Unconscious bias from a fresh new perspective for anyone who interacts with, or makes decisions about, people; whether you work with customers, supervise staff or work in collaboration, this session will enhance your insight and interactions.
Use Cases for Business Analysis: Virtual In-House Training The use case is a method for documenting the interactions between the user of a system and the system itself. Use cases have been in the software development lexicon for over twenty years, ever since it was introduced by Ivar Jacobson in the late 1980s. They were originally intended as aids to software design in object-oriented approaches. However, the method is now used throughout the Solution Development Life Cycle from elicitation through to specifying test cases, and is even applied to software development that is not object oriented. This course identifies how business analysts can apply use cases to the processes of defining the problem domain through elicitation, analyzing the problem, defining the solution, and confirming the validity and usability of the solution. What you will Learn You'll learn how to: Apply the use case method to define the problem domain and discover the conditions that need improvement in a business process Employ use cases in the analysis of requirements and information to create a solution to the business problem Translate use cases into requirements Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Overview of use case modeling What is a use case model? The 'how and why' of use cases When to perform use case modeling Where use cases fit into the solution life cycle Use cases in the problem domain Use cases in the solution domain Use case strengths and weaknesses Use case variations Use case driven development Use case lexicon Use cases Actors and roles Associations Goals Boundaries Use cases though the life cycle Use cases in the life cycle Managing requirements with use cases The life cycle is use case driven Elicitation with Use Cases Overview of the basic mechanics and vocabulary of use cases Apply methods of use case elicitation to define the problem domain, or 'as is' process Use case diagrams Why diagram? Partitioning the domain Use case diagramming guidelines How to employ use case diagrams in elicitation Guidelines for use case elicitation sessions Eliciting the problem domain Use case descriptions Use case generic description template Alternative templates Elements Pre and post conditions Main Success Scenario The conversation Alternate paths Exception paths Writing good use case descriptions Eliciting the detailed workflow with use case descriptions Additional information about use cases Analyzing Requirements with Use Cases Use case analysis on existing requirements Confirming and validating requirements with use cases Confirming and validating information with use cases Defining the actors and use cases in a set of requirements Creating the scenarios Essential (requirements) use case Use case level of detail Use Case Analysis Techniques Generalization and Specialization When to use generalization or specialization Generalization and specialization of actors Generalization and specialization of use cases Examples Associating generalizations Subtleties and guidelines Use Case Extensions The <> association The <> association Applying the extensions Incorporating extension points into use case descriptions Why use these extensions? Extensions or separate use cases Guidelines for extensions Applying use case extensions Patterns and anomalies o Redundant actors Linking hierarchies Granularity issues Non-user interface use cases Quality considerations Use case modeling errors to avoid Evaluating use case descriptions Use case quality checklist Relationship between Use Cases and Business Requirements Creating a Requirements Specification from Use Cases Flowing the conversation into requirements Mapping to functional specifications Adding non-functional requirements Relating use cases to other artifacts Wire diagrams and user interface specifications Tying use cases to test cases and scenarios Project plans and project schedules Relationship between Use Cases and Functional Specifications System use cases Reviewing business use cases Balancing use cases Use case realizations Expanding and explaining complexity Activity diagrams State Machine diagrams Sequence diagrams Activity Diagrams Applying what we know Extension points Use case chaining Identifying decision points Use Case Good Practices The documentation trail for use cases Use case re-use Use case checklist Summary What did we learn, and how can we implement this in our work environment?
