Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate (3 day)

Course Overview

As more and more business critical initiatives are being planned and executed as projects, it is essential that organisations are fully equipped with the skills, tools, working practices, processes and mindsets such that projects can be clearly defined, realistically planned and effectively managed. This entry-level course provides a comprehensive overview of project management that focuses on key success factors, decisions and consequences. Relevant for any project in any area of business, the course covers the pragmatic skills and techniques necessary for effective project delivery.

At the end of the course delegates may sit an examination to attain the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management. This course, together with a recommended follow up programme, will also prepare delegates for the CompTIA Project+ examination.

Audience

Those who are new to project management and wish to develop the basic skills, or those who need a basic understanding of the project lifecycle and key techniques. The course is also valuable for those starting to manage software developments and is an ideal precursor to our specialist courses such as Managing Projects in an Object-Oriented Environment. Those wishing to attain the APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management. (These delegates should also book on course code FPMEX-2). Note that APM examination application forms must be received by the APM at least two weeks before the examination date.

Skills Gained

Skills Gained

• understand the Project Manager's role
• create an appropriate project environment
• define and agree the project objectives
• create realistic plans and estimates
• understand how to manage quality, change and risk
• track and communicate progress against plan
• understand how to build and motivate the team
• understand procurement, handover and project closure issues

Prerequisites

No previous project management knowledge is assumed. Anyone who needs to manage projects as part of their job will benefit from attending. The course is not suitable for those already conversant with standard planning and management techniques.

Course Outline

Overview of Project Management

• An understanding of the nature of projects and how the challenges they present differ from those met in a non-project environment
• Projects, programmes and portfolios
• The triangle of balance
• Management of change
• Project context
• Stakeholder analysis
• Business case and project justification

Setting up the Project Environment

• Initiating the project and creating an environment for success
• Roles and responsibilities
• Establising success criteria
• Use of project life cycles
• Configuration management
• The project management plan

Defining the Objectives

• The importance of establishing the project objectives and scope at the outset
• Guidelines for creating effective objectives!

Introduction to Procurement

• Rationale for using third parties
• Selection criteria
• Project Manager's role

Quality Management

• What is quality ?
• Quality management, quality assurance and quality control
• Costs and benefits of quality

Estimating

• Techniques available
• Delphi
• Work distibution
• Using previous experience

Developing a Plan

• Why do we need to plan?
• Work and product breakdown
• Networks and critical path analysis
• Gantt charts
• Resource histograms
• The use of S-Curves

Risk and Issue Management

• Difference between risks and issues
• Analysis of risk
• Identifying actions for managing risks
• Ownership and documentation

Project Communications

• How to communicate effectively with stakeholders and team members
• Communication options and their usage
• Hints and tips

Teams and the Role of the Project Manager

• Creating the team
• Briefing and mobilising your resources!

Monitoring and Controlling Projects

• The planning and control cycle
• Information required
• Updating the plan
• Interpreting the results
• Identifying and taking corrective action
• Continuous improvement

Change Control

• Definition
• Scope and Impact analysis
• Authorisation
• Planning and implementation
• Documentation and history

Acceptance and Handover

• User acceptance of service'solutiuon
• Handover options
• Transfer to 'business as usual'

Project Closure and review

• Formal closure procedure
• Documenetation
• Archiving
• Lessons learnt