Serious about starting your own soap business? Set yourself up for success from the very beginning, in a private course with Paula Mateo, award winning founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co.
In today's competitive business world firms are under unprecedented pressure to deliver value to their shareholders and other key stakeholders. Senior executives in all parts of the organisation are finding that they need some degree of financial know how to cope with the responsibility placed on them as business managers and key decision-makers; monitoring and improving business performance, investing in capital projects, mergers and acquisitions: all require some degree of financial knowledge. The key financial skills are not as difficult to learn as many people believe and in the hands of an experienced senior executive they can provide a formidable competitive advantage. After completing this course delegates will be able to: Understand fundamental business finance concepts; understand, analyse and interpret financial statements: Profit Statement, Balance Sheet and Cashflow Statement Understand the vital difference between profit and cashflow; identify the key components of working capital and how they can be managed to generate strong cashflow Evaluate pricing decisions based on an understanding of the nature of business costs and their impact on gross margin and break-even sales; managing pricing, discounts and costs to generate strong business profits; understand how lean manufacturing methods improve profit Use powerful analytical tools to measure and improve the performance of their own company and assess the effectiveness of their competitors Apply and interpret techniques for assessing and comparing investment opportunities in capital projects, business acquisitions and other ventures; understand and apply common methods of business valuation Understand the role of business finance in formulating and implementing competitive business strategy; the role of budgeting as part of the planning process and the various approaches to budgeting and performance measurement 1 Basic principles Delivering value to key stakeholders Accounting concepts, GAAP, IFRS and common terms Understanding and using the balance sheet Understanding and using the profit statement Recognising the vital difference between profit and cashflow Understanding and using the cashflow statement What financial statements can and cannot tell us 2 Managing and improving cashflow Sources of finance and their advantages and disadvantages What is working capital and why is it so important? Managing stocks, debtors and creditors Understanding how working capital drives business growth Understanding and avoiding the over-trading trap Unlocking the funds tied up in fixed assets: asset backed loans and leasing 3 Managing and improving profit Understanding how profits generate cashflow The fundamental nature of costs: fixed and variable business costs Understanding gross margin and break-even How common pricing methods affect gross margin and profit Effective strategies to improve gross margin Using value chain analysis to reduce costs Lean manufacturing methodsUnderstanding Just-in-time, 6 Sigma and Kaizen methods Improving profitEffective and defective strategies 4 Measuring and managing business performance Measures of financial performance and strength Investor behaviour: the risk and reward relationship Return on investment (ROI): the ultimate measure of business performance How profit margin and net asset turnover drive return on net assets Why some companies are more profitable that others Understanding competitive advantage: cost and differentiation advantage Why great companies failWhat happened to Kodak? Using a 'Pyramid of Ratios' to improve business performance Using Critical Success Factors to develop Key Performance Indicators 5 Budgeting and forecasting methods Using budgets to support strategy Objectives and methods for effective budgets Using budgets to monitor and manage business performance Alternative approaches to budgeting Developing and implementing Balanced Scorecards Beyond Budgeting Forecasting methods and techniques Identifying key business drivers Using rolling forecasts and 'what-if' models to aid decision-making
The customer journey is changing faster than ever before. Can you keep up? Our brand-new Search Marketing course is here to get you ready – with the chance to learn directly from top SEO expert Neil Patel and his team. Course Overview The customer journey is changing faster than ever before. Can you keep up? Our brand-new Search Marketing course is here to get you ready – with the chance to learn directly from top SEO expert Neil Patel and his team. Did you know that search marketing is currently one of the most in-demand roles? And that growth isn’t going to stop anytime soon. Develop true Search Marketing expertise for where search is now and where it’s going Program learning outcomes and content: What Will I Learn? Develop the skills to work in search right now. Learn about search