Emotional Intelligence (Virtual) Emotional Intelligence is a set of emotional and social skills that collectively establish how well we: Perceive and express ourselves Develop and maintain social relationships Cope with challenges Use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way It is a skill set that transfers across all categories of relationships. It is also a predictor of success - both in life and at work. This highly-interactive course delivers a practical approach to developing, improving, and sustaining effective and mutually beneficial relationships. The design of the course involves individual reflection and paired activities, interwoven with small and large group interactions. The EQ-i 2.0® assessment reports will be debriefed over the course of the two days. In addition, participants will delve into their personal strengths and blind spots, and will explore topics including: the neuroscience of emotion, the connection between empathy and performance, and how communication styles impact our perceptions of self and other. Role-play activities give participants the opportunity to try out new behaviors and techniques. The program includes: A personal behavioral profile, the results of which you will bring to your training 2-day highly interactive workshop and experiential learning Optional professional coaching activities initiated in class that can continue over the four months after class ends What you will Learn Recognize your interpersonal strengths and potential blind spots regarding Emotional Intelligence Identify the five domains within the EQ-i 2.0 assessment model Summarize what neuroscience research has discovered about emotions and actions Recognize ways that human beings are physiologically impacted by stress Articulate ways to develop and maintain strong working relationships Describe how emotional intelligence translates into high performance Make use of the EI model and associated competencies Employ strategies for enhancing leadership through Emotional Intelligence Getting Started Foundation Concepts The biology of emotion Why Emotional Intelligence matters The impact of EI on performance The EQ-I 2.0 Model Overview of the EQ-i 2.0 framework Exploring your report Balancing your EI domains Self: Awareness and Sensitivity Self-awareness and empathy Perception vs. reality Acting by choice, not impulse Other: Communication and Relationship-Building Elements of effective communication Communication styles Communication techniques Neuroscience and Behavioral Change Insights from social neuroscience Making a change Summary and Next Steps
Networks demystified training course description A concise overview course covering all aspects of networking with particular emphasis of use of the 7 layer model as a framework for discussing and learning new network terms enabling delegates to recognise the main buzzwords used in the industry. What will you learn Use the 7 layer model to classify networking terms. Differentiate between LANS and WANS. Recognise bandwidth measurements. List LAN and WAN technologies. Recognise cabling issues in a network. Networks demystified training course details Who will benefit: Sales staff, managers and other non-technical personnel. Technical personnel may benefit more from our Intro to data communications and networking course. Prerequisites: None. Duration 1 day Networks demystified training course contents What are networks? What is a network? Types of network, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), connecting networks together with routers. The 7 layer model What is the 7 layer model? The importance of standards, using the 7 layer model to classify networking terms. Cables Copper, Fibre, Air, standards, connectors, LAN cables, WAN cables, distance limitations, hubs and repeaters, other issues. The radio spectrum. Bandwidth Bits and bytes. Bandwidth measurements, common technologies and their bandwidth, the impact of applications on bandwidth. Full and half duplex. Joining cables together to increase bandwidth (Link aggregation). LANs and WANs What is Ethernet? What is WiFi? What are Leased lines? What is MPLS? Ethernet switches Ethernet 'packets', MAC addresses, what is a switch, what is the difference between a hub and a switch. TCP/IP What is TCP/IP? What is a protocol? What is IP? What is TCP? The role of routers in joining LANS and WANS, What is the Internet? Applications Ways to use the network, clients, servers, web browsing and HTTP, Email, instant messaging, multimedia applications.
Effective Negotiation Skills for Business Success (Virtual) Become skillful at dealing with unworkable differences - situations where there appears to be no acceptable compromise or acceptable solution. This interactive workshop shows you how to work towards agreements where all parties are satisfied that they have reached a wise outcome efficiently, and where they can come back to the table in the future because the relationship is intact. You will have the opportunity to re-visit a difficult / challenging negotiation that you experienced in the past as well as take part in progressively more challenging case studies that are tailored to the work you do. You will enhance your personal and professional life with powerful new negotiating skills. The goal of this workshop is to improve your negotiation skills by helping you to identify your own preferred negotiation style and strategies, and to learn about the need to plan for any upcoming negotiation. The workshop is also designed for you to experience typical negotiation situations at certain key points of the life cycle of a project, enabling you to develop an awareness of your effectiveness during negotiations at these stages. The majority of time is spent on practicing newly presented negotiation techniques and receiving feedback on application for further development and improvement. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Identify your preferred negotiation style and strategies Examine the Principled Negotiation Model Adapt your negotiation strategy to the progress of the negotiation Experience typical negotiation situations during the life cycle of a project Develop an awareness of your effectiveness during negotiations Improve your negotiation skills Negotiation Model Negotiation defined Negotiation phases Common approaches to negotiating Principled Negotiating Principled negotiation and the four rules Best alternative to a negotiated agreement Project Negotiation Simulation: Part 1 and Part 2 Project Negotiation Simulation: Part 1 Project Negotiation Simulation: Part 2 Negotiating Cases Negotiating cases Summary and Next Steps
