High quality specifications are of paramount importance in achieving the right technical performance and value for money. This long-established training programme has been developed to help those involved in producing specifications to create high quality documents in an organised and effective way. It provides a sound foundation for those new to the topic whilst at the same time offering new insights to those with more experience. The programme emphasises the need for a clear definition of requirements combined with the ability to communicate those requirements effectively to third parties. A structured method of preparing specifications is provided, and a range of practical techniques is presented, to enable participants to put the principles into practice. The commercial and contractual role of specifications is also addressed. The objectives of the workshop are to: Provide a clear understanding of the role and purpose of specifications Present a framework for organising and producing specifications Define the key steps involved in creating effective specifications Demonstrate methods for assisting in defining requirements Provide tools and techniques for scoping and structuring specifications Show the role of specifications in managing variations and changes to scope Present methods to assist the writing and editing of specifications Review how specifications should be issued and controlled DAY ONE 1 Introduction Review of course objectives Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Creating effective specifications The role of specifications in communicating requirements The costs, benefits and qualities of effective specifications Understanding the differences between verbal and written communication The five key steps of 'POWER' writing: prepare-organise-write-edit-release Exercise: qualities of an effective specification 3 Step 1: Preparing to write - defining readership and purpose; the specification and the contract Designing the specifications required; applying BS 7373 Defining the purpose, readership and title of each document Effective procedures for writing, issuing and controlling specifications The roles and responsibilities of the key players Understanding contracts; the contractual role of the specification Integrating and balancing the technical and commercial requirements Writing specifications to achieve the appropriate contract risk strategy Deciding how to specify: when to use functional and technical specifications The role of specifications in managing variations and changes to scope 4 Case study 1 Teams review a typical project scenario and identify the implications for the specification Feedback and discussion 5 Step 2: Organising the specification content Defining the need and establishing user requirements Deciding what issues the specification should cover Scoping techniques: scope maps, check lists, structured brainstorming Clarifying priorities: separating needs and desires Dealing with requirements that are difficult to quantify Useful techniques: cost benefit analysis, QFD, Pareto analysis 6 Case study 2 Teams apply the scoping techniques to develop the outline contents for a specification Feedback and discussion DAY TWO 7 Step 2: Organising the specification content (cont) Deciding what goes where; typical contents and layout for a specification The three main segments: introductory, key and supporting Creating and using model forms: the sections and sub-sections Detailed contents of each sub-section Tools and techniques for outlining and structuring specifications 8 Case study 3 Teams develop the detailed specification contents using a model form Feedback and discussion 9 Step 3: Writing the specification The challenges of written communication Identifying and understanding the readers needs Choosing and using the right words; dealing with jargon Problem words; will, shall, must, etc; building a glossary Using sentence structure and punctuation to best effect Understanding the impact of style, format and appearance Avoiding common causes of ambiguity Being concise and ensuring clarity Choosing and using graphics to best effect Exercises and examples 10 Step 4: Editing the specification Why editing is difficult; how to develop a personal editing strategy Key areas to review: structure, content, accuracy, clarity, style and grammar Editing tools and techniques 11 Step 5: Releasing and controlling the specification Key requirements for document issue and control Final formatting and publication issues; document approval Requirements management: managing revisions and changes 12 Course review and action planning What actions should be implemented to improve specifications? Conclusion
The 'golden rule' of negotiation is simple - don't! But life's rarely that simple and very often we do have to negotiate, particularly if we want to win the business and especially if we want to win it on our terms. Such negotiations are crucial. We need to prepare for them. We need a strategy, and the skills to execute it. Does your team have a structured approach? Is it flawlessly executed, every time? Or is there room for improvement? This programme will help them master the six fundamentals of closing better business: Manage all these elements well and you will win more business, more profitably. This course will help participants: Negotiate from a position of partnership, not competition Deal more effectively and profitably with price objections Identify and practise successful sales negotiating skills Identify strengths and weaknesses as a sales negotiator Understand different types of buyer behaviour Learn to recognise negotiating tactics and stances Apply a new and proven structure to their business negotiations Identify and adapt for different behavioural styles Be alert to unconscious (non-verbal) communication Prepare and present a proposal at a final business negotiation stage Project confidence and exercise assertiveness in all sales negotiations 1 Planning for successful business negotiations This session introduces the concept of business negotiation and looks at its importance in the context of the participants' roles and activities. It briefly examines why we negotiate and the dynamics involved. Session highlights: What kind of a negotiator are you? Negotiation skills self-assessment and best practice How to establish roles and responsibilities for both parties How to identify and set objectives for both buyer and seller How to research and establish the other person's position (business negotiation stance) 2 How to structure your negotiations This module presents an eight-step framework or structure for use in negotiations and considers how best to prepare and plan your negotiations within the context of a supplier/customer relationship or business cycle. It also includes a brief review of legal responsibilities and what constitutes a 'deal'. Session highlights: Learn and apply a formal structure to use when negotiating How to establish short- and longer-term objectives and opportunities How best to plan, prepare and co-ordinate a major business negotiation meeting, or on-going negotiations Understanding of basic legal and organisational requirements 3 Verbal negotiation skills This session examines the human and communication dynamics inherent in any negotiation situation. It emphasises the importance of professional skills in preparing for a negotiation by identifying needs, wants and requirements accurately and by qualifying the competitive and organisational influences present. Session highlights: How to fully 'qualify' the other party's needs, requirements and constraints during the negotiation process by using advanced questioning and listening skills How to pre-empt negotiation objections by promoting and gaining commitment to options, benefits, value and solutions How best to propose and suggest ideas, using drawing-out skills 4 Non-verbal negotiation skills This module highlights how different personal styles, corporate cultures and organisation positions can influence events, and demonstrates practical methods for dealing with and controlling these factors. It also examines key principles of body language and non-verbal communication in a practical way. Session highlights: Gaining rapport and influencing unconsciously Understanding the importance of non-verbal communication; reading other people's meaning and communicating effectively as a result Ensure that non-verbal behaviour is fully utilised and observed to create maximum impact and monitor progress (eg, buying signals) Recognising that business negotiations are precisely structured and agreements gained incrementally 5 Proposing and 'packaging' This session highlights how best to present and package your proposal. It looks at how to pre-empt the need for negotiating by creating minor-options and 'bargaining' points, as well as how to manage the expectations and perceptions of the customer or buyer. Session highlights: How to identify the key variables that can be negotiated The power and use of 'authority' within your negotiations How to structure and present your proposal, ideas or quotation to best effect The importance of when and how to identify and influence buyer's objections 6 Dealing with price This module highlights how to best present and package price within your proposal or negotiation. In most cases, price has more to do with psychology than affordability and preparation and careful handling are essential. Session highlights: The three reasons that people will pay your asking price How to set price in a competitive market The key differences between selling and negotiating Ten ways to present price more effectively and persuasively 7 Getting to 'Yes': tactics and strategies There are many different tactics and strategies common to successful negotiators. This session looks at those that are most appropriate to the participants' own personal styles and situations. The importance of 'follow-through' is also explained and how to deal with protracted or 'stale-mate' business negotiations. Session highlights: How to negotiate price and reduce discounting early in the process How to recognise negotiating tactics and strategies in your customer or supplier Key strategies, techniques and tactics to use in negotiation The importance of follow-through and watching the details How to deal with stalled business negotiations or competitor 'lock-out' 8 Case studies and review This session examines a number of different situations and participants discuss ways to approach each. This will allow learning to be consolidated and applied in a very practical way. There will also be a chance to have individual points raised in a question and answer session. Session highlights: Case studies Question and answer Planning worksheet Negotiation 'toolkit' and check-list 9 Personal action plans Session highlights: Identify the most important personal learning points from the programme Highlight specific actions and goals Flag topics for future personal development and improvement