engine optimization, paid search, and digital display advertising, along with the latest platforms including Google Ads, Microsoft Ads (Bing Ads), and Google Analytics 4. Study using a dynamic mix of interactive lessons, videos, and downloadable tools, along with live sessions on the latest trends and channels. You’ll be awarded with a DMI search marketing certification that’s recognized globally, along with a completion badge from Neil Patel. Course Content: Introduction to Search Marketing: Being found in the right place at the right time may look effortless but it’s an art. You’re going to need lots of key concepts, tools and tricks. Explore how the core search elements work together to drive targeted traffic that converts into sales. • Search Marketing • SEO & Paid Search principles • Demand generation • Analytics & reporting • Data visualization SEO Setup & Content: The search engine can feel all seeing, all knowing but it can be won over. SEO is the way to come out on top. Understanding the algorithms and ranking factors puts you in the driver’s seat. But that’s not all. What does it take to really engage people? Content that speaks to them. Find out what your audiences are looking for, create the content they care about, and then serve it to them where they are. The key to a big, visionary content strategy that works. • Setting SEO objectives • Keyword research • Creating content • On-page optimization • Content scheduling Optimizing SEO: Everyone wants to get their website in front of more people. The right people. That’s where search engine optimization comes in. There’s a lot to get a handle on with SEO, all working together to make your content more visible. Pick the quick wins, gather momentum, or optimize for a better return-on-investment. • SEO for eCommerce • Backlinking for authority • Local & international optimization • Off-page optimization Paid Search Fundamentals: So you know how to grow those organic searches and it’s going well. But you want to succeed faster. Cut right to the chase with paid search. Learn the fundamentals of PPC advertising and how it can work to promote your business. • Paid search concepts • Ads & landing pages • Keywords • Creating a paid search campaign Paid Search Campaigns: Now that you know the basics, it’s time to start running your campaigns. Use PPC advertising to boost your visibility. Discover how to measure and optimize your campaigns to get the best out of every single click. • Managing the campaign budget • Optimizing campaigns • Reporting on paid search Demand Generation: Capture interest wherever people are in their journey. Whether they’re a first time visitor, just getting to know you or coming back again and again. Demand generation gives you the tactics to drive awareness and long-term engagement. Sure, it takes time but it’s worth the payoff. • Demand generation campaigns • Outbound channels & ad formats • Campaign targeting & bidding • Optimizing your campaign • Involving display & video advertising Search Analytics: Search analytics can feel a bit like having a superpower. There’s so much you can know about what your target market is doing, what they want, how they speak. All of this data is at your fingertips, you just need to know how to use it. So let’s dive in. Plus with the shift to Google Analytics 4 daunting many businesses, we’ll get you set for success on the new interface. • Analytics fundamentals • Monitoring campaigns • Introduction to GA4 • Configuring Google Analytics • Conversion rate optimization Data& Data Visualization: Data gives us so many new insights and opportunities to work with. But we’re always looking for ways to make data more engaging, especially in a digital world where we have so much of it. Tell the story of what you’ve discovered with data visualization. It helps to communicate more effectively and bring everyone along for the journey. • Turning data into actions • Ways of visualizing data • Forecasting search performance Search Strategy - Research & Planning: So you have tools, techniques, and practiced skills. You’ve learned all of the stepping stones behind making search work hard. Now is your chance to get an action plan together. A strategic, focused plan that really delivers. One backed up by research and structured by set objectives. • Planning a search strategy • Research for search campaigns • Setting objectives for search Search Strategy 2 - Execution & Optimization It’s time to put everything you’ve learned into practice with a high-performing search marketing strategy. You have the skills, you’ve done the research, your action plan is prepared. Let’s execute the strategy and make it a reality. Exciting, isn’t it? • Omnichannel search approach • Adapting to change • Evaluating search strategies • Long term performance DURATION 8-10 Weeks WHATS INCLUDED Course Material Case Study Experienced Lecturer Refreshments Certificate