Managing Complex Projects: Virtual In-House Training As knowledge and technology expand exponentially, organizations are finding that the tools, processes, and methods used to select, plan, and manage their projects are insufficient for the challenges posed by them. The goal of this course is to provide participants with a working knowledge of project complexities and a framework for managing the ambiguities involved in today's fast-changing, competitive, and technology-based environment As knowledge and technology expand exponentially, organizations are finding that the tools, processes, and methods used to select, plan, and manage their projects are insufficient for the challenges posed by them. Complex projects don't necessarily follow the rules of traditional projects - in many instances the projects' end-products, and the methods by which they will be produced, are not easily defined. Stakeholder diversity and geographical dispersion contribute to the difficulties project managers face in their efforts to gain acceptance of project goals, objectives, and changes. Additionally, hierarchic leadership styles, traditional lifecycle approaches, and traditional project manager competencies may no longer maximize the efficiencies that need to be realized on complex projects. The goal of this course is to provide participants with a working knowledge of project complexities and a framework for managing the ambiguities involved in today's fast-changing, competitive, and technology-based environments. What you Will Learn The learning objectives of this workshop are to enable participants to: Appreciate complexity and its impact on the management of projects Describe the differences among traditional, complicated, and complex projects Explain the effects of complexity on the PMBOK® Guide's process groups Apply a high-level model in the management of real- world projects Complexity and Projects Some characteristics of complex systems Important models/characteristics of complex projects Major players in project complexity Landscapes and project typologies A supplemental framework for complex projects Framing Framing overview Potential pitfalls in framing complex projects Possible solutions Inception Centrality of risk management PM competencies, selection Stakeholder identification, analysis Blueprint Collaborative planning Stakeholder engagements Alternative methodologies/life cycles Collaborative scheduling Procurement management Oversight, Navigation, and Adjustment Leadership and the project team Stakeholder management Networks Close and Continuous Improvement Transition/support Post-project evaluations Rewards/Recognition
Introduction to Design Thinking: Virtual In-House Training Innovation is the cornerstone of highly successful companies, especially those that continue to be successful over the years and decades. Design thinking practices fuel this continual innovation, as they are the critical links from inspiration to delivery, concept to showroom floor, and start-up to global business. Design thinking is a structured approach to promoting innovation and creative problem-solving. It is not a new approach. It has been around for centuries, as the art, architecture, and inventions of mankind illustrate. By examining the steps to achieving great design and maximum utility of product, design thinking approaches provide a framework in which to develop new solutions to problems and new products to sell. This highly interactive course is designed to help participants think like designers to generate innovation, and to help teams to produce more innovation and creativity. Since design thinking is based on doing rather than thinking, we participants are challenged to apply the techniques, in the classroom, to create new ideas and solutions to a case study project. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the underlying principles and value of using Design Thinking for innovation Describe the basic concepts of the Stanford Model for Design Thinking Evaluate a set of basic Design Thinking techniques for application to your projects Apply tools, techniques, and skills aligned with the 5 stages of the Stanford Model Drive innovation through Design Thinking at some level in your work environment Foundation Concepts Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks Stages of Design Thinking Problems and solutions The Design Thinking difference Design Thinking skills and abilities Design Thinking mindset Design Thinking frameworks General Practices Team formation Visualization Improvisation Personalization Empathize Practices Overview of Empathize techniques Observation Engagement Interviews Define Practices Overview of Define practices Unpacking techniques Defining the customer techniques Integrating the Define experience Ideate Practices Overview of Ideate practices Reusable techniques for the Ideate stage New Ideate techniques to explore Prototype & Test Practices Overview of Prototype practices Examples of prototypes Overview of Testing practices Forms of testing techniques Adopt and Adapt Design Thinking Overview of Design Thinking implementation Design Thinking implementation challenges Success in implementing Design Thinking Summary and Next Steps Workshop summary Next steps: Personal Action Plans
Risk Management for IT Projects: Virtual In-House Training IT projects may have direct bottom-line impact on the organization, cost millions of dollars, cause organizational change and change the way the organization is perceived by clients. Many IT projects are notoriously hard to predict and are filled with risk. IT Risk Management takes a comprehensive look at IT project risk management using PMI's PMBOK® Guide Risk Management Model in the context of IT Project Life Cycle phases. The goal of this course is to arm the practitioner with a rigorous, common-sense approach to addressing uncertainty in projects. This approach includes the ability to influence project outcomes, avoid many potential project risks, and be ready to calmly and efficiently respond to unavoidable challenges. What you will Learn You'll learn how to: Describe the risk management process, using the PMBOK® Guide's standard models and terminology Discuss the potential barriers to managing risk effectively in IT project organizations Develop an effective risk management plan for IT projects Identify project risks using IT-specific, practical tools Analyze individual risk events and overall project risk using IT-specific, practical approaches Plan effective responses to IT-specific risk based on the results of risk analysis and integrate risk responses into project schedules and cost estimates Manage and control risk throughout the IT project life cycle Implement selected elements of IT project risk management on your next project Foundation Concepts Basic concepts and purpose Risk and project constraints Risk and corporate cultures Risk management and IT PLC standards Plan Risk Management for IT Projects Plan Risk management process Plan Risk management activities Design a standard template Assess the project-specific needs Tailor the template Produce a project-specific risk management plan Gain consensus and submit as part of overall project plan A risk management plan of IT projects Identify Risks for IT Projects Identify risk process overview Risk categories and examples Risk identification tools Risk events by project life-cycle phases Perform Risk Analysis for IT Projects Perform qualitative risk analysis overview Core qualitative tools for IT projects Auxiliary qualitative tools for cost and schedule estimates When to use quantitative analysis for IT projects Plan Risk Response for IT Projects Plan risk response overview Active risk response strategies for IT projects (Threat and Opportunity) Acceptance and contingency reserves Contingency planning for IT projects Plan risk responses for IT projects Implement Risk Response for IT Projects Implement Risk Responses Executing Risk Response Plans Techniques and Tools Used Continuous Risk Management Monitor Risks for IT Projects Monitor risks overview Monitor risks tips for IT projects Technical performance measurement systems Risk management implementation for IT projects
Business Intelligence: Virtual In-House Training Business Intelligence (BI) refers to a set of technology-based techniques, applications, and practices used to aggregate, analyze, and present business data. BI practices provide historical and current views of vast amounts of data and generate predictions for business operations. The purpose of Business Intelligence is the support of better business decision making. This course provides an overview of the technology and application of BI and how it can be used to improve corporate performance. What you will Learn You will learn how to: Specify a data warehouse schema Identify the data and visualization to be used for data mining and Business Intelligence Design a Business Intelligence user interface Getting Started Introductions Agenda Expectations Foundation Concepts The challenge of decision making What is Business Intelligence? The Business Intelligence value proposition Business Intelligence taxonomy Business Intelligence management issues Sources of Business Intelligence Data warehousing Data and information Information architecture Defining the data warehouse and its relationships Facts and dimensions Modeling, meta-modeling, and schemas Alternate architectures Building the data warehouse Extracting Transforming Loading Setting up the data and relationships Dimensions and the Fact Table Implementing many-to-many relationships in data warehouse Data marts Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) What is OLAP? OLAP and OLTP OLAP functionality Multi-dimensions Thinking in more than two dimensions What are the possibilities? OLAP architecture Cubism Tools OLAP variations - MOLAP, ROLAP, HOLAP BI using SOA Applications of Business Intelligence Applying BI through OLAP Enterprise Resource Planning and CRM Business Intelligence and financial information Business Intelligence User Interfaces and Presentations Data access Push-pull data access Types of decision support systems Designing the front end Presentation formats Dashboards Types of dashboards Common dashboard features Briefing books and scorecards Querying and Reporting Reporting emphasis Retrofitting Talking back Key Performance Indicators Report Definition and Visualization Typical reporting environment Forms of visualization Unconstrained views Data mining What is in the mine? Applications for data mining Data mining architecture Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CISP-DM) Data mining techniques Validation The Business Intelligence User Experience The business analyst role Business analysis and data analysis Five-step approach Cultural impact Identifying questions Gathering information Understand the goals The strategic Business Intelligence cycle Focus of Business Intelligence Design for the user Iterate the access Iterative solution development process Review and validation questions Basic approaches Building ad-hoc queries Building on-demand self-service reports Closed loop Business Intelligence Coming attractions - future of Business Intelligence Best practices in Business Intelligence
Applied Strategic Healthcare Leadership Course An ACHE-Accredited Executive Program | $1,200 USD Sharpen Your Strategic and Financial Leadership in Healthcare This highly interactive program is designed exclusively for executives and fellows of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) who are ready to elevate their strategic and financial decision-making capabilities through immersive simulation-based learning. Delivered over a series of six engaging Zoom sessions, the Applied Strategic Healthcare Leadership Course equips you with critical tools to drive performance in your healthcare organization while earning 12 ACHE continuing professional education credits. What Makes This Course Unique? Simulation-Based Learning: Leverage the industry-leading Healthcare Hero hospital management simulation, used in top-tier MHA and MBA programs globally. Team-Based Executive Challenge: Work in teams to manage a virtual hospital, facing real-world challenges and dynamic market forces. Experiential Learning: Make executive-level decisions across strategy, operations, and finance in a safe, competitive environment that mirrors the complexities of modern healthcare. Facilitated by Experts: Guided by experienced healthcare and simulation facilitators with deep knowledge of executive leadership and health system strategy. Course Format 6 x 2-hour Zoom sessions (12 contact hours total) The zoom sessions will run weekly from Saturday 11am-1pm Eastern, starting on April 5th Combines strategic and financial management lectures with 8 intensive simulation rounds Practice rounds to build confidence, followed by a competitive live game Final session includes a powerful executive debrief to help you apply insights directly to your organization Key Learning Outcomes By completing this program, you will: ✔ Apply advanced strategy frameworks tailored to healthcare ✔ Strengthen your financial leadership with healthcare-specific KPIs and analysis ✔ Improve team-based executive decision-making under real-world pressure ✔ Learn how to balance mission, margin, and market dynamics ✔ Take home actionable insights to drive performance improvement in your role Who Should Enroll This course is ideal for: ACHE members and fellows seeking executive-level simulation training Healthcare executives responsible for strategy, operations, or finance MHA/MBA graduates looking to sharpen applied skills Leaders preparing for expanded organizational responsibility Program Fee 💲 $1,200 USD (Includes full simulation access, live facilitation, team coaching, and all course materials.) Enroll Now About the Simulation Healthcare Hero is a highly acclaimed hospital management simulation designed to challenge participants with the real-world complexities of running a competitive healthcare system. Trusted by leading universities and executive education programs worldwide. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Who is this course designed for? This program is specifically designed for healthcare executives, ACHE members, and fellows who wish to enhance their strategic, financial, and leadership capabilities through applied learning. It’s also ideal for senior managers preparing for executive roles. 2. How does the Healthcare Hero simulation work? Healthcare Hero is an interactive, web-based hospital management simulation. Working in teams, you will make key decisions across hospital strategy, operations, and finance, while competing against other teams in a dynamic, simulated healthcare market. No prior simulation experience is required—full guidance will be provided. 3. How much time will I need to commit? The program consists of 6 x 2-hour Zoom sessions (12 hours total), spread over several weeks. Between sessions, you may wish to review materials or discuss strategies with your team, but no additional time commitment is required. 4. What topics will be covered? You will explore critical areas such as healthcare strategy, financial management, team leadership, and decision-making under pressure. The course blends applied simulation rounds with lectures on strategic management and financial leadership in healthcare. 5. Will I earn ACHE continuing professional education (CPE) credits? Yes, this program is eligible for 12 ACHE-approved CPE credits, contributing toward your ongoing professional development. 6. Do I need prior experience with simulations? No simulation experience is needed. The first sessions include practice rounds and onboarding to help you get comfortable with the platform and decision-making process. 7. How will teams be formed? Participants will be assigned to teams during the first session to encourage collaboration, peer learning, and networking. Team performance will be key to success in the simulation. 8. What’s included in the course fee? Your $1,200 USD fee includes access to the Healthcare Hero simulation, live facilitation, course materials, team coaching, and participation in all Zoom sessions. 9. Is there a certificate of completion? Yes, participants will receive a certificate of completion after finishing the course and simulation rounds. This can be used to demonstrate CPE credits to ACHE. 10. Can I cancel or transfer my registration? Cancellations are allowed up to 14 days before the course start date for a full refund. Transfers to a future cohort are available subject to availability. Please contact us directly to process cancellations or transfers.