18978 Improv courses in Cardiff delivered Online

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.

Duration 4.5 Days 27 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is intended for individuals who want to gain basic knowledge of business skills. Overview Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to communicate and work effectively in a business environment. In this course, students will learn about all different aspects of business skills needed be effective in an office environment. Accessing PDF Documents Open a PDF Document Browse a PDF Document Creating & Saving PDF Documents Create and Save a PDF Document from an Existing Document Create a PDF Document from a Web Page Combine Multiple PDF Documents Navigating Content in a PDF Document Perform a Search in a PDF Document Search Multiple PDF Documents Work with Bookmarks Create Links and Buttons Modifying PDF Documents Manipulate PDF Document Pages Edit Content in a PDF Document Add Page Elements Reviewing PDF Documents Add Comments and Markup Compare PDF Documents Initiate and Manage a Review Converting PDF Files Reduce the File Size of a PDF Document Optimize PDF Files Convert and Reuse PDF Document Content Customizing the Acrobat XI Pro Workspace Customize the Toolbars Customize the Tool Sets Creating PDFs from Technical Documents Create PDF Documents Using Autodesk AutoCAD Measure Technical Drawings Enhancing PDF Documents Embed Multimedia Enhance PDF Document Accessibility Securing PDF Documents Manage the Security of PDF Documents Validate PDF Documents Creating Interactive PDF Forms Create a PDF Form Compile and Manage PDF Form Data Finalizing PDF Files for Commercial Printing Apply Color Management Settings Preview Printed Effects Perform Preflight on a PDF Document Create PDF/X, PDF/A, and PDF/E Compliant Files Create a Composite and Color Separations Accessing & Navigating SharePoint Team Sites Access SharePoint Sites Navigate SharePoint Sites Working with Documents, Content, & Libraries Upload Documents Search for Documents and Files Working with Lists Add List Items Modify List Items Configure List Views Filtering and Grouping with List Views Configuring Your SharePoint Profile Update and Share Your Profile Information Share and Follow SharePoint Content Creating a Blog Integrating with Microsoft Office Access and Save SharePoint Documents with Microsoft Office Manage Document Versions through Office 2013 Accessing SharePoint Data from Outlook 2013 Working Offline & Remotely with SharePoint Synchronize Libraries, Sites, and MySite and Working Offline Working from a Mobile Device Creating a New Site Create a Site Change the Look and Feel of Your SharePoint Site Adding & Configuring Libraries Configure Document Library for Your SharePoint Team Site Configure the Site Assets Library for Your SharePoint Site Add and Configure a Wiki for Your SharePoint Site Adding & Configuring Lists Add an Announcement List Add and Configure a Task List Add and Configure Contact and Calendar Lists Add and Configure a Blog Subsite Add and Configure a Custom List to your SharePoint Site Customize List Forms Configuring Site Settings, Navigation, & Search Configure Site Search Options Configure Site Administration Settings Configure Site Organization and Navigation Assigning Permissions & Access Rights Sharing Sites and Setting Site Permissions Secure Lists, Libraries, and Documents Configure Content Roll-Up, Summary Links, & Site Map Add and Configure the Content Search Web Part Add and Configure the Relevant Documents Web Part Identifying Nouns, Pronouns, & Verbs Identify Nouns Identify Pronouns Identify Verbs Identifying Adjectives & Adverbs Use Adjectives Use Adverbs Indentifying Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections Use Prepositions Use Conjunctions Use Interjections Identifying Rules Monitor Sentences Monitor Modifiers Avoid Common Errors Identifying Correct Punctuation Use Parentheses Correctly Use Commas, Semicolons, and Quotation Marks Use Numbers, Symbols, and Capitalization Correctly Identifying Sentence Fragments, Run-Ons, and Comma Splices Identify Sentence Fragments Identify Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Solutions Improving Word Choices Identify Commonly Misused Words Identify Synonyms, Antonyms, and Homonyms Building Effective Sentences Identify the Goal Consider the Audience Consider the Context Editing Effectively Use Correct Spelling Achieve Clarity Avoiding Hypercorrections Avoid Hypercorrections Achieve Simplicity Getting Started Icebreaker Housekeeping Items The Parking Lot Workshop Objectives Working with Words Spelling Grammar Creating a Cheat Sheet Constructing Sentences Parts of a Sentence Punctuation Types of Sentences Creating Paragraphs The Basic Parts Organization Methods Writing Meeting Agendas The Basic Structure Choosing a Format Writing the Agenda Writing E-Mails Addressing Your Message Grammar and Acronyms Writing Business Letters The Basic Structure Choosing a Format Writing the Letter Writing Proposals The Basic Structure Choosing a Format Writing the Proposal Writing Reports The Basic Structure Choosing a Format Be guided by the: The purpose of the report The seniority of your readers Writing the Report Other Types of Documents Requests for Proposals Projections Executive Summaries Business Cases Proofreading & Finishing A Proofreading Primer How Peer Review Can Help Printing and Publishing Wrapping Up Words from the Wise Review of Parking Lot Lessons Learned Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations E-Mail Basics E-mail characteristics Writing online versus on paper Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of e-mail Understanding the cultural significance of e-mail E-mail programs Using an e-mail program to send e-mail When to use e-mail Communicating by e-mail Understanding when to avoid using e-mail Writing an e-mail message Using the MAIL acronym E-Mail Policies Company policies Avoiding improper e-mail messages Ensuring employee compliance to e-mail policies Copyright laws, viruses, and liability Avoiding copyright infringement Avoiding viruses Identifying e-mail liability E-Mail Features & Security Features of an e-mail program Using attachments Using priority labels and signature files Features of an e-mail program Using attachments Using priority labels and signature files Discussing e-mail program options Securing e-mail Usi Additional course details: Nexus Humans Business Applications 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 Business Applications course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for IT professionals with five to eight years of experience in these roles: Data center engineers Network designers Network administrators Network engineers Systems engineers System administrator Consulting systems engineers Technical solutions architects Server administrators Network managers Cisco integrators or partners Overview After taking this course, you should be able to: Describe the Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding options and protocols used in a data center Describe the rack design options, traffic patterns, and data center switching layer access, aggregation, and core Describe the Cisco Overlay Transport Virtualization (OTV) technology that is used to interconnect data centers Describe Locator/ID separation protocol Design a solution that uses Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) for traffic forwarding Describe hardware redundancy options; how to virtualize the network, compute, and storage functions; and virtual networking in the data center Describe solutions that use fabric extenders and compare Cisco Adapter Fabric Extender (FEX) with single root input/output virtualization (SR-IOV) Describe security threats and solutions in the data center Describe advanced data center security technologies and best practices Describe device management and orchestration in the data center Describe the storage options for compute function and different Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) levels from a high-availability and performance perspective Describe Fibre Channel concepts, topologies, architecture, and industry terms Describe Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) Describe security options in the storage network Describe management and automation options for storage networking infrastructure Describe Cisco UCS servers and use cases for various Cisco UCS platforms Explain the connectivity options for fabric interconnects for southbound and northbound connections Describe the hyperconverged solution and integrated systems Describe the systemwide parameters for setting up a Cisco UCS domain Describe role-based access control (RBAC) and integration with directory servers to control access rights on Cisco UCS Manager Describe the pools that may be used in service profiles or service profile templates on Cisco UCS Manager Describe the different policies in the service profile Describe the Ethernet and Fibre Channel interface policies and additional network technologies Describe the advantages of templates and the difference between initial and updated templates Describe data center automation tools The Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID) v7.0 course helps you master design and deployment options focused on Cisco© data center solutions and technologies across network, compute, virtualization, storage area networks, automation, and security. You will learn design practices for the Cisco Unified Computing System? (Cisco UCS©) solution based on Cisco UCS B-Series and C-Series servers, Cisco UCS Manager, and Cisco Unified Fabric. You will also gain design experience with network management technologies including Cisco UCS Manager, Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM), and Cisco UCS Director. This course helps you prepare to take the exam, Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (300-610 DCID) Describing High Availability on Layer 2 Overview of Layer 2 High-Availability Mechanisms Virtual Port Channels Cisco Fabric Path Virtual Port Channel+ Designing Layer 3 Connectivity First Hop Redundancy Protocols Improve Routing Protocol Performance and Security Enhance Layer 3 Scalability and Robustness Designing Data Center Topologies Data Center Traffic Flows Cabling Challenges Access Layer Aggregation Layer Core Layer Spine-and-Leaf Topology Redundancy Options Designing Data Center Interconnects with Cisco OTV Cisco OTV Overview Cisco OTV Control and Data Planes Failure Isolation Cisco OTV Features Optimize Cisco OTV Evaluate Cisco OTV Describing Locator/ID Separation Protocol Locator/ID Separation Protocol Location Identifier Separation Protocol (LISP) Virtual Machine (VM) Mobility LISP Extended Subnet Mode (ESM) Multihop Mobility LISP VPN Virtualization Describing VXLAN Overlay Networks Describe VXLAN Benefits over VLAN Layer 2 and Layer 3 VXLAN Overlay Multiprotocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP) Ethernet VPN (EVPN) Control Plane Overview VXLAN Data Plane Describing Hardware and Device Virtualization Hardware-Based High Availability Device Virtualization Cisco UCS Hardware Virtualization Server Virtualization SAN Virtualization N-Port ID Virtualization Describing Cisco FEX Options Cisco Adapter FEX Access Layer with Cisco FEX Cisco FEX Topologies Virtualization-Aware Networking Single Root I/O Virtualization Cisco FEX Evaluation Describing Basic Data Center Security Threat Mitigation Attack and Countermeasure Examples Secure the Management Plane Protect the Control Plane RBAC and Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) Describing Advanced Data Center Security Cisco TrustSec in Cisco Secure Enclaves Architecture Cisco TrustSec Operation Firewalling Positioning the Firewall Within Data Center Networks Cisco Firepower© Portfolio Firewall Virtualization Design for Threat Mitigation Describing Management and Orchestration Network and License Management Cisco UCS Manager Cisco UCS Director Cisco Intersight Cisco DCNM Overview Describing Storage and RAID Options Position DAS in Storage Technologies Network-Attached Storage Fibre Channel, FCoE, and Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) Evaluate Storage Technologies Describing Fibre Channel Concepts Fibre Channel Connections, Layers, and Addresses Fibre Channel Communication Virtualization in Fibre Channel SAN Describing Fibre Channel Topologies SAN Parameterization SAN Design Options Choosing a Fibre Channel Design Solution Describing FCoE FCoE Protocol Characteristics FCoE Communication Data Center Bridging FCoE Initialization Protocol FCoE Design Options Describing Storage Security Common SAN Security Features Zones SAN Security Enhancements Cryptography in SAN Describing SAN Management and Orchestration Cisco DCNM for SAN Cisco DCNM Analytics and Streaming Telemetry Cisco UCS Director in the SAN Cisco UCS Director Workflows Describing Cisco UCS Servers and Use Cases Cisco UCS C-Series Servers Fabric Interconnects and Blade Chassis Cisco UCS B-Series Server Adapter Cards Stateless Computing Cisco UCS Mini Describing Fabric Interconnect Connectivity Use of Fabric Interconnect Interfaces VLANs and VSANs in a Cisco UCS Domain Southbound Connections Northbound Connections Disjoint Layer 2 Networks Fabric Interconnect High Availability and Redundancy Describing Hyperconverged and Integrated Systems Hyperconverged and Integrated Systems Overview Cisco HyperFlex? Solution Cisco HyperFlex Scalability and Robustness Cisco HyperFlex Clusters Cluster Capacity and Multiple Clusters on One Cisco UCS Domain External Storage and Graphical Processing Units on Cisco HyperFlex Cisco HyperFlex Positioning Describing Cisco UCS Manager Systemwide Parameters Cisco UCS Setup and Management Cisco UCS Traffic Management Describing Cisco UCS RBAC Roles and Privileges Organizations in Cisco UCS Manager Locales and Effective Rights Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting Two-Factor Authentication Describing Pools for Service Profiles Global and Local Pools Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) Suffix and Media Access Control (MAC) Address Pools World Wide Name (WWN) Pools Server and iSCSI Initiator IP Pools Describing Policies for Service Profiles Global vs. Local Policies Storage and Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) Policies Boot and Scrub Policies Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) and Maintenance Policies Describing Network-Specific Adapters and Policies LAN Connectivity Controls SAN Connectivity Controls Virtual Access Layer Connectivity Enhancements Describing Templates in Cisco UCS Manager Cisco UCS Templates Service Profile Templates Network Templates Designing Data Center Automation Model-Driven Programmability Cisco NX-API Overview Programmability Using Python Cisco Ansible Module Use the Puppet Agent Additional course details: Nexus Humans Cisco Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure v7.0 (DCID) 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 Cisco Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure v7.0 (DCID) 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.

