8348 Courses

This programme concentrates on the core planning skills needed to develop sound practical project plans in a team environment. This enables the plan to be modified should requirements change or difficulties arise. The programme also gives participants the confidence to practise those skills and apply them in the work environment and deliver their projects more successfully in the future. Participants learn fundamental project management concepts and terminology, demystifying the project management process, and, in particular, how to: Break a project down into manageable sections and ensure nothing is left out Understand and apply estimating techniques to develop realistic estimates Sequence work effectively and carry out critical path analysis to determine project duration and which tasks to pay closest attention to Manage project risk effectively to protect project value Monitor, control and re-plan the project to best keep it on track Close out the project and ensure the project comes to an orderly end 1 Introduction Self-introductions and personal objectives Course objectives Sharing of project issues 2 Project management concepts Characteristics of a project and what should be kept as operational responsibilities Understanding the triple and quadruple constraints - and their limitations Prioritising requirements through the MOSCOW technique Product v project life cycle Key project roles and responsibilities - the importance of sponsorship and clarity of roles 3 Starting a project, and the importance of the terms of reference / project brief Avoiding the pressure to 'just do it'! The importance and benefits of planning The best time to learn! Initial project documentation - the BOSCARDI approach 4 Breaking the work down Understanding alternative breakdown structures such as the product breakdown structure and work breakdown structure Guidelines for creating a work breakdown structure to ensure the full work scope is identified 5 Estimating Alternative estimating techniques and associated confidence levels Further considerations - loss and resource factors 6 Organising the work Use of network diagrams to develop a clear sequence of work Critical path analysis and calculating the project duration and task float - and usage 7 The management of project risk Understanding the nature of project risk The risk analysis and risk management processes How to best manage threats and opportunities Running a risk workshop Using the risk register 8 Scheduling the work The importance of the Gantt chart and understanding its limitations The Gantt chart layout and using alternative views such as the tracking Gantt Using alternative dependencies 9 Resource issues Assigning resources and resolving resource overloads Crashing and fast-tracking your project and potential issues to look out for 10 Controlling the project The control cycle and alternative feedback mechanisms Alternative progress reporting Assessing the impact The importance of re-planning The benefits of control Change control - the importance of impact analysis The steps of change control and the use of the issue register 11 Closing the project The project closure checklist Reviewing the project - things to avoid Developing meaningful lessons and ensuring they are applied effectively The post-project review - its importance to the organisation

REFERENCE CODE 601/3040/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 3 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview Who is this qualification for? This qualification is aimed at those who are involved in carrying out insulation or associated treatments to buildings; the qualification is at Level 3 and should be by those who are experienced and capable of dealing with a wide range of problems and situations and working with installations that have complex requirements. Candidates may take a technical or supervisory role, particularly in relation to less-experienced colleagues. They will also work closely with customers/clients and have well-developed customer service skills. The qualification is designed to ensure that there is a high degree of flexibility to complete by having pathways for a wide range of occupational roles and specialisms. All work must be carried out in accordance with Building Regulations and Industry recognised safe working practices, including the disposal of waste. What is required from candidates? GQA qualifications are made up of a number of units that have a credit value or credits. This qualification consists of 5 mandatory units and 6 pathways to cover occupational roles in External Wall Insulation, Cavity Wall Insulation, Loft insulation, Draught Proofing, Internal insulation and insulation to Framed Sections of Buildings. Candidates must complete all 5 mandatory units which have a total credit value of 23 credits and the required credits from the selected pathway. Dependent on the pathway selected the qualification has a total credit value ranging from 59 credits to 91 credits The units are made up of the things those working in these job roles need to know to be able to do to carry out the work safely and correctly. These are called Learning Outcomes, and all must be met to achieve the unit. Mandatory units Level Credit Maintain, promote and monitor Health and Safety in the Insulation and Building Treatments working environment Environmental Issues in the Insulation and Building Treatments working environment Identify and confirm requirements, resources and methods of work to carry out workplace activity Communication and teamwork in Insulation and Building Treatment activities Understanding Building Regulations and Legislation that apply to the Insulation and Building Treatments working environment Pathway 1 External Wall Insulation D/503/3042 Applying Surface Finishes to External Wall Insulation in the Workplace 2 19 Installing External Wall Insulation in the Workplace 2 19 Setting Out and Installing External Wall Insulation and Applying Surface Finishes to Buildings with Non-Routine or Complex Features Pathway 2 Cavity Wall Insulation Installing Cavity Wall Insulation in the Workplace 2 18 Setting Out and Installing Cavity Wall Insulation to Buildings with Non-Routine or Complex Features 3 24 Pathway 3 Loft Insulation Installing Loft Insulation in the Workplace Setting Out and Installing Loft Insulation to Buildings with Non-Routine or Complex Features Pathway 4 Draught Proofing Installing Draught-proofing to Openings in the Workplace 2 12 Setting Out and Installing Draught-Proofing to Openings with Non-Routine or Complex Features 3 30 Pathway 5 Internal Insulation to Walls, Floors or Ceilings Installing Internal Insulation to Walls, Floors or Ceilings in the Workplace Setting Out and Installing Internal Insulations to Walls, Floors or Ceilings to Buildings with Non-Routine or Complex Features Pathway 6 Insulation to Framed Sections of Buildings Installing Insulation to Framed Sections of Buildings in the Workplace 2 19 Setting Out and Installing Insulation to Framed Sections of Buildings with Complex or Non-Routine Features in the Workplace Assessment Guidance Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting system Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio evidence Telephone logs Job specifications and documentations Delivery records Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared sites and structures Notes and memos Completed sites and structures Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

