2008 Courses delivered Online

PRINCE2 (an acronym for PRojects INaControlled Environment series 2) is a de facto process-based method for effective project management. Used extensively by the UK Government, PRINCE2 is also widely recognised and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally. The PRINCE2 method is in the public domain, and offers non-proprietorial best practice guidance on project management.

Politics and Project Management - Turn Project Politics into a Positive Force for Project Objectives: On-Demand The goal of this course is to provide project managers with a strong working ability to recognize and successfully navigate organizational politics for the good of projects. What You Will Learn You'll learn how to: Explain how positive politics are a valuable method for getting things done in projects Apply positive political principles and techniques in an ethical manner Use politically sound strategies, tools, and techniques for positive achievement of project objectives Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Introduction to Project Politics Framing project politics Characterizing project politics Distinguishing self-interest from project politics Political Skills in Projects Embracing positive politics Identifying political competencies in projects Exploring personal political competencies Politics and Power in Projects Positioning power in projects Exploring sources of power Comparing power and influence Developing strategies for power and influence Project Politics and Conflict Facing conflict - a fact of life Turning conflict into a positive force Channeling conflict into good decisions Resolving conflict in and around project politics Tackling deeper conflicts Managing conflict that escalates Summary What did we learn and how can we implement this in our work environments? Creating your own personal action plan

Develop your skills in agile project management and learn the agile approach using the DSDM® framework. Gain confidence to sit the AgilePM® Foundation and Practitioner qualifications on this accredited programme. Duration: 4 days (26 hours) This accredited course is designed for Project Managers, who require an understanding of the agile approach and/or who are intending to run projects using the DSDM® framework. It is also designed to equip practising Project Managers with the confidence to sit the AgilePM® Foundation and Practitioner qualifications, and each delegate will receive a copy of the Agile Project Management V2 Handbook, published by the Agile Business Consortium, formally known as the DSDM Consortium. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Demonstrate a detailed, practical knowledge of Agile Project Management, based upon the DSDM framework and be equipped with the ability to apply the agile approach in the workplace Describe how the agile way of working can sit alongside more traditional project management frameworks, such as PRINCE2® Plan, organise and control Agile projects Sit the AgilePM Foundation examination, held on the third day and for the Practitioner examination, held on the afternoon of the fourth day Content Agile fundamentals What is Agile? Choosing an appropriate Agile approach Philosophy, Principles and Project Variables Preparing for Success Roles and responsibilities Roles and Responsibilities and the Project Manager view People, Teams and Interactions The DSDM process and products Looking at the DSDM Process and Project Management through the Lifecycle, as well as the DSDM Products and their Effective Use Practices and control Delivering on Time – combining MoSCoW Prioritisation and Timeboxing Requirements and User Stories Estimating Planning Quality Risk Examination and results Foundation Examination and results Practitioner Workshop and Examination AgilePM® Foundation Exam The AgilePM® Foundation Exam is of 40 minutes duration and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. A Pass is 25 correct answers. The exams are marked by the trainer immediately following the exam and the results are available within an hour. The AgilePM® Practitioner Exam A written paper of 2.5 hours duration. There are 8 Objective Test style questions to be answered in the 2.5 hours and the candidate may use an annotated manual. Each question is worth 10 marks and the candidate must score 40/80 to be successful. Please note that examinations are the responsibility of the examination board, APMG. Presented in association with aims4change, an APMG Accredited Training Organisation. AgilePM®is a Registered Trade Mark of the Agile Business Consortium Limited.