Boost your career and stay relevant with the world’s most recognized Digital Marketing diploma. Continuously updated content means you’ll get cutting-edge digital marketing and soft skills, always. Course Overview Boost your career and stay relevant with the world’s most recognized Digital Marketing diploma. Continuously updated content means you’ll get cutting-edge digital marketing and soft skills, always. Learn Google Ads, social media marketing, SEO and much more. Become a certified digital marketing professional with DMI. Program learning outcomes and content: What Will I Learn? You will be armed with the know-how, the experience and the insights to be able to work and speak with authority in this fast-paced industry. In short, you’ll be a skilled digital marketer, capable of building digital marketing strategies from scratch. Who is the DMI Pro for? • Traditional Marketers or Marketing Executives who want to play a bigger, sharper game • Marketing Managers and Senior Management • Graduates with no plans to wait around • Small Business Owners who want to grow • Career Changers • Entrepreneurs who want to be more entrepreneurial • Whoever needs to create and apply a digital marketing strategy for their organisation Course Content: Introduction to Digital Marketing: What’s it all about? How do you reach customers? How can traditional and digital media work together? What’s the difference between inbound and outbound marketing? This module takes you through the basics, keeping things clear and actionable: • Principles of Digital Marketing • Digital Research • Developing Objectives • Cultural Research • Connecting with the Customer Social Media Marketing: Bring your brand story to life on all the right platforms. Learn how to grow and engage a community around your offering. Define your audience and give them more to care about. There is so much to ‘like’. • Key Social Platforms for Digital Marketing • Growing and Engaging an Audience • Developing Data-Driven Audience and Campaign Insights • Setting up a Social Media Experience for a Business • Creating and Optimising Social Media Campaigns Paid Search (PPC) using Google Ads: Develop Pay-Per Click skills using Google Ads, bid auctions and build your targeting strategy. Optimise campaigns, track conversions, and measure your ROI. • Fundamentals of Paid Search • Search Campaign Management • Paid Search Campaign Measurement • Paid Search Campaign Creation with Google Ads Email Marketing: Your email list is one of your most powerful assets. Learn how to manage and segment your data, test headlines and maximise open rates and ROI. We also cover marketing automation and the importance of data management regulations. • Email Marketing Fundamentals • Email Design • Testing and Optimising an Email Campaign • Tools and Strategy • Creating an Effective Email Campaign • Marketing Automation Analytics with Google Analytics: This module helps you unleash the capability of your data. Discover what your customer wants, likes, needs and does. Understand how they use your website, set up goals and monitor conversions. • Web Analytics Fundamentals • Creating and Configuring a Google Analytics Account • Monitoring Campaigns with Google Analytics Reports • Setting Goals with Google Analytics • Analysing and Recording Google Analytics Data • Using Google Analytics 4 Content Marketing: This module teaches you how to create content that speaks to people, at the right time and via the right channels. Understand what works for you by tracking and measuring performance. • Content Marketing Concepts and Strategy • Developing a Content Marketing Plan • Publishing and Distributing Content • Using Content Research to Find Opportunities • Creating and Curating Content • Metrics and Performance • Establishing Content Intent Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Search Engine Optimisation is all about getting on that first Google page, staying top of the list and top of mind. Develop keyword strategies, understand the kind of content that attracts users, optimise rankings and then convert visitors to customers. • SEO Fundamentals • Keywords and SEO Content Plan • Measuring SEO Performance • Aligning SEO and Business Objectives • Optimise Organic Search Ranking Display and Video Advertising: Learn how to set up, manage and optimise your YouTube channel. Target, test and develop your use of the Google Display Network and get creative with visual formats. • Fundamentals of Display and Video Advertising • Google Display Network and Video Ad Formats • Creating and Managing a YouTube Channel • Creating Display and Video Campaigns • Targeting Display and Video Campaigns • Measurement and Optimisation • Reporting on Display Campaign Website Optimisation: What makes a winning website? This module gives you the skills to create a simple, well-designed, optimised WordPress site that not only looks good but also delivers for your business. • Web Design and Website Optimisation • Design Principles and Website Copy • Publishing a Basic Website • User-Centered Design and Website Optimisation • Website Metrics and Developing Insight Digital Marketing Strategy: Underneath your digital activity, you need solid objectives. This module helps you to build a clear vision of your strategy, and makes it actionable with budget, channel and media plans, KPIs and more. • Digital Strategy Fundamentals • Setting Strategy Objectives and KPIs • Digital Strategy Research • Developing a Creative Strategy • Executing a Digital Marketing Strategy • Communicating a Digital Marketing Strategy • Forecasting performance DURATION 8-10 Weeks WHATS INCLUDED Course Material Case Study Experienced Lecturer Refreshments Certificate
Budgeting is more than mere vague oversight. Budgeting should deliver the corporate strategy, add shareholder value and lead to a well-run business - for the benefit of all involved in it. Effective budgeting leads to real control - effective day-to-day operational control and more. This course demonstrates what proper budgeting and operational control can do. This course will help ensure that participants: Appreciate the importance of the budgeting process Take ownership of it Use it as a daily working tool - not an annual exercise - to help run their part of the operation Improve their reporting against budget Ensure their delivery against budget 1 Objectives of budgets The budget process Stages - what is the prime aim of a budget? What is forecasting? ObjectivesPlanningImplementation 2 Budget and cost control focus Choosing objectives Links with corporate strategy Links with resource management Can the accounting systems cope? 3 Traditional budgeting and control Benefits and drawbacks The process Control and feedback Reporting - what can be expected? 4 Advanced budgeting and control Understanding the business process Taking out costs Cost awareness ZBB - as valid as ever 5 Reports Reports for action The purpose of a report Content - deliverables and feedback Culture is so important
Power BI is a powerful data visualisation program that allows businesses to monitor data, analyse trends, and make decisions. This course is designed to provide a solid understanding of the reporting side of Power BI, the dashboards, where administrators, and end users can interact with dynamic visuals that communicates information. This course focuses entirely on the creation and design of visualisations in dashboards, including a range of chart types, engaging maps, and different types of tables. Designing dashboards with KPI's (key performance indicators), heatmaps, flowcharts, sparklines, and compare multiple variables with trendlines. This one-day programme focuses entirely on creating dashboards, by using the many visualisation tools available in Power BI. You will learn to build dynamic, user-friendly interfaces in both Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service. 1 Introduction Power BI ecosystem Things to keep in mind Selecting dashboard colours Importing visuals into Power BI Data sources for your analysis Joining tables in Power BI 2 Working with data Utilising a report theme Table visuals Matrix visuals Drilling into hierarchies Applying static filters Group numbers with lists Group numbers with bins 3 Creating visuals Heatmaps in Power BI Visualising time-intelligence trends Ranking categorical totals Comparing proportions View trends with sparklines 4 Comparing variables Insert key performance indicators (KPI) Visualising trendlines as KPI Forecasting with trendlines Visualising flows with Sankey diagrams Creating a scatter plot 5 Mapping options Map visuals Using a filled map Mapping with latitude and longitude Mapping with ArcGIS or ESRI 6 Creating dashboards High-level dashboard Migration analysis dashboard Adding slicers for filtering Promote interaction with nudge prompts Searching the dashboard with a slicer Creating dynamic labels Highlighting key points on the dashboard Customised visualisation tooltips Syncing slicers across pages 7 Sharing dashboards Setting up and formatting phone views Exporting data Creating PDF files Uploading to the cloud Share dashboards in SharePoint online
This course starts with data transformation strategies, exploring capabilities in the Power Query Editor, and data-cleansing practices. It looks at the Advanced Query Editor to view the M language code. This course focuses on advanced DAX measures that include filtering conditions, with a deep dive into time intelligence measures. Like the M query language, DAX is a rich functional language that supports variables and expression references. This course also looks at the creation of dynamic dashboards and incorporates a range of visualisations available in Power BI Desktop and online in the AppSource. The course finishes with a look at setting up end user level security in tables. 1 The query editor Split by row delimiter AddDays to determine deadlines Advanced query editor 2 Fuzzy matching joins Matching inconsistencies by percentage Matching with transformation table 3 Logical column functions Logical functions IF, AND, OR Using multiple conditions Including FIND in functions 4 Editing DAX measures Make DAX easier to read Add comments to a measure Using quick measures 5 The anatomy of CALCULATE Understanding CALCULATE context filters Adding context to CALCULATE with FILTER Using CALCULATE with a threshold 6 The ALL measure Anatomy of ALL Create an ALL measure Using ALL as a filter Use ALL for percentage 7 DAX iterators Anatomy of iterators A closer look at SUMX Using RELATED in SUMX Create a RANKX RANKX with ALL 8 Date and time functions Overview of functions Create a DATEDIFF function 9 Time intelligent measures Compare historical monthly data Create a DATEADD measure Creating cumulative totals Creating cumulative measures Visualising cumulative totals 10 Visualisations in-depth Utilising report themes Create a heatmap Comparing proportions View trends with sparklines Group numbers using bins Setting up a histogram 11 Comparing variables Visualising trendlines as KPI Forecasting with trendlines Creating a scatter plot Creating dynamic labels Customised visualisation tooltips Export reports to SharePoint 12 User level security Setting up row level security Testing user security
This course is designed for those already using Power BI Desktop and are ready to work with more comprehensive elements of analysing and reporting in Power BI. The course maintains a balanced look at data analysis including the Power Query Editor, with a deep dive into writing DAX formulas, and enhanced dashboard visualisations. The aim of this course is to provide a more complete understanding of the whole Power BI analytics process, by working with business examples that will equip you with the necessary skills to output comprehensive reports and explore Power BI's analytical capabilities in more depth. 1 The Query Editor Grouping rows in a table Split row by delimiter Add days to determine deadlines The query editor 2 Fuzzy Matching Joins Matching inconsistencies by percentage Matching with transformation table 3 The Query Editor M Functions Adding custom columns Creating an IF function Nested AND logics in an IF function 4 DAX New Columns Functions Including TRUE with SWITCH Using multiple conditions The FIND DAX function The IF DAX function Logical functions IF, AND, OR 5 Editing DAX Measures Making DAX easier to read Add comments to a measure Using quick measures 6 The Anatomy of CALCULATE Understanding CALCULATE filters Add context to CALCULATE with FILTER Using CALCULATE with a threshold 7 The ALL Measure Anatomy of ALL Create an ALL measure Using ALL as a filter Use ALL for percentages 8 DAX Iterators Anatomy of iterators A closer look at SUMX Using RELATED with SUMX Create a RANKX RANKX with ALL 9 Date and Time Functions Overview of functions Create a DATEDIFF function 10 Time Intelligent Measures Compare historical monthly data Create a DATEADD measure Creating cumulative totals Creating cumulative measures Visualising cumulative totals 11 Visualisations In-Depth Utilising report themes Applying static filters Group data using lists Group numbers using bins Creating heatmaps Comparing proportions View trends with sparklines 12 Comparing Variables Visualising trendlines as KPI Forecasting with trendlines Creating a scatter plot Creating dynamic labels Customised visualisation tooltips Export reports to SharePoint
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the principles and practice for leading and managing a portfolio of smaller projects in a multi-project / multi-task environment. It presents a range of practical methods and techniques relevant to the smaller project scenario, using exercises and case studies to show how these can be applied. 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, and help participants understand the skills required by, the project leader Provide a structured framework to help participants manage multiple projects Identify opportunities to improve project management within the organisation DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Managing smaller projects Projects and project management Lessons from past projects; the essential requirements for success Differences between projects; characteristic project life cycles Key issues and challenges of smaller projects The multi-project world; project portfolio management 3 Project exercise Syndicate teams plan and manage a small project Review of the project exercise: What are the keys to successful management of small projects? 4 Setting up the project Getting organised Managing the definition process Identifying and managing project stakeholders Working with the customer to define the scope and agree deliverables 5 Case study 1 Defining the project scope and deliverables Syndicate teams define the scope and deliverables for a typical project 6 Project planning The importance and cost benefit of effective planning Planning the plan; deciding how detailed a plan to create Packaging the work and estimating timescales and costs Developing project / resource schedules; setting milestones for control v Identifying and managing critical path activities 7 Case study 2 Creating the project plan Syndicate teams develop and analyse the project plan DAY TWO 8 Managing project risks Identifying risks to the project outcome, timescale and cost Evaluating risks and adopting an appropriate risk strategy Defining risk ownership; keeping a simple risk log Keeping risk management up to date; staying pro-active Integrating planning and risk management 9 Project control Managing change, minimising scope creep Selecting the data needed to provide early warning of problems Monitoring performance easily with 'S' curves and slip charts Using trend forecasting to assess true project status Running project review meetings 10 Managing a multi-project portfolio Understanding the world of multiple projects Establishing ownership of project / programme management Classifying projects and creating the 'master schedule' Defining and applying project lifecycle management Resource management: essential pre-requisites and mechanisms Project prioritisation criteria and techniques; pain / gain analysis 11 Managing the multi-project team Characteristics of small project teams / part-time team membership Clarifying line and project management responsibilities Implementing effective manpower planning Establishing professional working practices in the team Developing project management competences in the team Establishing team roles and integrating team members 12 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
Many organisations find that project teams struggle to create and maintain effective plans. Estimates are often overly optimistic and risks go unmanaged until the inevitable happens. Resource managers also find it hard to forecast the likely loading on their departments and requests for support are not provided in a consistent format. This programme has been developed to address these needs in a very practical, hands-on format. Case study work can be based on simulations or on the organisation's current projects for maximum benefit to participants. The aim of this training is to develop and enhance participants' planning and risk management skills in order to maximise the success of project work undertaken by the organisation. The principal training objectives for this programme are to: Provide a structured, integrated approach to planning and risk management Demonstrate practical tools and techniques for each stage of planning Show how to organise and involve relevant people in the planning process Explain how to use the plan for forecasting and pro-active project control Identify ways to improve planning, both individually and corporately The course will emphasise the importance of participative planning techniques that improve the quality of plans whilst reducing overall time and cost of planning. The course will encourage discussion of internal procedures and practices and may be customised to include them if required. DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Projects and planning Why plan? The benefits of good planning / penalties of poor planning Planning in the project lifecycle; the need for a 'living' plan The interaction between target setting and the planning process Team exercise: planning the project 3 Planning the plan Defining the application and structure of the plan Impact of planning decisions during the project lifecycle Using available time to create an effective plan 4 Defining deliverables Assessing the context; reviewing the goals and stakeholders Developing the scope and defining deliverables; scope mapping Understanding customer priorities; delivering value for money Case study: defining the project deliverables 5 Creating the work breakdown Building the work breakdown structure Detailing the tasks and sub-tasks; structured brainstorming Defining task ownership; the task responsibility matrix 6 Creating and using a logical network Developing the logical network; task boarding Determining the critical path and calculating float Accelerating the plan; concurrent programming and risk Individual and group exercises DAY TWO 7 Developing resource schedules Deriving the Gantt chart from the network Developing the detailed resource schedules Calculating the expenditure profile ('S' curve) 8 Estimating task durations and costs Understanding estimates: effort, availability and duration Estimating tools and techniques Application of estimating techniques during the project lifecycle 9 Case study Developing the project plan Refining the project plan Team presentations and discussion 10 Managing risks and refining the plan Awareness of contractual issues associated with risk Identifying and evaluating risks; deciding ownership Managing risks: determining levels of provision and contingency Controlling risks: maintaining an up-to date risk register 11 Planning for pro-active control The earned value analysis (EVA) concept and its predictive value Deriving the measures needed for cost and delivery performance Practical issues associated with implementing EVA 12 Using and maintaining the plan Tracking progress and updating the plan Publishing and controlling the plan 13 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) Identify ways of implementing the techniques learnt Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion