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
Project Risk Management Have you been surprised by unplanned events during your projects? Are you and your project team frequently fighting fires? Well, you are not alone. Uncertainty exists in any project environment. While it's impossible to predict project outcomes with 100% certainty, you can influence the outcome, avoid potential risks, and be ready to respond to challenges that arise. In this course, you'll gain the proper knowledge needed to identify, assess, plan for, and monitor risk in your projects. You'll learn how to set up and implement risk management processes, helping you to minimize uncertainty and achieve more consistent, predictable outcomes as a result. What You Will Learn You'll learn how to: Demonstrate to others how the risk management processes in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) apply to your project's environment, especially for high-risk projects Adapt these processes for a particular high-risk project team's operating principles Explain the importance of using risk management best practices at single and enterprise project levels Lead an initiative to implement risk management best practices in your project environment Foundation Concepts Risk-related definitions The risk management process High-risk projects and project failures Classical failures in implementing risk management Plan Risk Management Project risk management and governance Risk management planning for high-risk projects High-risk variations on a risk management plan Identify Risk Adapting the risk identification process for high-risk projects Recognizing risks spontaneously Confirming and structuring risk events for treatment Wrapping up risk identification for high-risk projects Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis Adapting qualitative risk analysis for high-risk projects Accelerating risk analysis Clearing risk action Wrapping up qualitative risk analysis for the next level Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis Adapting quantitative risk analysis for high-risk projects Ensuring effective risk analyses with data quality assessments Building a foundation for quantitative risk analysis Using discrete quantitative tools Using continuous quantitative tools Wrapping up quantitative risk analysis for high-risk projects Plan Risk Responses Adapting risk response planning for high-risk projects Optimizing active risk response strategies Leveraging contingencies for high project performance Wrapping up risk response planning for high-risk projects Implement Risk Responses Implementing Risk Responses Process Executing Risk Response Plans Tools and Techniques Best Practices Continuous Risk Management Monitor Risks Adapting risk monitoring for high-risk projects Optimizing risk plan maintenance Weaving risk reassessment into the project's progress Maintaining a continuous 'vigil' in high-risk project environments
Portfolio Management Executive Briefing The central focus is to provide insight, direction, and motivation that enables organizational leadership to effectively align and connect an organization's investments in business change (projects and programs) at all levels (strategic, tactical, and operational) through utilization of a portfolio management system. Furthermore, this program provides clarity and key guidance necessary to select and support the right executive-level portfolio management champion - the key sponsor, overseer, and leader for achieving and sustaining organizational effectiveness and expected business value that is derived through portfolio management. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: List the benefits of portfolio management State the importance of linking strategic objectives with the initiatives in the organization Initiate activities for the introduction of portfolio management in an organization through a PMO or similar Establish or improve a portfolio governance structure Articulate the need to participate in Stage Gate Reviews Demonstrate the importance of Multi-criteria Analysis Describe the main functions and structure of the portfolio definition and delivery boards Foundation Concepts Benefits Portfolio Life Cycles Portfolio Categories Portfolio Infrastructure Setup, Structure, and Roles and Responsibilities Multi-criteria Analysis About Optimism Bias Portfolio Operations Portfolio Governance, Delivery Board Stage Gate Reviews (coupled to funding) Approaches to Implementing Portfolio Management Implementation approaches Champion role Maturity levels
Management of Value (MoV®) Foundation This interactive MoV® Foundation course provides a modular and case-study-driven approach to learning Management of Value (MoV). The core knowledge is structured and comprehensive; and well-rounded modules cover the methodology and various techniques. A case study is used to help appreciate the relevance of MoV in its practical application. What you will Learn Upon completion of an MoV course candidates should be able to discuss and explain: The main processes and techniques used within MoV and the reasons for using them How MoV may be applied at portfolio, program, project and operational levels The differences in applying MoV at different stages in a project and the expected outputs from a MoV Study at each stage The circumstances under which MoV should be used The concept of value and how value may be improved The main benefits arising from the use of MoV Approaches for implementing MoV How to respond to external and internal influences The principles of embedding MoV into an organization The key topics in document checklists, the toolbox, health check, organizational maturity and individual competence. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Organize and contribute constructively to a Management of Value (MoV) Study Demonstrate a knowledge of MoV principles, processes, approach and environment Analyse a company, program or project to establish its organizational value; includes identification and weighting of Value Drivers Pass the AXELOS MoV Foundation Examination Introduction to value management and MoV Value and Value Management Capabilities, Outcomes, Benefits and Disbenefits What is Value? What is Management of Value (MoV)? Why use MoV? Where use MoV? When MoV should be used? What using MoV involve? Selected MoV benefits Relationship with other AXELOS Global Best Practices and Models How MoV fits with other AXELOS Global Best Practice Guides MoV principles Align with organization's objectives Focus on functions and required outcomes Balance the variables to maximise value Apply throughout the investment decision Tailor MoV to suit the subject Learn from experience and improve Assign clear roles and responsibilities and build a supportive culture MoV processes Frame the programme or project Gather information Analyse information Process information Evaluate and select Develop Value Improving Proposals Implement and share outputs MoV techniques Function Analysis Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) Traditional (or classic) FAST Technical FAST Customer FAST Value Trees Measuring value Value profiling (a.k.a. value benchmarking) Simple multi-attribute rating technique (a.k.a. SMART) Value index Value metrics Value for money (VfM) ratio Value Engineering / Analysis Common techniques used in MoV Analysis of information Benchmarking Process Mapping Root Cause Analysis Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Generating Ideas Brainstorming Evaluation and option selection Option Selection Matrix Idea selection Allocation to Categories Idea Selection Matrix Weighting techniques Paired Comparisons Points Distribution Developing VIPs Developing Proposals Cost Benefit Analysis Building Decisions Implementing VIPs Implementation Plans Feedback Following up Tracking Benefits Approach to Implementation Generic approach to MoV implementation Plan the MoV activities Understand and articulate value Prioritize value Improve value Quantify value Monitor improvements in value Learn lessons Environmental factors Portfolio Considerations Programme considerations Project considerations Operational Considerations Embedding MoV into an organization Benefits of Embedding MoV into an organization MoV Policy MoV Policy Composition Embedding MoV into an organisation Key steps Suggested MoV Management Structure Overcoming barriers We do it anyway It takes up too much time We can't afford to make the changes What's in it for me? Don't fix it if it ain't broke Fixed returns on investment MoV products Briefing Meeting Agenda (A.1) Communications Checklist (A.2) Equipment list for an Effective Study/Workshop (A.3) Invitation to join the Study Team (A.4) Option Evaluation Matrix (A.5) Plan the Study (A.6) Recording Idea Selection (A.7) Reporting Study outputs (A.8) Scoping the Study (A.9) Study or Workshop Handbook (A.10) Value-Improvement Proposal Forms (A.11) Value Improvement Tracking Report (A.12) MoV toolbox MoV health check and maturity model P3M3 Maturity Model MoV Maturity Model (aligned with P3M3)
Management of Value (MoV®) Foundation This interactive MoV® Foundation course provides a modular and case-study-driven approach to learning Management of Value (MoV). The core knowledge is structured and comprehensive; and well-rounded modules cover the methodology and various techniques. A case study is used to help appreciate the relevance of MoV in its practical application. What you will Learn Upon completion of an MoV course candidates should be able to discuss and explain: The main processes and techniques used within MoV and the reasons for using them How MoV may be applied at portfolio, program, project and operational levels The differences in applying MoV at different stages in a project and the expected outputs from a MoV Study at each stage The circumstances under which MoV should be used The concept of value and how value may be improved The main benefits arising from the use of MoV Approaches for implementing MoV How to respond to external and internal influences The principles of embedding MoV into an organization The key topics in document checklists, the toolbox, health check, organizational maturity and individual competence. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Organize and contribute constructively to a Management of Value (MoV) Study Demonstrate a knowledge of MoV principles, processes, approach and environment Analyse a company, program or project to establish its organizational value; includes identification and weighting of Value Drivers Pass the AXELOS MoV Foundation Examination Introduction to value management and MoV Value and Value Management Capabilities, Outcomes, Benefits and Disbenefits What is Value? What is Management of Value (MoV)? Why use MoV? Where use MoV? When MoV should be used? What using MoV involve? Selected MoV benefits Relationship with other AXELOS Global Best Practices and Models How MoV fits with other AXELOS Global Best Practice Guides MoV principles Align with organization's objectives Focus on functions and required outcomes Balance the variables to maximise value Apply throughout the investment decision Tailor MoV to suit the subject Learn from experience and improve Assign clear roles and responsibilities and build a supportive culture MoV processes Frame the programme or project Gather information Analyse information Process information Evaluate and select Develop Value Improving Proposals Implement and share outputs MoV techniques Function Analysis Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) Traditional (or classic) FAST Technical FAST Customer FAST Value Trees Measuring value Value profiling (a.k.a. value benchmarking) Simple multi-attribute rating technique (a.k.a. SMART) Value index Value metrics Value for money (VfM) ratio Value Engineering / Analysis Common techniques used in MoV Analysis of information Benchmarking Process Mapping Root Cause Analysis Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Generating Ideas Brainstorming Evaluation and option selection Option Selection Matrix Idea selection Allocation to Categories Idea Selection Matrix Weighting techniques Paired Comparisons Points Distribution Developing VIPs Developing Proposals Cost Benefit Analysis Building Decisions Implementing VIPs Implementation Plans Feedback Following up Tracking Benefits Approach to Implementation Generic approach to MoV implementation Plan the MoV activities Understand and articulate value Prioritize value Improve value Quantify value Monitor improvements in value Learn lessons Environmental factors Portfolio Considerations Programme considerations Project considerations Operational Considerations Embedding MoV into an organization Benefits of Embedding MoV into an organization MoV Policy MoV Policy Composition Embedding MoV into an organisation Key steps Suggested MoV Management Structure Overcoming barriers We do it anyway It takes up too much time We can't afford to make the changes What's in it for me? Don't fix it if it ain't broke Fixed returns on investment MoV products Briefing Meeting Agenda (A.1) Communications Checklist (A.2) Equipment list for an Effective Study/Workshop (A.3) Invitation to join the Study Team (A.4) Option Evaluation Matrix (A.5) Plan the Study (A.6) Recording Idea Selection (A.7) Reporting Study outputs (A.8) Scoping the Study (A.9) Study or Workshop Handbook (A.10) Value-Improvement Proposal Forms (A.11) Value Improvement Tracking Report (A.12) MoV toolbox MoV health check and maturity model P3M3 Maturity Model MoV Maturity Model (aligned with P3M3)
Project Estimating and Scheduling 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
Work Breakdown Structures: In-House Training It's amazing how often project managers begin the project planning process by making an outlined list of every task they believe will be required to complete a project and then proclaim they have created the work breakdown structure (WBS) for the project. The result is a list of hundreds, or even thousands of tasks, many of them having durations of a few days or a few hours. Essentially, what they have done is create a 'to do' list, which they then use as a 'checklist' to measure progress. This approach leads to, and even encourages, micromanagement of the resources working on the project without consideration of more critical aspects of project management such as: requirements management, risk management, procurement management, estimating, scheduling, executing, and controlling. Further, it makes it impossible to see the big picture, at levels of detail, in keeping with the needs of sponsors, clients, project and functional managers, team leaders, and project performers. Join us for this exciting program and learn how to use the WBS to make better-informed business decisions. What You Will Learn You will learn how to: Describe the need for a project WBS Describe the WBS role in the project Gain practical experience in the development, decomposition, and use of the WBS Determine the appropriate level of detail in the WBS. Explain how the WBS integrates with project requirements, risk, procurement, estimating, scheduling, and overall project execution. Provide the basic tools to enhance efficient re-use of key information in your future projects Foundation Concepts Key definitions History of the WBS Importance of the WBS Overall structure Terminology Other breakdown structures WBS tools WBS & Scope Project scope management processes Specification of the project objectives WBS design based on project deliverable WBS decomposition process and 'The 100% rule' Work Packages and Control Accounts WBS & Risk Risk management planning and WBS Risk identification to enhance the WBS Risk analysis and the WBS Risk responses and updating the WBS Implementing risk response and Monitoring risks and the WBS WBS & Estimating Use of WBS in the estimating process Components and work packages Sizing and algorithmic estimates WBS & Scheduling Component Scheduling - High-Level Milestones WBS activity decomposition WBS elements dependencies Work Package Level Schedules Responsibility assignment matrix WBS & Execution and Control Earned Value Management and tracking of work performance Progress reports, forecasts, and corrective and preventive actions used to manage work performance Necessary information to close out a project
Work Breakdown Structures It's amazing how often project managers begin the project planning process by making an outlined list of every task they believe will be required to complete a project and then proclaim they have created the work breakdown structure (WBS) for the project. The result is a list of hundreds, or even thousands of tasks, many of them having durations of a few days or a few hours. Essentially, what they have done is create a 'to do' list, which they then use as a 'checklist' to measure progress. This approach leads to, and even encourages, micromanagement of the resources working on the project without consideration of more critical aspects of project management such as: requirements management, risk management, procurement management, estimating, scheduling, executing, and controlling. Further, it makes it impossible to see the big picture, at levels of detail, in keeping with the needs of sponsors, clients, project and functional managers, team leaders, and project performers. Join us for this exciting program and learn how to use the WBS to make better-informed business decisions. What You Will Learn You will learn how to: Describe the need for a project WBS Describe the WBS role in the project Gain practical experience in the development, decomposition, and use of the WBS Determine the appropriate level of detail in the WBS. Explain how the WBS integrates with project requirements, risk, procurement, estimating, scheduling, and overall project execution. Provide the basic tools to enhance efficient re-use of key information in your future projects Foundation Concepts Key definitions History of the WBS Importance of the WBS Overall structure Terminology Other breakdown structures WBS tools WBS & Scope Project scope management processes Specification of the project objectives WBS design based on project deliverable WBS decomposition process and 'The 100% rule' Work Packages and Control Accounts WBS & Risk Risk management planning and WBS Risk identification to enhance the WBS Risk analysis and the WBS Risk responses and updating the WBS Implementing risk response and Monitoring risks and the WBS WBS & Estimating Use of WBS in the estimating process Components and work packages Sizing and algorithmic estimates WBS & Scheduling Component Scheduling - High-Level Milestones WBS activity decomposition WBS elements dependencies Work Package Level Schedules Responsibility assignment matrix WBS & Execution and Control Earned Value Management and tracking of work performance Progress reports, forecasts, and corrective and preventive actions used to manage work performance Necessary information to close out a project
Management of Portfolios (MoP®) Foundation: In-House Training In this MoP® Foundation course, participants will acquire the sufficient knowledge and understanding of the principles, cycles, practices, techniques, roles, responsibilities, documents, and organizational context within which portfolio management operates. MoP helps organizations ensure if the investments are done in the right change initiatives and implementing them correctly. This is achieved by: Prioritizing the programs and projects in terms of their contribution to the organization's strategic objectives and overall level of risk Managing the programs and projects consistently to ensure efficient and effective delivery Maximizing the benefit by providing the greatest return from the investment made What You Will Learn Individuals certified at the MoP Foundation level will be able to: Define the scope and objectives of portfolio management and how it differs from program and project management List the benefits of applying portfolio management Explain the context it operates in List the principles upon which successful portfolio management is based on List the different approaches to implement MoP List the factors required to maintain the progress and assess the success of portfolio management State the purpose and key content of the major portfolio documents Define the scope of key portfolio management roles Introduction: MoP Scenario Background of the Methodology The MoP Principles Senior Management Commitment Governance Alignment Strategy Alignment Portfolio Office Energized Change Culture The MoP Definition Cycle Roles and Responsibilities The MoP Delivery Cycle Management control Benefits management Financial management Risk management Stakeholder engagement Organizational governance Resource management The MoP Framework Recap
Management of Portfolios (MoP®) Practitioner: In-House Training In this MoP® Practitioner course, participants will have sufficient knowledge and understanding of how to apply and tailor the MoP guidance and to analyze portfolio data, documentation, and roles in relation to a given situation. MoP helps organizations ensure if the investments are done in the right, change initiatives, and implementing them correctly. This is achieved by: Prioritizing the programs and projects in terms of their contribution to the organization's strategic objectives and overall level of risk Managing the programs and projects consistently to ensure efficient and effective delivery Maximizing the benefit by providing the greatest return from the investment made What you will Learn Define the business case to get senior management approval for portfolio management Plan the implementation of portfolio management Select and adapt MoP principles, practices, and techniques to suit different organizational environments Evaluate examples of MoP information including documents and role descriptions Analyze the solutions adopted in relation to a given scenario Introduction Overview MoP Portfolio Definition Portfolio Management Roles Portfolio Management Documents MoP Practitioner Assignments Portfolio Management Documents Portfolio Delivery How to Implement Practice Exam MoP Practitioner Exam (taken online, after the class has ended)