ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support: Virtual In-House Training The ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support module is part of the Managing Professional stream for ITIL® 4. Candidates need to pass the related certification exam for working towards the Managing Professional (MP) designation. This course is based on the ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support exam specifications from AXELOS. With the help of ITIL® 4 concepts and terminology, exercises, and examples included in the course, candidates acquire the relevant knowledge required to pass the certification exam. What You Will Learn The learning objectives of the course are based on the following learning outcomes of the ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support exam specification: Understand how to plan and build a service value stream to create, deliver, and support services Know how relevant ITIL® practices contribute to the creation, delivery, and support across the SVS and value streams Know how to create, deliver, and support services Organization and Culture Organizational Structures Team Culture Continuous Improvement Collaborative Culture Customer-Oriented Mindset Positive Communication Effective Teams Capabilities, Roles, and Competencies Workforce Planning Employee Satisfaction Management Results-Based Measuring and Reporting Information Technology to Create, Deliver, and Support Service Integration and Data Sharing Reporting and Advanced Analytics Collaboration and Workflow Robotic Process Automation Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning CI / CD Information Model Value Stream Anatomy of a Value Stream Designing a Value Stream Value Stream Mapping Value Stream to Create, Deliver, and Support Services Value Stream for Creation of a New Service Value Stream for User Support Value Stream Model for Restoration of a Live Service Prioritize and Manage Work Managing Queues and Backlogs Shift-Left Approach Prioritizing Work Commercial and Sourcing Considerations Build or Buy Sourcing Models Service Integration and Management
Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for Test Programme Managers, Test Managers, and anyone else wishing to take the ISTQB© Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager examination. Overview Whilst this course is focused on the syllabus, giving participants the maximum chance of passing the examination, it also contains many real world practical examples. On completion of this course, attendees will have an advanced understanding of test design techniques and will be fully prepared to take the ISTQB© Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager examination. ISTQB© is the standard for international qualifications in software testing at an advanced level. The course thoroughly prepares attendees for the ISTQB© Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager examination. Testing Process The fundamental test process Test levels and test types Test planning, monitoring and control Test analysis Test design Test implementation Test execution Evaluating exit criteria and reporting Test closure activities Test Management Test management in context Risk-based testing and other approaches for test prioritization and effort allocation Test documentation and other work products Project risk management Other test work products Test estimation Defining and using test metrics Business value of testing Distributed, outsourced, and insourced testing Managing the application of industry standards Reviews Management reviews and audits Managing reviews Metrics for reviews Managing formal reviews Defect Management The defect lifecycle and the software development lifecycle Cross-functional defect management Defect report information Assessing process capability with defect report information Improving the Testing Process Introduction Test improvement process Improving the testing process Improving the testing process with TMMI Improving the testing process with TPI Next Improving the testing process with CTP Improving the testing process with STEP Test Tools and Automation Tool selection Return on investment (ROI) Selection process Tool lifecycle Tool metrics People Skills ? Team Composition Individual skills Test team dynamics Fitting testing within an organization Motivation Communication
Developing a solid foundation in Greek grammar will help you create your own sentences correctly and will also make it easier to improve your communication skills in both spoken and written Greek. So this course has been designed to help you steadily advance with the Greek language. Here, on the Greek Online School Learning Management System (LMS) you will find all the grammar phenomena that you need to know for the A2 Level (basic knowledge) in Greek, the language that influenced all European languages.
It's a fact of life that costs generally increase and as a result prices must go up too. Implementing an increase without losing customers is challenging. Talking about a price increase with customers never makes for an easy conversation. Your customers will generally decide whether to accept the increase based upon value, as well as the hassle cost of switching and going elsewhere. Even the most experienced salesperson who has implemented price increases before will be fighting back the nerves when faced with the task of 'selling' the increase. In this flexible programme, we will support your internal preparations at whichever stage you and your colleagues are at. From making the decision to increase prices, right through to those on the frontline already dealing with any push-back. This programme will help participants: Understand the business case for increasing prices Take steps to research the market Consider their customers' motivations Use the six principles of influence Identify and adapt for different personality styles Assess their level of trust with customers Build rapport rapidly with their customers and prospects 1 Raising prices - keys to success Understanding the business case Researching the market Assessing the value of your offering 2 Understanding your customer base Assessing your key accounts What is your 'target' customer range? Creating consistency in pricing approach 3 Planning the increase Timing your implementation Communication strategy Elements of a good price increase letter 4 Developing influencing skills The Trust Equation The six principles of influence Discovering your customer's buying decisions 5 Emotional intelligence and price increases The part emotion plays Developing strategies for keeping calm Handling your customer's responses 6 Understanding different customer styles Discover your own style Recognising behaviour traits in others Adapting your approach to their style 7 Preparing for customer contact Preparing for specific customers Anticipating their response Dealing with challenging customers 8 Following through Maintaining a consistent approach Resisting requests for discounts Confirming the increase in writing
This very practical and focused one-day workshop enables end-users, technical experts, proponents, internal customers and other key stakeholders to work with procurement and contracting to develop effective specifications and scopes of work, to ensure fit-for-purpose outcomes. The programme empowers participants to collaborate with all key stakeholders. This workshop will help participants: Understand the importance and value of clear and effective specifications Differentiate between the different methods of creating specifications and when to apply them Develop robust specification templates to ensure consistency Understand the use of appropriate language (critical to creating effective specifications) Appreciate the need to develop specifications in cooperation with stakeholders Make use of techniques such as value analysis and value engineering to define 'fit for purpose' in the context of creating effective specifications Embed key KPIs into the specification to ensure delivery Manage and mitigate legal and contractual risks in the specification 1 Introduction Learning outcomes Learning styles Plan for the day 2 The importance of effective specifications Scopes of work Impact of poor scopes of work Examples of costly errors 3 The critical role of language Terminology in creating effective specifications and scopes of work Problems of communication Lack of detail or too prescriptive 4 Encouraging cooperation Technical and commercial experts with responsibility for developing robust effective specifications and scopes of work Managing stakeholders' expectations Working with contractors 5 Types of specification Exploring and using the various approaches to the development of appropriate specifications and scopes of work Output Performance Technical Functional Solutions-based 6 The role of value analysis Value engineering in the process of developing scopes of work and specifications 7 Specifications and contracts The legal and contractual impact of poor specifications and scopes of work How to embed scopes of work and specification outputs into tender and quotation documents 8 Specifications as a management tool Developing KPIs and SLAs framed around robust effective specifications and scopes of work Negotiating with contractors Negotiating with stakeholders
This workshop will help you create, develop and close business opportunities using a consultative approach and a value-based (not price-led) proposition. Value-based selling means working the way your customer wants to buy, not how you want to sell. It also means: In a transactional sale the customer knows the answer without help from a salesperson (or cannot see why they should choose you), or is prepared to stay with what they have. Customer decision criteria are price and convenience and customers resent time spent with (new) salespeople, mainly because the salesperson adds little or nothing to what the customer already has and just wastes time. In a consultative or value-based sale, by contrast, the customer doesn't know the answer already. The salesperson must take the role of an advisor, not just a 'product promoter'. Customers demand expertise, advice and customisation during the sales process. Often customers insist on multiple meetings with salespeople and others to develop advantages that you can bring and reduce the perceived risk of changing. In this way the salesperson often adds more value than the product or service alone. This very practical workshop will help you use proven strategies and tactics to build, manage and successfully close sustainable business opportunities using a consultative approach and a value-based (not price-led) proposition. This includes: Increased impact of your new sales conversations, presentations and proposals - leading to faster decisions and increased conversion Greater confidence, consistency and professionalism throughout the business development process Enhanced sales questioning skills and techniques, leading to better, faster and more accurate development of customer needs, problems, value and expectations Improve your people, communication, influence and persuasion skills when approaching, consulting or presenting your services and solutions How to build value at all points in the customer's buying process through your knowledge, skills and structured approach Proven ways to gain additional business and referrals from existing customers and contacts, through direct approach and lead generation Being better able differentiate your firm, your solutions, track-record and expertise clearly and accurately with tailored value statements for each stage and for each opportunity Overcome and avoid price-based objections, buying criteria and negotiation 1 Introduction and key principles of value-based selling Introduction and review of pre-course questionnaires - KPIs, personal learning objectives and key principles The main principles of value-based selling and how they benefit you and the customer How value-based selling differs from 'transactional' or 'price-based' selling The stages of the customer's buying cycle - how to identify and work through strategies for each stage The concept of structured and set-piece selling and proposing Presentation by participants: Personal sales improvement goals 2 Value-based selling strategies and skills What is value? How can one move away from a price-led agenda? How to survive and resist price pressure - six techniques A review of key competencies and skills needed for a value-based approach Strategies, case studies and examples with discussion and review Defining your initial value proposition and comparative advantage How best to established the right level of trust, rapport and credibility Planning and practice session: Strategy - mapping a value-based sales process. 3 Connecting skills Research before the meeting and the first few minutes - ways to gain instant rapport and setting the foundation for a successful outcome in a first sales call How to structure an effective first time sales call or meeting - the subtle differences that are important to master How best to differentiate your solutions and build credibility and enthusiasm early or at the start of the buying process Overcoming initial buying resistance and relaxing the prospect; gaining rapport, opening the meeting: PBC (purpose-benefit-check) and gaining agreement to proceed Planning and practice session: Connecting - first meeting with a new contact 4 Consulting - building, developing and influencing client needs Understanding the power of high-impact and third-level questions to influence people based around specific needs and solutions The importance of body language and other personal communication dynamics when asking questions; empathic listening, run-on questions, drawing out skills, summarising, etc Creating a 'disturb' approach to creating needs and opportunities and positioning your solutions Using proven advanced sales questioning techniques with greater skill: Outcome, SPIN and qualification questions 'Decision-making criteria' - tools to help you develop the relevant criteria with the customer and in doing so progress your sales opportunities more effectively Planning and practice session: Questioning skills 5 Convincing - presentation and persuading skills practice Substance and style - selecting the right tone and content to engage and enthuse your prospect Compelling benefits and reducing perceived risk - key messages to deliver Helping the customer choose your proposition - by being convincing, compelling and credible when you present Professional and effective presentation skills - with personal coaching and practice sessions The keys of influence and persuasion and the keys to convincing a new customer to choose you for the first time Planning and practice session: Role-play in presenting your solution 6 Commitment Knowing when and how to close for commitment to the next stage in your sales process, plus ways to ask for commitment professionally and effectively How to isolate, prioritise and answer objections and concerns more openly and accurately, using a consultative not a confrontational approach Deal more effectively and profitably with price objections and reduce buyer's remorse (which can lead to an 'I want to think about it' reaction and cause delay and inertia) Key negotiation skills around the closing process - getting to 'yes' Planning and practice session: Role-play in closing and negotiation skills 7 Assessed role-play - Final practice session Live role-plays There is an option for external participants to be brought in to the live training workshop to take-part in the final assessed role-play or assist with other sessions run during the course. Performance assessment - 'Dragon's Pitch' The final afternoon of the course is an assessed role-play using a prepared scenario and external 'CEO'. The assessment criteria will be agreed prior to the workshop. 8 Workshop summary and close Personal action plan and learning summary
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.
Unlock the power of effective negotiation. Gain essential skills to navigate complex deals, build lasting partnerships, and achieve optimal outcomes. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This course is designed for those who need to understand and be able to use essential negotiation skills to make them more effective in their role. Externally you maybe negotiating with suppliers, customers, regulatory authorities and other organisations. Internally you will be negotiating with stakeholders, colleagues, and team members which could be for resources, time, budget or facilities. Being able to negotiate agreements that are acceptable to all parties requires skill and is essential to maintain healthy, functional relationships. This will be a facilitated workshop designed to be flexible to achieve the desired outcome. We will achieve the objectives through a mixture of facilitated discussion, interactive exercises designed to give insight and facilitator input. During the day we will deal with the stages of a negotiation from preparation to closing. Individuals will get the opportunity to practice the skills needed to create win-win outcomes through a number of generic but realistic scenarios. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: State the principles of effective negotiation Prepare effectively for different types of negotiation Set negotiation objectives and identify what can be ‘traded’ Explain how assertiveness and influencing skills can affect outcomes Deploy appropriate strategies and tactics to achieve the best results Use different techniques to deal with difficult customers and difficult situations Content Influencing Seek first to understand, and then be understood The importance of understanding the other party’s position and how to do it The power of non-verbal communication Dealing with difficult customers and difficult situations whilst maintaining a positive relationship How to approach negotiations Identifying potential negotiations and preparing for potential outcomes Aiming for results which deliver win/win outcomes Developing a win/win mindset and behaviours Rights and responsibilities of negotiators Setting Negotiation Objectives Clarifying essential, desirable and ideal objectives Assessing the most favoured, realistic target and walk away positions The Negotiation Process The importance of preparation Creating an opening proposal Where to pitch the opening proposal Bargaining/Trading - Gaining Momentum Knowing your parameters – what can be traded? Choosing a strategy and tactics Dealing with questionable tactics and ploys Building rapport – the communication process Asking the right questions and active listening Being assertive, demanding your rights and ensuring you meet your responsibilities Closing Techniques Trial and actual closing techniques Signalling Summarising and documenting the agreement Follow up and implementation of the deal
Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for Multi-role (consumers, business authors, professional authors, developers, administrators, modelers, project managers) This course provides students with an overview of the IBM Cognos Analytics suite of products and their underlying architecture. Students will examine each component as it relates to an Analytics solution & will be shown a range of resources. IBM Cognos Analytics Describe IBM Cognos Analytics Describe IBM Cognos Analytics components Describe IBM Cognos architecture at a high level Describe IBM Cognos security at a high level Consume Content in IBM Cognos Analytics Where do consumers access BI content? Use published reports Drill through to related data Specify run report options Specify properties of an entry Alerts and Watch Items Create Reports in IBM Cognos Analytics Overview of reporting and report authoring Identify package types, uploaded files, and data modules available for reporting Examine IBM Cognos Analytics - Reporting Examine the interface Explore different report types Create a simple, sorted, and formatted report Create a report view Create a subscription Create an Active Report Import and report on personal data Create Dashboards in IBM Cognos Analytics Describe IBM Cognos Dashboarding Identify the IBM Cognos Dashboarding user interface Add report content and tools to create dashboards Widget-to-widget communication Filter data in the dashboard Sort, group and ungroup, and calculate data Create Metadata Models in IBM Cognos Analytics Define IBM Cognos Framework Manager and its purpose Describe the IBM Cognos Framework Manager environment Describe IBM Cognos Cube Designer Get high-level content from Dynamic Cubes course and/or FM course Web-based Modeling Create Data Modules Extend IBM Cognos Analytics Introduction to IBM Cognos Mobile Key features Examine Cognos Mobile architecture Identify supported products Introduction to IBM Cognos BI for Microsoft Office Describe Cognos Analysis for Excel (CAFÂ) Compare IBM Cognos Analytics & IBM Cognos BI New features in IBM Cognos Analytics Changes from IBM Cognos BI to IBM Cognos Analytics Legacy option Examine Event Studio Examine the role of Event Studio in Performance Management List the benefits of Event Studio Examine Metric Studio Identify scorecards, metrics, and metric types Organize metrics with strategies Track initiatives with projects
Some people naturally possess an ability to sell and others over time develop their own style. We have created a highly practical course to give you the confidence and ability to sell over the phone or face to face. We focus the exercises, theory and discussion on your own job role and experiences to ensure you can return to the workplace to deliver tangible results. This 2-day course is designed for individuals who are new to selling, those in a sales role but have not received any formal training, or professionals who would like to brush up and enhance their current selling skills and learn some new techniques. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Essential Selling Skills course is comprised of seven modules, covering the following: Module One Understanding the Customer The importance of good customer care Selling vs. selling attitude The reasons people buy Adopting a positive approach Module Two Self-Awareness Understanding your selling style Adapting your selling style to your customer Understanding your customers buying style Module Three Effective Communication and Rapport Building Why does communication need to be effective? Actively listening to your customers' needs Right question at the right time The impact of positive and emotive language Module Four Taking a Consultative Approach Different styles of selling Taking a consultative approach to selling Preparation techniques Buyer behaviour and motivation A selling approach to match the buyers mind Module Five Presenting the Solution Selling the benefits Sales tool kit Unique sales points Advanced questioning techniques Module Six Gaining Commitment Recognising and acting upon buying signals Dealing with customers concerns No means no? How to cope in stressful situations Module Seven Confirming the Sale Confirming or closing? Effective confirming techniques Going the extra mile Benefits For you as an individual This course will increase your confidence and ability to sell, having provided you with tools and techniques to achieve maximum results. Delegates always leave with fresh ideas, energy and motivation to succeed. For an employer The attitude of the delegates and the results they deliver will speak for themselves. All techniques are easy to apply back into the workplace for an immediate impact. What will I learn? By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Appreciate the need for preparation before a sales appointment Effectively identify and meet needs with advanced questioning techniques Identify verbal and non-verbal buying signals Construct professional answers to questions and possible objections Present your products and/or services with the buyer in mind Identify and use a selling style appropriate to capture the buyer's attention Recognise and overcome major objection types How to apply effective confirmation techniques with the buyer in mind Real Play Option We offer an innovative solution to engage the learners and bring real negotiation and closing scenarios to life. We use actors who improvise scenarios which have been specified by the group. The group is split the group into 2 sub-groups, one with the actor, the other with the trainer. Each group has a brief and has to instruct their trainer/actor on how to approach the scenario supplied. The actor and trainer perform the role play(s) as instructed by their respective teams; however during the action they can be paused for further recommendations or direction. The outcome is the responsibility of the team(s) - not the performers. Scheduled Courses This course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. For more information please contact us.