107 Courses in Cardiff delivered Live Online

Better Business Cases™ Practitioner: Virtual In-House Training Better Business Cases™ is based on the Five Case Model - which is the UK government's best practice approach to structuring spending proposals and making effective business decisions. Using this best-practice approach will allow organizations to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the decision-making process which gives you a greater chance of securing necessary funding and support for initiatives. The goal of the practitioner course is to develop a candidate's ability to deliver a comprehensive business case, through encouraging expanded knowledge to guide the practical application of theoretical foundations. Upon the completion of this Practitioner course, a candidate will be able to start applying the model to a real business case development project. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Develop the lifecycle of a business case and to establish the relationships between the five cases Apply the steps in the business case development framework, in order to support the production of a business case, using the Five Case Model, for a given scenario Overview of Better Business Cases Alignment with the strategic planning process Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model Overview of the Five Case Model Purpose of the key stages in the development of a spending proposal Purpose of a Business Justification Case Business Case Development Process Purpose of project / programme assurance and assurance reviews Responsibility for producing the Business Case Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment Scoping the Scheme and Preparing the Strategic Outline Case Planning the Scheme and Preparing the Outline Business Case Procuring the Solution and Preparing the Full Business Case Implementation and monitoring Evaluation and feedback Making the Case for Change Agree on the strategic context Determine spending objectives, existing arrangements, and business needs Determine potential business scope and key service requirements Determine benefits, risks, constraint, and dependencies Exploring the Preferred Way Forward Agree on critical success factors Determine long list options and SWOT analysis Recommend a preferred way forward Determining Potential Value for Money Revisit the short list Prepare the economic appraisal for short-listed options Undertake benefits appraisal Undertake risk appraisal Select preferred option and undertake sensitivity analysis Preparing for the Potential Deal Determine the procurement strategy Determine service streams and required outputs Outline potential risk apportionment Outline potential payment mechanisms Ascertain contractual issues and accountancy treatment Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement Prepare the financial model Prepare the financial appraisals Planning for Successful Delivery Plan programme / project management Plan change and contract management Plan benefits realization Plan risk management Plan programme / project assurance and post project evaluation Procuring the Value for Money Solution Revisit the case for change Revisit the OBC options Detail procurement process and evaluation of best and final offers (BAFOs) Contracting for the Deal Set out the negotiated deal and contractual arrangements Set out the financial implications of the deal Ensuring Successful Delivery Finalize project management arrangements and plans Finalize change management arrangements and plans Finalize benefits realization arrangements and plans Finalize risk management arrangements and plans Finalize contract management arrangements and plans Finalize post-project evaluation arrangements and plans

Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for any individual who might need to perform project management activities in their job role on either a formal or informal basis, or any individual who wants to build upon their current project management knowledge to be more productively involved on a project team. This course is not specifically designed for students who are seeking project management-related certification. Rather, it is designed to introduce a structure to help students more effectively manage projects as well as participate fully on a project team. Overview In this course, you will apply recognized practices of project management to manage a project from start to finish. You will: - Identify the basic concepts of project management. - Launch a project. - Estimate project work. - Create a project schedule. - Plan project costs. - Plan for project risks. - Plan for project quality and compliance. - Manage human and physical resources for the project. - Manage project procurements. - Plan for change management and monitor the project scope. - Monitor and optimize project schedule and cost. - Monitor the quality of the project work and the risks involved. - Plan communication strategies and manage stakeholder relationships. - Close a project. If you are taking this course, you probably have some exposure to managing projects, or you may be considering embarking on a career as a professional project manager. Your ability as a project manager to demonstrate best practices in project management on the job is becoming the standard to compete in today's fast-paced and highly technical workplace. In this course, you will apply the generally recognized practices of project management to successfully manage projects. Project managers are always under severe pressure to complete projects on time and within budget. However, most projects fail to meet these demands, and, as