2 Educators providing Programme Manager courses in Abingdon-on-Thames

Project management can seem scary and rather intimidating. The whole aim of this programme is to give people a simple and straightforward way of dealing with projects without having to use complex and confusing systems. This two-day course is designed to introduce the apparently complex world of project management in a simple and practical manner. The programme is for anybody who has to run a project of any nature. It has been attended by people from as diverse fields as events management, fashion, charities, oil companies and so on. The programme is run without using any IT project management systems although an introduction can be given if required. At the end of the programme participants will leave understanding: What a project is and why projects are so important today The roles of a project manager Some key language and concepts A simple 5-step model for organising projects How to make sure you understand what your 'client' really wants A set of three simple tools to plan the project How to make decisions What to monitor when the project is running How to close the project 1 Introduction What is the aim of this programme? 2 Background thinking What is a project? The project manager's eternal triangle (cost-quality-time) What are the characteristics of successful projects? Who are the key characters in a project? What are the roles of a project manager? 3 The project process Why have one? 4 Project initiation What is the aim? Identifying key information Key skill: mission analysis Initial risk analysis Document and sign-off 5 Decision-making - 'Stop, Think, Act!' The 'Stop, Think, Act!' technique Recognise the opportunity to make a decision The 3 Cs - making sure we understand the decisions we have to make Identifying options Making your decision Taking it to action 6 Creativity 7 The planning stage Identify all discrete tasks Sequence and dependencies Time line - critical path Resources Project base-line 8 Execution stage - delivering the result Monitor Evaluate Adapt Control Review 9 The project close Review Documentation Have we delivered? What have we learned?

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) 5th Edition Practitioner: In-House Training Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) is a globally-recognized framework for best practice programme management. MSP certification provides guidance for programme managers, business change managers, and the next step for project managers to develop their knowledge and skills to be able to positively respond to the challenges of managing programmes and larger, more strategic, or multiple projects. MSP 5th Edition emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness by adopting an incremental approach to the programme lifecycle and thus enabling organizational agility. AXELOS offers two levels of MSP Examination: MSP Foundation and MSP Practitioner. The MSP 5th Edition Foundation Examination is intended to assess whether the candidate can demonstrate sufficient recall and understanding of the MSP programme management framework. MSP 5th Edition Practitioner is for project, programme, and business change managers that want to build on their knowledge of MSP in order to practically apply the MSP framework to real-life scenarios, providing the skills to lead and manage a programme. It is a must-have certification for both project and programme management professionals to deliver organizational value to their employers and boost their careers. What you will Learn At the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand how to apply the MSP principles in context Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of the MSP themes in context Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of the MSP processes in context Course Introduction Application of MSP Principles Program Strategy and Themes Application of Organization Theme Application of Design Theme Application of Justification Theme Application of Structure Theme Application of Knowledge Theme Application of Assurance Theme Application of Decisions Theme Application of MSP Processes

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) 5th Edition Foundation: In-House Training Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) is a globally-recognized framework for best practice programme management. MSP certification provides guidance for programme managers, business change managers and the next step for project managers to develop their knowledge and skills to be able to positively respond to the challenges for managing programmes and larger, more strategic or multiple projects. MSP 5th edition emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness by adopting an incremental approach to the programme lifecycle and thus enabling organizational agility. AXELOS offers two levels of MSP Examination: MSP Foundation and MSP Practitioner. The MSP Foundation Examination is intended to assess whether the candidate can demonstrate sufficient recall and understanding of the MSP programme management framework. The MSP Foundation qualification is a prerequisite for the MSP Practitioner Examination, which assesses the ability to apply understanding of the MSP programme management framework in context. The MSP® 5th Edition Foundation course is a training based on the exam specification for MSP Foundation certification and is aligned with the Managing Successful Programmes (5th Edition) guide from AXELOS. What you will Learn At the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand key concepts relating to programmes and MSP Understand how the MSP principles underpin the MSP framework Understand the MSP themes and how they are applied throughout the programme Understand the MSP processes and how they are carried out throughout the programme Key Concepts of MSP Programmes Three Lenses of MSP Principles Themes and Governance Organization Organization Theme Organization Structure Individual Roles Stakeholder Management Design Design Theme Benefits Risk Identification and Prioritization Target Operating Model Documents and Key Roles Justification Justification Theme Business Case Financial Planning Documents and Key Roles Structure Structure Theme Delivery Planning Dependencies Benefits Realization Plan Resourcing Documents and Key Roles Knowledge Knowledge Theme Knowledge Management Information Management Document and Key Roles Assurance Assurance Theme Assurance at Multiple Levels Assurance Planning Document and Key Roles Decisions Decisions Theme Issue Resolution Risk Response Data Gathering and Reporting Options and Analysis Document and Key Roles MSP Processes Identify the Programme    Design the Outcomes Plan Progressive Delivery Deliver the Capabilities Embed the Outcomes Evaluate New Information Close the Programme

