Writing Clear Business Communication: On-Demand This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. Effective writing seldom, if ever, 'magically materializes' on the spot. In reality, it is most often the product of planning, writing, and rewriting. This is why writing is called a process; it must go through a series of steps before it is clear and complete. This program is about learning about the writing process and covers the full spectrum of documents used when corresponding in the workplace. The ability to write effectively comes naturally to some people, but for the vast majority, it is a task often approached with a mixture of trepidation and dread. However, the ability to communicate in the written word, for whatever purpose, is an important part of our working and personal lives and can have a direct impact on our ability to persuade, gain commitment or agreement and enhance understanding. Good writing sounds like talking on paper, which is why this program is focused on getting the message across and achieving the desired results using the 'keep it simple and direct' approach. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Write effective e-mails, letters, memos, and reports Clearly articulate the message Achieve desired results from correspondence Organize content for maximum impact Format for enhanced understanding Choose the appropriate communication medium for each document Revise documents to increase clarity and impact Foundations Concepts Business writing as a form of professional communication How business writing compares to other forms of writing Characteristics of good business writing Challenges with business writing The Project Environment Business writing in the project environment The concept of art, science, and optics of business writing Art Economy Precision Action Music Personality Science Purpose, simple, compound, and complex sentence structures Techniques to engage the reader Point of view: tone, attitude, and humor Organization: opening, body, and closing Support and coherence Optics Visual optics Sound optics Feel optics Effective optics Efficient optics Email Formal vs. informal emails Suggestions for improving email communication Instant and text messaging Reports Common types of reports created Formatting of reports Guidelines for meeting minutes Contracts Types of contracts Common agreements Procurement documents Templates, Forms, and Checklists Templates Forms Checklists Other Formatting Good Documentation Practices Good documentation practices Data integrity in business communication
PMI-ACP® Exam Prep: On-Demand This course builds on the candidates' practical experience of Agile in the workplace to equip them with the broad range of knowledge and skills required for the PMI® Agile Certification exam. It will follow the PMI® requirements and reference the suggested reading list, including the Agile Practice Guide, but will not be limited to those areas. Within the profession and discipline of project management, Agile continues to develop as a significant and important aspect of bringing change to an organization. Where the products of change must be delivered to the business 'on time,' Agile is often the chosen methodology. In addition to equipping candidates for the PMI® Agile Certification examination, this course will also support candidates in taking a more informed and effective role in Agile projects. It will also enable them to take a significant role in encouraging and enabling the organization to become or develop as an Agile environment. What you will Learn You will learn how to: Appreciate the wider aspects of Agile project management tools and techniques Integrate various disciplines within Agile Tailor / customize Agile to suit the needs of different projects Prepare yourself for the PMI® Agile Certification examination Getting Started Introductions Agenda Expectations Foundation Concepts Defining 'Traditional' Project Management Project management parameters The 'traditional' approach to the parameters Strengths and weaknesses of the traditional approach Defining 'Agile' Project Management Project management parameters revisited The 'agile' approach to the parameters Strengths and weaknesses of agile Managing projects with traditional and agile methods Can the two approaches co-exist? Leveraging the benefits of both methods Options for using both methods on a project Avoiding the elephant traps Key aspects of the PMI® Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® Handbook Overview Eligibility requirements Exam information Exam Blueprint Continuing certification requirements Key aspects of the PMI Agile Certification Examination Content Outline Introduction Agile exam content outline Tools and techniques Knowledge and skills Domains and tasks (not examined) An Introduction to Agile and Implementing Agile Definable work vs. high-uncertainty work Project factors that influence tailoring The Agile Manifesto and 12 Principles Agile mindset Agile domains and tasks Agile Tools and Techniques Related to PM 'Hard Skills' Planning, monitoring, and adapting The need for planning, monitoring, and adapting The Agile approach to planning and plans The Agile planning tools and techniques The Agile monitoring tools and techniques The Agile approach to adapting Product quality A definition of 'product quality' Setting the standard for product quality Agile tools and techniques for achieving product quality Risk management A definition of 'risk' What is 'at risk'? The acceptability of risks The Agile tools and techniques for managing risks Agile Tools and Techniques Related to PM 'Soft Skills' The difference between PM 'hard and soft' skills Communications The importance of communications Forms of agile