Better Business Cases™ Practitioner: In-House Training: In-House Training Better Business Cases™ is based on the Five Case Model - which is the UK government's best practice approach to structuring spending proposals and making effective business decisions. Using this best-practice approach will allow organizations to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the decision-making process which gives you a greater chance of securing necessary funding and support for initiatives. The goal of the practitioner course is to develop a candidate's ability to deliver a comprehensive business case, through encouraging expanded knowledge to guide the practical application of theoretical foundations. Upon the completion of this Practitioner course, a candidate will be able to start applying the model to a real business case development project. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Develop the lifecycle of a business case and to establish the relationships between the five cases Apply the steps in the business case development framework, in order to support the production of a business case, using the Five Case Model, for a given scenario Overview of Better Business Cases Alignment with the strategic planning process Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model Overview of the Five Case Model Purpose of the key stages in the development of a spending proposal Purpose of a Business Justification Case Business Case Development Process Purpose of project / programme assurance and assurance reviews Responsibility for producing the Business Case Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment Scoping the Scheme and Preparing the Strategic Outline Case Planning the Scheme and Preparing the Outline Business Case Procuring the Solution and Preparing the Full Business Case Implementation and monitoring Evaluation and feedback Making the Case for Change Agree on the strategic context Determine spending objectives, existing arrangements, and business needs Determine potential business scope and key service requirements Determine benefits, risks, constraint, and dependencies Exploring the Preferred Way Forward Agree on critical success factors Determine long list options and SWOT analysis Recommend a preferred way forward Determining Potential Value for Money Revisit the short list Prepare the economic appraisal for short-listed options Undertake benefits appraisal Undertake risk appraisal Select preferred option and undertake sensitivity analysis Preparing for the Potential Deal Determine the procurement strategy Determine service streams and required outputs Outline potential risk apportionment Outline potential payment mechanisms Ascertain contractual issues and accountancy treatment Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement Prepare the financial model Prepare the financial appraisals Planning for Successful Delivery Plan programme / project management Plan change and contract management Plan benefits realization Plan risk management Plan programme / project assurance and post project evaluation Procuring the Value for Money Solution Revisit the case for change Revisit the OBC options Detail procurement process and evaluation of best and final offers (BAFOs) Contracting for the Deal Set out the negotiated deal and contractual arrangements Set out the financial implications of the deal Ensuring Successful Delivery Finalize project management arrangements and plans Finalize change management arrangements and plans Finalize benefits realization arrangements and plans Finalize risk management arrangements and plans Finalize contract management arrangements and plans Finalize post-project evaluation arrangements and plans
About this Training Course Managing process hazards in the hydrocarbon and chemical processing industries is a critical function that requires relevant knowledge and skills due to the risks involved. The Advanced Process Safety Engineering course will discuss the interrelation of the various techniques of process safety for analysing, with a particular emphasis on engineering design aspects, as well as how to manage process hazards in a safe and effective way and how they can potentially be avoided. In this 3 full-day advanced level course, the expert course leader will provide participants with insights and examples from his career and experience to show how their learning should be applied in real-life situations. Feedback and questioning is highly encouraged. Reference material and reports can be provided to give more information on any particular topic of interest. Individual and group exercises, tutored exercises and video case studies will be provided throughout the course to underpin the key learning points. Training Objectives Upon completion of this course, participants will acquire in-depth knowledge of: Risk management and 'As Low as Reasonably Practicable' (ALARP) principles. Different aspects of process design that influence process safety. Approach to 'inherently safer' design. Defence in depth using 'layers of protection'. Process for ensuring the technical integrity of safety-critical equipment. Hazards associated with process materials. Range of hazard identification and consequence modelling techniques. Causes and mitigation of human error. Reliability and availability of safety-critical protection equipment. Role of engineered safety-critical equipment and systems. Target Audience This course is suitable for industry professionals who need to acquire a comprehensive understanding of process safety. This includes those who are required to make managerial decisions where process safety is a key consideration, those who are moving into process safety positions or those who wish to broaden their process safety knowledge within their existing discipline. It is particularly suited for anyone involved in the design, operation, modification or maintenance of a major hazard installation, and will demonstrate a substantial understanding of process safety for those engaged in Continuous Professional Development or aiming for Chartered Engineer status. This course will benefit professionals such as: Operations and maintenance supervisors Process, mechanical and chemical engineers and technicians Design engineers, project engineers and HSE managers Control, automation and instrumentation engineers Course Level Advanced Trainer Your expert course leader has 50 years' experience in chemical and process safety engineering. His early career included 20 years in design and project engineering with various fine chemical and pharmaceutical companies where he designed chemical processes, specified plant equipment and selected materials for highly corrosive and toxic processes, often where textbook data was not available. This was followed by 10 years in offshore oil and gas design projects where he was responsible for setting up a Technical Safety group to change design safety practices in the aftermath of the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster. In recent years, he has been called upon to conduct various offshore and onshore incident investigations. His career has given him experience in project engineering, project management, process design and operations, safety engineering and risk management. He is a Fellow of the UK Institution of Chemical Engineers. He served on the Scottish Branch committee, and was elected chairman for a two-year term in 1991. He has also been chairman of the Safety and Reliability Society - North of Scotland Branch. He has delivered training courses in Process Hazard Analysis (HAZOP and HAZID), Process Safety Management, Hazard Awareness, Risk Assessment, Root Cause Analysis, Failure Modes & Effect Analysis and has lectured on Reliability Analysis to the M.Sc. course in Process Safety and Loss Prevention at Sheffield University. In addition to delivering training courses, he currently facilitates HAZOP / HAZID / LOPA studies and undertakes expert witness roles advising lawyers engaged in contractual disputes, usually involving the design or construction of chemical plants or Oil & Gas production facilities, or criminal prosecutions. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations
About this Course Batteries are going to play an increasingly important role in the energy grid. An increasing number of developers are looking to add battery storage systems (BESS) into their existing projects. However future cash flows are highly uncertain and they are often unsure exactly how battery technology can be monetised. A strong revenue model requires stacking of different revenue sources. As the share of variable renewable sources in electricity systems further increase, battery systems are expected to play a growing role by providing frequency control and operational reserves as well as for wholesale arbitrage, while helping reduce grid integration costs. The more volatile electricity prices are, the greater the earning potential of batteries trading electricity on various electricity markets. BESS can generate revenue streams in several different ways; through a frequency response contract with the TSO, by providing grid services in other ways or by arbitrage through buying cheap power and selling power for a higher price in a liquid wholesale market. Because batteries are efficient, the round trip efficiency is also high. They can spread arbitrage trading much better than other storage types and in many cases, other asset classes. For companies that combine a battery with other tasks, for example to store power from their own panels, or to avoid a costly heavy power connection, the investment is less risky than for those that purely focus on arbitrage trading. It is uncertain whether electricity prices will fluctuate more violently in the coming years, or whether the peaks will actually level off. During this highly interactive training, the trainer will provide you with the latest insights and best practices on how to obtain the maximum economic beneï¬ts when participating with BESS in the electricity market. Training Objectives By the end of this course, the participants will be able to: Discover the different BESS battery technologies and their impact on the grid Understand the role of storage in providing flexibility to the power system Examine the potential revenue streams from BESS models Learn how profit can generated with BESS trading strategies Determine how to optimize the value from BESS projects Find out how to combine BESS with renewable PPAs Target Audience Professionals and executives from Power Utilities, Energy Companies, Financial & Investment Banks, Renewable Power Project Developers, Transmission System Operators and Energy Industry Regulators will find this training course useful. Electricity Marketing and Traders New Venture or Business Development Executives Corporate Finance and Treasury Executives Audit and Risk Management Executives Power or Utility Market Research Analysts Investment Managers for Renewable Power Projects Origination Professionals Regulation, Compliance and Documentation Officers Lawyers and Accountants Power Transmission and Distributions Engineers Trainer Our key expert is a skilled and accomplished professional with over 25 years' of extensive senior management / board level experience in the energy markets worldwide. Next to advising energy companies, banks, consultants and regulators regarding PPAs, our key expert has also conducted several highly successful training courses about Power Purchase Agreements, Power Project Finance, IPPs, and Project Risk Management to over 1,000 high level participants from Asia, Africa, Europe and Middle East. He was a member of the expert commission of the Dutch Government for 2 offshore wind parks, Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone Sites 3 and 4 that advised on which of the 5 applicants did provide the best security and solutions associated with the electricity and green certificate prices, the construction and operational risks of the project. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations
About this Training Course Process Hazard Assessment using the HAZOP Technique is an intensely participative course that will both explain the key facets of the HAZOP technique as well as provide ample opportunities for participants to practice and become familiar with the technique using generic and real-life examples. HAZOP Team Leader Training is an intensely participative course that will develop participants already familiar with the HAZOP technique, the skills, knowledge and attributes of a HAZOP Team Leader. An in-depth syndicate exercise will provide the opportunity to lead a HAZOP team (consisting of other participants) and to be observed performing the role for constructive feedback. This 5 full-day course has been reviewed and approved by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). IChemE is the global professional membership organisation for chemical, biochemical and process engineers and other professionals involved in the chemical, process and bioprocess industries. Their knowledge of professional standards, close involvement with industry, education and regulators, and their expertise as a leading global training provider, means they are uniquely positioned to independently assess and approve training courses and professional development programmes across the world. Training Objectives Process Hazard Assessment using the HAZOP Technique By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the basic HAZOP Technique Fulfill roles as competent HAZOP Team Members Understand the role of HAZOP in risk management Understand how Hazard Identification can predict accidents and incidents Understand how HAZOP complements other hazard identification tool HAZOP Team Leader Training By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the role of the HAZOP Team Leader Practise the role in a classroom environment Provide feedback to participants on their performance as HAZOP Team Leaders Appreciate the leadership skills required as HAZOP Team Leader Plan, organise, manage and successfully undertake a Hazard and Operability study Target Audience This course will benefit: All key persons in the organisation, who by their discipline and/or position, are likely to be called on to initiate, participate or review a HAZOP study. All who have responsibility for the management and supervision of process & safety including but not limited to Senior Management, Plant Managers, Process and Maintenance Engineers (all disciplines), Line Supervisors, Team Leaders, Safety Specialists, and Process Training Instructors. Course Level Basic or Foundation Trainer Your expert course leader has 50 years' experience in chemical and process safety engineering. His early career included 20 years in design and project engineering with various fine chemical and pharmaceutical companies where he designed chemical processes, specified plant equipment and selected materials for highly corrosive and toxic processes, often where textbook data was not available. This was followed by 10 years in offshore oil and gas design projects where he was responsible for setting up a Technical Safety group to change design safety practices in the aftermath of the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster. In recent years, he has been called upon to conduct various offshore and onshore incident investigations. His career has given him experience in project engineering, project management, process design and operations, safety engineering and risk management. He is a Fellow of the UK Institution of Chemical Engineers. He served on the Scottish Branch committee, and was elected chairman for a two-year term in 1991. He has also been chairman of the Safety and Reliability Society - North of Scotland Branch. He has delivered training courses in Process Hazard Analysis (HAZOP and HAZID), Process Safety Management, Hazard Awareness, Risk Assessment, Root Cause Analysis, Failure Modes & Effect Analysis and has lectured on Reliability Analysis to the M.Sc. course in Process Safety and Loss Prevention at Sheffield University. In addition to delivering training courses, he currently facilitates HAZOP / HAZID / LOPA studies and undertakes expert witness roles advising lawyers engaged in contractual disputes, usually involving the design or construction of chemical plants or Oil & Gas production facilities, or criminal prosecutions. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations
This course is designed to enable learners to increase their understanding of risk assessment and risk management in Health and Social Care settings.
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