In today's competitive business world firms are under unprecedented pressure to deliver value to their shareholders and other key stakeholders. Senior executives in all parts of the organisation are finding that they need some degree of financial know how to cope with the responsibility placed on them as business managers and key decision-makers; monitoring and improving business performance, investing in capital projects, mergers and acquisitions: all require some degree of financial knowledge. The key financial skills are not as difficult to learn as many people believe and in the hands of an experienced senior executive they can provide a formidable competitive advantage. After completing this course delegates will be able to: Understand fundamental business finance concepts; understand, analyse and interpret financial statements: Profit Statement, Balance Sheet and Cashflow Statement Understand the vital difference between profit and cashflow; identify the key components of working capital and how they can be managed to generate strong cashflow Evaluate pricing decisions based on an understanding of the nature of business costs and their impact on gross margin and break-even sales; managing pricing, discounts and costs to generate strong business profits; understand how lean manufacturing methods improve profit Use powerful analytical tools to measure and improve the performance of their own company and assess the effectiveness of their competitors Apply and interpret techniques for assessing and comparing investment opportunities in capital projects, business acquisitions and other ventures; understand and apply common methods of business valuation Understand the role of business finance in formulating and implementing competitive business strategy; the role of budgeting as part of the planning process and the various approaches to budgeting and performance measurement 1 Basic principles Delivering value to key stakeholders Accounting concepts, GAAP, IFRS and common terms Understanding and using the balance sheet Understanding and using the profit statement Recognising the vital difference between profit and cashflow Understanding and using the cashflow statement What financial statements can and cannot tell us 2 Managing and improving cashflow Sources of finance and their advantages and disadvantages What is working capital and why is it so important? Managing stocks, debtors and creditors Understanding how working capital drives business growth Understanding and avoiding the over-trading trap Unlocking the funds tied up in fixed assets: asset backed loans and leasing 3 Managing and improving profit Understanding how profits generate cashflow The fundamental nature of costs: fixed and variable business costs Understanding gross margin and break-even How common pricing methods affect gross margin and profit Effective strategies to improve gross margin Using value chain analysis to reduce costs Lean manufacturing methodsUnderstanding Just-in-time, 6 Sigma and Kaizen methods Improving profitEffective and defective strategies 4 Measuring and managing business performance Measures of financial performance and strength Investor behaviour: the risk and reward relationship Return on investment (ROI): the ultimate measure of business performance How profit margin and net asset turnover drive return on net assets Why some companies are more profitable that others Understanding competitive advantage: cost and differentiation advantage Why great companies failWhat happened to Kodak? Using a 'Pyramid of Ratios' to improve business performance Using Critical Success Factors to develop Key Performance Indicators 5 Budgeting and forecasting methods Using budgets to support strategy Objectives and methods for effective budgets Using budgets to monitor and manage business performance Alternative approaches to budgeting Developing and implementing Balanced Scorecards Beyond Budgeting Forecasting methods and techniques Identifying key business drivers Using rolling forecasts and 'what-if' models to aid decision-making

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 very practical one-day IACCM-approved programme enables participants to manage the process of commercial contracting and contract management effectively and efficiently to ensure value for money, improved service, and appropriate relationships. It covers a wide range of contract types in terms of risk and value. The programme empowers participants with the tools and techniques needed to collaborate with all key stakeholders. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Understand the total process of managing contracts Exploit opportunities to extract even more added value Develop appropriate relationships with contractors Understand and use a range of contracting strategies and options Measure and improve contract performance Understand the impact of legislation on contract performance 1 Welcome Introductions Aims and objectives Plan for the day 2 Contract management An overview of the contracting process, mapping the 'territory' 3 Contract managers Skills Knowledge Attributes Responsibilities 4 Critical success factors Defining successful outcomes Effective stakeholder engagement Creating a shared vision of the outcomes 5 Placing contracts How to develop an effective specification and scope of work documents How to develop a robust contracting strategy Appropriate types of contract 6 Customers and stakeholders Customer and stakeholder analysis Managing expectations and the 'shared vision' concept to ensure customer co-operation, satisfaction, and delight 7 Working with suppliers Creating and developing commercial relationships Types of relationship How to manage difficult relationships Contractor motivational issues How to use incentives 8 Negotiation and related skills Introduction to key negotiation skills Persuading and influencing skills to work with stakeholders to improve outcomes for all 9 Dealing with change Claims and variations How to challenge contractor claims and requests for variations by making use of contractual terms Specifications to prevent false claims 10 Performance improvement How to measure and improve contractor performance Developing KPI systems Using contractual terms and conditions and basic legal principles 11 Contract close The importance of effective contract close processes 12 Close Review of key learning points Personal action planning

Today's administrative professional needs flexibility and a broad portfolio of skills including self-motivation, assertiveness, and the ability to deal with difficult people. You will benefit from this course if you are an administrator, medical/legal secretary or PA, who wants to enhance your administrative support skills, as well as evaluating your existing techniques. This course will help you identify: your areas of strength and your areas for improvement in the work environment ways to accept new challenges and responsibilities with confidence what motivates you at work techniques to improve your planning and time management ways of improving your influencing and assertiveness skills your preferred working style (and relate it to your interaction with others) ways of using your initiative how to deal with challenging people, using recognised communication methods The course will help you develop a flexible set of skills that will allow you to succeed at work, no matter what the day throws at you. It will help you communicate effectively with a diverse range of colleagues and others with tact and diplomacy. And, finally, it will help you provide the administrative support that is essential for the smooth running of your area and of the organisation as a whole. 1 Introduction Overview Introductions Individual objectives 2 What exactly is your role? Before looking at new skills and techniques, where are you now? Do you have the skills, knowledge and attitude required to be an exceptional administrator? Understand your job criteria Identifying your strengths and areas for development Activity - skills analysis Activity - action plan 3 Building trust How can you build trust? Understanding the links between reliability, consistency and trust What is required to deliver efficient service? Activity: efficient service requirements of the professional administrator 4 Working styles Identifying your working style preference Understanding the importance of a flexible approach Identifying areas of improvement to become a more effective team member Activity: Questionnaire (completing, scoring and charting) Activity: drawbacks of my style Developing your working style 5 Assertiveness Understand the differences between behaviours Activity: Definition and characteristics of assertive / aggressive / passive behaviour Activity: Identifying different behaviours Understanding how to be more assertive How to use assertiveness techniques How to ask for feedback Activity: Making requests assertively Activity: Refusing requests assertively 6 Time management The importance of planning for success The importance of managing interruptions The importance of having clear purpose Time management best practices Activity: How do you plan your time? What prevents you improving your time management? How will you recognise success? 7 Prioritisation How to prioritise work to meet deadlines The prioritisation matrix Activity: Post it! 8 Dealing with interruptions The impact interruptions have on productivity How to manage interruptions Activity: What interruptions do you experience? What tactics can be employed to reduce these interruptions? 9 Close Open forum Summary Action planning

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

Generating new leads and new business can be both time-consuming and frustrating. It's not easy - it takes skill, careful preparation and the creation of effective models and methods, even perhaps using formal approaches and scripts. Once generated, a new lead or enquiry must also be carefully managed to maximise the potential revenue it can generate. But it's crucial to get it right. If your company can afford not to worry about getting new business - congratulations! If your company is completely confident that it is performing at peak potential in generating new leads - again, congratulations! But if your company is working in the real world, couldn't your team do with some help, to become even just that little bit more effective, to make the process just that little less painful? This highly practical, intensive workshop gives sales teams the proven strategies and tactics they need to build a sustainable new business pipeline. This course will help participants: Develop a clear and consistent process for new business development and lead-generation Master the secret of effective new business development and lead-generation - 'only sell the appointment or next stage of the sales process, not your product or service' Set and achieve the right level of new business development and lead-generation activity to achieve your personal and organisational sales goals Apply the key principles of effective prospecting and pipeline management using a proven toolkit and approach Overcome the most common 'put-offs' when conducting telephone or face-to-face business-development and lead-generation activities Develop an engaging telephone voice and manner - and a 'networking personality' Qualify potential opportunities with more accuracy on a consistent basis Prioritise opportunities and manage their time when sourcing new business Discover online sources of leads, contacts and referrals Overcome psychological blocks to cold or warm calling - theirs and the client's Identify potential prospects - and decision-makers and influencers within target prospects - with greater accuracy Make outbound sales or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results Improve the conversion of calls to appointments by using more effective questions and sales messages Get past gatekeepers and assistants more effectively Make the most of your CRM software and systems 1 Online marketing - what works! Workshop overview and learning objectives Choosing your social media channels LinkedIn for sales and marketing Designing and implementing an effective new business email campaign online Creating a lead-generation strategy online - with case studies Avoiding common mistakes in social media marketing Case study: 'Best practice in social media sales and marketing' Using blogs and video-based marketing (eg, YouTube) New trends and how to keep your finger on the 'social media' pulse Twenty essential websites and online marketing tools 2 Making appointments by telephone Planning the call, telephone techniques, integrating with email and online marketing Developing a clear and consistent process to appointment-making Setting and achieving the right level of telephone activity to achieve your appointment goals Applying the key principles of effective prospecting and pipeline management generation, using a proven toolkit and approach Overcoming the most common 'put-offs' to seeing or engaging with you Overcoming psychological blocks to cold or warm calling - yours and the client's Identifying potential prospects - and decision-makers and influencers within target prospects - with greater accuracy Making outbound sales or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results Improving conversion of calls to appointments by using more effective questions and sales messages The five keys to developing an engaging telephone voice and approaching manner 3 Power networking Strategies for networking and B2B referral-based marketing The importance, and different types, of networking How to work a room - preparation and strategy Communication dynamics in networking - the power of the listening networker Assumptions when networking Business networking etiquette Making connections, asking for cards, contact details and referrals, gaining follow-up commitments Building relationships - follow-up and follow-through 4 Developing new leads Strategies for first-time sales calls Gaining rapport and opening first-time and new business sales calls effectively Advanced consultative selling - questioning techniques to quickly and efficiently uncover opportunities, need areas and preferences Presenting your solution to a new or first-time customer - creating an enthusiastic and compelling personalised and persuasive summary of your proposal Value message - differentiate your solutions clearly and accurately, with tailored value statements Presenting the right initial USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer Smart ways to position price, emphasise value and be a strong player without being the cheapest or leading on price Learn and use advanced techniques to determine customer needs, value and decision-making criteria in depth on a first-time call 5 Organised persistence - CRM and prospect-tracking Organised persistence - sales tracking, following up on 'sleeping' customers, gaining referrals, time and territory management Maintaining a good database for maximising new business ROI Developing a contact strategy with different types and levels of contact Analysing your contact base using state-of-the-art software and tools Making the most of your CRM systems and solutions Understanding that your attitude makes a difference when sourcing new business Setting SMART objectives for new business development and lead-generation Practical exercise - setting personal development and business goals Time management tips to improve daily productivity New business pipeline management strategies for peak sales performance 6 Workshop summary and close Practical exercise - developing your new business action plan Review and feedback

This is an incredibly practical programme which has been developed to enable participants to improve their memory skills. The session focuses on specific techniques that can be used to improve retention of information. It also introduces the principles of mind-mapping By the end of this programme participants will be able to: Explain how our brain processes and stores information Describe the difference between short-term and long-term memory Use specific techniques to improve retention Explain the principles of mind mapping Be able to use mind maps to plan and order information Each participant, no matter how poor they believe their memory to be, will by the close of the session have learnt techniques that enable them to memorise 53 items in a prescriptive order - a massive boost to their confidence in their memory skills. 1 An introduction to the brain's functions Introductory brain-training How the brain works Left / right brain function Short-term and long-term memory Barriers to a good memory 2 Memory techniques Tips and techniques for improving memory Basic word association Chaining and linking Touchstone techniques Use of mnemonics Memory hooks Remembering names 3 Maximising memory Minimising barriers The importance of sleep and diet Supplements which may affect memory 4 Mind-mapping Purpose and principles Creating a mind map Use of colour to delight the eye and tickle the brain How to use the output from a map