45 Courses in Edinburgh

Managing Complex Projects: In-House Training As knowledge and technology expand exponentially, organizations are finding that the tools, processes, and methods used to select, plan, and manage their projects are insufficient for the challenges posed by them. The goal of this course is to provide participants with a working knowledge of project complexities and a framework for managing the ambiguities involved in today's fast-changing, competitive, and technology-based environment As knowledge and technology expand exponentially, organizations are finding that the tools, processes, and methods used to select, plan, and manage their projects are insufficient for the challenges posed by them. Complex projects don't necessarily follow the rules of traditional projects - in many instances the projects' end-products, and the methods by which they will be produced, are not easily defined. Stakeholder diversity and geographical dispersion contribute to the difficulties project managers face in their efforts to gain acceptance of project goals, objectives, and changes. Additionally, hierarchic leadership styles, traditional lifecycle approaches, and traditional project manager competencies may no longer maximize the efficiencies that need to be realized on complex projects. The goal of this course is to provide participants with a working knowledge of project complexities and a framework for managing the ambiguities involved in today's fast-changing, competitive, and technology-based environments. What you Will Learn The learning objectives of this workshop are to enable participants to: Appreciate complexity and its impact on the management of projects Describe the differences among traditional, complicated, and complex projects Explain the effects of complexity on the PMBOK® Guide's process groups Apply a high-level model in the management of real- world projects Complexity and Projects Some characteristics of complex systems Important models/characteristics of complex projects Major players in project complexity Landscapes and project typologies A supplemental framework for complex projects Framing Framing overview Potential pitfalls in framing complex projects Possible solutions Inception Centrality of risk management PM competencies, selection Stakeholder identification, analysis Blueprint Collaborative planning Stakeholder engagements Alternative methodologies/life cycles Collaborative scheduling Procurement management Oversight, Navigation, and Adjustment Leadership and the project team Stakeholder management Networks Close and Continuous Improvement Transition/support Post-project evaluations Rewards/Recognition

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

Project Management Fundamentals: In-House Training Many projects are performed by highly competent and effective people who have little or no project management training. They perform projects like process improvement, marketing campaign development, new product development, event planning and production, and other 'tasks' which are projects. Project Management Fundamentals (PMF) is designed to support those people who need a solid foundation in project management, without being unnecessarily burdened to learn it while on the job. The course offers practical skills, concepts, and principles that can be taken back to the workplace, along with insights needed to adapt them to specific project environments. In today's environment, that means possibly adapting to Agile / Iterative methods. So, we have recently added key Agile concepts to provide a basic understanding of shifting towards agility. Since PMF's course goal is to achieve quality performance by learning effective planning and control, the focus is on a process orientation and an analytical, systems-oriented approach. Together, these frameworks promote project-related problem solving and decision-making skills necessary for real world projects. They honor project needs for collaboration, clear communications among people, and interpersonal and relationship skills. Recognition of these needs are woven throughout PMF, but are highlighted in two specific areas: Module 2 - People and Projects Module 8 - Executing, Communicating, and Developing the Team What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Describe the value of strong project management Identify characteristics of a successful project and project manager Recognize how current agile / adaptive practices fit within project management Explore project management processes, including Initiating, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing Utilize project management processes and tools, based on case studies and real-world situations Create an initial project plan Use standard project management terminology Foundation Concepts Project management and definitions Value and focus of PM Competing constraints and project success Project life cycles People and Projects People and projects overview The project manager The project team People and projects in organizations Initiating and Defining Requirements Initiating the project Developing the project charter Conducting stakeholder assessments Defining requirements Using the Work Breakdown Structure Defining the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Developing a usable WBS Using the WBS Managing Project Risk Making the case for risk management Overview to planning for risk Identifying risks Analyzing risks Planning responses to risks Implementing response and monitoring risks Considerations for adaptive environments Estimating Defining an estimate Estimating approaches Estimating practices Estimating cost Validating an estimate Scheduling Defining the scheduling process and related terminology Sequencing and defining dependencies Determining the critical path Considering schedule risks and optimizing the schedule Executing, Communicating, and Developing the Team From baseline to execution Project communications and stakeholder relationships High-performing teams Monitoring and Controlling Defining monitoring and controlling Viewing control through the competing demands lens Variance Analysis and corrective action (Earned Value) Considerations in adaptive environments Closing the Project Closing projects Focusing on project transition Focusing on post-project evaluations