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ): In-House Training The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) (IPMA Level D) is a knowledge-based qualification that allows candidates to demonstrate knowledge of all elements of project management. Candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how these elements interact and how their project fits into their strategic and commercial environment. The course will cover the 67 assessment criteria defined by APM and prepare you to sit the examination on the fifth and final day. In addition to the instructor-led sessions, you should also expect to complete some self-directed study in the evenings. The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) examination is a three-hour paper where candidates must answer 10 out of 16 questions that can cover all 67 assessment criteria topics. What you will Learn You'll learn how to: Provide organizations with a proven project management methodology that will allow individuals to plan, organize, and control the successful implementation of projects Achieve the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), the UK's leading project management qualification Provide practical skills and techniques to help further your career in project management Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Overview of the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) examination Structure of Organizations and Projects Organization structures Project sponsorship Organization roles Project Office Governance Legislation Project Lifecycle Project Lifecycles Handover and closure Project reviews Situational Context of Projects Project Management Programme Management Portfolio Management The Project Environment Communication Communication Conflict Management Negotiation Leadership and Teamwork Leadership Teamwork Planning for Success Business Case Investment Appraisal Success and Benefits Management Information Management and Reporting Project Management Plan Estimating Earned Value Management Stakeholder Management Scope Management Scope Management Requirements Management Change Control Configuration Management Schedule and Resource Management Schedule Management Resource Management Budgeting and Cost Management Procurement Procurement Contracts Provider Selection and Management Risk Management and Issue Management Risk Management Issue Management Quality Management and Examination Preparation Quality Management Preparation and Examination Preparation and examination briefing APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) examination

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

Program Management Skills: In-House Training Program managers coordinate and give oversight to the efforts of marketing groups, project teams, product delivery, maintenance and support, operations and staff from various functional groups, including suppliers, business partners, and other external bodies. The goal is to ensure that proposed business transformation, through the delivery of complex products and processes, is implemented to realize the organization's strategic benefits and objectives, for which the program was selected. The goals of this course are twofold: To provide participants with key program management principles and techniques, recognized as best practices, to enable more effective program management; and to leverage core elements of the program management life cycle, processes, tools and techniques, to enable program management effectiveness. The participant will learn and apply the principles of program management through discussions, activities, and case study exercises. What You Will Learn At the end of this workshop, you will be able to: Maximize the transformational impact of a program according to the business needs Explain management principles and techniques and apply them within a program context Implement program governance and organization that will produce expected benefits Plan for and manage benefit realization, risks, issues, and quality Manage component projects' interdependencies that are linked to both program and strategic objectives Engage program stakeholders effectively. Improve communication and action planning effectiveness for programs in organizations Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Fundamental definitions and concepts Program challenges and benefits Program best practices and success criterion Stakeholder management Governance: program management office and program boards Standard for Program Management overview Vision, Leadership, and the Business Case What is vision, why, and how? Leadership vs. Management Program business case Program Organization and Governance Program organization Program governance Program board roles and responsibilities Benefits Management Benefits explored Benefits management Benefits realization Program Management Planning Program management plan Program blueprint and roadmap Program component dossier Program tranches Program estimating Program scheduling Program Monitoring and Controlling Program Control - An Overview Program Monitoring and Controlling Monitoring and Controlling Transition Program Risk and Issue Management Risk and issue management overview Program risk management Program issue management Program Quality Management Program quality management overview Program quality management principles Program Stakeholder Management Stakeholder engagement overview Stakeholder engagement planning EI, trust, communication and stakeholder engagement Program Closure and Benefits Sustainment Program closure overview Closing the program Program benefits sustainment Summary What did we learn, and how can we implement this in our work environments?

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

The aim of this programme is to provide current / prospective senior project managers with an in-depth review of the role and importance of project management in the organisation. It focuses on the strategic role of the project manager and aims to draw out the full scope of the role and how it impacts on project performance. The five key objectives of this programme are to enable the participants to: Identify the characteristics and attributes needed by project managers in ensuring the organisation is recognised as an industry leader in delivering successful projects Understand the full scope and impact of the project manager / leader's role in managing projects or programmes to maximise benefit to the business Define the hallmarks and skills required to manage significant business projects or project portfolios Develop an understanding of the skills required and their impact on the project through case study work and syndicate exercises Benefit from an effective forum for exchanging experience and fostering a sense of team spirit and mutual support between senior project managers DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) A vision of future opportunities and challenges The impact of project managers / leaders on future success 2 The determinants of success The contractor's perspective The client's perspective Success and failure: factors that determine the project outcome The impact of the project manager 3 Case study: Project Giotto How successful was this project? What were the primary factors that influenced the outcome? How relevant are these factors to current projects? Feedback and review 4 Project team exercise A practical exercise demonstrating the role of the project manager in managing the interfaces between the client, the project team and suppliers Review - what skills are required to be a 'world class' project manager? 5 The role of the Project Manager The role and skills of the 'world class' project manager The three key dimensions of effective project leadershipManaging influential stakeholdersManaging project performanceManaging the project team Project leadership skills appraisal (individual review) DAY TWO 6 Managing influential stakeholders Project management and the art of leadership Who are the influential stakeholders and how do they affect the project? What we need to do / not do, to build successful working relationships 7 Case study: Understanding the customer What are the likely problems the project manager will encounter? What should the project manager do to ensure an effective partnership? 8 Managing project performance Issues affecting commercial performance Joining up the project life-cycle: getting performance from inception to closure The roles of project manager, line manager and project sponsor 9 Project team exercise: Making the promise / delivering the promise An exercise demonstrating the commercial and team leadership skills needed by the project manager Review - what must the project manager do to optimise project performance? 10 Managing multi-functional project teams The challenges of building effective, multi-functional project teams Co-ordinating work across functional and organisational boundaries Maintaining strategic focus and balancing priorities 11 Making it happen Individual action planning Syndicate discussion 12 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) What will we do differently? How will we make it happen? Conclusion

This programme provides an intensive, one-day overview of the key concepts and techniques of project management. The project management methods presented can be applied to a wide range of projects and the course emphasises both the task and the team-related aspects of project management. The aims of the programme are to: Present the key concepts of project management Provide a structured approach for managing projects Demonstrate tools and techniques for planning and controlling project work Enable participants to apply the techniques to their own projects At the end of the programme, participants will: Recognise the benefits of a structured approach to project work Be able to apply a range of practical tools and techniques to improve their personal effectiveness in project work Have a means of determining the status of current projects and know what actions are needed to ensure success 1 Introduction Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Key concepts The characteristics of projects and project work The four key phases of a project Essential lessons from past projects Key success factors Achieving success through the 'Team-Action Model' Challenges of the multi-project situation 3 Setting project goals Understanding 'customer' requirements Managing project stakeholders and gaining commitment Using questioning skills to define goals and success criteria Defining and documenting the scope of the project 4 Project planning Defining what has to be done Creating a work breakdown Agreeing roles and responsibilities for the work Developing a programme using networks and bar charts Estimating timescales, costs and resource requirements Planning exercise: participants develop a project plan Identifying and managing project risks Using project planning software Managing and updating the plan 5 Project implementation and control Creating a pro-active monitoring and control process Techniques for monitoring progress Using latest estimates Managing project meetings Resolving problems effectively Managing multiple projects Personal time management 6 Course review and action planning Identify actions Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion