Learn how to use Master Projects and Resource Pools to create better visibility across projects. Course overview Duration: 4 hours This course shows you how to create Master Projects allowing you to roll several sub projects into a master view. It also shows techniques to create resource pools to share resources between projects to enable you to better manage your resource teams and check resource loading. This half day course looks at how to practically do this and setup both elements. This is aimed at existing users of Microsoft Project who need to create master schedules and share resources and loadings. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Create master projects Insert and update sub projects Create a resource pool Share resources between projects Check resource loadings between projects Content Working with multiple projects Consolidating projects Linking to sub projects Setting the master project as read only Saving consolidated projects Working on consolidated projects Setting task links between projects Getting source project information Removing projects from the consolidation Sharing resources Creating a resource pool Sharing resources Opening projects that share resources Updating the resource pool Refreshing the resource pool Opening a resource pool Removing resource sharing
Look at some of the more advanced planning features available in Project. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Our Project – Advanced Planning and Control course looks at advanced planning and resourcing techniques in Microsoft Project and how to customise your schedule to give better visibility and flexibility. The course is designed for experienced users of Project who have attended our Project Planning and Control introduction course or have equivalent knowledge. You must be confident using Project to build and resource schedules and create task dependencies. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Work with different types of task Amend resource load on a task Work with multiple resource rates Create custom tables Add custom fields Create calculated fields Add drop down lists in fields Filter and extract information Create new views Export information Content Advanced planning techniques Splitting tasks Task types Spreading work across activities Advanced resourcing techniques Resource types Assignment views Effective dates Work contours Overtime work Using multiple resource rates Creating custom tables Customising tables Adding fields Creating custom fields Adding text, number, date and time fields Using flag fields Defining pick lists Renaming custom fields Creating calculated fields Creating formulas Using graphical indicators Uploading and tracking progress Completing work Completing work per resource Updating tasks Updating the project Working with the status date Rescheduling work Viewing baseline against schedule Project overview statistics Working with filters Building standard filters Building interactive filters Task and resource filters Using highlight filters Creating custom views Creating customised views Customising text styles Using grouping techniques Exporting information Exporting to Excel
Expand your VBA knowledge further and learn some of the more advanced coding features. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This course is aimed at experienced VBA users or those who have attended our Part 1 course and have started to use the language. Part 2 expands on the huge array of commands and elements of the data model that can be used and looks at building more complex VBA models Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Use comparison operators and system functions Use Arrays Work with ranges Work with the worksheets and workbooks collections and objects Use application objects Use the FileSystemObject Create function procedures Import and save text files Connect to other applications Content Comparison operators Using Comparison operators and functions The LIKE function Wildcards Using SELECT Case System functions The VAL function Case functions Trim functions Text functions Date functions Excel worksheet functions Using Excel functions in VBA Arrays Creating arrays Using arrays Ubound and Lbound Single and multi dimensional arrays Static vs dynamic arrays Working with ranges Creating range objects Passing data between range objects and arrays Using Transpose The Excel object model The object browser Working with collections Collections Creating object variables Setting object variables The For Each . . . Next Loo Sheet collections The worksheets collection The worksheet object The sheets collection Using object Grouping worksheets Using Typename The Workbook collection The workbooks collection Setting workbook variables Application objects Excel default information Display/alerts Screen updating Status bar On Time Using Wait Systems dialog boxes Showing dialog boxes Using dialog boxes Working with files Searching for files and folders The DIR function The FileSystemObject Function procedures Creating functions Adding arguments Calling functions Working with text files Searching for files and folders The DIR function The FileSystemObject Using the FILE and FOLDER collections Sharing data with other applications Early vs Late Binding Setting references to other applications Creating application variables Setting application variables
Use some of the hidden statistical analysis tools within Excel to build complex data models. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This advanced Excel course looks at some of the statistical analysis tools available and gives examples of when they might be used. This course is aimed at advanced users of Excel who work with statistical data often and have a good knowledge of Maths. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Use Goal Seek Create and view scenarios Use Forecast Sheet Create single and double input data tables Create models using the solver Install and use the Analysis Toolpak Create and use array formulas Use a range of advanced Financial and Statistical Excel functions Content Using what if analysis options Using Goal Seek Creating, saving and viewing scenarios Generating a Forecast sheet Solver Creating models Projecting scenarios with Solver Using data tables Creating single input data tables Creating double input data tables Projecting with data tables Financial functions PMT FV NPV Analysing data with Analysis ToolPak Installing the Analysis Toolpak Generating statistical analysis Visualising data using Histograms Array formulas Using embedded Excel Array formulas Create an Array formula Multi and single cell Array formula Using TRANSPOSE to flip rows or columns Use the FREQUENCY Function Use an array to count unique entries in a range Dynamic arrays Spilling data Using the new dynamic array functions Advance functions in formulas Statistical functions:MEAN, MEDIAN and MODERANKLARGE and SMALLMODPERCENTILE Use the AGGREGATE function to sum data in ranges with errors