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ): In-House Training This practical course gives Participants a solid introduction to the fundamentals of project management and to prepare them for the one-hour, multiple-choice exam held at the end of the course. The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is an entry-level qualification suitable for those who are new to project management and working in a project team, and who wish to understand the standard terminology. The goal of this course is to prepare you to successfully pass the exam. What you will Learn You'll learn how to: Identify project management terminology and context Identify project management processes Identify the roles involved in project management Describe project success criteria and benefits Prepare project documentation Acquire the level of understanding needed to pass the APM PFQ examination Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objective Project Context Project characteristics Project management processes Business and project context Organizational roles Project Lifecycle Programme and portfolio management Project Concept Phase Stakeholder management Project success and benefits management Business case Benefits People in Projects Leadership and teamwork Communication Project Definition Phase Project management plan Quality management Risk management Scope management Scheduling Resource management Estimating Procurement Project Implementation Phase Change control and configuration management Issue management Information management Project Hand-over and Close-out Phase Hand-over and close-out Post-project review Revision and Exam Revision and practice questions APM PFQ examination
Project Contract Management Skills: In-House Training Contracts are a critical part of most large or strategic projects/programs. As such, it is imperative that Project and Program Managers be well versed on basic implications of a contract as well as best practices in contract management. While not as critical a need, anyone involved in projects that involve external relationships should have a healthy appreciation for the power of good contract management. The overall goal of the course is to provide knowledge to manage complex contracts in a global environment. What You Will Learn After this program, you will be able to: Explain overall project procurement process from a buyer and seller perspective Recognize the importance of key contractual terms and how they affect projects Evaluate and contribute to the pre-contract documents and processes Identify and mitigate common pitfalls throughout the procurement process Utilize techniques to administer contracts Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts The Importance of Contract Management Terms and Definitions Contract Management Process Legal Systems Codes of Conduct Planning Business Analysis Procurement Management Plan Procurement Statement of Work (SOW) Common Pitfalls Solicit Contract Market Analysis Bid documents Sellers' Proposals Pitfalls Execute Contract Evaluate and Award Contract Negotiate Contract Execute Contract Common Pitfalls Deliver the Contract Preparing to Deliver Project Plan Risk Management Common Pitfalls Administer Contract Enabling Contract Management Contract Performance Monitoring and Control Change Management Financial Management / Payment Dispute Management & Resolution Contract Completion and Closure
PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner are process-based project management approaches that can be easily customised and scaled. PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner course aim to provide delegates with a comprehensive knowledge of project management methodologies. Course Overview PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner are process-based project management approaches that can be easily customised and scaled. PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner course aim to provide delegates with a comprehensive knowledge of project management methodologies. At the end of this PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner course, delegates will be able to delegate tolerances and report actual and forecast progress effectively. They will also be able to quickly prepare the risk management, change control, quality management, and communication management approaches. Attaining this PRINCE2® certification enables candidates to demonstrate and enhance their project management proficiency – contributing to elevated business acumen and career prospects. Concepts covered: • Project management • Levels of management • Authorise initiation • Tailoring the IP process • Project and stage plans • Analysing risks to a plan • Escalate issues and risks PRINCE2® Foundation Training: This introductory PRINCE2® certification will help candidates understand the fundamentals of the PRINCE2® project management methodology and develop an appreciation of the constituents that contribute to a project’s success – underpinned by the PRINCE2® principles, processes, and themes. The foundation element of the combined course lasts for 3 days. During the course, candidates will gain a basic understanding of how to work in part of a PRINCE2® team. PRINCE2® Practitioner Training: The PRINCE2® Practitioner element of the combined course forms the final part of the training where the candidate learns to apply their acquired knowledge. Candidates will be educated on how to apply the methodology to a set of scenarios and how to efficaciously lead a project. What’s Included in this PRINCE2® Course? The following is included in this PRINCE2® Course: • The PRINCE2® Foundation Examination • The PRINCE2® Practitioner Examination • Pre-course material • PRINCE2® Workbook • PDUs • Experienced PRINCE2® Instructor • Certificate • Refreshments • PRINCE2 Homework – Set by your PRINCE2 Instructor at the end of each day. Prerequisites for PRINCE2® Course: In this PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner course, there are no formal prerequisites. This PRINCE2® Course is designed for anyone who wants to gain in-depth knowledge about project management methodologies. This Course is more beneficial for: • Project Managers • Aspiring Project Managers • Team Leaders • Directors • Senior Responsible Owners PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner 6th Edition Training Course Outline: Module 1: Introduction to Projects and the PRINCE2® Methodology: • PRINCE2® “Project” Definition • Project Characteristics • Project Management • What is PRINCE2®? • Four Integrated Elements • What