a result, many projects are terminated early. Successful project management requires knowledge and experience. This course is designed to provide you with the skills needed to be a successful project manager in today's rapidly changing world. The skills and knowledge you gain in this course will help you avoid making costly mistakes and increase your competitive edge in the project management profession. Getting Started with Project Management Define Project Management Basics Identify Influencing Factors Define Project Management Certifications Launching Projects How Organizations Choose the Right Project Identify Project Stakeholders and Their Expectations Authorize a Project Identify the Project Scope Estimating Project Work Develop a WBS Identify the Relationships Between Work Packages Identify Resources Estimate Time Creating a Project Schedule Develop a Project Schedule Create a Schedule Baseline Planning Project Costs Establish Project Costs Establish the Cost Baseline Reconcile Funding and Costs Planning for Risk Create a Risk Management Plan Identify Risks and Their Causes Analyze Risks Develop a Risk Response Plan Planning for Quality and Compliance Deliver the Desired Project Results Verify Compliance Requirements Managing the Project Team Plan Your Project Team Assemble the Team Develop the Team Manage the Team Managing Project Procurements Plan for Project Procurements Obtain Responses from Vendors Select the Right Vendor Manage Vendors and Procurements Managing Change During Project Execution Prepare for Project Execution Manage Project Changes Monitor the Project Scope Monitoring and Controlling Project Schedule and Cost Monitor and Control the Project Schedule Optimize the Project Schedule Monitor and Control Project Cost Monitoring and Controlling Risk and Quality Monitor and Control Risks Put Quality Plans into Action Control Project Quality Communicating and Reporting Communicate During a Project Distribute Project Information Manage Stakeholder Relationships and Expectations Report on Project Performance Closing the Project Deliver the Final Product Close Project Procurements Close the Project

Nowadays not only do we rely on our commercial and sales staff to hit that bottom line but we expect our engineers and project teams to play their part too - not only through their engineering and management skills but by behaving in a commercially minded way in their dealings with their counterparts in customer or supplier organisations. This means understanding, amongst other things, the issues surrounding the commencement of work ahead of contract, having a clear contract baseline, recognising the broader implications of contract change, the need for timeliness and the consequences of failing to meet the contracted timetable. This practical one-day programme has been designed specifically to give engineers, project staff and others just that understanding. The course is designed principally to provide engineers and project staff with an appreciation of contractual obligations, liabilities, rights and remedies so that they understand the implications of their actions. It is also suitable for business development staff who are negotiating contracts on behalf of the business. The main focus of the day is on creating an awareness of when a situation may have commercial implications that would harm an organisation's business interests if not recognised and handled appropriately and how taking a positive but more commercial approach to those situations can lead to a more positive outcome for the business. As well as providing an understanding of the commercial imperatives the day also focuses on specific areas affecting engineers and project staff, such as the recognition and management of change, the risks when working outside the contract and managing delays in contracts. The course identifies the different remedies that may apply according to the reasons for the delay and provides some thoughts on pushing back should such situations arise. On completion of this programme the participants will: appreciate the need for contractual controls and will have a better understanding of their relevance and how they can be applied, particularly the issues of starting work ahead of contract, implementing changes and inadvertently creating a binding contract by their behaviour; have gained an understanding of the terminology and procedural issues pertaining to contracting within a programme; and be more commercially aware and better equipped for their roles. 1 Basic contract law - bidding and contract formation Purpose of a contract Contract formation - the key elements required to create a legally binding agreement Completeness and enforceability Express and implied terms Conditions v warranties The use of, and issues arising from, standard forms of sale and purchase Use of 'subject to contract' Letters of intent Authority to commit 2 Change management Recognising changes to a contracted requirement Pricing change Implementation and management of change 3 Key contracting terms and conditions By the end of this module participants will be able to identify the key principles associated with: Pricing Getting paid and retaining payment Cashflow Delivery and acceptance Programme delaysExamining some reasons for non-performance...Customer failureContractor's failureNo fault delays ... and the consequences of non-performance: Damages claimsLiquidated damagesForce majeureContinued performance Waiver clauses and recent case law Use of best/reasonable endeavours Contract termination 4 Warranties, indemnities and liability Express and implied warranties Limiting liability 5 Protection of information Forms of intellectual property Background/foreground intellectual property Marking intellectual property Intellectual property rights Copyright Software Confidentiality agreements Internet

Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner Using this best-practice approach will allow organizations to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the decision-making process which gives you a greater chance of securing necessary funding and support for initiatives. The goal of the combined foundation and practitioner course is to develop a candidate's ability to deliver a comprehensive business case through encouraging expanded knowledge to guide the practical application of theoretical foundations. Upon the completion of this course, a candidate will be able to start applying the model to a real business case development project. The outline presented in the course overview will be addressed in the first 2 days, with the Foundation exam conducted on the morning of Day 3. Then the topics will be revisited at a deeper level, for 2 more days, with the Practitioner exam conducted on the afternoon of Day 5. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Develop the lifecycle of a business case and establish the relationships between the five cases Apply the steps in the business case development framework, in order to support the production of a business case, using the Five Case Model, for a given scenario. Overview of Better Business Cases Alignment with the strategic planning process Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model Overview of the Five Case Model Purpose of the key stages in the development of a spending proposal Purpose of a Business Justification Case Business Case Development Process Purpose of project / programme assurance and assurance reviews Responsibility for producing the Business Case Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment Scoping the Scheme and Preparing the Strategic Outline Case Planning the Scheme and Preparing the Outline Business Case Procuring the Solution and Preparing the Full Business Case Implementation and monitoring Evaluation and feedback Making the Case for Change Agree on the strategic context Determine spending objectives, existing arrangements, and business needs Determine potential business scope and key service requirements Determine benefits, risks, constraints, and dependencies Exploring the Preferred Way Forward Agree on critical success factors Determine long list options and SWOT analysis Recommend a preferred way forward Determining Potential Value for Money Revisit the short list Prepare the economic appraisal for short-listed options Undertake benefits appraisal Undertake risk appraisal Select preferred option and undertake sensitivity analysis Preparing for the Potential Deal Determine the procurement strategy Determine service streams and required outputs Outline potential risk apportionment Outline potential payment mechanisms Ascertain contractual issues and accountancy treatment Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement Prepare the financial model Prepare the financial appraisals Planning for Successful Delivery Plan programme / project management Plan change and contract management Plan benefits realization Plan risk management Plan programme / project assurance and post-project evaluation Procuring the Value for Money Solution Revisit the case for change Revisit the OBC options Detail procurement process and evaluation of best and final offers (BAFOs) Contracting for the Deal Set out the negotiated deal and contractual arrangements Set out the financial implications of the deal Ensuring Successful Delivery Finalize project management arrangements and plans Finalize change management arrangements and plans Finalize benefits realization arrangements and plans Finalize risk management arrangements and plans Finalize contract management arrangements and plans Finalize post-project evaluation arrangements and plans

Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for Change Managers: Responsible for documentation, approval and change processes System Landscape Architects: Responsible for the design of the transport landscape topology System Administrators: Responsible for executing transports Development Managers: Responsible for performing development changes Application Manager: Responsible for approving and performing changes in an application Support Manager and members of the customer's SAP competence center: Responsible for Reporting and Diagnostics capabilities Partners and System Integrators Overview This course will prepare you to: Describe the concept and methods of E2E Change Control Management. Leverage the SAP Solution Manager 7.2 as application platform for E2E Change Control Management. In this course you will learn how change control management coordinates changes that are introduced into a software landscape so that the changes do not conflict with each other and how to make sure the changes are executed without disrupting ongoing business. This results in improved quality of the software landscape, higher availability of IT solutions, and lower total cost of ownership. Also important, change control management ensures that the changes introduced remain transparent, traceable and are made available for reporting and change analysis. Becoming adept at change control management requires skill in the efficient use of standardized methods and procedures. In this ?how to use? training, SAP imparts best-in-class knowledge of solution operations. The End-to-End Change Control Management course introduces participants to