communications Communications within the project Communications from the project Communications to the project Making communications the cultural norm Interpersonal Skills Defining and understanding management Defining and understanding leadership Defining and understanding servant leadership Delegating vs. empowering Playing to people's strengths Overcoming the roadblocks Core Agile Tools and Techniques The philosophy of core Agile tools and techniques Agile estimation Will traditional forms of estimating work for agile? The relationship between estimating and guessing The relationship between estimating and sizing The where, who, and how of agile estimating Agile analysis and design Product analysis and design from a user point of view Product analysis and design from a supplier point of view Product analysis and design from an agile project point of view Value-Based Agile Tools and Techniques The role of value-based tools and techniques in bridging traditional PM with Agile Value-based prioritization Value-based prioritization and agile projects Investment appraisal methods Regulatory driven Customer driven Ranking methods (MMF, MoSCoW) Metrics What should we measure / track? Methods of measuring / tracking Adding value with metrics Process Improvement Value-stream analysis Value-stream mapping Agile Knowledge and Skills Context of Agile Knowledge and Skills vis-Ã -vis Agile Tools and Techniques Agile Knowledge and Skills Process focused People focused Product focused Project focused Exam Preparation and Course Closure The application process - where are you now? The 'Exam-Focused Journal' - what you still have to do Further preparation - self-study schedule Exam topic review Practice exam Practice exam debrief Course closure
The Power of Acknowledgment: On-Demand The Power of Acknowledgment is an ingenious yet clear-cut model of behavior and action. These behaviors and actions, when properly practiced by people on an ongoing basis, is transformational. According to author/trainer Judith W. Umlas experience of 14 years of training and delivery practice globally, it will change your interactions with everyone in both your personal and professional life in profound and positive ways. Your behavior and way of being will actually transform this practice. And when enough people are doing this -- at least most of the time -- the world will also change in amazing ways. That's her vision, and when enough people participate in this behavioral change model it's also her prediction! In this interactive, engaging, high-impact and fun course, you will be given the priceless tools that you can put into immediate action. These help you overcome your barriers to acknowledging others in heartfelt and authentic ways. Inspiring stories and case studies will move and energize you. And you will actually get to practice your new or enhanced skills. The goal of this course is to identify techniques for creating a more positive and meaningful connection between you and the people around you, and to improve your ability to develop a more rewarding and successful personal and professional life. This course will become a catalyst for an immediate, positive change in your life and the life of others that are part of your world! What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Use the 7 Key Principles of Acknowledgment Practice the 5 C's of Acknowledgment Improve your relationships in all facets of life Identify myths that get in the way of your expressing heartfelt and authentic acknowledgment, appreciation and gratitude to your team members and others Be a Champion for Change where you live, in your workplace and community Acknowledge people on a regular basis in ways that make a profound difference to them, to you, and to any organization The Power of Acknowledgment The 7 Principles of Acknowledgment Transforming Challenging Relationships Through Acknowledgment' The Five Cs of Acknowledgement
Communication: Understanding an Ever-Changing World (On-Demand) This program makes you think about the changes to the current environment and explore our ability to better communicate virtually by understanding the challenges, identifying skills and techniques, considering personality attributes and conducting virtual team meetings in a more effective and efficient manner. Getting Started Foundation Concepts Virtual Meeting Environment The Three-Step Process: Plan, Conduct, Close The Role of the Facilitator Communicating in a Virtual World Personality and Communication Styles Communication Challenges Virtual Teams Communication Summary and Next Steps
Project Leadership Skills - Français: On-Demand To be effective within an organization, project managers must have a wide variety of skills and abilities.These include: creating and executing a vision;motivate others;influence without authority;networking;communicate up, down and laterally;the negociation;stakeholder management;and manage conflicts. This workshop aims to develop the soft skills essential to leading a team and creating lasting business change.Participants will gain insight into social science and brain science to motivate and empower others.They will learn and experiment with various influencing strategies and tactics. Participants will also discover their personal communication preferences, strengths and blind spots and learn how to best communicate with others they find 'difficult'.They will learn better how to manage the human side of change and learn strategies for managing each step.In the process.Practical negotiation and conflict management activities reinforce theoretical learning, rooting it in real life and making it actionable. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the importance of a vision in driving motivation and engagement Apply a scientific approach to better motivate those around you Strategically maximize your personal and positional power for better project results Determine influence and network development strategies necessary for personal development Know how to respond to communication challenges related to different personality styles Make the link between the expectations of stakeholders and the success criteria of a project Assess key stakeholders across different dimensions of complexity Apply the four rules of principled negotiation to real-life conflict situations Recognize key aspects of a physiological response to conflict Make the right choice of tools and techniques to "demine" an emotional situation Maximize different strategies and tactics to manage ambiguity at work Manage vision and purpose / Motivate others Communication and alignment with the vision Link the present to the future The Importance of Purpose The art and science of motivation Network development and influence Positive policy and project success Types of power in an organization power and influence Network Development Best Practices Communication The medium and the message Personality and communication styles Communication challenges Stakeholder management / Negotiation Identification of stakeholders Stakeholder analysis The basics of negotiation reasoned negotiation Manage the conflict Conflict dynamics The Anatomy of Conflict Conflict management approaches and tools Dealing with Ambiguity Summary and Next Steps Review of key concepts Create your personal action plan
Leading Cross-Cultural Virtual Teams (On-Demand) High-performing teams are a must in this world of intense competition and higher expectations. Global virtual teaming has become a necessity as organizations become increasingly distributed and suppliers and clients actively engage in joint projects. Teams work across geographical and organizational boundaries to deliver solutions and services to global users where distance and differences, both geographic and cultural, amplify the effect of issues and factors that are relatively straightforward when managing a team of people in the same location. This course delivers practical concepts and techniques that participants will start using immediately on their global projects. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Define relationships among foundational concepts (leadership and three dimensions of diversity) and explain their potential impacts on project performance Describe key components of successful project leadership and build selected Transformational Leadership skills Prepare to convert project challenges stemming from personal or cultural diversity into potential competitive advantage Implement selected best practices to meet key challenges facing virtual project teams Foster and grow an environment that supports continued success for CCVTs Getting Started Foundation Concepts Basic definitions Critical success factors for leading cross-cultural virtual teams (CCVTs) A roadmap to success for leading CCVTs Leadership Excellence in Any Project Environment Leading effectively in a global environment Transformational leadership The four components of Transformational Leadership Leveraging Personal Diversity Overview of personal diversity Mind styles The theory of multiple intelligences Connecting Transformational Leadership and personal diversity Embracing Cultural Diversity Introduction to cultural intelligence The impact of culture Cultural Dimensions Theory The Culture Map Managing Virtual Diversity Overview of virtual diversity Virtual time management Virtual processes and technology Virtual leadership Creating an Environment for Success Supporting a cross-cultural virtual-team (CCVT-) friendly environment Building a foundation of trust Developing a team charter Recap and review Summary and Next Steps Personal action plan
Project Accounting and Finance Skills: On-Demand Do you manage both project schedules and budgets, but do not have insight into how actual results relate to the approved budget? Do you desire to have more clarity about the relationship between your project's performance with the accounting and financial systems in your organization? Do you need to understand financial and accounting terminology to bridge the gap between the 'world of finance' and the 'world of project management? Organizations have a need to manage-by-projects, because projects are the means to deliver on strategic goals and objectives. Therefore, the project manager must have an understanding of the financial world of investments to ensure the organization will realize expected business value. This requires a foundation in the principles of accounting and finance to comprehend how the project's contribution provides an organization with a competitive advantage. Learn what you must do to give your organization the assurance it needs that its investment in your project will realize business value. Learn what you must do to give your organization the assurance it needs to know that its investment in your project will realize business value. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the aspects of classical corporate accounting and finance effects on managing projects Determine how your project fits into the corporate income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement Analyze the financial aspects of managing projects Use earned value management as the basis for decision making throughout the project life Recognize the importance of the project manager's financial responsibilities Focus on what PMs do and should be doing, in support of accounting and finance Use financial information within a project environment to meet financial results Track and analyze the project's financial status and forecast with the goal of realizing benefits Generate work performance data to ensure a project's outcome aligns with financial metrics Foundation Concepts Accounting and Finance Terms and Concepts Accounting and Finance Essentials Financial Terms and Concepts Projects as Financial Investments Overview of 'Two Worlds' Project as Investments Accounting and Finance World: Standards, Principles and Practices Accounting and Finance Standards and Principles Accounting and Finance Practices Capital Budgeting Corporate Budgeting Accounting and Finance World: Economic Project Selection Methods Economic Project Selection Methods Economic Project Selection and the Business Case Project Management World Project Management and Financial Controls Project Management and Work Performance Data Project Management and Earned Value Management Project Management and Work Performance Reporting
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) 5th Edition Practitioner: On-Demand Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) is a globally-recognized framework for best practice programme management. MSP certification provides guidance for programme managers, business change managers, and the next step for project managers to develop their knowledge and skills to be able to positively respond to the challenges of managing programmes and larger, more strategic, or multiple projects. MSP 5th Edition emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness by adopting an incremental approach to the programme lifecycle and thus enabling organizational agility. AXELOS offers two levels of MSP Examination: MSP Foundation and MSP Practitioner. The MSP 5th Edition Foundation Examination is intended to assess whether the candidate can demonstrate sufficient recall and understanding of the MSP programme management framework. MSP 5th Edition Practitioner is for project, programme, and business change managers that want to build on their knowledge of MSP in order to practically apply the MSP framework to real-life scenarios, providing the skills to lead and manage a programme. It is a must-have certification for both project and programme management professionals to deliver organizational value to their employers and boost their careers. What You Will Learn At the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand how to apply the MSP principles in context Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of the MSP themes in context Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of the MSP processes in context Course Introduction Application of MSP Principles Program Strategy and Themes Application of Organization Theme Application of Design Theme Application of Justification Theme Application of Structure Theme Application of Knowledge Theme Application of Assurance Theme Application of Decisions Theme Application of MSP Processes
Innovation Project Management: On-Demand Companies need growth for survival. Companies cannot grow simply through cost reduction and reengineering efforts. This program describes the relationship that needs to be established between innovation, business strategy, and project management to turn a creative idea into a reality. We will explore the importance of identifying the components of an innovative culture, existing differences, challenges, and the new set of skills needed in innovation project management. Companies need growth for survival. Companies cannot grow simply through cost reduction and reengineering efforts. Innovation is needed and someone must manage these innovation projects. Over the past two decades, there has been a great deal of literature published on innovation and innovation management. Converting a creative idea into reality requires projects and some form of project management. Unfortunately, innovation projects, which are viewed as strategic projects, may not be able to be managed using the traditional project management philosophy we teach in our project management courses. There are different skill sets needed, different tools, and different life-cycle phases. Innovation varies from industry to industry and even companies within the same industry cannot come to an agreement on how innovation project management should work. This program describes the relationship that needs to be established between innovation, business strategy, and project management to turn a creative idea into a reality. We will explore the importance of identifying the components of an innovative culture, existing differences, challenges, and the new set of skills needed in innovation project management. What you Will Learn Explain the links needed to bridge innovation, project management, and business strategy Describe the different types of innovation and the form of project management each require Identify the differences between traditional and innovation project management, especially regarding governance, human resources management challenges, components of an innovative culture and competencies needed by innovation project managers Establish business value and the importance of new metrics for measuring and reporting business value Relate innovation to business models and the skills needed to contribute in the business model development Recognize the roadblocks affecting innovation project management and their cause to determine what actions can be taken Determine the success and failure criteria of an innovation project Foundation Concepts Understanding innovation Role of innovation in a company Differences between traditional (operational) and strategic projects Innovation management Differences between innovation and R&D Differing views of innovation Why innovation often