Project Management Fundamentals for IT Projects: In-House Training A number of factors impact the new project manager's role within IT - for instance, the need to fully integrate IT into the business improvement process and the advent of distributed technology and Business Process Reengineering. As a result, the range of activities required of a new project manager has greatly increased, as well as the range of people with whom he or she interacts. This workshop enables you to minimize the problems inherent in managing a systems development project. What You Will Learn You'll learn how to: Articulate the benefit of using a project management methodology, processes, and various life cycles for IT projects Articulate on various standards and maturity models that provide benefits to performing organizations that manage IT projects Describe governance, gating, and the processes required for project origination Conduct a stakeholder analysis and describe its benefits throughout the project life cycle Gather good requirements, develop a work breakdown structure (WBS), and establish a baseline project plan Execute against the baseline project plan while managing change and configuration items Monitor and control the project activities using the baseline project plan and earned value management concepts Close the project by conducting scope verification, procurement audits, gathering lessons learned, archiving project records, and releasing resources Getting Started Course goal Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Key definitions and concepts Methodologies, processes, and project life cycles Project success factors and the benefits of standards and models Project Originating and Initiating Originating projects Initiating projects Planning Stakeholder Engagement and Resource Management Planning stakeholder engagement Planning human resources management Developing effective leadership skills Planning Scope and Quality Management Planning project scope Planning project quality Planning Schedule Management Planning project time Identifying schedule activities Sequencing schedule activities Estimating activity resources and time Developing project schedule Optimizing the project schedule Planning Risk and Cost Management Planning for project risks Planning project costs Estimating project costs Developing a project budget Planning Communication and Procurement Management Planning project communications Planning project procurements Project Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing Project executing Project monitoring and controlling Project closing

APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ): In-House Training This practical course gives Participants a solid introduction to the fundamentals of project management and to prepare them for the one-hour, multiple-choice exam held at the end of the course. The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is an entry-level qualification suitable for those who are new to project management and working in a project team, and who wish to understand the standard terminology. The goal of this course is to prepare you to successfully pass the exam. What you will Learn You'll learn how to: Identify project management terminology and context Identify project management processes Identify the roles involved in project management Describe project success criteria and benefits Prepare project documentation Acquire the level of understanding needed to pass the APM PFQ examination Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objective Project Context Project characteristics Project management processes Business and project context Organizational roles Project Lifecycle Programme and portfolio management Project Concept Phase Stakeholder management Project success and benefits management Business case Benefits People in Projects Leadership and teamwork Communication Project Definition Phase Project management plan Quality management Risk management Scope management Scheduling Resource management Estimating Procurement Project Implementation Phase Change control and configuration management Issue management Information management Project Hand-over and Close-out Phase Hand-over and close-out Post-project review Revision and Exam Revision and practice questions APM PFQ examination

Microsoft Project Orange Belt® 2013: In-House Training This workshop gives participants a full insight into creating effective schedules using Microsoft® Project 2013, allowing you to estimate, coordinate, budget, staff, and control projects and support other users. This workshop gives participants a full insight into creating effective schedules using Microsoft® Project 2013, allowing you to estimate, coordinate, budget, staff, and control projects and support other users. This workshop provides the eBook Dynamic Scheduling with Microsoft® Project 2013, and is kept up to date with the framework of knowledge outlined by the Project Management Institute's PMBOK® Guide and the Practice Standard for Scheduling. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Understand what's new in Project 2013 Explain where Project 2013 fits in the Microsoft® EPM solution Initialize Project 2013 to start project planning Create a well-formed project schedule Understand task types and the schedule formula Assign resources and costs to tasks Analyze resource utilization and optimize the schedule Set a baseline and track progress Create and manage project reports Customize views and fields Apply Earned Value Management Understand the basics of managing multiple projects Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Enterprise Project Management Concepts and Framework Getting Started with Project 2013 Project 2013: What's New and General Overview Setting Up a New Project Schedule (templates, options, save, etc.) Setting the Project Calendar Entering Tasks The Planning Processes Importing Tasks (Word, Excel, SharePoint) Synchronizing with SharePoint Tasks List Creating and managing the WBS (include tasks, manually scheduled tasks, summary tasks and milestones, as well as custom WBS coding) Entering Estimates Tendencies in Estimating The Rolling Wave Approach Entering Duration and Work Estimates Types of Tasks Entering Dependencies The Principle of Dynamic Scheduling Choosing the Right Type of Dependency Entering Dependencies in Project 2013 Different Applications of Dependencies Entering Deadlines, Constraints, and Task Calendars Use of Deadlines and Constraints Entering Deadlines and Constraints in Project 2013 Entering Resources and Costs Types of Resources Entering Resources in Project 2013 Calendars and Resources Entering Costs in Project 2013 Entering Assignments Assignments in a Schedule Assignments and Task Types Entering Assignments in Project 2013 Assignments, Budgets, and Costs Optimizing the Schedule The Critical Path Method and the Resource Critical Path Resource Leveling Optimizing Time, Cost, and Resources in Project 2013 Updating the Schedule The Baseline Updating Strategies and Situations Prepare the Status and Forecast Report in Project 2013 Reporting Using Reports Using Visual Reports Formatting and Printing in Project 2013 Customizing Fields in Project 2013 Earned Value Management (EVM) Overview of EVM Applying EVM with Project 2013 Evaluating the Project Evaluating the Project Performance Project Benefits and Results Templates for Future Projects Summary Tools and Checklist Best Practices Checklist Consolidated Schedules Creating Consolidated Schedules Using a Resource Pool Links across Projects Solving common problems Analyzing the Critical Path across Projects

Microsoft Project Orange Belt® 2016: In-House Training This workshop gives participants a full insight into creating effective schedules using Microsoft® Project 2016, allowing you to estimate, coordinate, budget, staff, and control projects and support other users. This workshop gives participants a full insight into creating effective schedules using Microsoft® Project 2016, allowing you to estimate, coordinate, budget, staff, and control projects and support other users. This workshop provides the eBook Dynamic Scheduling with Microsoft® Project 2013, and is kept up to date with the framework of knowledge outlined by the Project Management Institute's PMBOK® Guide and the Practice Standard for Scheduling. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Understand what's new in Project 2016 Explain where Project 2016 fits in the Microsoft® EPM solution Initialize Project 2016 to start project planning Create a well-formed project schedule Understand task types and the schedule formula Assign resources and costs to tasks Analyze resource utilization and optimize the schedule Set a baseline and track progress Create and manage project reports Customize views and fields Apply Earned Value Management Understand the basics of managing multiple projects Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Concepts of Project Management Getting Started with Project 2016 Project 2016: What's New and General Overview Setting Up a New Project Schedule (templates, options, save, etc.) Setting the Project Calendar Entering Tasks The planning processes Importing tasks (Word, Excel, SharePoint) Synchronizing with SharePoint Tasks List Creating and managing the WBS (include tasks, manually scheduled tasks, summary tasks, milestones, and custom WBS coding) Entering Estimates Tendencies in estimating The rolling wave approach Entering duration and work estimates Types of tasks Entering Dependencies The principle of dynamic scheduling Choosing the right Type of dependency Entering dependencies in Project 2016 Different applications of dependencies Entering Deadlines, Constraints, and Task Calendars Use of deadlines and constraints Entering deadlines and constraints in Project 2016 Entering Resources and Costs Types of resources Entering resources in Project 2016 Calendars and resources Entering costs in Project 2016 Entering Assignments Assignments in a schedule Assignments and task types Entering assignments in Project 2016 Assignments, budgets, and costs Optimizing the Schedule The critical path method (CPM) and the resource critical path (RCP) Resource leveling Optimizing time, cost, and resources in Project 2016 Updating the Schedule The baseline Updating strategies and situations Prepare the status and forecast report in Project 2016 Reporting Using reports Using Visual Reports Formatting and printing in Project 2016 Customizing fields in Project 2016 Earned Value Management (EVM) Overview of EVM Applying EVM with Project 2016 Evaluating the Project Evaluating the project performance Project benefits and results Templates for future projects Summary and Next steps Tools and checklist Best practices checklist Certification options

Microsoft Project Blue Belt® 2013: In-House Training This course introduces Project Server 2013 features that expedite scheduling projects and simplify managing tasks within an enterprise environment. Learn different aspects of Project Server and their benefits to varying roles in the enterprise, and gain hands-on experience and insights on best practices from SMEs around the world. This course introduces Project Server 2013 features that expedite scheduling projects and simplify managing tasks within an enterprise environment. Learn different aspects of Project Server and their benefits to varying roles in the enterprise, and gain hands-on experience and insights on best practices from SMEs around the world. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Identify the project's life cycle Understand the Enterprise Project Management (EPM) environment Apply the basic project management principles to selecting, initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing your Project 2013 schedules Take advantage of new features Explain Project Server 2013 views and project sites Meet deadlines and budget restrictions Keep the workloads of your resources within their available limits Efficiently update your schedule Take advantage of the standard reports, custom views, and visual reports for your projects Take a brief look at the Business Intelligence potential Efficiently and effectively manage your project(s) and programs Work comfortably within Project Server 2013 or Project Online Getting Started with Microsoft® Project Server 2013 Describing the EPM context Discovering Project Server 2013 and Project Online Differentiating the users of Project Server 2013 Working with Project Professional 2013 and Project Server 2013 Recognizing the Life Cycle within EPM Projects and Portfolio Management Portfolio management and governance Originating new initiatives within EPTs and workflows Prioritizing initiatives, analyzing scenarios, optimizing, and selecting the portfolio Initiating Projects Initiating processes with Project Professional, SharePoint lists, Enterprise Projects, and Resource Plans Importing projects and managing project owner and permissions Planning Projects - Scope and Schedule Management Planning context and framework Scheduling in PWA Using the Deliverables feature Planning Projects - Staffing Management Plan Building a project team Managing resource availability Reviewing the assignment cycle Resolving resource overallocation Planning Projects - Cost Components, Baseline, and Consolidated Schedules Developing components of the Cost Management Planning processes Working with the baseline in projects and programs or master schedules Improving the Collaboration in the Project Sites Creating the Project Sites Developing components of the Risk Management Plan and Issues Tracking Linking planning documents Additional apps and customization Executing Projects Understanding executing processes Managing resources using Build Team and other features Working with timesheets Reporting administrative time Configuring personal settings Monitoring and Controlling Projects - Tracking Task and Project Progress Understanding the Monitoring and Controlling processes Task progress and updates in PWA including considerations for different tracking methods Task progress and updates in Project Professional 2013 Monitor and Control Projects - Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress Understanding status reports Reviewing performance metrics and progress reports Taking advantage of preloaded reports at the Business Intelligence Center Considerations for defining custom reports Closing Projects Reviewing the closing processes and closing tasks to updates Supporting the closing process