leadership management training course

REFERENCE CODE 610/0134/X COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 3 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview Who is this qualification for? This qualification is aimed at those who are involved in either site carpentry including first and second fixing, those who are involved in shopfitting site work or those who carry out shopfitting bench work. The qualification is at level 3 although there may be some units at different levels. Level 3 qualifications are primarily aimed at those who are fully trained and experienced in a wide range of work activities, It is not expected that candidates working in this industry all do the same activities or use the same equipment and machinery so the qualification has been developed to make it as widely available as possible. All work completed must be carried out in accordance with Building Regulations and Industry recognised safe working practices, including the disposal of waste. The qualification is structured to ensure that there is a high degree of flexibility within the pathways and units available and will allow employees from companies of all sizes and specialisms equal opportunity to complete. The qualification consists of 3 pathways. What is required from candidates? Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to receive in order to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 404. Pathway 1 Site Joinery, Pathway mandatory units Level Credits Installing bespoke first fixing components in the workplace Installing bespoke second fixing components in the workplace Setting up and using transportable cutting and shaping machines in the workplace Erecting roof structure carcassing components in the workplace Confirming work activities and resources for an occupational work area in the workplace Developing and maintaining good occupational working relationships in the workplace Confirming the occupational method of work in the workplace Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace Pathway 1 Site joinery – Optional units minimum of 1 unit must be achieved Erecting structural carcassing components in the workplace Maintaining non-structural and structural components in the workplace Pathway 2-Shopfitting site work-Pathway mandatory units Marking out from setting out details for routine shopfitting products in the Summary of the: GQA LEVEL 3 NVQ DIPLOMA IN WOOD OCCUPATIONS (CONSTRUCTION) Installing shopfitting frames and finishings in the workplace Installing shopfitting fitments in the workplace Installing shopfronts and finishings in the workplace Setting up and using transportable cutting and shaping machines in the workplace Confirming work activities and resources for an occupational work area in the workplace Developing and maintaining good occupational working relationships in the workplace Confirming the occupational method of work in the workplace Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace Pathway 3 – Shopfitting-Bench Work – Pathway mandatory units Producing setting out details for routine shopfitting products in the workplace Marking out from setting out details for routine shopfitting products in the workplace Manufacturing routine shopfitting products in the workplace Confirming work activities and resources for an occupational work area in the workplace Developing and maintaining good occupational working relationships in the workplace Confirming the occupational method of work in the workplace Manufacturing bespoke shopfitting products in the workplace Setting up and using fixed machinery in the workplace Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace Pathway 3 – Shopfitting – Bench work – Pathway optional units a minimum of 1 unit must be achieved Producing CAD setting out details in the workplace Producing wood and wood-based products using computer numerically controlled/numerically controlled (CNC/NC) machinery in the workplace Producing setting out details for bespoke shopfitting products in the workplace Assessment Guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, contact Oscar Onsite Academy

