49 Courses in Edinburgh

Managing Benefits™ Foundation: In-House Training The APMG International Managing Benefits and Swirl Device logo is a trademark of The APM Group Limited, used under permission of The APM Group Limited. All rights reserved. Benefits are not simply just one aspect of project and programme management (PPM) - rather, they are the rationale for the investment of taxpayers' and shareholders' funds in change initiatives. Managing Benefits is designed to complement existing best practices in portfolio, programme and project management (such as PRINCE2®, MSP®, P3O® & MoP®), and consolidates existing guidance while expanding on the specific practices and techniques aimed at optimizing benefits realization. The purpose of the Managing Benefits guidance and certification scheme is to provide you with generally applicable guidance encompassing benefits management principles, practices, and techniques, and to prepare you to take and pass the Foundation exam on the last day. Managing Benefits provides: An overview of benefits management - what it is, the case for doing it, and some common misconceptions that can limit its effectiveness in practice Descriptions of the seven principles upon which successful approaches to benefits management are built, and examples of how they have been applied in practice Guidance on how to apply benefits management at a portfolio level, as well as at an individual project or programme level Details of the five practices in the Benefits Management Cycle and examples of how they have been applied in practice Advice on how to get started in implementing effective benefits management practices and sustain progress What You Will Learn You'll learn how to: Define benefits, benefits management and related terms, and the objectives of benefits management Explain the principles upon which successful approaches to benefits management are based Define the practices contained within the Benefits Management Cycle and relevant techniques applicable to each practice Describe key elements of portfolio-based benefits management, as well as the scope of key roles and responsibilities for benefits management and the typical contents of the main benefits management documentation Identify barriers to effective benefits management and strategies to overcome them, including the key success characteristics of benefits management Improve your ability to pass the APMG Managing Benefits Foundation Certification exam Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Overview of Managing Benefits The Benefits Management Model Key Benefits Management Practices What is Benefits Management? Definitions Value and Value Management Why do we need benefits management? Objectives Benefits Management Principles Align benefits with strategy Start with the end in mind Utilize successful delivery methods Integrate benefits with performance management Manage benefits from a portfolio perspective Apply effective governance Develop a value culture The Benefits Management Cycle Barriers to effective and efficient benefits management and overcoming them Key success characteristics of effective benefits management Key roles, responsibilities, and documentation Benefits Management Practice 1 - Identify and Quantify Benefits Management Practice 2 - Value and Appraise Benefits Management Practice 3 - Plan Benefits Management Practice 4 - Realize Benefits Management Practice 5 - Review Portfolio-based Benefits Management Implementing and Sustaining Progress APMG Managing Benefits Foundation Exam

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

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

The aim of this course is to provide project managers, project engineers and project support staff with a toolkit they can use on their projects. The tools range from the simple that can be used on all projects to the advanced that can be used where appropriate. This programme will help the participants to: Identify and engage with stakeholders Use tools for requirements gathering and scope management Produce better estimates using a range of techniques Develop more reliable schedules Effectively manage delivery DAY ONE 1 Introduction Overview of the programme Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Stakeholder management Using PESTLE to aid stakeholder identification Stakeholder mapping The Salience model Stakeholder engagement grid 3 Requirements management Using prototypes and models to elucidate requirements Prioritising techniques Roadmaps Requirements traceability 4 Scope management Work breakdown structures Responsibility assignment matrix 5 Delivery approaches Sequential Agile 6 Estimating Comparative estimating Parametric Bottom-up Three-point estimating Delphi and Planning Poker Creating realistic budgets DAY TWO 7 Scheduling Critical path analysis Smoothing and levelling Timeboxing Team boards Monte Carlo simulations Probability of completion 8 People management Situational Leadership The Tuckman model Negotiation Conflict management Belbin 9 Monitoring and control Earned value management 10 Course review and action planning Identify actions to be implemented individually Conclusion PMI, CAPM, PMP and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

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

Course Overview This practical, one-day course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills, tools and confidence to effectively facilitate discussions, meetings, and workshops. Whether you're guiding a team brainstorming session, leading a stakeholder workshop, or managing a complex meeting, strong facilitation skills can dramatically improve outcomes and engagement. Participants will learn how to plan and structure sessions, manage group dynamics, keep discussions on track, and handle challenging behaviours—all while creating a collaborative and inclusive environment. The course combines theory with hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world scenarios to build practical, transferable skills. Who Should Attend This course is ideal for: Project managers Team leaders and supervisors Business analysts Community engagement officers Policy officers Trainers and consultants Anyone responsible for leading meetings or workshops No prior facilitation experience is necessary. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand the role and mindset of an effective facilitator Plan and design structured facilitation sessions Use a range of facilitation tools and techniques to encourage participation Manage group dynamics, including difficult participants and off-topic conversations Apply active listening, summarising and questioning techniques Create safe, inclusive and engaging environments for diverse groups Maintain neutrality and guide discussions to achieve desired outcomes Course Content 1. Introduction to Facilitation What is facilitation? Key differences between facilitation, presentation and training The mindset of an effective facilitator 2. Planning for Success Clarifying session purpose and outcomes Structuring the session: openings, transitions, closings Selecting the right tools and approaches for your audience 3. Core Facilitation Techniques Questioning strategies (open, probing, clarifying) Active listening and reflection Encouraging balanced participation Visual facilitation basics (whiteboards, templates, sticky notes) 4. Managing Group Dynamics Reading the room and adapting your approach Handling dominant or disengaged participants Dealing with conflict or resistance constructively Techniques for decision-making and consensus-building 5. Practice and Feedback Facilitated role-plays and group exercises Constructive peer and trainer feedback Personal action planning Delivery Method This course is delivered in a highly interactive, face-to-face or virtual format. It includes a blend of short presentations, group work, facilitated discussions and hands-on activities to embed learning. Inclusions Comprehensive participant workbook and toolkit Facilitator guides and templates Certificate of completion Optional post-course coaching (available on request)

Course Overview This practical, one-day course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills, tools and confidence to effectively facilitate discussions, meetings, and workshops. Whether you're guiding a team brainstorming session, leading a stakeholder workshop, or managing a complex meeting, strong facilitation skills can dramatically improve outcomes and engagement. Participants will learn how to plan and structure sessions, manage group dynamics, keep discussions on track, and handle challenging behaviours—all while creating a collaborative and inclusive environment. The course combines theory with hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world scenarios to build practical, transferable skills. Who Should Attend This course is ideal for: Project managers Team leaders and supervisors Business analysts Community engagement officers Policy officers Trainers and consultants Anyone responsible for leading meetings or workshops No prior facilitation experience is necessary. Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand the role and mindset of an effective facilitator Plan and design structured facilitation sessions Use a range of facilitation tools and techniques to encourage participation Manage group dynamics, including difficult participants and off-topic conversations Apply active listening, summarising and questioning techniques Create safe, inclusive and engaging environments for diverse groups Maintain neutrality and guide discussions to achieve desired outcomes Course Content 1. Introduction to Facilitation What is facilitation? Key differences between facilitation, presentation and training The mindset of an effective facilitator 2. Planning for Success Clarifying session purpose and outcomes Structuring the session: openings, transitions, closings Selecting the right tools and approaches for your audience 3. Core Facilitation Techniques Questioning strategies (open, probing, clarifying) Active listening and reflection Encouraging balanced participation Visual facilitation basics (whiteboards, templates, sticky notes) 4. Managing Group Dynamics Reading the room and adapting your approach Handling dominant or disengaged participants Dealing with conflict or resistance constructively Techniques for decision-making and consensus-building 5. Practice and Feedback Facilitated role-plays and group exercises Constructive peer and trainer feedback Personal action planning Delivery Method This course is delivered in a highly interactive, face-to-face or virtual format. It includes a blend of short presentations, group work, facilitated discussions and hands-on activities to embed learning. Inclusions Comprehensive participant workbook and toolkit Facilitator guides and templates Certificate of completion Optional post-course coaching (available on request)

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day (can also be delivered as a 3-part virtual workshop series) Target Audience: Professionals in non-technical roles (e.g. executive assistants, HR, marketing, project managers, operations staff, trainers, and admin support) who want to use generative AI to enhance their work—without needing coding skills. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what generative AI is and how it works in plain language. Identify use cases relevant to their role or industry. Use popular generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) confidently. Write effective prompts to get better, more relevant results. Apply AI ethically and responsibly in the workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Demystifying Generative AI What is generative AI? (Plain language explanation) How AI models like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini work Examples of what generative AI can (and can’t) do Myths, risks, and benefits of AI in non-tech roles Module 2: Everyday Use Cases for Professionals Time-saving applications: Drafting emails, reports, meeting summaries Creating checklists, plans, or SOPs Enhancing creativity: Brainstorming ideas for events, campaigns, or training Writing social media posts, newsletters, or job ads Organising information: Summarising documents Structuring spreadsheets or creating templates Supporting communication: Improving tone and clarity Translating or simplifying content Module 3: Prompting Essentials What is a “prompt” and why does it matter? How to write clear, specific, and effective prompts Prompting frameworks (e.g., “Role–Task–Goal” method) Live practice: transforming a vague prompt into a powerful one Troubleshooting: when AI gives poor answers and how to improve them Module 4: Hands-On Exploration Try-it-yourself exercises using ChatGPT or Gemini (guided) Real workplace examples and team challenges Create an AI-generated email, checklist, or idea list Optional: use industry-specific examples (e.g., HR, admin, events, comms) Module 5: Responsible AI Use at Work Understanding AI limitations and biases Protecting privacy and sensitive data When not to use AI Workplace policies and guidelines (customisable for your organisation) Ethical use: attribution, transparency, and human review Module 6: Getting Started in Your Role Tools overview: free vs paid options (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini) Building your own AI toolkit Tips for staying up to date as tools evolve 30-day challenge: how to build AI into your daily workflow Delivery Style Highly interactive, practical, and low-jargon No coding or tech background required Hands-on demos, guided practice, and scenario-based activities Group discussion and peer learning Course Materials Provided Quick-start guide: Top 10 prompts for non-tech roles AI Prompt Library for your job type Do’s and Don’ts for ethical use of AI at work “AI in Action” workbook with examples and checklists Personal AI Action Plan Optional Add-ons Team-based AI hackathon (mini workplace challenge) Tailored follow-up webinar for Q&A and deeper use cases Co-branded playbook for organisational AI use Integration with digital transformation or innovation initiatives

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day (can also be delivered as a 3-part virtual workshop series) Target Audience: Professionals in non-technical roles (e.g. executive assistants, HR, marketing, project managers, operations staff, trainers, and admin support) who want to use generative AI to enhance their work—without needing coding skills. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what generative AI is and how it works in plain language. Identify use cases relevant to their role or industry. Use popular generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) confidently. Write effective prompts to get better, more relevant results. Apply AI ethically and responsibly in the workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Demystifying Generative AI What is generative AI? (Plain language explanation) How AI models like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini work Examples of what generative AI can (and can’t) do Myths, risks, and benefits of AI in non-tech roles Module 2: Everyday Use Cases for Professionals Time-saving applications: Drafting emails, reports, meeting summaries Creating checklists, plans, or SOPs Enhancing creativity: Brainstorming ideas for events, campaigns, or training Writing social media posts, newsletters, or job ads Organising information: Summarising documents Structuring spreadsheets or creating templates Supporting communication: Improving tone and clarity Translating or simplifying content Module 3: Prompting Essentials What is a “prompt” and why does it matter? How to write clear, specific, and effective prompts Prompting frameworks (e.g., “Role–Task–Goal” method) Live practice: transforming a vague prompt into a powerful one Troubleshooting: when AI gives poor answers and how to improve them Module 4: Hands-On Exploration Try-it-yourself exercises using ChatGPT or Gemini (guided) Real workplace examples and team challenges Create an AI-generated email, checklist, or idea list Optional: use industry-specific examples (e.g., HR, admin, events, comms) Module 5: Responsible AI Use at Work Understanding AI limitations and biases Protecting privacy and sensitive data When not to use AI Workplace policies and guidelines (customisable for your organisation) Ethical use: attribution, transparency, and human review Module 6: Getting Started in Your Role Tools overview: free vs paid options (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini) Building your own AI toolkit Tips for staying up to date as tools evolve 30-day challenge: how to build AI into your daily workflow Delivery Style Highly interactive, practical, and low-jargon No coding or tech background required Hands-on demos, guided practice, and scenario-based activities Group discussion and peer learning Course Materials Provided Quick-start guide: Top 10 prompts for non-tech roles AI Prompt Library for your job type Do’s and Don’ts for ethical use of AI at work “AI in Action” workbook with examples and checklists Personal AI Action Plan Optional Add-ons Team-based AI hackathon (mini workplace challenge) Tailored follow-up webinar for Q&A and deeper use cases Co-branded playbook for organisational AI use Integration with digital transformation or innovation initiatives