Pragmatic Project Management – Accredited APMP Course

Duration: 4 days + exam preparation day + exam day
(This course is an intensive 4-day workshop, plus a 2 day event the following week)

The quoted price for this course DOES NOT INCLUDE THE EXAM FEE. Prices for the exam vary as follows:

If delegate is a member of the APM exam price is £125 plus VAT

If delegate's employer is a corporate member of the APM exam price is £175 plus VAT

If neither of the above exam price is £275 plus VAT

Exam Prices correct May 2008

This course focuses on project management concepts and processes in line with the Association for Project Management (APM).  These processes apply to any project that is related directly to business change irrespective of the organisation structure or environment.

Highly experienced project management trainers deliver the training, with participation by the delegates being integral to the learning process.  By using activity and case study, delegates will explore project management issues via group discussion and practical application of key concepts.

The APMP syllabus covers a wide breadth of topics, from the essential management tools required to monitor and control a project through to the wider context in which the project is being managed in terms of social and environmental issues, finance, organisation, procurement and people management.

The content of this course is based entirely upon the APM Body of Knowledge, (APMBoK), which itself represents the topics in which professionals in project management should be knowledgeable and competent.

Pre-requisites
All delegates must have a good understanding of the basic principles of project management.

Objectives
On completion of this course, participants will be able to: -
Understand and manage projects in an effective manner;
Understand the relevant Project Documents for each stage of the project lifecycle;
Understand and control the relationship between the individual, team and task;
Use Monitor & Control mechanisms for effective project tracking;
Pass the APMP Examination.

Format
This course is an intensive 4-day workshop, plus a 2-day event the following week. Topics are consolidated by practical exercises, which help the delegates to relate the subject areas to work based scenarios. The week following the course, delegates attend a two day exam workshop, the first day being an intensive examination preparation day, the second being the actual APMP Examination. 

Delegates should be advised that they would be required to undertake individual assignments in the form of homework during the course and between the course and the examination workshop.

Pre-course Work
Delegates will receive a comprehensive handbook, APMP Candidate Guidance Notes, and APMP Syllabus.  Delegates are required to read through the pre-course work thoroughly, to ensure familiarity with the syllabus prior to attending the course.

Course Content

Introduction to Project Management
 Definition of a Project
 The Project Management Process
 Project Constraints
 Health, Safety and Environment

Characteristics of a Project compared to
Business as Usual

Project Initiators

Portfolio and Programme Management
 Characteristics and Benefits

Project Lifecycle
 Conception
Definition
 Implementation
 Handover and Closeout
 Benefit realisation review

Extended Project Lifecycle

Stakeholder Management
 Analysis
 Benefits
 Communication plan

Starting up a Project/Conception
 Business Case
 Success criteria
 Success factors

Definition
 Project Definition Workshop
 Project Management Plan
 Goals and Objectives

Organisation and Structure
 Roles and responsibilities

Project Organisations
 Functional
 Project
 Matrix
 
Management of People
 Belbin's team roles
Tuckman's team development model
Adair's action centred leadership
 Motivation
 Leadership
 Conflict
 Communication

Negotiation
 Process of negotiation
 Objectives

Procurement
 Procurement cycle
Types of contractual arrangement and methods of supplier reimbursement

Planning Tools
 Scope Management
Breakdown Structures
 Responsibility Matrix
Precedence Network Analysis/Critical Path Analysis
 Gantt Charts
 Resource Histogram

Management Systems
 Issue Management
Requirement Management
Cost Management
Project Evaluation Reviews
Gate Reviews
Audits
Risk
 Quality
 Change Control
 Configuration Management
 Information Management
Budget and Cost Management
Project Management Methods
Governance of Project Management
Investment Appraisal
 Payback
Discounted Cash Flow and Net Present Value (DCF/NPV)
 Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

 Monitoring and Control
 Tracking against milestones
 Control cycle
 Earned Value Management (EVM)

Handover and Closeout
 Handover
 Lessons Learned

Benefit Realisation Review