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

In today's competitive business world firms are under unprecedented pressure to deliver value to their shareholders and other key stakeholders. Senior executives in all parts of the organisation are finding that they need some degree of financial know how to cope with the responsibility placed on them as business managers and key decision-makers; monitoring and improving business performance, investing in capital projects, mergers and acquisitions: all require some degree of financial knowledge. The key financial skills are not as difficult to learn as many people believe and in the hands of an experienced senior executive they can provide a formidable competitive advantage. After completing this course delegates will be able to: Understand fundamental business finance concepts; understand, analyse and interpret financial statements: Profit Statement, Balance Sheet and Cashflow Statement Understand the vital difference between profit and cashflow; identify the key components of working capital and how they can be managed to generate strong cashflow Evaluate pricing decisions based on an understanding of the nature of business costs and their impact on gross margin and break-even sales; managing pricing, discounts and costs to generate strong business profits; understand how lean manufacturing methods improve profit Use powerful analytical tools to measure and improve the performance of their own company and assess the effectiveness of their competitors Apply and interpret techniques for assessing and comparing investment opportunities in capital projects, business acquisitions and other ventures; understand and apply common methods of business valuation Understand the role of business finance in formulating and implementing competitive business strategy; the role of budgeting as part of the planning process and the various approaches to budgeting and performance measurement 1 Basic principles Delivering value to key stakeholders Accounting concepts, GAAP, IFRS and common terms Understanding and using the balance sheet Understanding and using the profit statement Recognising the vital difference between profit and cashflow Understanding and using the cashflow statement What financial statements can and cannot tell us 2 Managing and improving cashflow Sources of finance and their advantages and disadvantages What is working capital and why is it so important? Managing stocks, debtors and creditors Understanding how working capital drives business growth Understanding and avoiding the over-trading trap Unlocking the funds tied up in fixed assets: asset backed loans and leasing 3 Managing and improving profit Understanding how profits generate cashflow The fundamental nature of costs: fixed and variable business costs Understanding gross margin and break-even How common pricing methods affect gross margin and profit Effective strategies to improve gross margin Using value chain analysis to reduce costs Lean manufacturing methodsUnderstanding Just-in-time, 6 Sigma and Kaizen methods Improving profitEffective and defective strategies 4 Measuring and managing business performance Measures of financial performance and strength Investor behaviour: the risk and reward relationship Return on investment (ROI): the ultimate measure of business performance How profit margin and net asset turnover drive return on net assets Why some companies are more profitable that others Understanding competitive advantage: cost and differentiation advantage Why great companies failWhat happened to Kodak? Using a 'Pyramid of Ratios' to improve business performance Using Critical Success Factors to develop Key Performance Indicators 5 Budgeting and forecasting methods Using budgets to support strategy Objectives and methods for effective budgets Using budgets to monitor and manage business performance Alternative approaches to budgeting Developing and implementing Balanced Scorecards Beyond Budgeting Forecasting methods and techniques Identifying key business drivers Using rolling forecasts and 'what-if' models to aid decision-making

This highly practical one-day workshop has been designed specifically to help maximise sales where customers make contact by telephone. When customers contact us direct they have clearly already considered the possibility that they might buy from us, but we're still only half-way to making a sale. Unless we fully understand their needs and make it easy for them to buy, we may not secure the business. This workshop concentrates on the telephone skills and techniques needed to achieve the most positive outcome in any inbound customer call. A combination of excellent customer service skills and savvy sales awareness techniques will increase our chances of a successful outcome for both parties. The programme features the unique INBOUND model, to help remember the key principles for effective inbound telephone sales: Initial impressions Needs of the customer Bring them with you Open up the conversation Understand the triggers Narrow down the solutions Decision time! The programme also covers how to deal with difficult calls and challenging people - after all, every complaint is a sales opportunity! This programme will help participants: Create the perfect interaction with any customer making contact by telephone Make every call count Build rapport quickly in any situation Handle difficult calls and challenging people Create sustainable and profitable relationships Increase your sales conversions 1 The inbound sales process Each customer who contacts us will be at a different stage of the sales process. Some might be making general enquiries whilst others will be ready to commit, having made most of their decisions already. Sales and customer service people need to be ready to find out the stage the customer has reached before helping them to make the right decision for them 2 Engaging with the customer Having clarified where the customer is on their journey to making a purchasing decision, our next responsibility is to create and build a trusting relationship on both sides. This involves establishing rapport quickly to ease the communication process, thus enabling smooth transactions, both now and in the future 3 Questioning and listening skills for gathering information Developing these skills requires practice so that the communication becomes natural for the customer. This helps the customer to feel comfortable with us and work with us towards an effective solution. We discuss different types of question and how to use high-gain questions to uncover key information. Active listening will ensure that we can really help customers get what they need 4 Overcoming objections and excuses If we have followed the process properly and really understood the customer, then there should no further objections or barriers to completing the transaction. The reality is that there will still be the occasional issue that needs clarifying, so we need to prepare for possible objections and questions that customers might have. This includes probing objections so that we fully understand the customer's perspective before constructing suitable responses or solutions 5 Gaining commitment and ending the call Customers want to gain a solution to the issue they are facing and the sooner we can help them achieve that the better. Guiding the customer and helping them to believe in their own decision is part of our role. This section is dedicated to getting commitment all the way along the process, not just at the close 6 Dealing with difficult and challenging situations The realisation that everybody is different, with different personality types, different ways of looking at the world and different goals, is key to understanding sales. With this is mind we discuss these differences and how we adapt our approach to ease communication and maintain trust and understanding 7 Action plans Course summary and presentation of action plans

Chairing or facilitating a panel discussion is a particular skill. When many experts and specialists in their field are asked to do this, they discover that it is not as easy as they imagined. Pitching and introducing the session, involving everyone, promoting audience engagement, dealing with difficult panellists and ending the discussion can all be a challenge for inexperienced facilitators. Our panel facilitation training workshop focuses on providing delegates with the techniques and confidence they need to chair panel debates effectively. It is delivered by BBC presenter Martine Croxall and is highly interactive, blending theory with practical exercises. During the course, you will learn: the best way to prepare, including audience analysis and research how to pitch a panel how to introduce a panel how to involve everyone in the discussion the best way to promote audience engagement how to deal with difficult panellists how to end a discussion Each delegate will have the chance to chair a panel discussion, with the other delegates and Martine playing different roles as panellists.