Look at the in depth features of charts and some specialist tools to make your charts come to life. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Our Excel Charting Specialist course examines how to unlock the full potential of Charts in Excel. It investigates the useful tools needed for creating bespoke Charts, allowing you to creatively present data more visually. By the end of the course, you will have an awareness of the tools used for creating more advanced Charts and will be able to create your own Dynamic Charts. The course is designed for existing users of Excel who are looking at more advanced ways to visualise data in Excel using Charts. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Create and Amend Charts Format multiple areas of a Chart Use a Combo Chart Apply Conditional Formatting to a Chart Create Dynamic Charts Work with Custom Formatting Create an Advanced Dynamic Chart Content Creating and amending charts Creating Simple Charts Using the Chart Design tab Adding Chart Elements Changing the type of Chart Formatting charts Format Chart Area Format Data Series Format Data Point Format Axis Working with combo charts Adding additional data to a Chart Customising Chart types Creating Clustered Column/line Charts Applying conditional formatting on charts Using IF Statements Highlighting Max/Min Data points in Charts Using Series Overlap Dynamic charts Creating dynamic Target vs Actual Charts Introducing the NA function Hiding data used for Charts Custom formatting charts Formatting Data Labels Customising number formats Using Trend Arrows to show changes Editing Format Code Advanced dynamic charts Pivot Chart rules Creating a Pivot Chart Working with your Pivot Chart Creating calculations Combining all elements to create an Advanced Chart Using Error Bars to create a line Adding a scroll bar and linking with data
Learn how to work with and connect multiple data sets to effectively analyse and report on data. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Within Excel you have some powerful features to enable you to connect and analyse multiple data sources. Power Query enables you to import and manipulate your data, Power Pivot enables you to connect multiple data sources and create pivot tables and pivot charts from them. This course is an introduction to Power Query and Power Pivot in Excel to get you started on creating a powerful reporting capability. Knowledge of working with Excel workbooks and relational databases would be an advantage. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Import data from multiple data sources Edit and transform data before importing Add extra columns of data Append data Merge data from other tables Create data models Build data relationships Build Pivot Tables Build Pivot Charts Use Slicers and Timeline Filters Content Importing data Data sources Importing data Transforming data Editing your data Setting data types Removing columns/rows Choosing columns to keep Setting header rows Splitting columns Appending queries Appending data from other tables Adding text Columns from example Custom columns Conditional columns Merge queries Setting up and using merge queries Merging in columns of data Creating a data model The data model Multiple data tables Connecting tables Building relationships Relationship types Building visuals from multiple tables Analysing information using pivot tables Creating and modifying a Pivot Table Recalculating the Pivot Table Filtering the Pivot Table Searching the Pivot Table Drilling down to underlying data Customising field names Changing field formatting Pivot charts, slices and timelines Creating Pivot Charts Adding and using Slicers
Ideal for those already using Excel but who really want to get to grips with formulas and functions. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Our Excel Mastering Formulas and Functions course looks at how to confidently use formulas and functions within Excel. It looks at how to correctly construct formulas and explains how to build common formulas such as working with percentages. It investigates a range of built in Excel functions and shows you how to use the formula auditing tools to help when things go wrong. This course is aimed at existing users of Excel who want to further their skills. Participants should be able to confidently create and amend worksheets. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Construct Formulas Use a range of common Functions Work with absolute and relative references in formulas Create percentage calculations Use named ranges in formulas Use the XLOOKUP command Create formulas with date and use date functions Use formulas in conditional formatting Use a range of Count functions Use the formula auditing tools Content Formulas vs Functions Constructing formulas Using functions Common Excel functions Using the function wizard vs the formula bar Formulas in tables Absolute vs relative references in formulas Using absolute references in formulas Using partial absolute referencing Range Naming Naming ranges Using range names in formulas Single and multi-cell ranges Working with percentages Creating formulas with percentages Percentage breakdowns Percentage increases Formatting as a percentage Using Lookups Using XLOOKUP to insert information from other spreadsheets Calculating with dates Calculating with dates Using date functions Using formulas in conditional formatting Using conditional formulas Using functions in conditional formatting Count functions COUNT COUNTA COUNTBLANK Formula auditing Using the auditing facility Tracing how formulas are made up Tracing precedents and dependants Evaluating formulas Error checking Showing formulas on a sheet
Develop more advanced training skills such as expert presentation, facilitation and coaching skills. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This workshop is for people who want to take their personal skills as a trainer to the next level. It builds on the Underscore Level 1 Train the Trainer course. In this Level 2 course delegates will develop more advanced training skills such as expert presentation, facilitation and coaching skills. In the modern world learning is often delivered in blended learning formats and this course will introduce delegates to the challenges of blended learning and how to introduce a range of delivery methods into programmes. Attendees will learn how to write more complex learning plans and integrate different methods and media into their plans. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Describe your Personal Training Style Explain how personality affects communication styles Use techniques to read delegates and adapt communications for greater impact Recognise the ‘games people play’ and how to deal with difficult behaviour Use techniques to establish credibility and enhance your reputation Identify the right approach to take when faced with a range of challenges Use advanced Presentation Skills Use facilitation and coaching skills for experiential workshops Use modern Training Methods and Media Deliver memorable training Note: Delegates attending this programme will be asked to complete an online psychometric in advance of attending the programme in order to help understand personal training styles Content Understanding your Personal Training Style Receive feedback from online Psychometric Understand personal training styles Understand personal communication and working style Understand the impact this has on audience Learn how to adapt your style for greater impact Growing your reputation as a trainer Your Training Persona Training Confidence Training Reputation Trainer Brand Understand the ‘Games People Play’ An introduction to Transactional Analysis (TA) for Trainers Using TA to:Contract for learningUnderstand Trainee AudienceUnderstand interpersonal stylesUnderstand working and thinking stylesWorking in groupsCreativity and innovation Developing deeper Trainer Skills Presentation Magic – making your presentations more effective Facilitation skills for workshops Coaching skills for classrooms and virtual training Delivering experiential workshops Modern Training Methods and Media Incorporating blended learning into your programmes Using Social Learning Using Videos Using Virtual Tools Using CBT and e-learning Pre-course work 1: Complete and online Psychometric Pre-course work 2: Deliver and record a 5-10-minute training session in your workplace on your phone and bring it with you Note: there is an option to have addition 1 hour coaching for delegates to support workplace learning after the course.
Elevate your skills in designing, delivering and evaluating engaging and interactive training that will leave a lasting impact on your team or organisation Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This Train the Trainer workshop will enable you to gain valuable insights and practice helping you to feel more comfortable and confident delivering training sessions. We will look at some training best practice tools and techniques to ensure you can deliver the learning outcomes required. The workshop covers the training cycle but focuses heavily on interactive and practical training techniques to bring learning to life for participants. There will be opportunities to practice delivery of real work-based training and receive feedback on delivery style. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Explain Kolb’s model of how adults learn Describe the 4 key learning styles and how to engage people with different learning styles Apply the training cycle to plan, design, deliver and evaluate your training Write SMART training objectives Use and select a variety of methods to make your training interactive, engaging and effective Describe ways to deal with difficult participants or situations that may arise Apply your training skills to deliver structured training sessions with more competence and confidence Content The Training Cycle Assessing needs Planning and preparing Implementing training Reviewing Assessing Assessing Needs Understanding the task Assessing the learner’s current ability Identifying the gap Planning and Preparing Having clear outcomes in mind What people learn: o Knowledge o Skill o Understanding How people learn: preferences and learning styles and methods suitable for each Planning a programme Planning a session – a systematic approach Assessing risk Writing and using SOPs in training Key Skills for Effective Training Explanation and Demonstration Questioning and Listening Observation and Feedback Facilitation and Debriefing skills Coaching Using questioning, listening and feedback to help learners solve problems and develop confidence Evaluation and Assessment How to measure reactions and participant satisfaction Use of tests and assessments to measure learning Organisational measures of learning transfer Leverage You will have the opportunity to deliver two training sessions on this programme and gain valuable feedback to support you in your ongoing training delivery. Participants are required to prepare a 15 minute training session. This can be something you have delivered before or something you’ve created for the course. Please prepare and include any visual aids you would usually use when speaking and bring them with you, f possible, please also bring your smart phone (with camera, and memory capacity for a short video clip to be added), and headphones.
Learn the basics of financial awareness and better understand the language used by accountants and how financial statements fit together within organisations. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This workshop will provide participants with a grasp of basic financial awareness, to help them to better understand the language used by accountants and how financial statements fit together. Training is done in a jargon-free way that is aimed building attendees’ confidence in using financial terms and concepts within their organisation. Competent financial management has many aspects, it is wide reaching and requires multiple skills but if participants work to become organised and effective in planning, these skills can be easily acquired. There is a misconception that to be a good operational manager dealing with financial decisions people must be accounting or numerical geniuses. There are basic skills that attendees can easily learn that will support them in those areas. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Identify the importance of financial management and its impact Identify the link between financial information and decision making Set, manage, monitor and review budgets Analyse financial statements Demonstrate the link between the statements, budgets and decision making. Content Financial Management Budgeting process (generic / client specific if possible) Forecasting and re forecasting process The need for accurate forecasting Accrual v cash accounting revisited Financial Objectives of the business Users of the accounts Financial Tools Depreciation and Amortisation Accruals and Prepayments Deferred and Accrued Income Costs, Opex and Capex Financial Statements The Income Statement The Balance Sheet Understanding capital employed The relationship between balance sheet and income statement The cash flow statement Profitability: gross, operating and net margins Review of client’s management information reports Building the Business Case Break even analysis Discounted Cash Flow Discount factors Net Present Value (NPV) Internal Rate of Return (IRR)