1550 Courses delivered Online

Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for The primary audience for this course is as follows: Network Video Engineer Voice/UC/Collaboration/Communications Engineer Collaboration Tools Engineer Collaboration Sales/Systems Engineer Overview Implement and Configure Cisco Endpoints Implement and Configure Cisco Unified Communications Manager for Video Endpoints Implement and Configure Cisco IMP for Jabber Implement and Configure Cisco Expressway Implement and Configure Cisco Video Communications Server (VCS) Control Implement and Configure Cisco Video Communications Server (VCS) Expressway Implement and Configure connectivity between a Cisco VCS and Cisco UCM Implement and Configure a Cisco Conductor Implement, Configure, and Operate Cisco TelePresence Management Suite (TMS) and provision devices using Cisco TMS Provisioning Extension (TMSPE) Implement and Configure Cisco Meeting Server This one of kind Cisco Collaboration in-depth course takes student from initial endpoint configuration to a full solution deployment using all of the Cisco Collaboration Components. Students will have extensive labs in which they will configure and troubleshoot a full Cisco Telepresence Deployment. Participants will gain in-depth practical knowledge with exercises on installing, configuring, maintaining and troubleshooting of all Cisco Telepresence Components.The software applications that are covered in this course include:Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM)Cisco Unified Communications Manager IM and PresenceCisco ExpresswayCisco Video Communication Server (VCS)Cisco ConductorCisco Telepresence Server (TS)Cisco Meeting Server (CMS)Cisco Telepresence Management Suite (TMS)Cisco TMS Extensions Understanding Cisco TelePresence Endpoints Cisco TelePresence Endpoint Solutions Overview Cisco DX Series Endpoint Characteristics Cisco TelePresence TC Software-Based Endpoint Characteristics Cisco TelePresence EX60 and EX90 Cisco TelePresence MX Series Cisco TelePresence SX Series Endpoints Cisco TelePresence Room Kits Cisco Intelligent Proximity Cisco TelePresence TC Software-Based Endpoint Peripherals Cisco TelePresence TC Software-Based Endpoint Deployments Cisco TelePresence Integrator C Series-Based Endpoints Cisco Jabber Video for TelePresence Characteristics Cisco Jabber Understanding the Cisco Video Network Network Overview H323 Overview SIP Overview VCS vs Unified Communications Manager Internetworking QOS Overview Implementing and Configuring Unified Communication Manager Unified Communications Manager Initial Settings Service Activation Enterprise and Service Parameters SIP Domains Configure IMP for Jabber Configure Jabber Settings Registering Endpoints Verifying Network Registration Cisco VCS / Expressway Overview and Configuration Configuring Initial VCS Setting Configuring Authentication Registration Conflict Policy Registration Restriction Policy Local Zone Components Membership Rules Transforms Purpose of Zones Search Priority Neighbor Zones Creating Neighbor Zones Need for Traversal Zones H.460 and Assent Protocols Traversal Zone Configuration Domain Name System Dialing E.164 Number Mapping Bandwidth Management Pipes Subzones and Zones Subzone Call Failure Call Processing Order Certificates Certificate Installation Clustering and the Cisco VCS Clustering Configuration Collecting Information Log Files Search History Connecting VCS-C to CUCM Connect VCS-C to VCS-E Connecting CUCM to VCS-C Understanding the Cisco TelePresence Conductor What is Conductor? Conductor ? How it works Installing Cisco Conductor Configuring Conductor Network Settings Configuring Conductor for a CUCM Configuration MCU Configuration Telepresence Server Telepresence Conductor Server Configuration Configuring TelePresence Conductor for ad hoc conferences Configuring TelePresence Conductor for rendezvous conferences Configuring Unified CM Configuring general settings on Unified CM Locations in Unified CM Unified CM trusts TelePresence Conductor's server certificate SIP trunk security profile Configuring Unified CM for rendezvous conferences Sip Trunk Configuration Conference Bridge Configuration MRG and MRGL Configuration Unified CM normalization scripts Configuring Unified CM for ad hoc conferences Sip Trunk Configuration Route pattern to match the SIP Trunk Configuration Unified CM normalization scripts Configuring the Cisco VCS with TelePresence Conductor Designing a Dial Plan MCU Configuration Telepresence Server Configuring the Cisco VCS Telepresence Conductor Server Configuration Backing Up Conductor Troubleshooting Conductor Overview of Cisco Telepresence Management Server (TMS) Windows Server Installation SQL Server Installation Server Pre-requisites and configuration Installing TMS Installing TMS Provisioning Extensions Initial Configuration Endpoint Configuration Adding Systems to TMS Configuration Templates Setting Configuration VCS Configuration for TMS Direct Endpoint Management VCS/TMS CUCM Configuration for TMS Direct Endpoint Management?CUCM Phonebooks & Phonebook Sources Conference Creation Advanced Conference Settings Booking & Scheduling Participant Types Methods Conference Monitoring Dial Plans, Configuration Templates Scheduler/Smart Scheduler Managing and Troubleshooting Cisco TMS Using the Logs Cisco TMS Ticketing System Troubleshooting VCS Registrations Troubleshooting CUCM Registrations System Maintenance Configuring Cisco Meeting Server (formerly Acano) Setting up CMS Installing Certificates Configuring CUCM with CMS Provision the RTC Client Configuring Meeting Spaces Additional course details: Nexus Humans Advanced TP-CT - Implementing and Configuring Cisco TelePresence Video Suite training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Advanced TP-CT - Implementing and Configuring Cisco TelePresence Video Suite course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for Security engineer Network engineer Network designer Network administrator Systems engineer Consulting systems engineer Technical solutions architect Network manager Cisco integrators and partners Overview After taking this course, you should be able to: Describe information security concepts and strategies within the network Describe common TCP/IP, network application, and endpoint attacks Describe how various network security technologies work together to guard against attacks Implement access control on Cisco ASA appliance and Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall Describe and implement basic email content security features and functions provided by Cisco Email Security Appliance Describe and implement web content security features and functions provided by Cisco Web Security Appliance Describe Cisco Umbrella security capabilities, deployment models, policy management, and Investigate console Introduce VPNs and describe cryptography solutions and algorithms Describe Cisco secure site-to-site connectivity solutions and explain how to deploy Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS) Virtual Tunnel Interface (VTI)-based point-to-point IPsec VPNs, and point-to-point IPsec VPN on the Cisco ASA and Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) Describe and deploy Cisco secure remote access connectivity solutions and describe how to configure 802.1X and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) authentication Provide basic understanding of endpoint security and describe Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for Endpoints architecture and basic features Examine various defenses on Cisco devices that protect the control and management plane Configure and verify Cisco IOS software Layer 2 and Layer 3 data plane controls Describe Cisco Stealthwatch Enterprise and Stealthwatch Cloud solutions Describe basics of cloud computing and common cloud attacks and how to secure cloud environment The Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) v1.0 course helps you prepare for the Cisco© CCNP© Security and CCIE© Security certifications and for senior-level security roles. In this course, you will master the skills and technologies you need to implement core Cisco security solutions to provide advanced threat protection against cybersecurity attacks. You will learn security for networks, cloud and content, endpoint protection, secure network access, visibility, and enforcements. You will get extensive hands-on experience deploying Cisco Firepower© Next-Generation Firewall and Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Firewall; configuring access control policies, mail policies, and 802.1X Authentication; and more. You will get introductory practice on Cisco Stealthwatch© Enterprise and Cisco Stealthwatch Cloud threat detection features. This course, including the self-paced material, helps prepare you to take the exam, Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (350-701 SCOR), which leads to the new CCNP Security, CCIE Security, and the Cisco Certified Specialist - Security Core certifications. Describing Information Security Concepts* Information Security Overview Assets, Vulnerabilities, and Countermeasures Managing Risk Vulnerability Assessment Understanding Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Describing Common TCP/IP Attacks* Legacy TCP/IP Vulnerabilities IP Vulnerabilities Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Vulnerabilities TCP Vulnerabilities User Datagram Protocol (UDP) Vulnerabilities Attack Surface and Attack Vectors Reconnaissance Attacks Access Attacks Man-in-the-Middle Attacks Denial of Service and Distributed Denial of Service Attacks Reflection and Amplification Attacks Spoofing Attacks Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Attacks Describing Common Network Application Attacks* Password Attacks Domain Name System (DNS)-Based Attacks DNS Tunneling Web-Based Attacks HTTP 302 Cushioning Command Injections SQL Injections Cross-Site Scripting and Request Forgery Email-Based Attacks Describing Common Endpoint Attacks* Buffer Overflow Malware Reconnaissance Attack Gaining Access and Control Gaining Access via Social Engineering Gaining Access via Web-Based Attacks Exploit Kits and Rootkits Privilege Escalation Post-Exploitation Phase Angler Exploit Kit Describing Network Security Technologies Defense-in-Depth Strategy Defending Across the Attack Continuum Network Segmentation and Virtualization Overview Stateful Firewall Overview Security Intelligence Overview Threat Information Standardization Network-Based Malware Protection Overview Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) Overview Next Generation Firewall Overview Email Content Security Overview Web Content Security Overview Threat Analytic Systems Overview DNS Security Overview Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting Overview Identity and Access Management Overview Virtual Private Network Technology Overview Network Security Device Form Factors Overview Deploying Cisco ASA Firewall Cisco ASA Deployment Types Cisco ASA Interface Security Levels Cisco ASA Objects and Object Groups Network Address Translation Cisco ASA Interface Access Control Lists (ACLs) Cisco ASA Global ACLs Cisco ASA Advanced Access Policies Cisco ASA High Availability Overview Deploying Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall Cisco Firepower NGFW Deployments Cisco Firepower NGFW Packet Processing and Policies Cisco Firepower NGFW Objects Cisco Firepower NGFW Network Address Translation (NAT) Cisco Firepower NGFW Prefilter Policies Cisco Firepower NGFW Access Control Policies Cisco Firepower NGFW Security Intelligence Cisco Firepower NGFW Discovery Policies Cisco Firepower NGFW IPS Policies Cisco Firepower NGFW Malware and File Policies Deploying Email Content Security Cisco Email Content Security Overview Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) Overview Email Pipeline Overview Public and Private Listeners Host Access Table Overview Recipient Access Table Overview Mail Policies Overview Protection Against Spam and Graymail Anti-virus and Anti-malware Protection Outbreak Filters Content Filters Data Loss Prevention Email Encryption Deploying Web Content Security Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) Overview Deployment Options Network Users Authentication Secure HTTP (HTTPS) Traffic Decryption Access Policies and Identification Profiles Acceptable Use Controls Settings Anti-Malware Protection Deploying Cisco Umbrella* Cisco Umbrella Architecture Deploying Cisco Umbrella Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client Managing Cisco Umbrella Cisco Umbrella Investigate Overview and Concepts Explaining VPN Technologies and Cryptography VPN Definition VPN Types Secure Communication and Cryptographic Services Keys in Cryptography Public Key Infrastructure Introducing Cisco Secure Site-to-Site VPN Solutions Site-to-Site VPN Topologies IPsec VPN Overview IPsec Static Crypto Maps IPsec Static Virtual Tunnel Interface Dynamic Multipoint VPN Cisco IOS FlexVPN Deploying Cisco IOS VTI-Based Point-to-Point IPsec VPNs Cisco IOS VTIs Static VTI Point-to-Point IPsec Internet Key Exchange (IKE) v2 VPN Configuration Deploying Point-to-Point IPsec VPNs on the Cisco ASA and Cisco Firepower NGFW Point-to-Point VPNs on the Cisco ASA and Cisco Firepower NGFW Cisco ASA Point-to-Point VPN Configuration Cisco Firepower NGFW Point-to-Point VPN Configuration Introducing Cisco Secure Remote Access VPN Solutions Remote Access VPN Components Remote Access VPN Technologies Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Overview Deploying Remote Access SSL VPNs on the Cisco ASA and Cisco Firepower NGFW Remote Access Configuration Concepts Connection Profiles Group Policies Cisco ASA Remote Access VPN Configuration Cisco Firepower NGFW Remote Access VPN Configuration Explaining Cisco Secure Network Access Solutions Cisco Secure Network Access Cisco Secure Network Access Components AAA Role in Cisco Secure Network Access Solution Cisco Identity Services Engine Cisco TrustSec Describing 802.1X Authentication 802.1X and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) EAP Methods Role of Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS) in 802.1X Communications RADIUS Change of Authorization Configuring 802.1X Authentication Cisco Catalyst© Switch 802.1X Configuration Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) 802.1X Configuration Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) 802.1X Configuration Supplicant 802.1x Configuration Cisco Central Web Authentication Describing Endpoint Security Technologies* Host-Based Personal Firewall Host-Based Anti-Virus Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System Application Whitelists and Blacklists Host-Based Malware Protection Sandboxing Overview File Integrity Checking Deploying Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for Endpoints* Cisco AMP for Endpoints Architecture Cisco AMP for Endpoints Engines Retrospective Security with Cisco AMP Cisco AMP Device and File Trajectory Managing Cisco AMP for Endpoints Introducing Network Infrastructure Protection* Identifying Network Device Planes Control Plane Security Controls Management Plane Security Controls Network Telemetry Layer 2 Data Plane Security Controls Layer 3 Data Plane Security Controls Deploying Control Plane Security Controls* Infrastructure ACLs Control Plane Policing Control Plane Protection Routing Protocol Security Deploying Layer 2 Data Plane Security Controls* Overview of Layer 2 Data Plane Security Controls Virtual LAN (VLAN)-Based Attacks Mitigation Sp

This course starts with data transformation strategies, exploring capabilities in the Power Query Editor, and data-cleansing practices. It looks at the Advanced Query Editor to view the M language code. This course focuses on advanced DAX measures that include filtering conditions, with a deep dive into time intelligence measures. Like the M query language, DAX is a rich functional language that supports variables and expression references. This course also looks at the creation of dynamic dashboards and incorporates a range of visualisations available in Power BI Desktop and online in the AppSource. The course finishes with a look at setting up end user level security in tables. 1 The query editor Split by row delimiter AddDays to determine deadlines Advanced query editor 2 Fuzzy matching joins Matching inconsistencies by percentage Matching with transformation table 3 Logical column functions Logical functions IF, AND, OR Using multiple conditions Including FIND in functions 4 Editing DAX measures Make DAX easier to read Add comments to a measure Using quick measures 5 The anatomy of CALCULATE Understanding CALCULATE context filters Adding context to CALCULATE with FILTER Using CALCULATE with a threshold 6 The ALL measure Anatomy of ALL Create an ALL measure Using ALL as a filter Use ALL for percentage 7 DAX iterators Anatomy of iterators A closer look at SUMX Using RELATED in SUMX Create a RANKX RANKX with ALL 8 Date and time functions Overview of functions Create a DATEDIFF function 9 Time intelligent measures Compare historical monthly data Create a DATEADD measure Creating cumulative totals Creating cumulative measures Visualising cumulative totals 10 Visualisations in-depth Utilising report themes Create a heatmap Comparing proportions View trends with sparklines Group numbers using bins Setting up a histogram 11 Comparing variables Visualising trendlines as KPI Forecasting with trendlines Creating a scatter plot Creating dynamic labels Customised visualisation tooltips Export reports to SharePoint 12 User level security Setting up row level security Testing user security

This programme provides an intensive, one-day overview of the key concepts and techniques of project management. The project management methods presented can be applied to a wide range of projects and the course emphasises both the task and the team-related aspects of project management. The aims of the programme are to: Present the key concepts of project management Provide a structured approach for managing projects Demonstrate tools and techniques for planning and controlling project work Enable participants to apply the techniques to their own projects At the end of the programme, participants will: Recognise the benefits of a structured approach to project work Be able to apply a range of practical tools and techniques to improve their personal effectiveness in project work Have a means of determining the status of current projects and know what actions are needed to ensure success 1 Introduction Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Key concepts The characteristics of projects and project work The four key phases of a project Essential lessons from past projects Key success factors Achieving success through the 'Team-Action Model' Challenges of the multi-project situation 3 Setting project goals Understanding 'customer' requirements Managing project stakeholders and gaining commitment Using questioning skills to define goals and success criteria Defining and documenting the scope of the project 4 Project planning Defining what has to be done Creating a work breakdown Agreeing roles and responsibilities for the work Developing a programme using networks and bar charts Estimating timescales, costs and resource requirements Planning exercise: participants develop a project plan Identifying and managing project risks Using project planning software Managing and updating the plan 5 Project implementation and control Creating a pro-active monitoring and control process Techniques for monitoring progress Using latest estimates Managing project meetings Resolving problems effectively Managing multiple projects Personal time management 6 Course review and action planning Identify actions Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion

This course is designed for those already using Power BI Desktop and are ready to work with more comprehensive elements of analysing and reporting in Power BI. The course maintains a balanced look at data analysis including the Power Query Editor, with a deep dive into writing DAX formulas, and enhanced dashboard visualisations. The aim of this course is to provide a more complete understanding of the whole Power BI analytics process, by working with business examples that will equip you with the necessary skills to output comprehensive reports and explore Power BI's analytical capabilities in more depth. 1 The Query Editor Grouping rows in a table Split row by delimiter Add days to determine deadlines The query editor 2 Fuzzy Matching Joins Matching inconsistencies by percentage Matching with transformation table 3 The Query Editor M Functions Adding custom columns Creating an IF function Nested AND logics in an IF function 4 DAX New Columns Functions Including TRUE with SWITCH Using multiple conditions The FIND DAX function The IF DAX function Logical functions IF, AND, OR 5 Editing DAX Measures Making DAX easier to read Add comments to a measure Using quick measures 6 The Anatomy of CALCULATE Understanding CALCULATE filters Add context to CALCULATE with FILTER Using CALCULATE with a threshold 7 The ALL Measure Anatomy of ALL Create an ALL measure Using ALL as a filter Use ALL for percentages 8 DAX Iterators Anatomy of iterators A closer look at SUMX Using RELATED with SUMX Create a RANKX RANKX with ALL 9 Date and Time Functions Overview of functions Create a DATEDIFF function 10 Time Intelligent Measures Compare historical monthly data Create a DATEADD measure Creating cumulative totals Creating cumulative measures Visualising cumulative totals 11 Visualisations In-Depth Utilising report themes Applying static filters Group data using lists Group numbers using bins Creating heatmaps Comparing proportions View trends with sparklines 12 Comparing Variables Visualising trendlines as KPI Forecasting with trendlines Creating a scatter plot Creating dynamic labels Customised visualisation tooltips Export reports to SharePoint

