7704 Objective courses

Strategic Thinking The goal of this course is to provide you with the building blocks and the motivation to develop the critical skill of strategic thinking. The participants will consider a four-part model that distinguishes strategic thinking from strategic planning and managing. With that understanding, you will investigate the critical components of strategic thinking and how to apply it effectively. What you Will Learn Define strategic thinking and distinguish it from strategic planning and management Explain a high-level approach to gaining strategic thinking skills Integrate other interpersonal skills, such as self-awareness, systems thinking, leadership, constructive conflict, and collaboration, into the fabric of strategic thinking skills Select appropriate techniques to apply strategic thinking in specific situations Recognize and emulate effective strategic thinking behaviors Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Interactive event: Define Strategic Thinking (ST) Interactive event: Discuss relationship of ST with Strategic Planning, Management and Decision Making Strategic Level Framework - Tying it all together Strategic thinking attributes Strategic Thinking Critical Success Factors Strategic Thinking Critical Success Factors - 5-part model Strategic Thinking and the Organization Critical Success Factors Model applied to an organization Tools Introduction (5): Environmental, 5 Forces, SWOT, Value Proposition, Integral Theory of Worldview Video: Fog of War Strategic Thinking and the Individual Critical Success Factors Model applied to an individual Tools Introduction (5): Thinking Styles, Six Thinking Hats, Reverse Thinking, Systems Thinking, Integral Theory of Worldview Strategic Thinking at the Interpersonal and Team Levels Emotional Intelligence - Self Awareness and Working With Others Team Leadership and Trust Constructive Conflict as the Gateway to Collaboration Interactive event: Testing the Models - Challenge Perspective; What's Missing Applying the critical skill of Strategic Thinking Worldview: Team versus client Trusted Advisor Interactive event: Doing what is asked (Case study, wherein participants review the default case scenario prepared for this workshop and add specific details to make the scenario more relevant to their experiences / needs. Teams develop an action plan for applying ST concepts and techniques they have learned here to the situation, then compare and contrast results.)

Strategic Thinking (In-Person) The goal of this course is to provide you with the building blocks and the motivation to develop the critical skill of strategic thinking. The participants will consider a four-part model that distinguishes strategic thinking from strategic planning and managing. With that understanding, you will investigate the critical components of strategic thinking and how to apply it effectively. What You Will Learn You will learn how to: Define strategic thinking and distinguish it from strategic planning and management Explain a high-level approach to gaining strategic thinking skills Integrate other interpersonal skills, such as self-awareness, systems thinking, leadership, constructive conflict, and collaboration, into the fabric of strategic thinking skills Select appropriate techniques to apply strategic thinking in specific situations Recognize and emulate effective strategic thinking behaviors Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Interactive event: Define Strategic Thinking (ST) Interactive event: Discuss relationship of ST with Strategic Planning, Management and Decision Making Strategic Level Framework - Tying it all together Strategic thinking attributes Strategic Thinking Critical Success Factors Strategic Thinking Critical Success Factors - 5-part model Strategic Thinking and the Organization Critical Success Factors Model applied to an organization Tools Introduction (5): Environmental, 5 Forces, SWOT, Value Proposition, Integral Theory of Worldview Video: Fog of War Strategic Thinking and the Individual Critical Success Factors Model applied to an individual Tools Introduction (5): Thinking Styles, Six Thinking Hats, Reverse Thinking, Systems Thinking, Integral Theory of Worldview Strategic Thinking at the Interpersonal and Team Levels Emotional Intelligence - Self Awareness and Working With Others Team Leadership and Trust Constructive Conflict as the Gateway to Collaboration Interactive event: Testing the Models - Challenge Perspective; What's Missing Applying the critical skill of Strategic Thinking Worldview: Team versus client Trusted Advisor Interactive event: Doing what is asked (Case study, wherein participants review the default case scenario prepared for this workshop and add specific details to make the scenario more relevant to their experiences / needs. Teams develop an action plan for applying ST concepts and techniques they have learned here to the situation, then compare and contrast results.)

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

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

Effective Presentation Skills: In-House Training In today's results-oriented, global working environment, the ability to create and deliver presentations effectively is a necessary skill set for people at all levels of an organization. Regardless of your role, it's important to know how to synthesize your ideas into a coherent and focused narrative, add visuals that support and reinforce your message, and deliver it in a way that resonates with your audience. In this highly interactive course, we will unpack and practice some of the tools and techniques used by top speakers and influencers all over the world. In this engaging two-day course, you will plan, write, refine, practice, and deliver a presentation to the class. Your presentation will be filmed on both days, and you will leave the course with a flash-drive copy of your videos; participants of the virtual classroom workshop should be prepared to present via webcam. In addition to discovering and enhancing your own personal delivery style, you will learn how to create an overarching goal for your presentation and then organize and structure it for maximum impact. You'll gain insight into how to anticipate your audience's needs and tailor the content and delivery in a way that connects with them and sustains their attention and engagement. You will also learn skills that will help you control nervous energy, remain focused on and attuned to your audience, improvise under pressure, deal effectively with questions, and build a compelling call to action. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Construct an effective presentation goal statement, opening, body, and closing that connect with an audience Analyze an audience's needs and style preferences, including relevant DiSC®-related elements Deliver a complete criteria-based presentation that will persuade others Align usage of visuals as well as verbal and non-verbal techniques to maximize the impact of your presentation Getting Started Introductions and social agreements Course structure Course goals and objectives Opening activities Planning and Organizing Video: 'The Art of Misdirection' Setting your presentation goal Writing a goal statement Analyzing your audience Applying the 'reality' test Creating and strengthening supports Structuring your presentation 5 components of an effective opening Presentation body Presentation closing Write your presentation opening Audience Analysis Video: 'How to Tie Your Shoes' Everything DiSC® introduction Audience DiSC® Styles Analyzing your audience Further audience analysis Effective Delivery Delivery challenges: virtual and in-person Keeping your audience engaged Your body as your instrument Verbal / paraverbal elements Body stance and nonverbal communication What are your 'tells?' Controlling nervousness Staying attuned to your audience Responding to questions Review and edit your opening Deliver your opening Visuals and Enriching Elements Using images in your presentation Guidelines for visual composition Using questions to engage your audience The power of the pause Practicing and Applying What You've Learned Preparation Delivery Feedback Opportunity to put into practice the program content and receive a video copy Summary and Next Steps What did we learn and how can we implement this in our work environment? Your personal action plan

Effective Presentation Skills (In-Person) In today's results-oriented, global working environment, the ability to create and deliver presentations effectively is a necessary skill set for people at all levels of an organization. Regardless of your role, it's important to know how to synthesize your ideas into a coherent and focused narrative, add visuals that support and reinforce your message, and deliver it in a way that resonates with your audience. In this highly interactive course, we will unpack and practice some of the tools and techniques used by top speakers and influencers all over the world. In this engaging two-day course, you will plan, write, refine, practice, and deliver a presentation to the class. Your presentation will be filmed on both days, and you will leave the course with a flash-drive copy of your videos; participants of the virtual classroom workshop should be prepared to present via webcam. In addition to discovering and enhancing your own personal delivery style, you will learn how to create an overarching goal for your presentation and then organize and structure it for maximum impact. You'll gain insight into how to anticipate your audience's needs and tailor the content and delivery in a way that connects with them and sustains their attention and engagement. You will also learn skills that will help you control nervous energy, remain focused on and attuned to your audience, improvise under pressure, deal effectively with questions, and build a compelling call to action. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Construct an effective presentation goal statement, opening, body, and closing that connect with an audience Analyze an audience's needs and style preferences, including relevant DiSC®-related elements Deliver a complete criteria-based presentation that will persuade others Align usage of visuals as well as verbal and non-verbal techniques to maximize the impact of your presentation Getting Started Introductions and social agreements Course structure Course goals and objectives Opening activities Planning and Organizing Video: 'The Art of Misdirection' Setting your presentation goal Writing a goal statement Analyzing your audience Applying the 'reality' test Creating and strengthening supports Structuring your presentation 5 components of an effective opening Presentation body Presentation closing Write your presentation opening Audience Analysis Video: 'How to Tie Your Shoes' Everything DiSC® introduction Audience DiSC® Styles Analyzing your audience Further audience analysis Effective Delivery Delivery challenges and in-person Keeping your audience engaged Your body as your instrument Verbal / paraverbal elements Body stance and nonverbal communication What are your 'tells?' Controlling nervousness Staying attuned to your audience Responding to questions Review and edit your opening Deliver your opening Visuals and Enriching Elements Using images in your presentation Guidelines for visual composition Using questions to engage your audience The power of the pause Practicing and Applying What You've Learned Preparation Delivery Feedback Opportunity to put into practice the program content and receive a video copy Summary and Next Steps What did we learn and how can we implement this in our work environment? Your personal action plan

Agile is not what you do, Agile is what you become! An introduction to the essentials of Agile Scrum as a delivery method. The same learning objectives as used in central government & public sector digital delivery projects. Agile is not what you do, Agile is what you become! Since 2012, all government departments have been required to use the Agile approach to project management, to build and run new digital services. As you begin your Agile journey, one of your first challenges will be understanding the rules and roles that support Agile delivery, some of the most frequently asked questions are "Which Agile framework is applicable to our business operating model?" or, "Is the Project Manager role equivalent to that of theProduct Owner?" and, "What does a Scrum Master do?" A strong corporate culture not accustomed to the Agile mindset can also be a difficult environment in which to implement Agile methods. In some cases, the company’s culture and practices may reward non-Agile milestones while inadvertently discouraging Agile success. This intensive two-day training course combines PowerPoint presentations, informal discussions and practical exercises to introduce you to Agile Scrum as a Delivery Method, without the impending pressure of having to pass a formal certification examination. Previous experience of Agile delivery is not a pre-requisite to attending this course, although it is assumed delegates have previously attended the Primer course, or have some understanding of Agile Scrum terms and practices. This course, designed by Agile Scrum practitioners and coaches with specialist experience of working on GDS (Government Digital Service) Service Standards compliant government and public sector projects has been accredited by The CPD Certification Service and is now available outside its usual central government and public sector digital delivery setting. Who this course is for Service and Programme Managers If you are a Service Manager or Programm Manager who wants to explore the benefits of transitioning to Agile ways of working and want to understand how your existing business processes and resource landscape will fit into an Agile delivery model, then this course aims to provide you with enough information to enable you to make an informed decision. Career ambitions If you are new to Agile and your intention is to pursue a career either as an Agile Scrum Master or Agile Product Owner, you will hopefully be provided with enough knowledge to enable you to determine which role best suits your Agile career ambitions. Frequently Asked Questions How this course differs from other Agile courses Delegates will learn the 'How', not just the 'What'! This course has been designed by highly experienced Agile practitioners and coaches with specialist real-life experience of working on GDS (Government Digital Service) Service Design Standard projects. Delegates will find that the learning objectives are significantly more detailed than with other Agile courses which only focus on teaching the learning objectives of The Scrum Guide. Delegates must take the certification assessment. No! During enrolment, delegates can opt out of taking the C-ASDM certification assessment. The online Agile Scrum as a Delivery Method – Essentials course quiz is optional Absolutely! Delegates are provided access to the online Agile knowledge quiz which accompanies the Agile Scrum as a Delivery Method – Essentials course. The quiz helps delegates gauge their level of attainment but is entirely optional. Delegates can take the certification assessment without enrolling on the course. Yes! Delegates with existing Agile project delivery experience can choose to take the certification assessment without enrolling on the course. I will receive my certificate as soon as I have completed the course You will initially receive an Assessment Completion report after completing the assessment. The report details the certification status: 'Pass' or 'Fail', and includes information on which questions were answered incorrectly. Your certificate is issued by the CPD Certification Service approximately four-to six-weeks after successfully completing and passing the C-ASDM Certification Assessment. A CPD certification is recognised by employers Yes! CPD certification is recognised by private and public sector employers, and in central government departments as a valuable way to evaluate the skills of an individual, and the quality of the learning activities. Listing your CPD certification as well as the number of CPD Points you have achieved on your CV is essentially showcasing your achievements in continuing your professional development. One CPD Point is equivalent to an hour of training CPD points are units that quantify time, and the quality of learning and development activities. Delegates will earn 3 CPD Points upon successful completion of the C-ASDM Certification Assessment or 13 CPD Points after completing the two-day course. My CPD certificate will expire after three years Your certificate will not expire however, best practice suggests a renewal after three years. You can do this by enrolling on the C-ASDM course to ensure your knowledge of Agile as a Delivery Method is up to date. Service features Two-day Agile Scrum training course The course uses eCommerce and other Business Case examples for context Optional online CPD certification assessment Optional Agile knowledge quiz to help delegates gauge level of attainment Online Retrospective feedback to enable continuous course improvements. Service benefits Delegates will understand the concepts and benefits of Agile Scrum development Scrum team roles and role accountabilities INVEST-compliant User Stories and BDD formatted Acceptance Criteria Agile approach to incremental project delivery Agile artefacts and Agile reports (burn-down & burn-up charts) Agile Events & Scrum rules Comparison: Agile methodologies (Lean, XP, SAFe & Scrum) Use of Kanban for workflow management Government Digital Service (GDS) Service Standards and Service Assessment Be able to communicate the ideals of Agile to stakeholders Service Agenda General knowledge Agile Delivery 101 Scrum process and sprints Applicability of Scrum Agile Manifesto Scrum roles and accountabilities Overview of Scrum roles (Core & Ancillary) Scrum Master role and role responsibilities Scrum Product Owner role and role responsibilities Scrum team Scrum events Sprint Planning Daily Scrums Sprint Reviews Sprint Retrospectives Scrum artefacts Product Backlog Sprint Backlog Increments Scrum Reports Burn-down and Burn-up Charts Scaling Scrum Working with multiple Scrum teams Working with distributed Scrum teams GDS (Government Digital Service) Service Standards Service Assessments Risks and challenges Risks and challenges of transitioning to Agile delivery Frequently asked questions Discussion on frequently asked Agile questions Agile knowledge quiz Examples of the multiple-choice questions in the optional online quiz On-going support Email support No Telephone support No Webchat support No Online support No Community Support Yes! Delegates are offered access to our private online 'Community of Agile Scrum Practitioners'. Delegates who achieve the pass mark for CPD certification are additionally offered access to our private 'Certified Scrum Practitioners’ Guild', a private Slack community of like-minded Agile professionals.

This course will provide an opportunity to begin to understand what commercial and financial awareness means and the importance of everyone in thinking commercially.

Course Information Our extensively proven course delves into the essential stages of process and system auditing. Gain invaluable insights and direction in auditing systems and processes, spanning across global and local organisational levels. This course will assist delegates with: A practical approach for the development and conduct of process and system audits An enhanced understanding of key system audit principles, preparation, design and conduct Increased expertise, efficiency and confidence. This course is structured to encourage delegates to: Discuss and develop ideas Solve specific problems Share knowledge and experiences. By the end of the course delegates will be better able to: Design and plan more effectively to achieve their process and systems audit objectives and add value to their organisation Improve the effectiveness, focus and credibility of the audit programme Understand the key system audit principles, preparation, design and conduct Develop system audit tools to ensure more effective audit conduct and outcome Create audit strategies utilising risk management principles Prepare for inspections. Tutors Tutors will be comprised of (click the photos for biographies): Allison Jack Executive Director, Bristol Myers Squibb Rocio Castellanos Director, Pfizer Ltd Guy Houben G(C)LP Auditor, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson Programme Please note timings may be subject to alteration. Day 1 08:50 Registration 09:00 Welcome and Introductions, Expectations/Challenges/Experiences A discussion to explore the range of approaches to the conduct of systems audit. 09:30 Introducing Systems Audit What is a system? Why conduct system audits? Advantages, disadvantages and challenges. 10:20 Break 10:35 Systems Audit Design and Planning Identifying the customer, setting objectives, development of the audit plan and audit tools, plans for the audit report. 12:00 Designing System Audit Tools 12:45 Lunch 13:30 System Audit Plan - Exercise 14:00 Introduction to Case Studies The objectives of the case studies are defined and process and outputs described. 14:15 Case Studies - Session 1 A first opportunity for work on case studies. Defining objectives and scope and understanding the requirements of the audit client. 15:00 Break 15:20 Case Studies - Session 1 continued 16:30 Case Studies - Feedback 17:00 Close of Day 1 Day 2 09:00 Simple System Audit Example - Introduction The objectives of the case studies are defined and process and outputs described. 09:10 Case Studies - Session 2 - A Simple System Audit Example An example of system audit applied to a simple system. 10:30 Break 10:45 A Simple System Audit Example - Case Study Feedback 11:30 Strategy Audit programme planning. 12:15 Lunch 13:00 Case Studies - Session 3 Work on delegate's case studies. 14:30 Break 14:45 Case Studies - Session 3 - Feedback 15:15 Closing remarks 15:30 Close of course Extra Information Face-to-face course Course Material Course material will be available in PDF format for delegates attending this course. The advantages of this include: Ability for delegates to keep material on a mobile device Ability to review material at any time pre and post course Environmental benefits – less paper being used per course. The material will be emailed in advance of the course and RQA will not be providing any printed copies of the course notes during the training itself. Delegates wishing to have a hard copy of the notes should print these in advance to bring with them. Alternatively delegates are welcome to bring along their own portable devices to view the material during the training sessions. Remote course Course Material This course will be run completely online. You will receive an email with a link to our online system, which will house your licensed course materials and access to the remote event. Please note this course will run in UK timezone. The advantages of this include: Ability for delegates to keep material on a mobile device Ability to review material at any time pre and post course Environmental benefits – less paper being used per course Access to an online course group to enhance networking. You will need a stable internet connection, a microphone and a webcam. CPD Points 14 Points Development Level Develop

This one-day course introduces the field of user experience and provides an excellent entry point to our other specialised training courses. UX processes and practices have become a central component of product design, service design and web design.