232 Courses in Edinburgh

Agile project management, already widely used for software development, is increasingly recognised as having much more general application. Continuous improvement programmes, business change projects, new technology development, research and development and a variety of other scenarios characterised by rapid change and high uncertainty can all benefit from an Agile approach. This programme presents the concepts and methods of Agile project management, and shows how to apply them to a range of project and change management situations. Participants will learn: how Agile project management can help with project and change management the 4 values and 12 principles of the Agile 'manifesto' and the range of Agile methodologies how to apply Agile project management methods and techniques in a range of project scenarios alternative Agile project management methods and how they can be applied and adapted what makes Agile project teams succeed the key roles and responsibilities needed to enable Agile project teams to work effectively how to encourage an Agile mindset within their organisation and how to move toward an Agile approach to managing projects 1 Introduction to Agile project management Overview of 'classical' project management and methodologies The link between project success and management performance Limitations of classical approaches and the need for Agile methods The 4 values and 12 principles of the Agile manifesto explained Agile project management values:Individuals and interactions over processes and toolsWorking outputs over comprehensive documentationCustomer collaboration over contract negotiationResponding to change over following a plan The cultural challenges of using Agile project management Choosing when and how to adopt Agile project management 2 Initiating a project using Agile project management Some key Agile methodologies explained: SCRUM, XP, Crystal Identifying and engaging project stakeholders; defining roles and responsibilities Setting the project vision and goals; defining project scope The Agile approach to requirements capture and elicitation of needs Tools and techniques for capturing and characterising requirements The role of documentation, reporting and process management 3 The Agile approach to definition and planning Understanding Agile planning; the 'planning onion' concept Developing the culture needed for collaborative involvement and iterative planning Defining project deliverables; the 'product backlog' concept Tools and techniques for defining and prioritising requirements in Agile projects Understanding and applying Agile estimating techniques Dealing with uncertainty and managing risks 4 The Agile approach to execution and delivery The results orientated, fast adapting culture of Agile teams The monthly 'Sprint' process for project planning and review The disciplines needed for effective daily SCRUM meetings Reviewing progress, managing change and project reporting Testing, completing and handing over of work packages Managing the interface between the project team and the business 5 Leadership and teamwork in Agile project teams Why Agile teams are different: the importance of individuals and interactions The skills and attributes needed to lead an Agile project team The challenges faced and skills needed by Agile team members Recognising team development needs; adopting the right leadership style Making the transition from project manager to Agile coach Key coaching skills explored: mentoring, facilitating, managing conflict

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the key principles and techniques for leading and managing project work. It will focus on the core principles and generic methods of project management, showing how these can be applied to typical projects. The scope of the programme includes: The course also emphasises the importance of the leadership and team-working skills needed by project managers and team members in carrying out their roles. The principal training objectives for this programme are to: Explain and demonstrate the key principles of successful project management Demonstrate a range of useful project management tools and techniques Define the role of, and help participants understand the skills required by, the project leader Illustrate the use of project skills through examples and case studies Identify ways to improve project management, both individually and corporately DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Key concepts and requirements for success Projects and project management Lessons from past projects; the essential requirements for success Differences between projects; characteristic project life cycles The challenges of project management; the role of the project manager Project exerciseA team exercise to demonstrate the challenges of project management 3 Defining project objectives and scope Identifying the stakeholders; key roles and responsibilities Getting organised; managing the definition process Working with the 'customer' to define the project scope 4 Project case study: part 1 Defining the project objectives: syndicate teams define the objectives and scope for a typical project 5 Project planning The nature of planning; recognising planning assumptions Planning the plan; the importance of team involvement Developing the work breakdown structure Estimating task resources, timescales and costs Developing the project schedule Analysing the plan and identifying the critical path 6 Project case study: part 2 Creating the project plan Syndicate teams begin development of their project plans (for completion after session 7) Team presentations and group discussion (after session 7) DAY TWO 7 Managing project risks Understanding and defining project risks Classifying risks and adopting an appropriate risk strategy Identifying, evaluating and managing project risks Agreeing ownership of project risks; the risk register Integrating planning and risk management 8 Project control Pro-active and re-active control; striking the right balance Pre-requisites for effective, pro-active project control Avoiding unnecessary 'scope creep' and controlling change Selecting the data needed to provide early warning of problems Monitoring project performance: 'S' curves, slip charts, earned value Getting good data and assessing project status Defining the roles and responsibilities for control Setting up a routine process for keeping up to date Managing and controlling multiple projects 9 Project case study: part 3 Controlling the project Teams control their project as new developments take place 10 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) Identify actions to be implemented individually Identify corporate opportunities for improving project management Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion

The aim of this programme is to provide current / prospective senior project managers with an in-depth review of the role and importance of project management in the organisation. It focuses on the strategic role of the project manager and aims to draw out the full scope of the role and how it impacts on project performance. The five key objectives of this programme are to enable the participants to: Identify the characteristics and attributes needed by project managers in ensuring the organisation is recognised as an industry leader in delivering successful projects Understand the full scope and impact of the project manager / leader's role in managing projects or programmes to maximise benefit to the business Define the hallmarks and skills required to manage significant business projects or project portfolios Develop an understanding of the skills required and their impact on the project through case study work and syndicate exercises Benefit from an effective forum for exchanging experience and fostering a sense of team spirit and mutual support between senior project managers DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) A vision of future opportunities and challenges The impact of project managers / leaders on future success 2 The determinants of success The contractor's perspective The client's perspective Success and failure: factors that determine the project outcome The impact of the project manager 3 Case study: Project Giotto How successful was this project? What were the primary factors that influenced the outcome? How relevant are these factors to current projects? Feedback and review 4 Project team exercise A practical exercise demonstrating the role of the project manager in managing the interfaces between the client, the project team and suppliers Review - what skills are required to be a 'world class' project manager? 5 The role of the Project Manager The role and skills of the 'world class' project manager The three key dimensions of effective project leadershipManaging influential stakeholdersManaging project performanceManaging the project team Project leadership skills appraisal (individual review) DAY TWO 6 Managing influential stakeholders Project management and the art of leadership Who are the influential stakeholders and how do they affect the project? What we need to do / not do, to build successful working relationships 7 Case study: Understanding the customer What are the likely problems the project manager will encounter? What should the project manager do to ensure an effective partnership? 8 Managing project performance Issues affecting commercial performance Joining up the project life-cycle: getting performance from inception to closure The roles of project manager, line manager and project sponsor 9 Project team exercise: Making the promise / delivering the promise An exercise demonstrating the commercial and team leadership skills needed by the project manager Review - what must the project manager do to optimise project performance? 10 Managing multi-functional project teams The challenges of building effective, multi-functional project teams Co-ordinating work across functional and organisational boundaries Maintaining strategic focus and balancing priorities 11 Making it happen Individual action planning Syndicate discussion 12 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) What will we do differently? How will we make it happen? Conclusion

Movement for Calmis an exercise-based workshop exploring yogic and muscle relaxation techniques from a range of practices. The aim is to release tension within the body. When we are stressed or anxious, we produce adrenaline, the 'fight' or 'flight' chemical response. Movement for Calm will help explore ways to restore balance to the chemical reactions produced in the body, loosening muscles and in turn calming both body and mind. This workshop has been developed for forward-thinking organisations wanting to make a real commitment to improving workplace wellbeing. This workshop will help participants identify areas of tension in the body, and learn exercises and movement-based sequences to release anxiety and stress caused by unnecessary muscle tension. The aim is that people leave the workshop relaxed and refreshed, ready to take on the toughest of corporate challenges.