This one-day workshop is designed to help users work with advanced features within Word. It includes hands-on exercises to help make complex documents more manageable. Participants will learn how to share and collaborate on documents and track document changes. This course will help participants: Add document links to files, websites, bookmarks and headings Create and revise footnotes and endnotes Use cross-referencing Insert and mark a document index Use comments within a document Create and edit document templates Set up picture and table captioning Work with tracked changes, including viewing, accepting and rejecting changes Use tables of contents Transfer styles across files using styles organiser Protect and restrict the opening and editing of documents Work with document themes Work with subdocuments Use ribbon buttons and groups 1 Adding document links Adding links to a document Linking to files, websites and email Adding and linking to bookmarks Linking to document headings 2 Captioning and cross-referencing Inserting picture and table captions Creating and updating a table of figures Adding and revising endnotes and footnotes Understanding cross-reference types Creating a cross-reference Marking and inserting a document index 3 Collaborating on documents Inserting and viewing documents Navigating through comments Replying to a comment Printing comments 4 Tracking changes Using tracking changes within a document Choosing how to view document revisions Accepting and rejecting changes 5 Comparing documents Comparing two documents Combining changes into a single document Accepting and rejecting changes 6 Protecting a document Restricting opening or editing of documents Defining regions for editing Restricting document formatting 7 Outline view Collapsing paragraphs with heading styles Managing files with subdocuments Editing and locking subdocuments Sharing subdocuments 8 Document themes Standardise document formatting with themes Using a theme to match corporate branding Transferring themes across files 9 Creating templates Creating and editing document templates Adding font and heading styles to templates Defining file locations for shared templates Copying styles across templates and files 10 Customising the ribbon Customising ribbon buttons Adding new ribbons Adding buttons to ribbon groups

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 two-day programme gives the key insights and understanding of contracting principles and the impact they have on business and operations. The course is designed for individuals involved in or supporting contracting who want to improve their commercial management skills; individuals in functions such as project management, business development, finance, operations who need practical training in commercial management; general audiences wanting to gain a basic understanding of commercial management. This is an assessed programme, leading to the International Association for Contracts & Commercial Management (IACCM)'s coveted Contract and Commercial Management Associate (CCMA) qualification. The programme addresses 31 different subject areas, across the five stages of the contracting process. By the end of the course the participants will be able, among other things, to: Develop robust contract plans, including scope of work and award strategies Conduct effective contracting activities, including ITT, RFP, negotiated outcomes Negotiate effectively with key stakeholders, making use of the key skills of persuading and influencing and to work with stakeholders to improve outcomes Set up and maintain contract management systems Take a proactive approach to managing contracts Make effective use of lessons learned to promote improvements from less than optimal outcomes, using appropriate templates Develop and monitor appropriate and robust Key Performance Indicators to manage the contractor and facilitate improved performance Understand the approvals process and how to develop and present robust propositions Make appropriate use of best practice contract management tools, techniques and templates DAY ONE 1 Introductions Aims Objectives Plan for the day 2 Commercial context Explaining the contracting context Define the key objective The importance of contact management Impact upon the business 3 Stakeholders How to undertake stakeholder mapping and analysis Shared vision concept, How to engage with HSE, Finance, Operations 4 Roles and responsibilities Exploring the key roles and responsibilities of contract administrators, HSE, Finance, Divisional managers, etc 5 Initiating the contract cycle Overview of the contracting cycle Requirement to tender Methods Rationale and exceptions 6 Specifications Developing robust scope of works Use of performance specifications Output based SOW 7 Strategy and award criteria Developing a robust contract strategy Award submissions/criteria 8 Managing the tender process Review the pre-qualification process Vendor registration rules and processes Creation of bidder lists Evaluation, short listing, and how to use of the 10Cs© model template and app 9 Types of contract Classify the different types of contracts Call-offs Framework agreement Price agreements Supply agreements 10 The contract I: price Understanding contract terms Methods of compensation Lump sum, unit price, cost plus, time and materials, alternative methods Cost plus a fee, target cost, gain share contracts Advanced payments Price escalation clauses DAY TWO 11 Risk How to manage risks Risk classification Mitigation of contractual risks 12 Contractor relationship management session Effectively managing relationships with contractors, Types of relationships Driving forces? Link between type of contract and style of relationship 13 Disputes Dealing with disputes Conflict resolution Negotiation Mediation Arbitration 14 Contract management Measuring and improving contract performance Using KPIs and SLAs Benchmarking Cost controls 15 The contract II: terms and conditions Contract terms and conditions Legal aspects Drafting special terms 16 Managing claims and variations How to manage contract and works variations orders Identifying the causes of variations Contractor claims process 17 Completion Contract close-out process Acceptance/completion Capture the learning/HSE Final payments, evaluation of performance 18 Close Review Final assessment

Many organisations find that project teams struggle to create and maintain effective plans. Estimates are often overly optimistic and risks go unmanaged until the inevitable happens. Resource managers also find it hard to forecast the likely loading on their departments and requests for support are not provided in a consistent format. This programme has been developed to address these needs in a very practical, hands-on format. Case study work can be based on simulations or on the organisation's current projects for maximum benefit to participants. The aim of this training is to develop and enhance participants' planning and risk management skills in order to maximise the success of project work undertaken by the organisation. The principal training objectives for this programme are to: Provide a structured, integrated approach to planning and risk management Demonstrate practical tools and techniques for each stage of planning Show how to organise and involve relevant people in the planning process Explain how to use the plan for forecasting and pro-active project control Identify ways to improve planning, both individually and corporately The course will emphasise the importance of participative planning techniques that improve the quality of plans whilst reducing overall time and cost of planning. The course will encourage discussion of internal procedures and practices and may be customised to include them if required. DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Projects and planning Why plan? The benefits of good planning / penalties of poor planning Planning in the project lifecycle; the need for a 'living' plan The interaction between target setting and the planning process Team exercise: planning the project 3 Planning the plan Defining the application and structure of the plan Impact of planning decisions during the project lifecycle Using available time to create an effective plan 4 Defining deliverables Assessing the context; reviewing the goals and stakeholders Developing the scope and defining deliverables; scope mapping Understanding customer priorities; delivering value for money Case study: defining the project deliverables 5 Creating the work breakdown Building the work breakdown structure Detailing the tasks and sub-tasks; structured brainstorming Defining task ownership; the task responsibility matrix 6 Creating and using a logical network Developing the logical network; task boarding Determining the critical path and calculating float Accelerating the plan; concurrent programming and risk Individual and group exercises DAY TWO 7 Developing resource schedules Deriving the Gantt chart from the network Developing the detailed resource schedules Calculating the expenditure profile ('S' curve) 8 Estimating task durations and costs Understanding estimates: effort, availability and duration Estimating tools and techniques Application of estimating techniques during the project lifecycle 9 Case study Developing the project plan Refining the project plan Team presentations and discussion 10 Managing risks and refining the plan Awareness of contractual issues associated with risk Identifying and evaluating risks; deciding ownership Managing risks: determining levels of provision and contingency Controlling risks: maintaining an up-to date risk register 11 Planning for pro-active control The earned value analysis (EVA) concept and its predictive value Deriving the measures needed for cost and delivery performance Practical issues associated with implementing EVA 12 Using and maintaining the plan Tracking progress and updating the plan Publishing and controlling the plan 13 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) Identify ways of implementing the techniques learnt Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion

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