PRINCE2® Does Not Provide • What Makes a Project a PRINCE2® Project? Module 2: Project Manager Activities: • Customer/Supplier Environment • Projects in Context • Commercial Environment • Applying PRINCE2® • Delivery Approaches • Measuring Success • Organisational Capability • Seven Processes Module 3: Seven Themes: • Business Case • Organisation • Quality • Plans • Risk • Change • Progress Module 4: Seven Principles: • Continued Business Justification • Learn from Experience • Defined Roles and Responsibilities • Manage by Stages • Manage by Exception • Focus on Products • Tailor to Suit the Project Module 5: Organisation Theme: • Four Levels of Management • PRINCE2® Organisation Requirements • Project Management Team • Project Management Team Roles • Project Board • Project Assurance • Change Authority • Project Support • Communication Management Approach Module 6: Starting Up a Project (SU): • Process Overview • Feasibility Study and Mandate • Appoint the Executive and the Project Manager • Capture Previous Lessons • Design and Appoint the Project Management Team • Prepare the Outline Business Case • Project Product Description • Select the Project Approach and Assemble the Project Brief • Plan the Initiation Stage • Tailoring the SU Process Module 7: Directing a Project (DP): • Authorise Initiation • Authorise the Project • Authorise a Stage or Exception Plan • Authorise Project Closure • Give Ad Hoc Direction • Tailoring the DP Process • Theme Overview • Balance of Justification • Continued Business Justification • PRINCE2® Requirements • Contents of a Business Case • Business Case Development • Benefits Management Approach • Key Responsibilities Module 8: Initiating a Project (IP): • Agree to the Tailoring Requirements • Prepare the Risk Management Approach • Prepare the Change Control Approach • Prepare the Quality Management Approach • Prepare the Communication Management Approach • Set up the Project Controls • Create the Project Plan • Prepare the Benefits Management Approach • Assemble the Project Initiation Documentation • Tailoring the IP Process Module 9: Risk Theme: • Risk Definition • Effective Risk Management • PRINCE2® Risk Requirements • Risk Management Approach • Probability/Impact Grid • Risk Register • Risk Management Procedure • Identify Step • Risk Budget • Key Responsibilities Module 10: Quality Theme: • Quality Definitions • Quality Management • Quality Planning and Control • What is Quality Assurance? • PRINCE2® Quality Requirements • PRINCE2® Quality Documentation Requirements • Quality Management Approach • Quality Audit Trail • Project Product Description • Product Description • Quality Review Technique • Quality Review Roles/Responsibilities • Quality Review Meeting • Off-Specifications and Concessions • Review Follow-Up • Quality Review Benefits • Key Responsibilities • Communication Management Approach Module 11: Plans Theme: • Dealing with the Planning Horizon • PRINCE2® Planning Requirements • Documentation Requirements • Project and Stage Plans • Team Plans and Work Packages • Plans Relationship • What is in a Plan? • PRINCE2® Approach to Plans • Designing a Plan • Delivery Approaches • Defining and Analysing the Products • Product Breakdown Structures • Product Description • Product Flow Diagram • Identify the Activities and Dependencies • Preparing Estimates • Preparing a Schedule • Documenting the Plan • Analysing Risks to a Plan • Gantt Chart and Tailoring • Key Responsibilities Module 12: Progress Theme: • Progress Definition • PRINCE2® Requirements • Progress Control • Management by Exception • Delegating Tolerances and Reporting Actual and Forecast Progress • Types of Control • Management Products and Progress Control Module 13: Change Theme: • Issue Definition • PRINCE2® Approach to Change • PRINCE2® Change Documentation • Issue Register • Change Control Approach • Change Budget • Issue and Change Control Procedure • Issue Report • Exception Report Module 14: Controlling a Stage (CS): • Activity Breakdown • Authorise a Work Package • Work Package • Review Work Package Status • Receive Completed Work Packages • Review the Management Stage Status • Report Highlights • Highlight Report • Capture and Assess Issues and Risks • Escalate Issues and Risks • Take Corrective Action • Tailoring CS Module 15: Managing Product Delivery (MP): • Accept a Work Package • Execute a Work Package • Checkpoint Report • Deliver a Work Package • Tailoring MP Module 16: Managing a Stage Boundary (SB): • Plan the Next Management Stage • What is in a Plan? • Update the Project Plan • Update the Business Case • Report the Management Stage End • End-Stage Report • Produce an Exception Plan • Tailoring SB Module 17: Closing a Project (CP): • Prepare Planned Closure • Hand Over Products • Evaluate the Project • End Project Report • Recommend Project Closure • Tailoring CP Module 18: Considerations for Organisational Adoption: • Creating a PRINCE2® Based Project Management Method • Creating Tailoring Rules and Guidelines • Rating the Complexity of Projects • Embedding PRINCE2® • Tailoring • What Should Be Tailored? • Tailoring Constraints and Influences • Creating an Organisation’s Method DURATION 6 days WHATS INCLUDED Course Material Case Study Experienced Lecturer Refreshments Certificate
Overview Learn how to price equity options and the features that make them different from other asset classes. Explore how to use these products for taking equity risk, yield enhancement and portfolio protection Who the course is for Risk managers Bank treasury professionals Finance Internal Audit Senior management Fixed Income, FX, Credit and Equities traders Course Content To learn more about the day by day course content please request a brochure To learn more about schedule, pricing & delivery options, book a meeting with a course specialist now