APMP Examination Preparation Workshop

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Course Overview

The attainment of accreditations offered by professional bodies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) is increasingly seen as a recognised indicator of competence in project management. APM qualifications are aligned the International Project Management Association (IPMA) competency levels, and the APM Professional (APMP) qualification is recognised as IPMA Level D. This workshop provides delegates who have already acquired a solid understanding and practical experience of project management with a rapid route to the APM Professional examination (based on the APM Body of Knowledge, 5th Edition). It will enable delegates to understand the key elements of the APMP syllabus, get to grips with the specific examination language, and learn strategies and tactics for approaching the examination. Examination practice and feedback is included in the workshop.

Delegates may choose to sit the APM Professional examination on the morning of the day after the course or at a later date. Those wishing to take this examination must also book on course code APMPEX-3 (or APMPEXR-3 if re-sitting the examination).

This is an intensive two-day workshop which combines presentations with individual and group practice of examination questions. Delegates will have the opportunity to raise and address examination topics of personal concern and will be expected to undertake some evening work at the end of both days.

Audience

Delegates who have already acquired a solid understanding and practical experience of project management, have attended the APMP course and who now want to take the exam.

Skills Gained

On completion, delegates will be able to:

• understand the key concepts, techniques and processes in the APMP syllabus
• adopt the best approach to the APMP examination
• answer essay-type questions on the APMP syllabus

Prerequisites

• This course is suitable for anyone who has been involved in the management of projects. It is ideal for those who are already familiar with project management through hands-on experience and/or previous training
• Those wishing to take the APM Professional examination must also book on course code APMPEX-3 (or APMPEXR-3 if re-sitting the examination). Note that examination application forms must be received by the APM at least two weeks prior to the examination date.
• Delegates should have a sound understanding of project management and should be broadly familiar with the topics covered on the APMP syllabus. Ideally delegates should have attended the Project Management course or equivalent.
• Delegates will be expected to undertake some pre-course work in order to fully benefit from the workshop.

Course Outline

Business Case and Benefits Management

• Why a business case; Typical contents; Cost benefit analysis; Appraisal methods; Payback; ROI; Discounting methods

Project Environment Context

• Understanding; PESTLE analysis

Programme and Portfolio Management

• Differences; Advantages and disadvantages

Project Life Cycle

• Uses; Benefits; Project and Product lifecycle; Requirements Management

Organisational Structure and Roles

• Stakeholder analysis; Key Roles; Setting expectations

Risk Management

• Risk management planning; Risks and Issues; Identification and assessment techniques; Mitigation options; Documentation

Work Breakdown Structures

• Product, work and organisational structures; Benefits

Configuration Management

• Principles; Roles; Techniques; Information management

Communications Management

• Communications planning; Rationale; Contents; Relationship with PMP

Change Control

• Scope and impact analysis; Authorisation; Effecting changes; Documentation

Health, Safety and Environment

• Roles and resposibilities; Project Management contribution; Health and Safety planning

Planning

• Network analysis; Critical path; Float and free float; Gantt chart; Resource histogram; Resource smaoothing and resource levelling

Quality Management

• Quality management systems; Total quality management; Quality planning; Quality assurance; Quailty control; The Quality Plan

Earned Value Management

• Understanding the terms; Use as a control mechanism; The various indices

Strategy/Project Management Plan

• Purpose and Objectives; Typical content; Ownership; Place in the project; Updating

Belbin and Team Building

• Review of Belbin roles; Tuckman model for team building; Other initiatives; Review of motivation models

Examination Guidelines

• Examination structure; 'list', 'state', 'describe' 'explain' meanings; Question structure; Group and individual examination practice

APMP Examination Preparation Workshop / APMP-3