Earned Value Management: In-House Training: In-House Training Earned Value Management (EVM) incorporates a set of proven practices appropriate for project or program management methodologies. These include integration of program scope, schedule, and cost objectives, establishment of a baseline plan for accomplishment of program objectives and use of earned value techniques for performance measurement during the execution of a program. Earned Value Management (EVM) incorporates a set of proven practices appropriate for project or program management methodologies. These include integration of program scope, schedule, and cost objectives, establishment of a baseline plan for accomplishment of program objectives and use of earned value techniques for performance measurement during the execution of a program. EVM provides a solid platform for risk identification, corrective actions, and management re-planning as may be required over the life of a project or program. The course emphasis is on the latest EVM principles and concepts in accordance with changes and guidelines for Earned Value Management in The Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and The Practice Standard for Earned Value Management published by the Project Management Institute. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Develop a project baseline, using an effective WBS Record actual project performance Calculate EVM measures Evaluate project performance based on EVM measures Respond to project variances Integrate EVM and risk management Determine how EVM will add value to your organization Develop an EVM implementation plan for your organization Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Expectations Foundation Concepts Introduction to Earned Value Management (EVM) Benefits of EVM EVM Process Overview Applications of EVM Creating a Work Breakdown Structure Reviewing WBS concepts Reviewing WBS development process (decomposition) Using a WBS to support EVM Building a Project Baseline Defining a project baseline Developing a project baseline Using a project baseline Recording Actuals Recording actuals overview Collecting data for actual project performance Determining earned value - various methods EVM Performance Measures Using current status measures Using forecasting measures Analyzing EVM measures EVM and Risk Management Integrating EVM and Risk Management Using EVM measures in the risk register Exploring how EVM can facilitate reserves management Drawing down contingency reserves Responding to Variances Introduction to variances Process for responding to variances Response options Reporting Project Performance EVM reporting overview Meeting EVM reporting needs Addressing EVM reporting challenges Implementing an EVMS Defining EVMS requirements EVM for Agile projects Tailoring the EVMS Summary and Next Steps Review of content Review of objectives / expectations Personal action plan

Microsoft Project Blue Belt® 2016: In-House Training This course introduces Project Server 2016 features that expedite scheduling projects and simplify managing tasks within an enterprise environment. Learn different aspects of Project Server and their benefits to varying roles in the enterprise, and gain hands-on experience and insights on best practices from SMEs around the world. This course introduces Project Server 2016 features that expedite scheduling projects and simplify managing tasks within an enterprise environment. Learn different aspects of Project Server and their benefits to varying roles in the enterprise, and gain hands-on experience and insights on best practices from SMEs around the world. Users in Project online will get the same benefits of this program. What you Will Learn You'll learn how to: Describe the Enterprise Project Management (EPM) environment Apply the basic project management principles of, initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing your project schedules Discuss new features Explain PWA views project sites Meet deadlines and budget restrictions Keep the workloads of your resources within their available limits Explain tracking methods and manage task assignments Update the schedule Differentiate between updating tasks and timesheets Use standard reports, custom views, and visual reports for your projects Recognize the potential of the Business Intelligence features Getting Started with Microsoft® Project Server 2016 Describing the EPM context Discovering Project Web App Differentiating the users of PWA Working with Project Professional and PWA Initiating Projects New projects with Project Professional, SharePoint lists, Enterprise Projects Importing schedules and managing project owner and permissions Customize the ribbon with enterprise commands Planning Projects - Scope and Schedule Management Scheduling in PWA Using the Deliverables feature Developing components of the risk management plan and issues tracking Linking planning documents Planning Projects - Staffing Management Plan Building a project team Managing resource availability Reviewing the assignment cycle Managing resource engagements Resolving resource overallocation Executing, Monitoring and Controlling Baselines Working with timesheets Reporting administrative time Tracking methods (% work, actual work, single entry mode) Assignment progress and updates in PWA Task progress and updates in Project Professional and PWA Monitor and Control Projects - Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress Reviewing performance metrics and progress reports Using the preloaded reports at the Business Intelligence Center Considerations for defining custom reports Closing Projects Reviewing the closing processes and closing tasks to updates Supporting the closing process