't commit to purchases over the telephone. This means setting up a meeting to discuss the options with them face-to-face. But getting 'face time' can be tricky. This practical workshop can help. Participants will acquire essential tools, skills and methods; discuss specific organisational issues; and identify areas for improvement. They will discover how to: Increase their effectiveness through proper preparation Construct attention-grabbing opening statements Help potential clients feel comfortable agreeing to a meeting Develop tactics for responding to difficult excuses and objections Stress the benefits of a face-to-face consultation Develop and enhance their questioning and listening skills Prevent customers cancelling booked appointments 1 Introduction to appointment setting Key trends that have changed the way people buy today - and will buy tomorrow Why many sales people avoid picking up the phone The difference that makes a difference - what makes a good appointment-maker? 2 Before you pick up the telephone It all starts with a plan... Who and what to focus our attention How much research should we undertake and why? Setting primary and secondary objectives 3 Making your approach Key considerations Every call is an opportunity - creating a positive mind-set Using a structured approach Using partnership language 4 Gaining an insight into the customer's needs How to quickly 'tune in' to your customers, so that you can serve them more easily Developing speech patterns that put customers at their ease Using effective questioning and listening skills Finding and building pain points 5 Dealing with excuses and objections Pre-empting potential excuses Developing techniques for responding to client objections Keeping the door open for future contact 6 Securing the appointment Selling the benefits of a consultancy meeting Techniques for avoiding cancelled appointments Gaining commitment 7 Action plans Course summary and presentation of action plans

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?