Duration 4 Days 24 CPD hours This course is intended for This class is intended for experienced developers who are responsible for managing big data transformations including: Extracting, loading, transforming, cleaning, and validating data. Designing pipelines and architectures for data processing. Creating and maintaining machine learning and statistical models. Querying datasets, visualizing query results and creating reports Overview Design and build data processing systems on Google Cloud Platform. Leverage unstructured data using Spark and ML APIs on Cloud Dataproc. Process batch and streaming data by implementing autoscaling data pipelines on Cloud Dataflow. Derive business insights from extremely large datasets using Google BigQuery. Train, evaluate and predict using machine learning models using TensorFlow and Cloud ML. Enable instant insights from streaming data Get hands-on experience with designing and building data processing systems on Google Cloud. This course uses lectures, demos, and hand-on labs to show you how to design data processing systems, build end-to-end data pipelines, analyze data, and implement machine learning. This course covers structured, unstructured, and streaming data. Introduction to Data Engineering Explore the role of a data engineer. Analyze data engineering challenges. Intro to BigQuery. Data Lakes and Data Warehouses. Demo: Federated Queries with BigQuery. Transactional Databases vs Data Warehouses. Website Demo: Finding PII in your dataset with DLP API. Partner effectively with other data teams. Manage data access and governance. Build production-ready pipelines. Review GCP customer case study. Lab: Analyzing Data with BigQuery. Building a Data Lake Introduction to Data Lakes. Data Storage and ETL options on GCP. Building a Data Lake using Cloud Storage. Optional Demo: Optimizing cost with Google Cloud Storage classes and Cloud Functions. Securing Cloud Storage. Storing All Sorts of Data Types. Video Demo: Running federated queries on Parquet and ORC files in BigQuery. Cloud SQL as a relational Data Lake. Lab: Loading Taxi Data into Cloud SQL. Building a Data Warehouse The modern data warehouse. Intro to BigQuery. Demo: Query TB+ of data in seconds. Getting Started. Loading Data. Video Demo: Querying Cloud SQL from BigQuery. Lab: Loading Data into BigQuery. Exploring Schemas. Demo: Exploring BigQuery Public Datasets with SQL using INFORMATION_SCHEMA. Schema Design. Nested and Repeated Fields. Demo: Nested and repeated fields in BigQuery. Lab: Working with JSON and Array data in BigQuery. Optimizing with Partitioning and Clustering. Demo: Partitioned and Clustered Tables in BigQuery. Preview: Transforming Batch and Streaming Data. Introduction to Building Batch Data Pipelines EL, ELT, ETL. Quality considerations. How to carry out operations in BigQuery. Demo: ELT to improve data quality in BigQuery. Shortcomings. ETL to solve data quality issues. Executing Spark on Cloud Dataproc The Hadoop ecosystem. Running Hadoop on Cloud Dataproc. GCS instead of HDFS. Optimizing Dataproc. Lab: Running Apache Spark jobs on Cloud Dataproc. Serverless Data Processing with Cloud Dataflow Cloud Dataflow. Why customers value Dataflow. Dataflow Pipelines. Lab: A Simple Dataflow Pipeline (Python/Java). Lab: MapReduce in Dataflow (Python/Java). Lab: Side Inputs (Python/Java). Dataflow Templates. Dataflow SQL. Manage Data Pipelines with Cloud Data Fusion and Cloud Composer Building Batch Data Pipelines visually with Cloud Data Fusion. Components. UI Overview. Building a Pipeline. Exploring Data using Wrangler. Lab: Building and executing a pipeline graph in Cloud Data Fusion. Orchestrating work between GCP services with Cloud Composer. Apache Airflow Environment. DAGs and Operators. Workflow Scheduling. Optional Long Demo: Event-triggered Loading of data with Cloud Composer, Cloud Functions, Cloud Storage, and BigQuery. Monitoring and Logging. Lab: An Introduction to Cloud Composer. Introduction to Processing Streaming Data Processing Streaming Data. Serverless Messaging with Cloud Pub/Sub Cloud Pub/Sub. Lab: Publish Streaming Data into Pub/Sub. Cloud Dataflow Streaming Features Cloud Dataflow Streaming Features. Lab: Streaming Data Pipelines. High-Throughput BigQuery and Bigtable Streaming Features BigQuery Streaming Features. Lab: Streaming Analytics and Dashboards. Cloud Bigtable. Lab: Streaming Data Pipelines into Bigtable. Advanced BigQuery Functionality and Performance Analytic Window Functions. Using With Clauses. GIS Functions. Demo: Mapping Fastest Growing Zip Codes with BigQuery GeoViz. Performance Considerations. Lab: Optimizing your BigQuery Queries for Performance. Optional Lab: Creating Date-Partitioned Tables in BigQuery. Introduction to Analytics and AI What is AI?. From Ad-hoc Data Analysis to Data Driven Decisions. Options for ML models on GCP. Prebuilt ML model APIs for Unstructured Data Unstructured Data is Hard. ML APIs for Enriching Data. Lab: Using the Natural Language API to Classify Unstructured Text. Big Data Analytics with Cloud AI Platform Notebooks What's a Notebook. BigQuery Magic and Ties to Pandas. Lab: BigQuery in Jupyter Labs on AI Platform. Production ML Pipelines with Kubeflow Ways to do ML on GCP. Kubeflow. AI Hub. Lab: Running AI models on Kubeflow. Custom Model building with SQL in BigQuery ML BigQuery ML for Quick Model Building. Demo: Train a model with BigQuery ML to predict NYC taxi fares. Supported Models. Lab Option 1: Predict Bike Trip Duration with a Regression Model in BQML. Lab Option 2: Movie Recommendations in BigQuery ML. Custom Model building with Cloud AutoML Why Auto ML? Auto ML Vision. Auto ML NLP. Auto ML Tables.
Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for This introductory-level Python course is geared for experienced users who want to use Python in web development projects, or system administrators and web site administrators who want to use Python to support their server installations, as well as anyone else who wants to automate or simplify common tasks with the use of Python scripts. Basic familiarity with any programming or scripting language would be helpful, along with a working, user-level knowledge of Unix/Linux, Mac, or Windows. Overview This course is approximately 50% hands-on, combining expert lecture, real-world demonstrations and group discussions with machine-based practical labs and exercises. Our engaging instructors and mentors are highly experienced practitioners who bring years of current 'on-the-job' experience into every classroom. Throughout the hands-on course students, will learn to write essential Python scripts using the most current and efficient skills and techniques. Working in a hands-on learning environment, guided by our expert team, attendees will learn to: Create working Python scripts following best practices Use python data types appropriately Read and write files with both text and binary data Search and replace text with regular expressions Get familiar with the standard library and its work-saving modules Use lesser known but powerful Python data types Create 'real-world', professional Python applications Work with dates, times, and calendars Know when to use collections such as lists, dictionaries, and sets Understand Pythonic features such as comprehensions and iterators Write robust code using exception handling Mastering Python Programming is an introductory and beyond-level practical, hands-on Python training course that leads the student from the basics of writing and running Python scripts to more advanced features such as file operations, regular expressions, working with binary data, and using the extensive functionality of Python modules. Extra emphasis is placed on features unique to Python, such as tuples, array slices, and output formatting. This comprehensive, practical course provides an in-depth exploration of working with the programming language, not an academic overview of syntax and grammar. Students will immediately be able to use Python to complete tasks in the real world. An overview of Python What is python? Python Timeline Advantages/Disadvantages of Python Getting help with pydoc The Python Environment Starting Python Using the interpreter Running a Python script Python scripts on Unix/Windows Editors and IDEs Getting Started Using variables Builtin functions Strings Numbers Converting among types Writing to the screen Command line parameters Flow Control About flow control White space Conditional expressions Relational and Boolean operators While loops Alternate loop exits Array types About array types (AKA sequences) Lists and list methods Tuples Indexing and slicing Iterating through a sequence Nested sequences Sequence functions, keywords, and operators List comprehensions Generator Expressions Working with files File overview Opening a text file Reading a text file Writing to a text file Reading and writing raw (binary) data Converting binary data with struct Dictionaries and Sets About dictionaries Creating dictionaries Iterating through a dictionary About sets Creating sets Working with sets Functions Defining functions Parameters Global and local scope Nested functions Returning values Sorting The sorted() function Alternate keys Lambda functions Sorting collections Using operator.itemgetter() Reverse sorting Errors and Exception Handling Syntax errors Exceptions Using try/catch/else/finally Handling multiple exceptions Ignoring exceptions Modules and Packages The import statement Module search path Creating Modules Using packages Function and Module aliases An Introduction to Python Classes About o-o programming Defining classes Constructors Methods Instance data Properties Class methods and data Regular Expressions RE syntax overview RE Objects Searching and matching Compilation flags Groups and special groups Replacing text Splitting strings Using the Standard Library The sys module Launching external programs Math functions Random numbers Reading CSV data Dates and Times Working with dates and times Translating timestamps Parsing dates from text Formatting dates Calendar data Working with the File System Paths, directories, and filenames Checking for existence Permissions and other file attributes Walking directory trees Creating filters with fileinput Using shutil for file operations Advanced Data Handling Defaultdict and Counter Prettyprinting data structures Compressed archives (zip, gzip, tar, etc.) Persistent data Network Programming Using requests Grabbing web content Sending email Using SSH for remote access Using FTP Writing real-life applications Reading input files a la Unix Parsing command-line options Detecting the current platform Implementing logging Additional course details: Nexus Humans Mastering Python Programming (TTPS4820) 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 Mastering Python Programming (TTPS4820) 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 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This overview-level course is ideally suited for professionals seeking an introduction to microservices architecture and its application within a business context. Ideal attendee roles include software developers, system architects, technical managers, and IT professionals who are part of teams transitioning to a microservices approach. It's also an excellent starting point for non-technical roles such as product owners or business analysts who work closely with technical teams and want to better understand and become conversant in the language and principles of microservices. Overview This course combines engaging instructor-led presentations and useful demonstrations with engaging group activities. Throughout the course you'll explore: Understand the Basics of Microservices: Get to know the fundamental principles and characteristics of microservices and how they revolutionize traditional software development approaches. Explore the Design of Microservices: Gain an overview of how microservices are designed based on business requirements and what makes them unique in the software architecture world. Overview of Managing and Scaling Microservices: Get an introduction to how microservices are managed and scaled independently, and understand the significance of these features in your business operations. Familiarize with the Microservices Ecosystem: Learn about the typical patterns, best practices, and common pitfalls in the microservices world, setting a foundation for future learning and implementation. Introduction to Microservices in a Business Context: Acquire a basic understanding of how microservices can be aligned with specific business capabilities, and get a glimpse into how they can coexist with legacy systems in a business setting. Microservices have rapidly emerged as a popular architectural style, breaking down applications into small, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled individually. Microservices offer a robust method to address a variety of projects, such as e-commerce platforms and content management systems, enhancing scalability and boosting productivity. This technology, when employed correctly, can greatly increase software delivery speed and system resilience, making it a crucial skill set for modern technology professionals.Understanding Microservices - A Technical Overview is a one-day course ideally suited for technical professionals seeking an introduction to microservices architecture and its application within a business context. Under the guidance of an industry expert, this engaging class combines lecture-style learning with lively demonstrations, case study review and group discussions.Throughout the course you?ll explore the principles and characteristics that define microservices, how to identify suitable projects for a microservices approach, the factors to consider when designing them, and the strategies to effectively manage and scale them within complex systems. You?ll also learn about the best practices, patterns, and anti-patterns, arming you with the knowledge to make the right architectural choices. This course also explores the real-world implementation of microservices in a business enterprise. We'll discuss how to align the application of microservices with your organization's specific business capabilities, and offer strategies for smoothly integrating this technology within existing legacy systems. Introduction to Microservices Understand what microservices are and their role in modern software development. Introduction to Microservices: what they are and why they matter. Monolithic vs Microservices: highlighting the shift and benefits. Key principles and characteristics of microservices. Identifying suitable applications for microservices transformation. Demo: Analyzing a sample application and identifying potential microservices Architecting and Managing Microservices Learn the basic strategies for scaling and managing microservices. Scaling Microservices: from a single service to hundreds. Key components of a microservices architecture. Introduction to resilience patterns: Circuit-Breakers and Bulkheads. Load management and provisioning in a microservices setup. Understanding the role of cloud services in microservices. Optional Demo: Illustrating how a microservice-based application scales in real-time Designing Microservices Learn the key aspects to consider when designing microservices. Defining microservice boundaries: Deciding the scope of a microservice. Communication patterns in microservices. Understanding Microservice endpoints. Exploring data stores and transaction boundaries in microservices. Overcoming challenges in Microservices design. Demo: Designing microservices for a hypothetical business requirement Implementing Microservices in a Business Enterprise Understand the process and considerations for implementing microservices in an enterprise context. Assessing enterprise readiness for microservices. Building the business case for microservices: strategic advantages and potential challenges. Aligning microservices with business capabilities. Organizational changes: Team structures and processes for microservices. Dealing with Legacy Systems: Strategies for microservices integration. Demo: Exploring a case study of successful microservices implementation