what change control management is and the standard tools used to accomplish it, tools provided by SAP Solution Manager. Introduction to E2E Change Control Management Explain the scope of End-to-End Change Control Management Explain the role of SAP Solution Manager to manage changes in your solution landscape Enhanced Change and Transport System Explain how the Enhanced Change and Transport System (CTS+) works Understand the basic concepts of Enterprise Portal and how it is supported by CTS+ Describe the best practices for the setup and usage of CTS+ in different scenarios Configuration Validation Understand the concepts and architecture of E2E Change Diagnostics Find current configuration information with the Change Reporting tool Find recent changes in the solution landscape with the E2E Change Analysis tool Compare multiple systems with the Configuration Validation tool Create targets, use operators and run validation reports Know how to use predefined reports in the report directory Transport and Execution Analysis Service and Transport and Execution Analysis Service for Projects Know how to run and use this self-check services within SAP Solution Manager Understand how to interpret the software change management KPIïs that are collected for your landscape Software Change Strategy Understand the limitations of a three-system landscape Understand the benefits of bundling changes in cycles and synchronized releases Transport Management with SAP Solution Manager Understand the change control landscape concept for transport management in SAP Solution Manager 7.2 Understand the usage of critical objects, cross system object locking and downgrade protection Know how to use retrofit in a dual landscape Understand the features of cCTS, which can be used for Quality Gate Management and Change Request Management parallel to CTS. Quality Gate Management Explain the concept of Solution Transports and Track Synchronization Setup and use Quality Gate Scenario as a central Transport Management Tool Create and release transport requests centrally in SAP Solution Manager for ABAP and Non-ABAP environments Know how to work within the Quality Gate Scenario Change Request Management Understand the different use cases for Change Request Management Describe the various elements of Change Request Management as part of SAP Solution Manager Understand SAP?s best practices for transport management which are implemented in Change Request Management Know how to work with Change Request Management Release Management Learn how to manage Release Management with SAP Solution Manager Understand how to manage the successful deployment of all related changes into the productive environment.

Technology and innovation and its profound impact on financial operations Technology adoption indeed comes with risks, particularly around data security and privacy. As CFOs, we must ensure robust cybersecurity measures and adhere to strict data protection regulations. It requires ongoing investment in secure systems, staff training, and proactive monitoring to mitigate risks and protect sensitive financial information. Change management is also crucial. The adoption of new technologies requires proper planning, training, and cultural adjustments. As CFOs, we need to foster a culture that embraces innovation and continuous learning. Clear communication about the benefits and objectives of technology adoption is essential to gain buy-in and drive successful implementation. Fantastic insights! Now, let’s discuss the future. What emerging technologies do you foresee shaping the future of finance functions? One area that holds immense potential is blockchain technology. Its decentralised and transparent nature has the potential to streamline financial transactions, enhance auditability, and revolutionize supply chain finance. We’re closely monitoring blockchain’s development and exploring pilot projects to leverage its benefits. I agree, blockchain is a game-changer. Additionally, as the internet of things (IoT) expands, we anticipate new opportunities and challenges. CFOs will need to adapt to the influx of real-time data from interconnected devices, leveraging this information to optimize financial processes, enhance risk management, and improve operational efficiencies. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts or advice for our CFO audience? Embrace technology and view it as an opportunity rather than a threat. Invest in understanding the technological landscape and its implications for finance. Stay curious, adapt, and be open to change. Technology will continue to evolve, and as CFOs, we must evolve with it. Absolutely. Collaboration is key. Engage with IT teams, industry peers, and external experts to stay informed about the latest technological advancements. By fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge, we can collectively navigate the ever-changing technology landscape and drive innovation within our organisations. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/technology-and-innovation-and-its-profound-impact-on-financial-operations/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Conferences Online Science & Tech Conferences #technology #innovation #financial #impact #operations

Course Overview This advanced-level Project Management Level 7 course offers comprehensive training designed to develop strategic thinking, leadership acumen, and organisational proficiency. Covering the essential principles of professional project delivery, the course aligns with international frameworks such as PMBOK and PMI standards, giving learners a solid foundation in high-level project management methodologies. From global project execution to risk and quality management, participants will gain the skills to oversee complex initiatives, manage cross-functional teams, and navigate dynamic business environments. Emphasis is placed on critical areas such as change management, performance evaluation, and crisis response. By the end of the course, learners will be prepared to assume leadership roles in project-driven environments across diverse industries, demonstrating competency in managing time, resources, stakeholders, and strategic outcomes with confidence and clarity. Course Description This Level 7 course delves into advanced project management theories and practices, equipping learners with essential knowledge across the entire project lifecycle. Starting with foundational concepts and extending to global project frameworks, the curriculum includes modules on time, resource, and quality management, along with strategic planning, communication, and procurement. Learners will explore techniques for managing stress, conflict, and team performance, while also developing crisis response strategies and resilience planning. A strong focus is placed on leadership and stakeholder engagement, enabling participants to drive results through effective coordination and planning. Each module is structured to build critical thinking and decision-making capabilities suited for high-level responsibilities. By engaging with industry-relevant case studies and strategic planning exercises, learners will graduate with the insight required to lead organisational change, oversee multifaceted projects, and ensure long-term success within both public and private sectors. Course Modules: Module 01: Introduction to Project Management Module 02: PMBOK and PMI Module 03: Global Project Management Module 04: Project Life Cycle Module 05: Time Management Module 06: Quality Management Module 07: Effective Planning & Scheduling Module 08: Human Resource Management Module 09: Performance Management Module 10: Talent Management Module 11: Organising Meeting and Conferences Module 12: Managing Resources Module 13: Change Management Module 14: Business Resilience and Crisis Management Module 15: Conflict Management Module 16: Stress Management Module 17: Communication Skills Module 18: Procurement & Purchasing Management Module 19: Risk Management (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to progress into senior-level project roles. Professionals aiming to formalise their project management expertise. Beginners with an interest in leadership and organisational management. Team leaders or coordinators aspiring to manage large-scale projects. Career Path Project Manager Programme Director Business Change Manager Risk and Compliance Officer Operations Manager Strategic Planning Consultant Procurement and Contracts Manager Portfolio Manager Crisis and Resilience Coordinator

Understand why it is difficult for us to accept changes when they occur - both in our personal and professional lives. Outline the emotional stages of the change curve which maps out distinct stages all individuals go through after a change, and learn to utilise a range of strategies to cope with changes.

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for The introductory-level course is geared for software developers, project managers, and IT professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and practical skills in version control and collaboration using GitLab. It's also well-suited for those transitioning from another version control system to GitLab, or those responsible for software development lifecycle within their organization. Whether you are an individual looking to boost your proficiency or a team leader aiming to drive productivity and collaboration, this course will provide the necessary expertise to make the most of GitLab's capabilities. Overview This course combines engaging instructor-led presentations and useful demonstrations with valuable hands-on labs and engaging group activities. Throughout the course you'll: Gain a firm understanding of the fundamentals of Git and GitLab, setting a solid foundation for advanced concepts. Learn to effectively manage and track changes in your code, ensuring a clean and reliable codebase. Discover ways to streamline your daily tasks with aliases, stashing, and other GitLab workflow optimization techniques. Develop skills in creating, merging, and synchronizing branches, enabling seamless collaboration and version control. Equip yourself with the knowledge to use Git as a powerful debugging tool, saving time and effort when troubleshooting issues. Understand the basics of continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) in GitLab, helping you automate the software delivery process. Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of GitLab, a leading web-based platform for version control and collaboration, through our intensive two-day course, GitLab Quick Start. Version control systems, such as GitLab, are the backbone of modern software development, enabling teams to work cohesively and maintain a structured workflow. By mastering GitLab, you can improve efficiency, encourage collaboration, and ensure accuracy and reliability within your projects, adding significant value to your organization. Throughout the course you?ll explore various aspects of GitLab, starting from the fundamental principles of source code management to advanced concepts like rebasing and continuous integration/design. Key topics covered include Git and GitLab basics, reviewing and editing commit history, mastering GitFlow and GitLab Flow, branching