Have you heard of Q fever? Join this free informative session about the disease and how it impacts herds and flocks in the UK. We will share our findings and bring forward case information, where herds have been impacted by the disease and are now beginning to take control of the disease through a number of steps, including vaccination and biosecurity measures. Q Fever is a disease caused by infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which can infect cattle, goats, sheep and many other mammals. Studies on the UK cattle herd indicate that Q fever is highly prevalent. Q fever is zoonotic, with those people in direct contact with ruminants at most risk – This will be a great opportunity for those working with livestock or going onto farms, to get the answers to the many questions that this disease raises. Join us for a free webinar to explore the disease behind the “silent troublemaker” that is Coxiella burnetii. Find out how Q-Fever can affect your flock, cattle or goat herds, and some of the challenges with diagnosis and management. Your speakers We are delighted to be joined by our expert guest speakers to share their insights and experiences. Prof Jonathan Statham, MA VetMB DCHP FRCVS. Jonathan is Chief Executive at RAFT Solutions and Professor of Sustainable Livestock Health & Welfare at Harper and Keele Veterinary School, chairing the InSHAW research group there. He is a practicing independent farm veterinary surgeon, graduating from Cambridge University in 1996 and is a partner and chair of Bishopton Veterinary Group. Jonathan is a Fellow and Specialist of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; in 2015 he was awarded the UK Dairy Vet of the year. He is Past-President of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), has held a range of representative or policy linked roles and currently sits on the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) of the VMD, the steering group of the Ruminant Health & Welfare Group and the EU ‘Q fever’ one health panel. He is chair of the Innovate UK Agriculture Sector Group and chair of the Defra Pathway Chairs Group. He is a Fellow of Askham Bryan College and chairs the Animal Health & Welfare Board for England at Defra. He has published widely in the field of sustainable food, herd health, precision livestock farming and breeding technologies. Current key industry roles; ~ Chair Animal Health & Welfare Board for England (AHWBE) ~ Fellow of Askham Bryan College ~ Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), ~ Chair Animal Health & Welfare Pathway Chairs Group ~ Member of the GB Ruminant Health & Welfare Steering Group ~ Chair of innovate UK Agriculture Sector Group ~ Member Industry Cattle Mobility Steering Group ~ Member Johnes Disease technical Group ~ Member of International Embryo Transfer Society, Past key industry roles; ~ Past-President of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), ~ GB ‘Cattle Health & Welfare Group (CHAWG), ~ GB ‘Sheep Health & Welfare Group’ (SHAWG), ~ Veterinary Policy Group (VPG) of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), ~ Past Director of the Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHeCS), ~ Past-President of the Yorkshire Veterinary Society (BVA) ~ Served on the Veterinary Residues committees (VRC) of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), ~ FarmSkills Steering Group Katherine Timms, BVetMed (Hons), MRCVS. Ruminant Veterinary Advisor, Ceva Animal Health Katherine grew up in Leicestershire and went to the Royal Veterinary College, graduating with honours in 2007 before working in mixed practices in the Midlands with dairy, beef and equine clients. Katherine has a busy home life being married to a beef and sheep farmer with three children and having an active involvement in rural life. Katherine joined Ceva Animal Health in 2014 as part of the technical team, covering the UK in the role of veterinary advisor for the ruminant part of the business. Registrations are open to vets, farmers, SQP’s and those in farm supporting roles. Time permitting, the webinar will finish with a brief Q&A session.
Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is Microsoft?s newest suite of technology certification exams that validate fundamental knowledge needed to begin building a career using Microsoft technologies. This program provides an appropriate entry point to a future career in technology and assumes some hands-on experience or training but does not assume on-the-job experience. Overview This five-day Training 2-Pack helps you prepare for Microsoft Technology Associate Exams 98-366 and 98-367, and build an understanding of these topics: Network Infrastructures, Network Hardware, Protocols and Services, Security Layers, Operating System Security, Network Security, Security Software. These courses leverage the same content as found in the Microsoft Official Academic Courses (MOAC) for these exams. Understand Network InfrastructuresUnderstand Network HardwareUnderstand Protocols and ServicesUnderstand Security LayersUnderstand Operating System SecurityUnderstand Network SecurityUnderstand Security Software UNDERSTANDING LOCAL AREA NETWORKINGDEFINING NETWORKS WITH THE OSI MODELUNDERSTANDING WIRED AND WIRELESS NETWORKSUNDERSTANDING INTERNET PROTOCOLIMPLEMENTING TCP/IP IN THE COMMAND LINEWORKING WITH NETWORKING SERVICESUNDERSTANDING WIDE AREA NETWORKSDEFINING NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURES AND NETWORK SECURITYUNDERSTANDING SECURITY LAYERSAUTHENTICATION, AUTHORIZATION, AND ACCOUNTINGUNDERSTANDING SECURITY POLICYUNDERSTANDING NETWORK SECURITYPROTECTING THE SERVER AND CLIENT
This course is specifically for Sunbelt Rentals team members. This module covers the requirements for TExT and how to carry out the Thorough Examination and Test process for on-tool dust extraction machines. To complete the training you will need a working knowledge of machinery and have operated or completed Combined Inspections and Tests (PAT) on machines.
Understand the biases we all have and the impact they can have in the workplace. Look at how to minimise their impact on others and the organisation. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) The purpose of this course is to help individuals understand and recognise their own unconscious biases, and to provide strategies on how to minimise the impact of those biases in the workplace. The course will provide an overview of what unconscious bias is, its prevalence and impact, and ways to mitigate its effects. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Define unconscious bias and recognise different types of bias Understand how unconscious bias affects decision-making and behaviours in the workplace Identify their own unconscious biases Understand the impact of unconscious bias on individual and team performance Apply strategies to mitigate the effects of unconscious bias in the workplace Content Module 1: Introduction to Unconscious Bias Definition of unconscious bias History and prevalence of unconscious bias Different types of unconscious bias (e.g. affinity bias, confirmation bias) Module 2: Understanding the Impact of Unconscious Bias How unconscious bias affects decision-making and behaviours in the workplace Examples of unconscious bias in the workplace Impact of unconscious bias on individual and team performance Module 3: Recognising Your Own Unconscious Biases Identifying personal biases Tools to recognise and minimise unconscious biases Module 4: Mitigating the Impact of Unconscious Bias in the Workplace Best practices for reducing unconscious bias in the workplace Strategies for managerial and executive leadership to combat unconscious bias Tips for creating a culture of inclusion and diversity
Learn how to use this powerful tool to import and clean data and create some amazing visuals. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) Power BI Desktop is a powerful tool for working with your data. It enables you to import multiple data sources and create effective visualisations and reports. This course is an introduction to Power BI to get you started on creating a powerful reporting capability. You should have a good working knowledge of Excel and managing data before attending. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Import data from multiple data sources Edit and transform data before importing Create reports Create different visualisations Create data models Build data relationships Use the drill down features Create measures Use the Power BI Service Build dashboards Use the mobile app Content Essentials Importing Data Power BI Overview Data sources Importing data Transforming Your Data Editing your data Setting data types Removing columns/rows Choosing columns to keep Setting header rows Splitting columns Creating Reports Creating and saving reports Adding pages Renaming pages Interactivity Refreshing your data Adding Columns Columns from example Custom columns Conditional columns Append Queries Importing folders Setting up and using append queries Creating Chart Visualisations Adding chart elements Choosing chart types Setting properties Setting values, axis and legends Using tooltips Visual filters Setting page and report filters Creating Tables, Cards, Gauges and Maps Adding table elements Adding maps Working with cards Working with matrices KPIs and Gauges Conditional Formatting Setting rules Removing conditional formatting Working with Data Models Merge Queries Setting up and using merge queries Merging in columns of data Creating a Data Model The data model Multiple data tables Connecting tables Building relationships Relationship types Building visuals from multiple tables Unpivoting Data Working with summary data Unpivoting data Using Hierarchies Using built in hierarchies Drill down Drill up See next level Expand a hierarchy Create a new hierarchy Grouping Grouping text fields Grouping date and number fields Creating Measures DAX functions DAX syntax Creating a new measure Using quick measures Using the PowerBI Service Shared workspaces My workspace Dashboards Reports Datasets Drill down in dashboards Focus mode Using Q&A Refreshing data Using Quick Insights Power BI Mobile App Using the Power BI Mobile App
Learn the skills of being more confident and assertive in the workplace plus be able to influence people to do the things you would like them to do. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This ‘Assertiveness and Influencing Techniques’ workshop is interactive and practical and facilitated by a subject matter expert via a virtual platform. Exercises and breakout rooms will be used during this training. Delegates are encouraged to login from a location where they feel safe to turn on their camera, use their microphones and engage in conversations as required. Objectives The aim of this course is to introduce delegates to a variety of influencing skills and techniques to deal with aggression and challenging situations. These skills and techniques will improve confidence and personal effectiveness when working in groups / meetings. By the end of the course delegates will be able to recognise and define what assertive behaviour is and its benefits, the impact of non-verbal communication and how to use it to enhance influencing behaviours. Content What is influencing and assertiveness? Sources of power Influencing skills and choosing the right approach When to be assertive and alternative behaviours Assertive behaviour Behavioural styles and their impact on working relationships Identifying different behaviour types; assertive, aggressive, passive Building confidence and negotiating a win/win result Developing Skills Communication skills – the language of influence and communication dynamics Different influencing techniques and when to use them The art of saying ‘No’ - having the confidence to challenge Receiving criticism assertively and assertiveness behaviour analysis The language of assertion Meeting skills Giving and receiving feedback Dealing with confrontation, aggression and challenges in a confident manner Practical Exercises and Action Planning Practical exercises will be used throughout the training and the training will culminate with the creation of a personal action plan
AAT Courses Online Live AAT online courses give you the opportunity to join live online classes. You can interact with your tutor and fellow students and enjoy a shared learning experience. Whilst you are studying, live classes are held regularly to provide you with the support and structure you would get from a traditional classroom environment, wherever you are. The classes are interactive and led by a expert course tutor. Students are able to ask questions in real-time, participate in polls and check their knowledge against their fellow students. You get access to ample study resources online. AAT Level 2 Online Courses When you study aat level 2 online courses, you get coursebooks and workbooks delivered to your home address. You also get access to VLC for additional learning resources such as Practice Assessments, mock tests, crosswords, interactive assessment etc. In addition, you would be given a schedule of live classes. AAT Level 3 Online Courses When you choose to study aat level 3 online courses, you get coursebooks and workbooks delivered to your home address. You also get access to VLC for additional learning resources such as Practice Assessments, mock tests, crosswords, interactive assessment etc. In addition, through your schedule of live classes you can keep yourself up to date with rest of the group. AAT Level 4 Online Courses With aat level 4 online courses, you get coursebooks and workbooks for your chosen subjects delivered to your home address. Through your access to VLC you can join live online classes. In addition, you get ample learning resources such as Practice Assessments, mock tests, crosswords, interactive assessment etc. through your VLC account.
Understand how to effectively manage conflict and learn that conflict can be healthy and need not damage relationships. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Conflict and differences of opinion are inevitable in the today’s fast moving, complex business world, some would argue they are even necessary. This highly interactive and practical course addresses the many aspects of effectively managing conflict and will help you ensure that conflict can be healthy and need not damage the relationship. This workshop has been specifically designed to give you an opportunity to learn and test a range of influencing and conflict handling models and techniques. The course is aimed at anyone who interacts with others on a regular basis. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Utilise influencing skills to pre-empt and defuse conflict Resolve conflict by choosing the right approach Recognise the impact of non-verbal communication in managing conflict Use language skills necessary to get you message across in the ‘right’ way Present your case in a reasonable and responsible manner Identify behaviours that can help or hinder interactions with others Apply different techniques for managing conflict positively and for dealing with aggression Content Developing Influence Networking Sources of influence Influencing techniques Effective Behaviour Choosing the right approach Techniques to pre-empt or defuse conflict Behavioural styles and their impact on working relationships Triggers to aggressive behaviour Managing conflict flash points Dealing with different behaviour types Developing Skills Communication skills in conflict situations Using the right language Verbal and non verbal communications Managing our body language Your conflict management style analysis Thomas Killman Conflict Handling Instrument Working in groups Practical exercises and case studies The language of mediation Transactional Analysis Practical Practical exercises Case studies Personal action planning