Course Description

A 2-day workshop designed to introduce people to a structured approach to planning, managing and controlling a project. The course prepares delegates to sit the APM Introductory Certificate examination, which is scheduled at the end of the second day.

Course Materials

All delegates enrolled on virtual course bookings receive a hard copy of course materials sent to a preferred postal address.

Target Student

Individuals currently working for less than 12 months as project managers, team leaders and those working on the periphery of projects and project management will benefit from attendance.

Delivery Method

Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities.

Pre-course work

Approximately 14 hours of pre-course reading. The document is provided prior to the workshop.

Format

During the syndicate activities delegates will produce various documents required to plan, monitor and control any project. They will have ample opportunities to discuss their findings, their understanding of the processes and their approach to project management. Throughout the workshop additional information will be given to ensure syndicates cover the objectives of each session. Individual exercises will also be used to consolidate subjects taught. At the end of the course, delegates will have the opportunity to sit a 1 hour multiple choice examination leading to the APM Introductory Certificate.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding of Project Management Terminology
• Define key terms and concepts used in project management.
• Understand basic terminology as defined in the APM Body of Knowledge (BoK).
 
2. Awareness of the Project Lifecycle
• Understand the stages of a project lifecycle: concept, definition, implementation, handover, and closeout.
• Identify the purpose and key activities in each phase of the lifecycle.
 
3. Roles and Responsibilities
• Recognize the roles involved in a project (e.g., project manager, sponsor, team members).
• Understand the responsibilities and expectations of each role.
 
4. Project Context and Environment
• Understand how projects fit within the broader organizational strategy.
• Recognize internal and external factors that can affect project success.
 
5. Project Planning
• Understand the importance of planning in achieving project objectives.
• Identify common planning tools and techniques (e.g., Work Breakdown Structure, scheduling).
 
6. Risk and Issue Management
• Understand basic principles of risk identification and management.
• Distinguish between risks and issues and understand how to manage them.
 
7. Quality and Scope Management
• Understand how quality is managed in projects.
• Recognize the importance of defining and controlling scope.
 
8. Communication and Leadership
• Appreciate the importance of effective communication within a project.
• Understand the basics of leadership and teamwork in a project environment.
 
9. Monitoring and Control
• Learn how project performance is tracked and controlled.
• Understand the purpose of reporting, reviews, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
 
10. Project Success and Benefits Management
• Understand what constitutes project success.
• Recognize the importance of delivering benefits and achieving project objectives.

Assessment

Assessment will be through a 60 question multiple choice examination taken over 1 hour. The assessment will cover the principles of Project Management including:

• Planning and scheduling
• Communications
• Quality management
• Teamwork
• Resource management
• Risk management
• Issue management
• Handover
• Review

Course Content

During the workshop, delegates will work on a project scenario in syndicates. Sessions will include the following topics:

• Introduction to Project Management
• Project lifecycle
• Project management approach
• Project context
• Project organisation structure
• Stakeholder analysis
• Project reporting and reviews
• Introduction to Project Management Documentation
• Business case
• Project management plan
• Breakdown structures
• Work breakdown structure
• Product breakdown structure
• Organisational breakdown structure
• Cost breakdown structure
• Detailed Planning
• Networks
• Estimating
• Critical path analysis
• Gantt chart
• Resource histogram
• People Management and Teams
• Belbin's team types
• Team Development
• Communication
• Leadership
• Monitoring and Control Procedures
• Risks
• Issues
• Change control
• Configuration management
• Quality