in a business enterprise The Microservices Ecosystem Understand the key tools and best practices in the Microservices ecosystem. Understanding the typical Microservices Stack. Monitoring and Logging in Microservices. Introduction to Docker: Containerization of Microservices. Deployment strategies in a Microservices setup. Introduction to Orchestration in Microservices Demo: Containerizing and deploying a simple microservice Microservices Deployment Strategies Understand various ways to safely introduce changes in a microservices environment. The concept of Blue-Green Deployment: changing services without downtime. Canary Releases and Feature Toggles: slowly rolling out changes to users. Database changes in a microservices environment: keeping data consistent. Demo: Examining various deployment strategies Microservices Best Practices and DevOps Learn key strategies to ensure a smooth operation of your microservices setup. The DevOps culture in Microservices: collaboration for efficiency. Defining a Minimum Viable Product in a Microservices setup: building small, delivering fast. Dealing with data in a distributed setup: managing Data Islands. The importance of Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery in a microservices setup. Governance: Keeping track of your services and their consumers. Demo: Visualizing a simple continuous delivery pipeline Microservices Patterns and Anti-Patterns Learn about common do's and don'ts when working with microservices. Understanding patterns that help with efficient microservices operation. Recognizing and avoiding anti-patterns that can hinder performance. Dealing with common challenges: dependencies between services, managing service boundaries. Demo: Examples of real-world patterns and anti-patterns Simple Overview of OAuth and OpenID for Microservices Introduction to OAuth and OpenID: What they are and why they matter in Microservices. The role of tokens in OAuth 2.0: How they help in securing communications. A simplified look at OpenID Connect: Linking identities across services. Demo
Duration 4 Days 24 CPD hours This course is intended for Storage and virtual infrastructure consultants, solution architects, and administrators who are responsible for production support and administration of VMware vSAN 8.0. Overview By the end of the course, you should be able to meet the following objectives: Describe vSAN concepts Detail the underlying vSAN architecture and components Explain the key features and use cases for vSAN Identify requirements and planning considerations for vSAN clusters Explain the importance vSAN node hardware compatibility Describe the different vSAN deployment options Explain how to configure vSAN fault domains Detail how to define and create a VM storage policy Discuss the impact of vSAN storage policy changes Detail vSAN resilience and data availability Describe vSAN storage space efficiency Explain how vSAN encryption works Detail VMware HCI Mesh⢠technology and architecture Detail vSAN File Service architecture and configuration Describe how to setup a stretched and a two-node vSAN cluster Describe vSAN maintenance mode and data evacuation options Define the steps to shut down a vSAN cluster for maintenance Explain how to use proactive tests to check the integrity of a vSAN cluster Use VMware Skyline Health⢠for monitoring vSAN health Use VMware Skyline Health to investigate and help determine failure conditions Discuss vSAN troubleshooting best practices Describe vSAN Express Storage Architecture⢠concepts During this course, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and tools to plan and deploy a VMware vSAN? cluster. You will learn about managing and operating vSAN. This course focuses on building the required skills for common Day-2 vSAN administrator tasks such as vSAN node management, cluster maintenance, security operations, troubleshooting and advanced vSAN cluster operations. You will learn these skills through the completion of instructor-led activities and hands-on lab exercises. Course Introduction Introduction and course logistics Course objectives Introduction to vSAN Describe vSAN architecture Describe the vSAN software components: CLOM, DOM, LSOM, CMMDS, and RDT Identify vSAN objects and components Describe the advantages of object-based storage Describe the difference between All-Flash and Hybrid vSAN architecture Explain the key features and use cases for vSAN Discuss the vSAN integration and compatibility with other VMware technologies Planning a vSAN Cluster Identify requirements and planning considerations for vSAN clusters Apply vSAN cluster planning and deployment best practices Determine and plan for storage consumption by data growth and failure tolerance Design vSAN hosts for operational needs Identify vSAN networking features and requirements Describe ways of controlling traffic in a vSAN environment Recognize best practices for vSAN network configurations Deploying a vSAN Cluster Recognize the importance of hardware compatibility Ensure the compatibility of driver and firmware versioning Use tools to automate driver validation and installation Apply host hardware settings for optimum performance Use VMware vSphere© Lifecycle ManagerTM to perform upgrades Deploy and configure a vSAN Cluster using the Cluster QuickStart wizard Manually configure a vSAN Cluster using VMware vSphere© Client? Explain and configure vSAN fault domains Using VMware vSphere© High Availability with vSAN Understand vSAN Cluster maintenance capabilities Describe the difference between implicit and explicit fault domains Create explicit fault domains vSAN Storage Policies Describe a vSAN object Describe how objects are split into components Explain the purpose of witness components Explain how vSAN stores large objects View object and component placement on the vSAN datastore Explain how storage policies work with vSAN Define and create a virtual machine storage policy Apply and modify virtual machine storage policies Change virtual machine storage policies dynamically Identify virtual machine storage policy compliance status vSAN Resilience and Data Availability Describe and configure the Object Repair Timer advanced option Plan disk replacement in a vSAN cluster Plan maintenance tasks to avoid vSAN object failures Recognize the importance of managing snapshot utilization in a vSAN cluster Managing vSAN Storage Space Efficiency Discuss deduplication and compression techniques Understand deduplication and compression overhead Discuss compression only mode Configure erasure coding Configure swap object thin provisioning Discuss reclaiming storage space with SCSI UNMAP Configure TRIM/UNMAP vSAN Security Operations Identify differences between VM encryption and vSAN encryption Perform ongoing operations to maintain data security Describe the workflow of data-in transit encryption Identify the steps involved in replacing Key Management Server vSAN HCI Mesh Understand the purpose of vSAN HCI Mesh Detail vSAN HCI Mesh technology and architecture Perform mount and unmount of a remote datastore vSAN File Service and iSCSI Target Service Understand the purpose of vSAN File Services Detail vSAN File Services architecture Configure vSAN File Shares Describe vSAN iSCSI Target Service vSAN Stretched and Two Node Clusters Describe the architecture and uses case for stretched clusters Detail the deployment and replacement of a vSAN witness node Describe the architecture and uses case for two-node clusters Explain storage policies for vSAN stretched cluster vSAN Cluster Maintenance Perform typical vSAN maintenance operations Describe vSAN maintenance modes and data evacuation options Assess the impact on cluster objects of entering maintenance mode Determine the specific data actions required after exiting maintenance mode Define the steps to shut down and reboot hosts and vSAN clusters Use best practices for boot devices Replace vSAN nodes vSAN Cluster Monitoring Describe how the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) enables VMware to improve products and services Use VMware Skyline Health for monitoring vSAN cluster health Manage alerts, alarms, and notifications related to vSAN in VMware vSphere© Client? Create and configure custom alarms to trigger vSAN health issues Use IOInsight metrics for monitoring vSAN performance Use a vSAN proactive test to detect and diagnose cluster issues vSAN Troubleshooting Use a structured approach to solve configuration and operational problems Apply troubleshooting methodology to logically diagnose faults and optimize troubleshooting efficiency Use VMware Skyline Health to investigate and help determine failure conditions Explain which log files are useful for vSAN troubleshooting vSAN Express Storage Architecture Understand the purpose of vSAN Express Storage Architecture Describe the vSAN Express Storage Architecture components Identify Storage Policy differences Understand compression and encryption operation differences
Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is intended for intermediate business and requirements analysts who are looking to improve their business case development and presentation skills. This course is also a great fit for project managers and product owners who work closely with business analysts or who perform some form of business case work themselves. Overview Understand the role of the business analyst within the business case process Understand the main professional associations and standards that support business analysts in the industry Discuss the benefits of business case creation Explore how to define the business need Describe the role of the business analyst in supporting the enterprise to determine how to optimally invest in the right project initiatives Explain how to identify stakeholders and the significance to the pre-project activities Discuss the importance of analyzing the enterprise Describe and explore the activities performed to assess the current business environment Explain how a business analyst describes a ?future? state environment including how to identify gaps in enterprise capabilities Present and explore how to define the scope of a solution Describe the activities performed and techniques used to determine viable solution options Explore various techniques for evaluating solution options including feasibility and risk analysis Thoroughly understand the purpose of conducting a feasibility assessment Discuss and practice a number of business analysis techniques that support the business case process Explore the components of a business case Describe how the business case supports decision makers in making go/no-go decisions Demonstrate how to assemble the output from pre-project activities into a well-structured business case Present techniques for presenting business cases to top level managers and obtaining buy-in Discuss methods for preparing for challenges during business case delivery Students learn the steps to effective business case development and support your strategic business recommendations with sound budgeting and financial back-up. The one course you need to make high-impact recommendations and receive full management support for your ideas. Introduction Module Learning Objectives What is Business Analysis Polling Question International Institute of Business Analysis BABOK© Guide Components Project Management Institute Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide BABOK© Guide Knowledge Areas Benefits of Business Analysis Polling Question A Business Analyst can Influence Project Success Factors Challenges of Business Analysis Polling Question Purpose of a Business Case Exercise 1a: What Should a Business Case Include Define the Business Case Elements What to Look Out For Who is Involved Exercise 1b: Review Business Case Outline Module Learning Objectives Pre-Project Activities & the Business Analyst Module Learning Objectives The Definition of a Business Analyst The Role of a Business Analyst Responsibilities of a BA BA Role vs. PM Role Business Analysis vs. Systems Analysis Business Analysis Competencies Polling Question Business Analyst Role and Stakeholders Exercise 2a: Review the Case Study What is a Stakeholder? The Importance of Stakeholders Stakeholder Identification Tips for Identifying Stakeholders Other Stakeholder Tips Stakeholder Identification/Analysis Exercise 2b: Identify Roles and Responsibilities Stakeholder Map Stakeholder Matrix & Onion Diagrams A Stakeholder Map Onion Diagram Exercise 2c: Why do we Need to Understand the Enterprise? Why Study the Enterprise? What is Enterprise Architecture? What is Strategy Analysis? About Strategy Analysis Purpose of Strategy Analysis When to Perform Strategy Analysis Strategic Planning Module Summary The Needs Assessment Process Module Learning Objectives Business Need Defined Define Business Need The Needs Assessment Process Problem or Opportunity Exercise 3a: Problem/Opportunity Identification Understanding Why Situation Statements Business Need and Current State Determine the Stakeholders Polling Question Goals and Objectives Polling Question Exercise 3b: Give 3 Examples of Business Goals Define Business Need Techniques Exercise 3c: Identify the Business Need Definition of Strategy Analysis When Business Strategy is not Driving Project Definition Typical Project Profile The Executive Paradox Solution to the Paradox Exercise 3d: Describe 3 Outcomes You Would Expect from the Case Study The Four ?Ares? Understand How to Create a Business Model Business Model Example Exercise 3e: Create a Business Model The Business Case Approach Financial and Strategic Measurement Tools Module Summary Determining the Required Capabilities & Defining Solution Scope Module Learning Objectives Business Need and Current State Purpose of Analyzing the Current State Analyzing Current Capabilities and Process Capabilities Defined Techniques for Analyzing the Current State Define the Future State Techniques for Defining the Future State Assess Capability Gaps Stakeholders Involved when Reviewing Capability Gaps Discussion: Assessing New Capabilities Defining Solution Scope Determining Scope Boundary How to Define Solution Scope Defining Solution Scope Project Scope and Product Scope Scope Modeling Techniques Used to Define Scope Define Scope Boundaries Modeling Scope: Context Diagram Exercise 4a: Create a Context Diagram from the Case Study Communicating Solution Scope to Stakeholders Stakeholders Participating in Scope Activities Exercise 4b: Discuss Managing Expectations Module Summary Assessing Feasibility & Proposing Solution Options Module Learning Objectives Financial Analysis Purpose of Financial Analysis Costs versus Benefits Financial Models Timing for Assessing Financial Benefits Risk Assessing Risks Risk Process Exercise 5a: Identifying Risks Risk Analysis Capturing and Categorizing Risks Risk Strategies Tolerance for Risk Determining Solution Options Solution Option Process Determining and Analyzing Solution Options Brainstorming Conducting an Outcomes Focused Brainstorming Session Stakeholders Involved in Determining Solution Options Exercise 5b: Determining Solution Options Feasibility Analysis Discussion: Ranking Solution Options Discussion: Recommending the Most Viable Option Exercise 5c: Assess the Most Viable Options Solution Approach Definition Exercise 5d: Review the Business Case Templates Module Summary Packaging & Presenting the Business Case Module Learning Objectives Circumventing a Business Case Documenting the Business Case Value of the Business Case Process Business Case Components Business Case Techniques Build a Convincing Business Case Discussion: Identifying Decision Criteria Exercise 6a: Supporting a Go/No Go Decision Packaging the Business Case Planning Business Case Delivery Discussion: Planning Stakeholder Buy-in Information and Communication Needs in the Business Case Process Presenting your Business Case Exercise 6b: Anticipating and Responding to Challenges Module Summary Course Wrap Up Course Summary Questions Additional Resources Thank You Additional course details: Nexus Humans BA03 - Writing Effective Business Cases 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 BA03 - Writing Effective Business Cases 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.
The Sales Accelerator programme is a fresh approach to improving business development productivity. It focuses on identifying and using a series of business productivity metrics in order to build a clear action plan for improving sales results - typically within 90 days. The metrics are grouped under three headings: The basic principle is that a small improvement in each area can lead to a significant increase in sales results and productivity. And the object of the programme is to show how best to achieve that. The programme therefore looks at each of these three areas in turn, spending a day on each. Suitable for any and all businesses and all levels of experience and expertise, this is a remarkably practical and hands-on programme. During the workshop, participants discuss, review and apply many proven sales and marketing techniques and personal selling ideas. The goal is to generate and commit to changes and actions that can lead to a 10-30% increase in the next three to six months. There's also a consultancy option, rather than the workshop-based programme. See below for details. Day one - Activity Key objective This first module introduces the Sales Accelerator model. The goal here is to show participants how to increase their pro-active activity levels by around 10%. It covers all aspects of creating new business opportunities, from existing customers and non-customers alike, and is linked to personal activity improvement goals. Main elements Improve the productivity, accuracy and effectiveness of your business approach by using new and unique models and techniques. Different methods of creating and generating new business opportunities in the short, medium and long term. This includes sourcing new business, up-selling, cross-selling, warm calling and gaining referrals. Using organised persistence to track and build new customer revenue. Managing your sales time effectively. Key learning points Sales productivity - understand the dynamics of increasing the combination of activity levels, deal value and conversion rate of proposals/quotations to orders and implement an improvement plan. Sales goal setting: setting business development objectives for quantity and quality - plus tips and tricks of top performers. Maintain a peak activity level, on a consistent basis using 'organised persistence' and structured business development tracking methodology. How to prioritise opportunities and manage your time when sourcing new business. Identify potential new customers - and particularly the decision-makers and influencers - with greater accuracy. Make outbound business or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results. Day two - Value Key objective To be able to better anticipate, identify, create, and develop business opportunities using a customer / client-focused communication-based business model and consultative skills. Main elements How to develop sales more effectively from new and existing customers; and managing the first appointment with a new customer. Use structured and assertive drawing-out skills to identify, develop and formalise business opportunities and to gain commitment. How to better position your company and your products and services against your main competitors. Create and deliver persuasive business messages based on specific need areas, criteria and value. Key learning points Advanced consultative selling - use a variety of structured and advanced questioning techniques to confidently and efficiently uncover opportunities, need areas and business criteria - confidently and efficiently. Involve the customer/client at all times, and to a far greater degree, and keep better control of business development process. Value message - differentiate your solutions clearly and accurately with customer/client-matched value statements. Presenting the right USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer. Qualification and reading buying signals. Day three (held around four weeks after the first module) - Conversion Key objective This module looks at how to improve the final qualification, progression and conversion of opportunities in your sales pipeline. Also includes price negotiation, overcoming objections and obstacles to gaining agreement. The module begins with a learning review, sharing participants' experiences over the last four weeks in applying the new techniques and skills acquired during the first two modules. This is an opportunity to revisit particularly challenging areas as well as to share and celebrate successes. Main elements Structuring and preparing for negotiating a deal and knowing when and how to move into the 'end-game' mode. Anticipate and answer customer objections and questions more confidently. Build more credibility and proof into your business process to reduce 'buyer's remorse' and speed-up decision-making. Being more assertive and developing better instincts and strategic thinking in progressing quotations and proposals. Key learning points Smart ways to position price, emphasise value and be a strong player without being the cheapest. Becoming more assertive in closing deals, and the importance of organised follow-up on the telephone. Qualify pipeline opportunities with more accuracy, using a proven check-list. Use an 'option generator' to simplify complex proposals, increase business value and close business faster. Writing more effective sales proposal documents and quotations. How best to draw-out, understand, isolate and answer customer objections, negotiate points and concerns. Practical methods of asking for agreement and closing a sale
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
The aim of this course is to provide project managers, project engineers and project support staff with a toolkit they can use on their projects. The tools range from the simple that can be used on all projects to the advanced that can be used where appropriate. This programme will help the participants to: Identify and engage with stakeholders Use tools for requirements gathering and scope management Produce better estimates using a range of techniques Develop more reliable schedules Effectively manage delivery DAY ONE 1 Introduction Overview of the programme Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Stakeholder management Using PESTLE to aid stakeholder identification Stakeholder mapping The Salience model Stakeholder engagement grid 3 Requirements management Using prototypes and models to elucidate requirements Prioritising techniques Roadmaps Requirements traceability 4 Scope management Work breakdown structures Responsibility assignment matrix 5 Delivery approaches Sequential Agile 6 Estimating Comparative estimating Parametric Bottom-up Three-point estimating Delphi and Planning Poker Creating realistic budgets DAY TWO 7 Scheduling Critical path analysis Smoothing and levelling Timeboxing Team boards Monte Carlo simulations Probability of completion 8 People management Situational Leadership The Tuckman model Negotiation Conflict management Belbin 9 Monitoring and control Earned value management 10 Course review and action planning Identify actions to be implemented individually Conclusion PMI, CAPM, PMP and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
This course has a simple objective: to help gain appointments with potential clients. In most consultative selling situations clients won't commit to purchases over the telephone. This means setting up a meeting to discuss the options with them face-to-face. But getting 'face time' can be tricky. This practical workshop can help. Participants will acquire essential tools, skills and methods; discuss specific organisational issues; and identify areas for improvement. They will discover how to: Increase their effectiveness through proper preparation Construct attention-grabbing opening statements Help potential clients feel comfortable agreeing to a meeting Develop tactics for responding to difficult excuses and objections Stress the benefits of a face-to-face consultation Develop and enhance their questioning and listening skills Prevent customers cancelling booked appointments 1 Introduction to appointment setting Key trends that have changed the way people buy today - and will buy tomorrow Why many sales people avoid picking up the phone The difference that makes a difference - what makes a good appointment-maker? 2 Before you pick up the telephone It all starts with a plan... Who and what to focus our attention How much research should we undertake and why? Setting primary and secondary objectives 3 Making your approach Key considerations Every call is an opportunity - creating a positive mind-set Using a structured approach Using partnership language 4 Gaining an insight into the customer's needs How to quickly 'tune in' to your customers, so that you can serve them more easily Developing speech patterns that put customers at their ease Using effective questioning and listening skills Finding and building pain points 5 Dealing with excuses and objections Pre-empting potential excuses Developing techniques for responding to client objections Keeping the door open for future contact 6 Securing the appointment Selling the benefits of a consultancy meeting Techniques for avoiding cancelled appointments Gaining commitment 7 Action plans Course summary and presentation of action plans
Successful account management requires time and investment to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction and develop new business opportunities. Ensuring you are equipped with the right tools to approach every customer interaction in a structured way will help you have productive relationships with your clients. Whether you're new to account management or experienced in business development and looking to expand your skillset, understanding how you can maximise customer relationships will be key to your success. We have developed this programme to be practical, fun and interactive. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice a number of key skills that will see successful results, and are encouraged to bring real life examples to the course so that learning can be translated to real world scenarios. This course will help participants: Learn how to plan growth and increase revenue from existing accounts Develop skills to build and develop essential relationships to increase value and visibility Learn how best to create loyalty and customer satisfaction Identify how to set account targets and development plan for building contacts and cross-selling Develop persuasion and influencing skills to better define needs and develop opportunities Learn how to add value at all stages; plus gaining competitive advantage Develop an up-selling, cross-selling strategy 1 Performance metrics for account management Introduction to the PROFIT account management model Using practical tools to measure account performance and success Planning your account strategy - red flags and green lights 2 Relationships for account management How to build and manage key relationships Producing a 'relationship matrix' Developing a coach or advocate 3 Setting objectives for your account Developing an upselling cross-selling strategy Setting jointly agreed goals, objectives and business plans Planning session 4 Feedback and Retention - building loyal and satisfied customers How to monitor and track your customer's satisfaction Building a personalised satisfaction matrix Customer service review meetings 5 Influence Getting your message and strategy across to C-level contacts Being able to better develop a business partnership within an accountes 6 Teamwork and time management Working with others to achieve your account goals Managing and working with a virtual team Managing your time and accounts effectively 7 Gaining commitment and closing the sale Knowing when to close for commitment How to ask for commitment professionally and effectively Key negotiation skills around the closing process - getting to 'yes' Checklist of closing and negotiation skills Practice session