The leadership role of the project manager is increasingly recognised as a key determinant in delivering success. These skills can often be critical in project situations, where tight budgets and deadlines demand the highest levels of team performance and where the working environment presents fresh challenges on a daily basis. This programme focuses on the leadership skills required of project managers and will benefit anyone involved in managing projects large or small wishing to extend or enhance those skills. The objectives of this programme are to help the participants: Understand the significance of leadership skills to the project manager and the impact of these skills on project performance Review the key skills needed to be an effective 'multi-dimensional' project leader and learn how to develop, adapt and apply them in practice Learn how to identify the preferred leadership style for the context and organisational culture of a project and how to develop personal style versatility Understand the role of the project leader in building an effective team and the skills required to promote and sustain team performance Gain a better understanding of the interpersonal skills needed to motivate individual team members and harness the full potential of the team DAY ONE 1 Introduction Aims and objectives Personal objectives 2 Project management and leadership What is a leader? How much can leadership be learned? The project environment and the impact of leadership skills The characteristics of high performance project teams and their leaders 3 Principles of effective leadership Some useful models and theories of leadership explored Types of leadership; choosing how to use leadership power Evaluating personal leadership style; how to develop style flexibility 4 Syndicate case study: Leadership in action Review of the role of leadership in a contemporary project Feedback and plenary discussion: effective project leadership 5 Team exercise: Leadership skills of the project manager Teams compete in performing a project simulation Project review and feedback Discussion of the outcome: role and skills of the project leader 6 Leadership skills for project managers The 3 dimensions of project leadership: inwards, outwards, and upwards The vital role of communication skills and how to develop them Developing a 'project vision': strategic thinking skills Understanding others; emotional intelligence skills Being a visible leader; behavioural and influencing skills Building effective relationships; the importance of trust and respect DAY TWO 7 Leading the project team The role of leadership in developing team performance Understanding individual strengths; recognising team role preferences Managing conflict and promoting positive team dynamics Setting standards, maintaining discipline and rewarding performance Harnessing team potential: building motivation within the team Promoting team learning; the team leader as coach / mentor 8 Leading through the organisation Gaining the support others; developing effective influencing skills Getting empowerment from key stakeholders Knowing when and how to take the initiative and lead Building and maintaining rapport with key partners Becoming an effective team player in leadership teams Becoming a business leader; leading colleagues and co-workers 9 Team exercise: Leadership and negotiation Teams engage in a negotiation exercise Exercise review and feedback Discussion of the outcome: negotiation skills of the project leader 10 Negotiation skills for project leaders Characteristics of effective negotiators Classic problem behaviours and mind-sets to avoid Getting to win-win; building partnership and trust 11 Leading more senior stakeholders The challenges and skills of leading and managing upwards Communicating with more senior stakeholders; building credibility Negotiating upwards: knowing when and how The role of networking skills; building and maintaining rapport Handling disagreements; the art of diplomacy Handling personality and style conflicts with more senior people

Businesses that don't control their costs don't stay in business. How well are you doing? Is everyone in your organisation sufficiently aware of costs, managing them effectively and maximising opportunities to reduce them? If there is scope for improvement, this course will help get you back on track. It will demonstrate that cost reduction is so much more than cost control and cost cutting. True cost management is about being aware of costs, seeking to reduce them through good design and efficient operating practices whilst taking continuing action on overspending. This course will develop the participants' skills in: Being aware of costs at all times Seeking cost reduction from the start (including life-cycle costing) Appraising projects / production to identify and take out risk Understanding real budgeting Using techniques such as ZBB and ABC where appropriate Ensuring cost reports lead to action Managing a cost reduction process that delivers Benefits to the organisation will include: Identification of cost reduction and business improvement opportunities Better reporting and ownership of costs Greater awareness and control of everyday costs 1 Introduction - the cost management process The risks of poor cost control Capital and revenue costs The importance of cost awareness The importance of cost reduction Cost management - the key aspects How to build a cost management and control process checklist for your areas of responsibility 2 Cost removal - taking out costs Cost awareness Costs of poor design / poor processes Value engineering Removing redundant costs 3 The need for commercial, technical and financial appraisals Understand the problems before cash is committed and costs incurred Making the effort to identify commercial and technical risk The time value of money - DCF techniques for long term projects Cost models for production processes and projects Costing models - project appraisals The use of spreadsheets to identify sensitivity and risk How to focus on risk management 4 Budgeting - proper budgeting challenges costs The philosophy of the business - are costs an issue? The importance of having the right culture The need for detailed business objectives Budgetary control measures Designing budget reports - for action 5 Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) - the principles Much more than starting with a clean sheet of paper What ZBB can achieve The concept of decision packages - to challenge business methods and costs Only necessary costs should be incurred A review of an operating budget - demonstrating what ZBB challenges and the costs it may lead to being taken out 6 Awareness of overheads and other costs Definitions of cost - direct and indirect Dealing with overheads - what is meant by allocation, absorption or apportionment? The apparent and real problems with overheads Different ways of dealing with overheads Review of overhead allocation methods and accounting and reporting issues 7 Overheads and product costing Activity-based costing (ABC) - the principles Where and how the ABC approach may be helpful Know the 'true' cost of a product or a project Should you be in business? Will you stay in business? Identifying weaknesses in a traditional overhead allocation How ABC will help improve product or service costing Identifying which products and activities should be developed and which abandoned 8 Cost reduction culture The need for cost reports What measures can be used to identify over-spends as early as possible Cost control performance measures and ratios 9 Design of cost control reports Reports should lead to action and deliver Selecting cost control measures which can be acted upon Practice in designing action reports 10 Course summary - developing your own cost action plan Group and individual action plans will be prepared with a view to participants identifying their cost risks areas and the techniques which can be immediately applied to improve costing and reduce costs

Taking minutes is a much under-rated skill. It can be challenging at the best of times. So how do you do it for virtual meetings? This trainer-led session will help. It's a very practical programme which explores the issues specific to minuting on-line meetings and gives solutions to some of the trickier problems. Full of useful tips, the session will enable participants to: Identify how to adapt their current minute-taking skills to on-line meetings Plan and prepare for a meeting Follow a line of discussion Work in partnership with a remote Chair Deal confidently with minute-taking challenges. 1 Welcome Programme objectives Personal introductions 2 Adapting minute-taking to virtual meetings How is it different? What changes in approach are needed? 3 Preparation Preparing for the meeting Technology and equipment Dress and personal presentation Liaising with the Chair Practical preparation tips 4 Minuting tips Managing the 'techie' elements, eg. poor sound/visual quality Knowing who is speaking Following a line of discussion What if I don't hear or understand? Tips for producing a set of minutes 5 Session review Summary, key learning points, feedback and close

Supporting Women in Leadership Throughout The UK Our women in leadership course is specifically designed to target challenges and support women in developing their leadership and management careers. AWARD WINNING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Discover Our Women in Construction Management Course The Power Within is dedicated to helping women in construction across England and Scotland achieve business success through our Motivational Intelligence framework. Motivational Intelligence is the third level of intelligence, and the science behind it has won a Nobel Prize. Our women leadership in construction course supports women by improving their motivation, self-belief, decision-making, and leadership skills. This programme is designed to help female business leaders adapt more quickly to their environment, handle adversity more effectively, take productive action, and thrive during times of change. Each is a vital skill needed in today’s ever-changing business environment. When completed, you’ll have the skills needed to make decisions more effectively that help your business grow, become more resilient, and take opportunities when others are stuck. "This course has completely changed my outlook on my responsibilities as a manager/leader. In 26 years with Pfizer, I have never participated in a programme that has as profoundly changed my perspective on my role, my responsibilities and my ability to positively impact my team." FEMALE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SERVICES, PFIZER LEADING WITH MOTIVATIONAL INTELLIGENCE What is our Women in Construction Course? In the past five years, we’ve supported thousands of business leaders and managers in nurturing the skills and mindset needed to achieve and exceed their business goals. The Power Within knows women are incredibly effective and consistent at applying our Motivational Intelligence techniques to their lives and business. Our women in construction management course is designed to give you the skills you need to take charge of your business and ensure constant growth while future-proofing your business. The training is perfect for women in construction who are managers or leaders looking to: Quickly Adapt Their Team to Change Effectively Mentor Every Team Member Improve Communication and Collaboration Gain More Buy-In to New Goals or Strategies Transform Their Team Culture Increase Initiative and Self-Motivation Across Their Team How We Help Women in the Construction Industry Our course focuses on imparting fundamental skills, tactical best practices, and powerful insights into the human side of the business. You’ll be provided with valuable knowledge needed to be successful leaders and managers of all levels. We’ll focus on addressing the challenges new businesses around the world face, like leading teams and developing businesses in turbulent and transitional times as well as overcoming the challenges of being women in the construction industry. Throughout the course, particular emphasis is given to helping leaders raise motivational intelligence and foster a growth mindset within their team. LEADING WITH MOTIVATIONAL INTELLIGENCE Our Leading with Motivational Intelligence (MQ) Executive Diploma Programme is specifically designed to help participants create the “complete game” of leadership and management. Leveraged by more than 40% of the largest Fortune 500 companies and implemented around the world, the Leading with Motivational Intelligence (MQ) consistently receives a participant buy-in rate in excess of 97%. However, the most important statistic is: 12 months after completing the course more than 93% of participants continue to use the skills and techniques taught on a daily basis. SQA APPROVED EXECUTIVE DIPLOMA What Skills Do We Help Women in Construction Develop? The skills we teach through our women in construction management courses are delivered through seven modularised sessions, each between three and three-and-a-half hours per session, with all sessions starting at 9:30 am via Zoom. An additional two hours per week is spent working on the online training assignments and leadership development plan. Each session will provide the education and information needed to establish yourself in your business. Here is more information regarding each session and the skills taught: SESSION 1: SELF-LEADERSHIP & THE SECRET TO PERSONAL SUCCESS Our first module is focused on setting course expectations and creating the right environment for learning. We’ll introduce the format and logistics, then discuss leading through turbulent times and how we can take control of ourselves, our thoughts, and our actions to lead growth. There is also a discussion on adult learning techniques and how leaders can leverage them to improve the effectiveness of their teams. We’ll also explore how turbulence and transition have changed how we manage and lead our teams. SESSION 2: THE ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE WHEN LEADING In this session, we’ll discuss the three levels of human intelligence and show how they each play in an individual’s performance and behaviors. Through two distinct mindsets, you’ll be shown how an individual’s motivational intelligence ultimately influences their emotional intelligence and intelligence quotient (IQ). Depending on which mindset a person operates under ultimately dictates their view of themselves, opportunities, and the work at which they will allow themselves to succeed. Finally, we’ll discuss switching your team to a growth mindset. SESSION 3: THE PILLARS OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE Completing this session will allow you to deconstruct the components that create a motivational intelligence growth mindset. Through discussion, you’ll see how most organizational challenges can be directly tied back to lapses in these components. We’ll review the leaders who’ve had the most significant influence on the meeting participants and shows the commonalities that make these leaders stand out. Lastly, we’ll introduce terminology, tools, and techniques that leaders can leverage to better coach and mentor their team. SESSION 4: MANAGEMENT VERSUS LEADERSHIP: THE TWO CRITICAL AND CO-DEPENDENT SKILLSETS FOR CREATING TEAM SUCCESS We’ll discuss the difference between a manager’s and a leader’s focus. The discussion focuses on the two most common management mistakes and how they undermine team culture and individual performance. The final debate focuses on the five critical best practices of excellent management, including clearly defining and communicating goals, creating alignment and buy-in, setting proper expectations, monitoring performance, and recognizing and rewarding performance. Our final portion will work to define what management is. Session 5: Exploring and Defining Leadership: Dispelling the Myths that Surround It Session 5 strives to define leadership. Building on this definition is a follow-up discussion regarding how people develop their leadership abilities. We’ll explore the underpinnings of what creates a successful leader. It also includes the importance of asking questions and active listening. We’ll review the five behavioral characteristics associated with motivational intelligence and how leaders can assess the relative strengths or weaknesses of the characteristics within their team. Lastly, we’ll explore great leaders’ five critical best practices, including communicating a compelling vision, modeling the correct behaviors, establishing a team culture anchored in responsibility, consistently building team confidence and self-esteem, and proactively coaching and mentoring. SESSION 6: BUILDING A LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX FOSTERING ADAPTABILITY, RESILIENCE, AND COURAGE We’ll provide information regarding tools and techniques that leaders can utilize to foster greater accountability and ownership win their teams. The Power Within will explore self-esteem’s critical role in the relative strength or weakness of a person’s motivational intelligence and adaptability in life. We’ll discuss how self-esteem has formed and how it will influence how a person interprets feedback in life. Lastly, we’ll explore levels of self-esteem and the associated behaviors of each. SESSION 7: HELPING EMPLOYEES DEVELOP A HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE AND RESILIENT ATTITUDE During the final session, we’ll explore self-esteem’s critical role in the relative strength or weakness of a person’s motivational intelligence and adaptability in life. We’ll talk about how self-esteem is formed and how it influences how a person interprets feedback. Finally, we’ll explore levels of self-esteem and the behaviors of each and the influence of comfort zones, and the tools that leaders can use to help people escape the fear of change. Our Course Leaders The Power Within was founded by husband and wife team James and Enas Fleming, to inspire people worldwide to think bigger, be better, and achieve more. They both work on a personal level with individuals, businesses, and organisations to help them create leaders and build environments where they can thrive. James and Enas challenge the limits with the Motivational Intelligence formula to help you broaden your perspective and create a future on your terms. Here is more about your course instructors: James Fleming James Fleming – James Fleming, the co-creator of The Power Within. He wanted to inspire people around the world to think better, be better, and achieve more. James believes everyone can do whatever they set their minds to. Founding The Power Within allowed James to turn that deep knowledge into a business that helps others think bigger, better, and achieve more daily. He strives to give leaders the tools and knowledge to achieve their full potential while increasing their self-confidence and self-belief through the Motivational Intelligence Revolution. James wants to support today’s businesses to become tomorrow’s leaders. Mari Steyn Mari is the go-to person for building self-esteem, offering new perspectives and stepping up in Life. With an endless abundance of excitement and love for all people, combined with degrees in Psychology, Knowledge and Information Management and is a Master NLP and Transformation Coach and International NLP and Coaching Trainer and Executive Coach, Mari offers an attractive, fresh, expert approach to Emotional Freedom, Motivational Intelligence, Leadership Development and ReWriting your Story. We undoubtedly have the power within to alchemize ourselves and any situation! Seeing the light go on in someone’s eyes is my ultimate joy. Take Charge with Our Women in Construction Course The Power Within is a Motivational Intelligence company dedicated to helping businesses and leaders become more accountable, resilient, adaptable, and capable of handling all challenges, regardless of the complexity. Our women in construction management course build upon best practices, strategic insights, and lessons learned over three decades of building leadership universities for Fortune 500 companies. Throughout the course, emphasis is given to helping leaders raise their motivational intelligence and foster a growth mindset within their team. You’ll gain the skills you need to successfully lead your team and overcome adversity while ensuring your company is profitable. To learn more about our course or to register, reach out today.

The Emotional Logic workshop is designed to provide enlightening mindset shifts and educational activities around emotions, their purpose, and our values.

This programme provides an intensive, one-day overview of the key concepts and techniques of project management. The project management methods presented can be applied to a wide range of projects and the course emphasises both the task and the team-related aspects of project management. The aims of the programme are to: Present the key concepts of project management Provide a structured approach for managing projects Demonstrate tools and techniques for planning and controlling project work Enable participants to apply the techniques to their own projects At the end of the programme, participants will: Recognise the benefits of a structured approach to project work Be able to apply a range of practical tools and techniques to improve their personal effectiveness in project work Have a means of determining the status of current projects and know what actions are needed to ensure success 1 Introduction Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Key concepts The characteristics of projects and project work The four key phases of a project Essential lessons from past projects Key success factors Achieving success through the 'Team-Action Model' Challenges of the multi-project situation 3 Setting project goals Understanding 'customer' requirements Managing project stakeholders and gaining commitment Using questioning skills to define goals and success criteria Defining and documenting the scope of the project 4 Project planning Defining what has to be done Creating a work breakdown Agreeing roles and responsibilities for the work Developing a programme using networks and bar charts Estimating timescales, costs and resource requirements Planning exercise: participants develop a project plan Identifying and managing project risks Using project planning software Managing and updating the plan 5 Project implementation and control Creating a pro-active monitoring and control process Techniques for monitoring progress Using latest estimates Managing project meetings Resolving problems effectively Managing multiple projects Personal time management 6 Course review and action planning Identify actions Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion