Best Practice Overview

Course Code : BP1-1

Our Best Practice Overview covers:

Managing Successful Projects using PRINCE2
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)
ITIL Service Management
Management of Risk (M_o_R)
Portfolio, Programme and Project Office (P30)
Management of Portfolios
Management of Value

"Best Practice" is the best identified approach to a situation based upon observation from effective organisations in similar business circumstances. One simple definition of "best practice" is:- “An industry accepted way of doing something that works” – Aidan Lawes, CEO itSMF

Over the years, The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has developed a series of Best Practice Guides that cover a number of key areas, such as project management, programme management and IT service management. These guides also have an associated qualification and it is this accreditation that employers and employees seek to gain. From an employees’ point of view, the accreditation can open doors to new employment opportunities. From the employers’ point of view, the accreditation can not only be used as a guarantee of a minimum standard of knowledge in these areas, but it can also be used to leverage bids and tenders for new work.

This course will provide an overview of the available products and the qualifications. The purpose is to provide attendees with information regarding what each product is and what it does; the different qualifications and the levels of accreditation available, the examinations for each product and how they all relate to each other. Once an organisation has this understanding, it is then in a position to decide which products are applicable to them and how best to provide their staff with the skills and knowledge to be able to use and apply the products in the most efficient manner.

The course can also be extended to incorporate IT Training and how software packages can be used to in conjunction with Best Practice methods. The course discusses where each would fit into an organisation, and the qualifications and courses available for each of these IT applications.

The course may be adapted to suit a number of different purposes, from a rolling display to attract the attention of casual observers, all the way through to a quite thorough discussion of each individual product and the interdependencies between them. This is to allow the course to be delivered in different ways or using different media and also to be able to vary the timescale to suit each different audience. The public course will be a thorough instructor-led discussion, so for further options that may suit your requirements much better, please contact us.

Accreditation

None for this course, as this course leads on to accreditation in the individual best practice guides. Accreditation is a means of assessing the technical competence and integrity of organisations offering specific services and delivers benefits to three stakeholder groups:

Organisations and individuals can reduce their risk and save time and cost when selecting accredited suppliers. Individuals and organisations can be confident that accredited companies' products and services have been independently assessed to ensure a consistent and high quality service.
Accredited providers have objective proof that they comply with best practice.
Accredited individuals can demonstrate their technical knowledge and experience.

We believe that accreditation, certification and qualifications are growing in importance globally, as more organisations and individuals seek to demonstrate their capability and competence.

Pre-Requisites and Pre-Course Preparation

None

Audience Profile

This course is suitable for anyone who is intending to embark on the path to accreditation in any of the Best Practice products, or those who wish to know all the options that are available and how best to exploit the products and accreditation.

Included in the Course

Courseware and handouts, where applicable

Lunch, either buffet, sandwiches or cafe, depending on the venue

Benefits of Best Practice

A "best practice" approach means seeking out ideas and experiences from those who have undertaken similar activities in the past, determining which of these practices are relevant to your situation, testing them out to see if they work, before incorporating the proven practices in your own documented processes. "Best practice" is all about not "re-inventing the wheel", but learning from others and implementing what has been shown to work.

"Best Practice" techniques can be applied in all walks of life. The itSMF focuses on those relating to the management of IT Services - though in reality, the principles apply anywhere. "Best Practice" is the best identified approach to a situation based upon observation from effective organisations in similar business circumstances.

It is obvious that the better and more effective you are at your job, then the knock-on effect is that your customers, be they internal or external, are going to be better at their jobs as well.

The benefits of following recommended Best Practice include:

Improved customer satisfaction
Increased return on your IT investment
Improved staff morale
Reduced staff turnover

Why Adopt Best Practice?

The Best Practice approach is a systematic, professional approach to the management of certain aspects of an organisation, from IT service provision to project, programme and risk. It is based upon the combined experience of industry experts and can provide:-

A proven, quality approach to service delivery
Increased Productivity
Increased customer satisfaction
Minimised risk
Reduced costs
Improved communication between IT and the business and your customers
Best Practice also helps your customers by:
Providing reassurance as to the proven processes
Confidence to rely on IT services, enabling business objectives to be met
Clearly defined processes and contacts to handle problems and issues
Clarification of costs and monitoring of service levels - better informed customers.

By adopting Best Practice the organisation achieves a consistent and comprehensive approach to management; ranging from software products, through to consultancy, training and qualifications.

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