and merging strategies, and understanding remote repositories. You'll also learn how to utilize Git as a debugging tool and explore the power of GitLab's built-in CI/CD capabilities. The core value of this course lies in its practical application. You'll learn how to effectively manage changes in code with GitLab, allowing you to maintain audit trails, create reproducible software, and seamlessly move from another version control system. Then you?ll learn how to enhance your workflow efficiency using aliases for common commands, saving changes for later use, and ignoring build artifacts. You?ll also explore GitLab's CI/CD, which will enable you to automate your software delivery process. These hands-on labs will walk you through creating, merging, and synchronizing remote branches, configuring Git, troubleshooting using Git as a debugging tool, and setting up GitLab Runner for CI/CD. Each lab is designed to simulate real-world projects, offering you a first-hand experience in managing and contributing to a version control system like GitLab. Introduction to Source Code Management The Core Principles of Change Management The Power to Undo Changes Audit Trails and Investigations Reproducible Software Changing code-hosting platform Moving from another version control system Git and GitLab Introduction and Basics Introduction to Git GitFlow GitLab Flow Trees and Commits Configuring Git Adding, Renaming, and Removing Files Reviewing and Editing the Commit History Reviewing the Commit History Revision Shortcuts Fixing Mistakes Improving Your Daily Workflow Simplifying Common Commands with Aliases Ignoring Build Artifacts Saving Changes for Later Use (Stashing) Branching Branching Basics Listing Differences Between Branches Visualizing Branches Deleting Branches Tagging Merging Merging Basics Merge Conflicts Merging Remote Branches Remote Repositories Remote Repositories Synchronizing Objects with Remotes Tracking Branches Centralizing and Controlling Access Introduction to GitLab Git Repositories on GitLab Daily Workflow Reviewing Branching and Merging Branch Review Merging Basics Rebasing Rebasing Basics Rebasing with Local Branches Rebasing with Remote Branches Interactive Rebasing Squashing Commits Getting Out of Trouble Git as a Debugging Tool Using the Blame Command to See File History Performing a Binary Search Continuous Integration / Continuous Design (CI/CD) How to install GitLab Runner Adding to our example project Breaking down .gitlab-ci.yml Adding .gitlab-ci.yml to our example project Deconstructing an advanced .gitlab-ci.yml file GitLab CI/CD web UI Optional: Resetting Trees Introduction to Resetting Resetting Branch Pointers Resetting Branches and the Index Resetting the Working Directory Making Good Use of the Reset Command Optional More on Improving Your Daily Workflow Interactively Staging Changes Optional: Including External Repositories Submodules Subtrees Choosing Between Submodules and Subtrees Workflow Management Branch Management

Develop the commercial awareness, financial knowledge and strategic thinking capabilities, to influence the direction of the business Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This course is aimed at managers who want to develop their commercial awareness, financial knowledge and strategic thinking capabilities, so that they can influence the direction of their business and deliver to their full potential. Day one of the course provides the skills and insights to make sense of your company’s financial position and performance. Day two helps delegates to consider the strategic thinking tools required to plot the forward course needed to maximise the potential of the business. As well as looking at how to make effective business decisions, this course gives a good grounding in finance and profitability. As a two day programme, day one provides the skills and insights to make sense of the company’s financial position and performance. Day two then considers the strategic thinking tools needed to plot the forward course needed to maximise the potential of the business. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: An understanding of the balance sheet, profit and loss account, cash flow and statutory and management accounts Learnt to correctly employment key financial ratios to analyse your business A practical definition of strategy analysis tools to examine the current environment and capabilities Steps to devise a mission and vision statement Recognition of the skills and resources needed to achieve the vision Generation of appropriate strategic and tactical commercial objectives Content What is Strategy Defining Strategy Strategic thinking Strategic models Commercial thinking – what is money? Where are we now STEEPLE analysis SWOT Analysis P&E forces at work Political distortions in capitalist markets Where are we trying to get to Setting the mission and vision Creating a BHAG Strategies for deflation and inflation The role of banks Commercial and investment banking Fractional reserving Securitisation How to get there Skill gap analysis Business Process Re engineering The role of creativity How to get there Getting the team on board Individual and team motivation The power of the brand Overcoming challenges Debt and deleveraging Change management Creating value Discounted Cash Flows Building the business case Asset Valuation techniques Making it happen Turning Strategic Thinking into Strategic Plans Scenario planning for an uncertain future Creating commitments and lock in Discussion and review Time will be set aside during the course for review sessions with time for questions, answers and action learning.