struggles Linking Innovation Project Management to Business Strategy The business side of innovation project management The need for innovation targeting Getting close to the customers and their needs The need for line-of-sight to the strategic objectives The innovation enterprise environmental factors Tools for linking Internal Versus External (Co-creation) Innovation Open versus closed innovation Open innovation versus crowdsourcing Benefits of internal innovation Benefits of co-creation (external) innovation Selecting co-creation partners The focus of co-creation The issues with intellectual property Understanding co-creation values Understanding the importance of value-in-use Classification of Innovations and Innovation Projects Types of projects Types of innovations Competency-enhancing versus competency-destroying innovations Types of innovation novelty Public Sector of Innovation Comparing public and private sector project management Types of public service innovations Reasons for some public sector innovation failures An Introduction to Innovation Project Management Why traditional project management may not work The need for a knowledge management system Differences between traditional and innovation project management Issues with the 'one-size-fits-all' methodology Using end-to-end innovation project management Technology readiness levels (TRLs) Integrating Kanban principles into innovation project management Innovation and the Human Resources Management Challenge Obtaining resources Need for a talent pipeline Need for effective resource management practices Prioritizing resource utilization Using organizational slack Corporate Innovation Governance Types of innovation governance Business Impact Analysis (BIA) Innovation Project Portfolio Management Office (IPPMO) Using nondisclosure agreements, secrecy agreements, confidentiality agreements, and patents Adverse effects of governance decisions Innovation Cultures Characteristics of a culture for innovation Types of cultures Selecting the right people Linking innovation to rewards Impact of the organizational reward system Innovation Competencies Types of innovation leadership The need for active listening Design thinking Dealing with ambiguity, uncertainty, risks, crises, and human factors Value-Based Innovation Project Management Metrics Importance of innovation project management metrics Understanding value-driven project management Differences between benefits and value - and when to measure Traditional versus the investment life cycle Benefits harvesting Benefits and value sustainment Resistance to change Tangible and intangible innovation project management metrics Business Model Innovation Business model characteristics Impact of disruptive innovation Innovation Roadblocks Roadblocks and challenges facing project managers Ways to overcome the roadblocks Defining Innovation Success and Failure Categories for innovation success and failure Need for suitability and exit criteria Reasons for innovation project failure Predictions on the Future of Innovation Project Management The Six Pillars of changing times Some uses for the new value and benefits metrics
The Power of Acknowledgment (On-Demand) The Power of Acknowledgment is an ingenious and proven clear-cut behavioral change model. These behaviors and actions, when properly practiced by people on an ongoing basis, are transformational. They help people feel engaged, inspired and appreciated in heartfelt and authentic ways. According to author/trainer Judith W. Umlas' experience of 14 years of training and delivery practice globally, it will change your interactions with everyone in both your personal and professional life in profound and positive ways. In a business context, acknowledging others canincrease customer engagement and bottom-line results when you communicate with authenticity and understanding ofothers' needs. Acknowledging people can have a deep and powerful impact on changing attitudes, fostering collaboration, and achieving successful outcomes. The goal of this workshop experience is to identify and employ techniques for creating a more positive and meaningful connection between you and the people around you, and to improve your ability to develop a more rewarding and successful personal and professional life. You will learn valuable tools that you can put into immediate action. These will help you overcome barriers to acknowledging others in heartfelt and authentic ways. Inspiring stories, videos, and case studies will move and energize you. You will learn to practice new or enhanced communication skills in an interactive, engaging, high-impact way. This workshop is developed by author and trainerJudith W. Umlaswith 16 years of global training and delivery experience. Judy is the author of the ground-breaking bookThe Power of Acknowledgement, and creator ofThe Center for Grateful Leadership. Her work has been a catalyst for immediate, positive change in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, and the lives of others that are part of their world. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Use the 7 Key Principles of Acknowledgment Practice the 5 C's of Acknowledgment Improve your relationships in all facets of life Identify myths that get in the way of your expressing heartfelt and authentic acknowledgment, appreciation and gratitude to your team members and others Be a Champion for Change where you live, in your workplace and community Acknowledge people on a regular basis in ways that make a profound difference to them, to you, and to any organization The Power of Acknowledgment The 7 Principles of Acknowledgment Transforming Challenging Relationships Through Acknowledgment´ The Five Cs of Acknowledgement