Today, every individual and organisation is a publisher. You want everyone in your organisation to be a potential ambassador. And every employee has something to gain from raising their profile and showcasing their expertise. An effective content strategy allows you to deliver compelling stories to your audience in the most seamless way possible to make an emotional connection. This requires a mix of passion for the subject matter, a deep relationship with your audience, robust production processes, and the right tools. With a background in journalism and technology, we’ve worked on many projects that combine the two – including overseeing the iPad edition launches for Condé Nast in the UK, product ownership of a Digital Asset Manager for Condé Nast International, and developing and delivering content training for telco VEON. Publishers and brands we’ve worked with include WIRED, Time Out, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue – as well as solo entrepreneurs and startups who are trying to cut through the noise and get their message heard. In this course we'll cover the key elements of an effective content strategy: how to plan across multiple platforms, and how to implement your blueprint without exhausting yourself or your team. Sample learning content Session 1: Planning a content strategy Mapping and understanding your audiences. Defining your content objectives, for you or your organisation. Common pitfalls with poorly targeted content. Session 2: A content creation framework Finding ideas to generate a consistent stream of content. Idenitfying angles that will help you stand out from the crowd. Using different formats across multiple channels. Session 3: Keeping it going Simple processes to help hit deadlines and publish regularly. Balancing content creation and content creation. Creating a mix of evergreen and timely content. Session 4: Measurement and iteration Useful (and useless) metrics for content producers. Handling comments and joining the conversation. Iterating your content strategy based on feedback. Delivery We deliver our courses over Zoom, to maximise flexibility. The training can be delivered in a single day, or across multiple sessions. All of our courses are live and interactive – every session includes a mix of formal tuition and hands-on exercises. To ensure this is possible, the number of attendees is capped at 16 people. Tutor Alan Rutter is the founder of Fire Plus Algebra. He is a specialist in communicating complex subjects through data visualisation, writing and design. He teaches for General Assembly and runs in-house training for public sector clients including the Home Office, the Department of Transport, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Health Foundation, and numerous local government and emergency services teams. He previously worked with Guardian Masterclasses on curating and delivering new course strands, including developing and teaching their B2B data visualisation courses. He oversaw the iPad edition launches of Wired, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue in the UK, and has worked with Condé Nast International as product owner on a bespoke digital asset management system for their 11 global markets. Testimonial “The EMpower Network commissioned the content creation workshop to understand how to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. In light of covid-19, it’s more important than ever to communicate clearly especially as we’ve moved to remote meetings. The workshop was very insightful and Alan was a very engaging speaker making sure all attendees contributed and worked through real-life examples. Attendees praised the usefulness of the workshop and especially liked the content generation framework with one saying 'It has changed the way I think about communicating and given me a toolkit that I will use in both my work and personal projects'.” Shade Nathaniel-Ayodele | EMpower Network, Southwark Council
Data has become the most important resource for every organisation – but the insights gained from data analysis will only ever be truly valuable if they can be clearly expressed to other people. This course is for anybody who works with data, and needs to communicate the meaning that's in the numbers to colleagues, customers, bosses or external stakeholders. It will give you or your team the confidence and skills to translate raw data into compelling visual stories for your key audiences. The principles and skills covered apply to the simplest PowerPoint chart, to more complex interactive visualisations. We’ll work with you before the course to ensure that we understand your organisation and what you’re hoping to achieve. Sample learning content Session 1: What makes a great data-driven story The key elements of a successful infographic or presentation. Industry best practice, and discussion of good (and bad) examples. A simple framework for identifying the Audience, Story and Action. Session 2: Data in context How to balance function and aesthetic appeal. Identifying the right graph, chart, infographic or other visual. Framing the data and providing contextual information. Session 3: Designing for the human brain Using colours to add emphasis and meaning. Design and layout principles, and creating hierarchies of information. The principle of ‘self-sufficiency’, and removing clutter. Session 4: Navigation and narrative Tailoring visualisations for different types of communications. Structuring presentations and longer reports. Thinking in layers to create interactive dashboards. Delivery We deliver our courses over Zoom, to maximise flexibility. The training can be delivered in a single day, or across multiple sessions. All of our courses are live and interactive – every session includes a mix of formal tuition and hands-on exercises. To ensure this is possible, the number of attendees is capped at 16 people. Tutor Alan Rutter is the founder of Fire Plus Algebra. He is a specialist in communicating complex subjects through data visualisation, writing and design. He teaches for General Assembly and runs in-house training for public sector clients including the Home Office, the Department of Transport, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Health Foundation, and numerous local government and emergency services teams. He previously worked with Guardian Masterclasses on curating and delivering new course strands, including developing and teaching their B2B data visualisation courses. He oversaw the iPad edition launches of Wired, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue in the UK, and has worked with Condé Nast International as product owner on a bespoke digital asset management system for their 11 global markets. Testimonial “I was familiar with Alan’s work as a Guardian Masterclass instructor on data visualisation and digital journalism, which made it easy for me to recommend him for onsite training at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. We had a large group of people interested in honing their abilities to depict their research and stories in engaging ways. Alan’s course provided great insight about common communication pitfalls and how to avoid them, how to become better communicators by understanding the audience diversity, and it showcased some great online tools for creating infographics. This should be mandatory training for all students, academics, report writers and those involved with conveying research to the media as it will help increase the clarity and accessibility of our own research stories.” Dr Lee Haines | Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Data dashboards provide key information to stakeholders so that they can make informed decisions. While there are plenty of software solutions for building these essential data products, there is much less guidance on how to design dashboards to meet the diverse needs of users. This course is for anyone who is building or implementing dashboards, and wants to know more about design principles and best practice. You could be using business intelligence software (such as Power BI or Tableau), or implementing bespoke solutions. The course will give your team the ability to evaluate user needs and levels of understanding, make informed decisions about chart selections, and make effective use of interactivity dynamic data. We’ll work with you before the course to ensure that we understand your organisation and what you’re hoping to achieve. Sample learning content Session 1: Data with a purpose Understanding the different types of dashboard. Information overload and other common dashboard pitfalls. Assessing user needs and levels of data fluency. Session 2: Planning a dashboard Assessing diverse user needs and levels of data fluency. Taking a User Experience (UX) approach to design and navigation. Applying an interative and collaborative approach to onboarding. Session 3: Graphs, charts and dials Understanding how graphical perception informs chart choices. Making intelligent design choices to help users explore. Design principles for layout and navigation. Session 4: Using interactivity Making effective use of filters to slice and dice data sets. Using layers of information to enable drilldown data exploration. Complenting dashboards with automated alerts and queries. Delivery We deliver our courses over Zoom, to maximise flexibility. The training can be delivered in a single day, or across multiple sessions. All of our courses are live and interactive – every session includes a mix of formal tuition and hands-on exercises. To ensure this is possible, the number of attendees is capped at 16 people. Tutor Alan Rutter is the founder of Fire Plus Algebra. He is a specialist in communicating complex subjects through data visualisation, writing and design. He teaches for General Assembly and runs in-house training for public sector clients including the Home Office, the Department of Transport, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Health Foundation, and numerous local government and emergency services teams. He previously worked with Guardian Masterclasses on curating and delivering new course strands, including developing and teaching their B2B data visualisation courses. He oversaw the iPad edition launches of Wired, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue in the UK, and has worked with Condé Nast International as product owner on a bespoke digital asset management system for their 11 global markets. Testimonial “Alan was great to work with, he took us through the concepts behind data visualisation which means our team is now equipped for the future. He has a wide range of experience across the topic that is delivered in a clear, concise and friendly manner. We look forward to working with Alan again in the future.” John Masterson | Chief Product Officer | ImproveWell
Successful communications are all about making the message as simple as possible – but this can be difficult when the subjects we're talking about are inherently complicated. Academic institutions, tech companies, health organisations, charities and many others have complex ideas, processes and systems at the heart of what they do. This course is for anybody who needs to distill information down into key messages for important stakeholders, funders and investors, decision makers and members of the public. You’ll learn proven techniques for grabbing attention and changing minds through presentations and public speaking, infographics and data visualisations, and written reports and online posts. We’ll work with you before the course to ensure that we understand your organisation and what you’re hoping to achieve. Sample learning content Session 1: Understanding your audience Matching your objectives to your audience's motivations. Identifying the right tone and language. Understanding how, where and when your audience wants to be spoken to. Session 2: Refining your objectives Breaking down strategic aims into tactical steps Metrics and milestones: defining and measuring progress and success. Rapidly building a brief for your communications. Session 3: Telling the story Using metaphors, visuals, comparisons to frame your narrative. From slide decks to online campaigns - choosing the right formats for delivering your message. Selecting communications channels to maximise reach and impact. Session 4: Keeping it going Processes and systems for launching and maintaining communications campaigns. Building social proof – creating and curating content. Troubleshooting and preparing for common challenges. Delivery We deliver our courses over Zoom, to maximise flexibility. The training can be delivered in a single day, or across multiple sessions. All of our courses are live and interactive – every session includes a mix of formal tuition and hands-on exercises. To ensure this is possible, the number of attendees is capped at 16 people. Tutor Alan Rutter is the founder of Fire Plus Algebra. He is a specialist in communicating complex subjects through data visualisation, writing and design. He teaches for General Assembly and runs in-house training for public sector clients including the Home Office, the Department of Transport, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Health Foundation, and numerous local government and emergency services teams. He previously worked with Guardian Masterclasses on curating and delivering new course strands, including developing and teaching their B2B data visualisation courses. He oversaw the iPad edition launches of Wired, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue in the UK, and has worked with Condé Nast International as product owner on a bespoke digital asset management system for their 11 global markets. Testimonial “We’ve now worked with Alan for almost 3 years, and during that time he has continued to deliver the highest quality training for our clients and delegates. Alan’s passionate delivery style has continued to deliver innovative training solutions to over 1500 delegates across the public, private and voluntary sector. Each of our courses with him has always delivered exceptional feedback and satisfaction levels.” Joe Barlow | Head of Programme, Understanding ModernGov
To drive actions and get decisions made, you need to be able to present effectively to customers, clients, senior managers or colleagues. The perfect presentation is a potent combination of content, design and delivery You need to distill down complex concepts, large data sets, intricate processes and innovative ideas. You need to make the right design choices to ensure your slide decks communicate quickly (as well as looking great). And you need the confidence and storytelling techniques to lead your audience through the content. This course is for anyone who regularly needs to create and deliver presentations for different stakeholders. It will cover how to plan, design and deliver brilliant presentations. Sample learning content Session 1: Planning a presentation Assessing the needs and level of understanding of your audience. Frameworks for building a logical and compelling narrative. Emphasising key messages, while allowing for deep dives and questions. Session 2: Presenting data and processes Understand graphical perception and how people absorb visual information. Effective charts for different types of data stories. How to display processes, timelines and organisational structures. Session 3: Design tricks Using colours to add emphasis and meaning. Creating hierarchies of information to help your audience. Building templates and style guides. Session 4: Delivery techniques Perfecting your performance in-person or online. Dealing with difficult questions and hostile audiences. Refining the beginning, middle and end of your narrative. Delivery We deliver our courses over Zoom, to maximise flexibility. The training can be delivered in a single day, or across multiple sessions. All of our courses are live and interactive – every session includes a mix of formal tuition and hands-on exercises. To ensure this is possible, the number of attendees is capped at 16 people. Tutor Alan Rutter is the founder of Fire Plus Algebra. He is a specialist in communicating complex subjects through data visualisation, writing and design. He teaches for General Assembly and runs in-house training for public sector clients including the Home Office, the Department of Transport, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Health Foundation, and numerous local government and emergency services teams. He previously worked with Guardian Masterclasses on curating and delivering new course strands, including developing and teaching their B2B data visualisation courses. He oversaw the iPad edition launches of Wired, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue in the UK, and has worked with Condé Nast International as product owner on a bespoke digital asset management system for their 11 global markets. Testimonial "We’ve now worked with Alan for almost 3 years, and during that time he has continued to deliver the highest quality training for our clients and delegates. Alan’s passionate delivery style has continued to deliver innovative training solutions to over 1500 delegates across the public, private and voluntary sector. Each of our courses with him has always delivered exceptional feedback and satisfaction levels." Joe Barlow | Head of Programme, Understanding ModernGov
This half-day workshop delivered face-to-face or online is designed for anyone in your organisation that wants to become a Neurodiversity Champion - someone who wants to educate and change the way that Neurodiversity is viewed in the workplace.
This half-day Suicide First Aid Lite training course gives learners the knowledge and tools to understand that suicide is one of the most preventable deaths and some basic skills can help someone with thoughts of suicide stay safe from their thoughts and stay alive.
Microsoft Active Directory course description A thorough understanding of this system is essential for anyone managing enterprise MS networks. Essential theory is complimented with a high level of hands on practice allowing delegates to observe the idiosyncrasies of Active Directory and Group Policy at first hand. Delegates learn the fundamental theory of AD and progress onto building a multi-domain network in the classroom. The course includes troubleshooting methods, and essential maintenance procedures. This course is designed to teach you the skills needed for day to day management of these technologies. What will you learn Install AD on multiple PCs. Use the tools to create and manage objects. Create appropriate group policies to restrict selected user's desktops and network access. Install DNS to support Active Directory without loosing Internet Connectivity. Maintain and troubleshoot AD problems Backup Active Directory. Microsoft Active Directory course details Who will benefit: Technical staff working with AD based networks. Prerequisites: Supporting Windows server. Duration 3 days Microsoft Active Directory course contents Introduction to Active Directory Network authentication methods, Active Directory defined, AD naming conventions, network management with AD, AD structures: Domains, Organisational Units, Forests & Trees, Sites, The Global Catalogue. Windows 2003 new features, installing AD. Hands on Installing an AD network. Windows overview Management methods Server management tools, installing the additional tools, Terminal Server: Administration mode, Administrator accounts in AD, Local Security Policy. Hands on Install the management tools, Management using Terminal Services. Creating & Managing Objects (a quick look) AD management tools, AD users and computers, Creating & managing OUs, User Accounts and groups, controlling access to AD objects, moving objects, Publishing resources, locating objects in AD, delegating authority. Hands on Creating a control OU structure and delegating authority. Introduction to Group Policies What are Group Policies? Where Group Policy data is stored, security, Group Policy flow. Hands on Implementing Group Policies Working with Group Policies Local security templates, administrative templates, scripts, folder redirection, software deployment. Hands on Scripts, redirecting the start menu, creating a secure, robust desktop environment. Implementing DNS DNS basics, troubleshooting, implementing DNS zones. Hands on Building a unified DNS solution. Maintaining and managing the AD database AD support tools, database internal structure, replication, replication tools, Single Operations Masters, tools for maintenance, maintenance techniques, Backing up AD, Directory Services restore mode, NTDSUtil, Authoritative & non-authoritative restoration, rebuilding. Hands on NTDSUtil.
ITIL® 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy: In-House Training The ITIL® 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) is one of the two modules in the ITIL® 4 Strategic Leader (SL) certification scheme. The other module in the SL designation is the ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve. Accredited training for the ITIL® 4 Strategic Leader modules is mandatory to enable full understanding of the core material. The ITIL ® 4 Digital and IT Strategy certification focuses on enabling business success through the creation of digital and IT strategies. The IT and Digital Strategy certification adds a new perspective to the ITIL suite and elevates the discussion around ITIL concepts to a strategic level among business leaders and aspiring leaders. The ITIL® 4 Digital and IT Strategy course is based on the ITIL® 4 Digital and IT Strategy exam specification from AXELOS. With the help of ITIL® 4 concepts and terminology, exercises, and examples included in the course, you will acquire relevant knowledge to pass the certification exam. The core learning material in the course is supported by interactive case study, discussions and activities. What You Will Learn The ITIL ® 4 Digital and IT Strategy course covers the content in relation to the following learning outcomes of the exam specification for ITIL ® 4 Digital and IT Strategy: Demonstrate the use of the ITIL guiding principles in Digital and IT Strategy decisions and activities Understand how to leverage digital strategy to react to digital disruption Understand the relationship between the concepts of Digital and IT Strategy, the service value system and the service value chain, and explain how to utilize them to create value Understand how an organization uses Digital and IT Strategy to remain viable in environments disrupted by digital technology Understand strategic approaches made possible by digital and information technology to achieve customer/market relevance and operational excellence Understand the risks and opportunities of Digital and IT Strategy Understand the steps and techniques involved in defining and advocating for a Digital and IT Strategy Understand how to implement a Digital and IT Strategy Key Concepts of Digital and IT Strategy Digital, Information, and Communication Technology Digital Transformation Services, Products, and Competitive Advantage Tiers of Strategy Business Models Operating Models Strategy and the Service Value System Opportunity and Demand Value Governance ITIL® Guiding Principles Continual Improvement ITIL® Practices What is Vision? Disruptions Vision Digital Disruptions Balanced Strategic Focus Positioning Tools for Digital Organizations Assignment 1: Digital Disruption and Digital Positioning Where Are We Now? Environmental Analysis Opportunity Analysis Digital Readiness Assessment How Do We Get There (Strategic Planning) Strategy Planning Financial Aspects of Digital and IT Strategy Business Models for Strategy Planning Portfolio Optimization How Do We Get There (Strategic Approaches) Strategic Approaches for Digital Organizations Strategic Approaches for Operational Excellence Strategic Approaches to Evolution Strategic Approaches to Social Responsibility and Sustainability Assignment 2: Strategic Approaches for Digital Organizations Take Action (Managing Strategic Initiatives) How Strategies are Implemented Coordinating Strategy and Strategic Initiatives Leading Digital Transformation Digital Leadership Assignment 3: Strategy Planning and Communication Did We Get There? (Measuring Strategy) Key Facts About Measurement Measuring a Strategy Instrumenting Strategy How Do We Keep the Momentum Going Long-Term Momentum: Ensuring Organizational Viability Short-Term Momentum: Parallel Operation Assignment: Digital Strategy in VUCA Environment Managing Innovation and Emerging Technologies Managing Innovation Formal Approach to Innovation Management Culture that Supports Innovation Approaches to Innovation Evaluating and Adopting Emerging Technology Managing Strategic Risk Risk Management Risk Identification Risk Posture Risk Treatment
Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) Boot Camp: In-House Training The course provides targeted exam preparation support for IIBA® Level 3 - CBAP® exam candidates, including both a BABOK® Guide Version 3.0 content review and exam preparation tutorial. The class is interactive, combining discussion, application of concepts, study tips, and a practice exam. Knowledge Check quizzes and self-assessments allow candidates to identify areas of weakness and create a custom study plan tailored to their individual needs as well as study aids to support their exam preparation after the course. The course materials include a copy of A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) Version 3.0. What you will Learn Upon completion, participants will be able to: Demonstrate familiarity with the structure and content of the IIBA® BABOK® Guide Improve their probability of passing the Level 3 - CBAP® Exam Identify their knowledge gaps through the use of module Knowledge Check quizzes Gauge their readiness for taking the exam by IIBA® BABOK® Guide Knowledge Are Foundation Concepts for IIBA® CBAP® Prep IIBA® - the Organization Business Analysis - the Profession Knowledge Check Terminology and Key Concepts IIBA®'s BABOK® Guide - the Standard Underlying Competencies BA Techniques Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring Knowledge Check Overview BAP&M Tasks BAP&M Techniques Elicitation and Collaboration Knowledge Check Overview E&C Tasks E&C Techniques Requirements Life Cycle Management Knowledge Check Overview RLCM Tasks RLCM Techniques Strategy Analysis Knowledge Check Overview SA Tasks SA Techniques Requirements Analysis and Design Definition Knowledge Check Overview RA&DD Tasks RA&DD Techniques Solution Evaluation Knowledge Check Overview SE Tasks SE Techniques Exam Preparation Practice Exam and debrief Exam Preparation Study Tips Manage Study Plan Exam Process Exam day