Project Quality Management: In-House Training In today's environment, quality is the responsibility of everyone. Project success is no longer just the fulfillment of a project on schedule, on budget, and within the scope. Today, projects aren't successful unless the customer's needs are met at the highest level of quality at the lowest cost to the organization. Project Managers must know customer needs, and manage to them throughout the project lifecycle, in order to gain acceptance. Project Quality Management provides an interactive, hands-on environment for participants to practice identification of critical quality requirements (quality planning), fulfillment of those requirements through well-designed processes (Quality Assurance), and statistical awareness of technical specifications of project deliverables (Quality Control). What You Will Learn You'll learn how to: Plan for higher quality project deliverables Measure key performance indicators on projects, processes, and products Turn data into useful project information Take action on analyzed data that will drive down non-value-added costs and drive up customer acceptance and satisfaction Reduce defects and waste in current project management processes Foundation Concepts Quality Defined Customer Focus Financial Focus Quality Management Process Management Cost of Quality Planning for Quality Project Manager Role in Planning Voice of the Customer Quality Management Plan Measurement System Accuracy Data Gathering Data Sampling Manage Quality Process Management Process Mapping Process Analysis Value Stream Mapping Standardization Visual Workplace and 5S Error Proofing (Poka-Yoke) Failure Mode and Effect Analysis Control Quality The Concept of Variation Common Cause Special Cause Standard Business Reports Tracking Key Measurements Control Charts Data Analysis Variation Root Cause Analysis Variance Management Designing for Quality

Project Estimating and Scheduling: In-House Training Establishing realistic estimates and goals for projects that support business objectives and meet client expectations is one of the most challenging aspects of project planning. Delivering those results within the agreed-upon time, cost, and quality constraints is also challenging. Attempting to meet impossible deadlines with limited budgets often leads to unplanned product shortfalls, causing long-term support and utilization problems. We have all anguished about this recurring problem, but without having the skills or knowledge to take action, we are unable to break the cycle! The goal of this course is for you to be able to support business objectives and meet client expectations by selecting the right planning approach for realistic and cost effective schedules, as well as project budgets. To achieve that, you will focus on gaining the necessary knowledge, skills, and techniques. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Use the work breakdown structure (WBS) as the basis for effective estimating of project resources Estimate effort and duration using a variety of techniques Develop preliminary schedules using the critical path method Apply a variety of optimization techniques to refine preliminary schedules Establish realistic schedule and cost baselines, with appropriate contingency reserves Explain how earned value management (EVM) contributes to control time and cost performance Foundation Concepts Project management basic definitions and concepts PES Key driver: competing constraints PES Process and success factors Project Definition and the WBS Project definition overview Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Decomposition: WBS development technique Resource Planning Resource planning overview Identifying resource requirements Identifying and filling resource gaps Applying resource planning tools Effort and Duration Estimating Estimating overview Estimating perspectives and approaches Estimating techniques Effort and duration estimating best practices Project Scheduling Overview of project scheduling Dependencies and the project network diagram Critical path method (CPM) Optimizing the schedule Budget, Risk, and Contingency Planning Overview of budget, risk, and contingency planning Estimating costs Determining the budget Project risk management processes Planning contingency reserves Project Baseline and Control Overview of project baseline Negotiating and the project baseline Earned value management (EVM) Project variances and actions Project control

Recovering Troubled Projects: In-House Training Despite our best intentions, many of the projects that organizations undertake either don't achieve their intended business results or end in complete failure. Most seasoned project managers have had their share of experiences with difficult or troubled projects and unless they are careful, they will encounter more. This workshop does not focus on 'failed' projects but rather on those projects which without appropriate intervention would be headed for failure. Failed projects are those beyond help and which should be terminated. Here we focus on projects that are salvageable. It is an exercise-driven, no-nonsense, professional practice-focused workshop positioning the participant to immediately apply the tools and lessons learned in the classroom. The workshop employs the use of both illustrative and practical/working case studies. Illustrative case studies will examine insights from real-world troubled projects. Participants will be asked to bring descriptions of their own examples of troubled projects on which they're currently working or on which they have worked in the past. A number of these will be used as the basis for the practical/working case studies. The approach builds on and complements the disciplines addressed in Project Management Institute's PMBOK® Guide and also addresses issues that arise when managing projects in a complex environment. What You Will Learn You will learn to: Recognize the value of a structured project recovery process Explain the reasons most projects fail Analyze the causes of a project's troubles Construct a negotiation process to use with key stakeholders Apply an effective strategy to planning the recovery effort Manage, evaluate, and adjust the ongoing recovery effort Foundation Concepts Recognizing a troubled project Defining the project recovery process The Reasons Projects Fail Putting failure in perspective Reviewing management issues Analyzing planning issues Exploring complexity issues Assess the Project Stabilizing the project Determining preliminary Go / No-Go Conducting a detailed recovery assessment Negotiate the Recovery Reviewing the basics of negotiation Setting reasonable expectations Obtaining appropriate PM authority Securing key stakeholder support Plan the Recovery Planning for recoveries Rebuilding the project team Reshaping the project plan Managing parallel activities Planning for change management Implement and Adjust the Project Implementing project recoveries Facilitating change Enabling continuous learning Fostering the project team Sustaining stakeholder engagement

Project Risk Management: In-House Training Have you been surprised by unplanned events during your projects? Are you and your project team frequently fighting fires? Well, you are not alone. Uncertainty exists in any project environment. While it's impossible to predict project outcomes with 100% certainty, you can influence the outcome, avoid potential risks, and be ready to respond to challenges that arise. In this course, you'll gain the proper knowledge needed to identify, assess, plan for, and monitor risk in your projects. You'll learn how to set up and implement risk management processes, helping you to minimize uncertainty and achieve more consistent, predictable outcomes as a result. What You Will Learn You'll learn how to: Demonstrate to others how the risk management processes in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) apply to your project's environment, especially for high-risk projects Adapt these processes for a particular high-risk project team's operating principles Explain the importance of using risk management best practices at single and enterprise project levels Lead an initiative to implement risk management best practices in your project environment Foundation Concepts Risk-related definitions The risk management process High-risk projects and project failures Classical failures in implementing risk management Plan Risk Management Project risk management and governance Risk management planning for high-risk projects High-risk variations on a risk management plan Identify Risk Adapting the risk identification process for high-risk projects Recognizing risks spontaneously Confirming and structuring risk events for treatment Wrapping up risk identification for high-risk projects Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis Adapting qualitative risk analysis for high-risk projects Accelerating risk analysis Clearing risk action Wrapping up qualitative risk analysis for the next level Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis Adapting quantitative risk analysis for high-risk projects Ensuring effective risk analyses with data quality assessments Building a foundation for quantitative risk analysis Using discrete quantitative tools Using continuous quantitative tools Wrapping up quantitative risk analysis for high-risk projects Plan Risk Responses Adapting risk response planning for high-risk projects Optimizing active risk response strategies Leveraging contingencies for high project performance Wrapping up risk response planning for high-risk projects Implement Risk Responses Implementing Risk Responses Process Executing Risk Response Plans Tools and Techniques Best Practices Continuous Risk Management Monitor Risks Adapting risk monitoring for high-risk projects Optimizing risk plan maintenance Weaving risk reassessment into the project's progress Maintaining a continuous 'vigil' in high-risk project environments

Learn the processes, practices and principles of project management described in the PRINCE2® approach and prepare for the Foundation and Practitioner examinations on this accredited programme. Duration: 5 days (32.5 hours) Our PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Qualification course is designed to teach the processes, practices and principles of project management described in the PRINCE2® approach and to prepare delegates for the Foundation and Practitioner examinations, held as part of the course. This course is designed for existing and potential Project and Team Managers who would like to gain a comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2® method of managing projects and will provide those responsible for planning and managing projects with a structure that will help, without imposing inflexible processes or stifling creative thinking. The PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Course is based on the “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 7th Edition”, which describes the structured project management method. These are intensive modules and require delegates to undertake some evening work in their own time. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to be: Describe the background, principles, structure and terminology used in the PRINCE2® 7th Edition project management method Prepare for and take both the PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Exams Please note that examinations are the responsibility of the examination board, PEOPLECERT and must be organised separately by each person attending. Content Introduction Introduction to projects and project management Structure Of PRINCE2® 7th Edition The seven Principles –the basis of what defines a PRINCE2 project People – leading successful change, teams and communication The seven Practices – to be addressed throughout the project The seven Processes - the activities to direct, manage and deliver a project successfully Practices Business case – establishing mechanisms to decide whether project is desirable, viable and achievable Organizing – establishing accountabilities and responsibilities Quality – defining mechanisms to ensure that products are fit for purpose Plans – the product based approach to planning Risk – identifying, assessing and controlling uncertainty Issues – identifying, assessing and controlling changes to the baseline and other issues Progress – monitoring actual achievements against estimate and controlling deviations Processes Starting up a Project - is there a viable and worthwhile project Directing a Project – enabling key decision making by the Project Board Initiating a Project – establishing solid foundations Controlling a Stage –assigning and monitoring work and keeping within stage tolerance Managing Product Delivery – controlling the link between the Project Manager and Team Manager(s) Managing a Stage Boundary – current stage review and next stage planning Closing a Project – confirmation of acceptance and project review Tailoring PRINCE2® - to the project environment Foundation Examination and results Practitioner Workshop and Examination PRINCE2® Practitioner Examination Objectives and Guidance PRINCE2® Review PRINCE2® Practitioner Examination Workshops PRINCE2® Practitioner Examination PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Examinations The PRINCE2® Foundation Exam is of 1 hour duration and consists of 60 multiple choice questions. A Pass is 36 correct answers, 60%. The PRINCE2® Practitioner Exam is a written paper of 2.5 hours duration. There are 70 Objective Test style questions to be answered in the 2.5 hours and the candidate may use an annotated manual. The candidate must score 42/70 to be successful, 60%.   Presented in association with aims4change, a PEOPLECERT Accredited Training Organisation. PRINCE2® is a Registered Trade Mark of AXELOS Limited.

Project Management for Non-Project Managers: Virtual In-House Training Individuals who are involved in projects (commissioning, supporting, sponsoring, etc.) may often be unfamiliar with project management. A basic understanding of project management is essential for non-project managers, who are critical stakeholders contributing to project success. This awareness course uses A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other sources to introduce you to project management vocabulary, concepts, and techniques. It also provides insights into the realities of being a project manager, and opportunities to explore how you can positively impact projects in your own role. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Identify the benefits of project management Use standard project management terminology Describe characteristics of successful projects, project managers, and high-performing teams Explain various project stakeholder roles, their responsibilities, and the fundamental project management processes Recognize how agile / adaptive practices are useful for certain project life cycles Create a personal action plan for how to support real-world projects within a non-PM role Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Project management overview Strategic value of project management Defining project success Project life-cycle models and governance Project roles and responsibilities Project Initiating and Planning Initiating the project Defining project requirements and scope Developing the project schedule and budget Project Risk Management, Executing, Monitoring, and Closing Understanding, evaluating, and adjusting for risk Honoring the baseline and executing the project Monitoring and controlling the project Closing the project Project Interpersonal Processes Project communication Project team development Conflict management

Project Management for Non-Project Managers (Virtual) Individuals who are involved in projects (commissioning, supporting, sponsoring, etc.) may often be unfamiliar with project management. A basic understanding of project management is essential for non-project managers, who are critical stakeholders contributing to project success. This awareness course usesA Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other sources to introduce you to project management vocabulary, concepts, and techniques. It also provides insights into the realities of being a project manager, and opportunities to explore how you can positively impact projects in your own role. Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Project management overview Strategic value of project management Defining project success Project life-cycle models and governance Project roles and responsibilities Project Initiating and Planning Initiating the project Defining project requirements and scope Developing the project schedule and budget Project Risk Management, Executing, Monitoring, and Closing Understanding, evaluating, and adjusting for risk Honoring the baseline and executing the project Monitoring and controlling the project Closing the project Project Interpersonal Processes Project communication Project team development Conflict management