CITI - partners in change » Basics

APMG Principles of Change Management Foundation & Practitioner

Paul Ashton — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 10:15:12 +0000

This course is suitable for project, programme or change managers, who are either responsible for or are involved in implementing change. It is specifically designed for individuals seeking professional recognition and accreditation in change management.

What are the course objectives?

This course, accredited by the APM Group Ltd, is targeted at imparting knowledge of change management. The course introduces change management and provides coaching and guidance to enable participants to sit the accreditation examinations. By the end of the course, participants are familiar with change processes, techniques and vocabulary and are able to implement them.

The course blends formal presentation with practical exercises. Our trainers use their extensive change management experience to illustrate and put into context the concepts and techniques, to expand on the change material and ensure delegates understanding. Time is provided for discussion and clarification on examination techniques.

What are the key topics?

What is the course format?

There are two levels of accreditation: Foundation and Practitioner. The course covers syllabus to Practitioner level. It is a very intensive course and we have organised the programme to meet the different learning styles of different individuals. The syllabus is covered in the first three days, enabling the Foundation exam. The fourth day focuses on developing a deeper understanding of how to implement and manage change, as well as preparing for the Practitioner exam on the fifth day.

What is the duration and cost of the course?

3 days (including exam)

£1,500 plus VAT includes exam fee.

For further details contact us on 01908 283 600 or opencourses@citi.co.uk.

Advanced Project Management

Paul Ashton — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 10:55:10 +0000

You should have over five years’ experience of managing projects. If you have sufficient experience then you can use the work-based modules on this course to support your application for the APM’s Certificated Project Manager.

This course will give you the insights and techniques to become a professional project manager. Making your personal project performance more predictable and focusing your management actions on making your projects successful.

What are the course objectives?

The course starts by focusing your attention on what success looks like. The purpose of planning is to achieve these outcomes and nothing else. At this level, project management is often as much about power and politics as about plans and process. Consequently stakeholder management is a critical skill and is thoroughly explored. Once the nature of success is understood, the role of project disciplines in achieving that success is examined. It is the advanced application of the key project management disciplines that is at issue, and so the emphasis is on the appropriate use of management control techniques in complex projects. Finally, it is the integrating of all the factors and disciplines together into a coherent project strategy and a set of consistent actions that distinguishes good project managers from great ones. A major cross- functional project is provided – and the problem is to successfully construct and deliver the project. By its end, not only will you be more confident about the techniques, you will be confident about how to apply them in typically complex project environments.

What are the key topics?

What is the course format?

The approach taken is to challenge – making you reflect on how you discharge your responsibilities as an experienced, professional project manager. This course makes use of state-of-the-art simulation tools to facilitate accelerated learning through trial and error. Video is used to illustrate key learning points and prompt debate. Lectures are highly interactive, designed to encourage you to discuss your own issues with team members. Examples, drawn from CITI’s own experience of complex projects, are used to explore advanced project management issues.
The course has two taught modules and one work-based assignment. Run over a 4-6 week period you have the opportunity to use the techniques in the workplace and then to come back and discuss how they worked and what to do next.

What is the duration and cost of the course?

This is a three plus four day two module course.

The price is £2,975 plus VAT. (Accommodation is extra).

For further details contact us on 01908 283 600 or opencourses@citi.co.uk.

APM Introductory Certificate

Paul Ashton — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 10:51:19 +0000

In undertaking this highly interactive two-day course, you will gain an understanding of the language and processes of project management and some of the key tools and techniques. The Association for Project Management’s syllabus is covered during the event, using plenty of useful examples and practice exam questions – in readiness for the exam at the end of the course.

What are the course objectives?

You will receive a comprehensive workbook with everything necessary to complete the course. Each tutor-led session consists of interactive presentations of the material, interspersed with practical exercises, which are undertaken either in teams or individually.

What are the key topics?

What is the course format?

By the end of the two days, you will understand the language of project management and the structure of a successful project. You will be able to take an active role in a project team and make a positive contribution to any project environment. You will be fully prepared to take the exam for the Introductory Certificate in Project Management at the end of the course.

What is the duration and cost of the course?

This is a two day event.

Pricing is £850 plus VAT for this two-day event including exam fee (Accommodation is extra).

For further details contact us on 01908 283 600 or opencourses@citi.co.uk.

From knowledge to capabilty

Paul Ashton — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:45:53 +0000

At CITI we realise there is a difference between those courses aimed at just teaching a methodology through knowledge – and those aimed at improving your capability and making you a better project manager.

We have the following capability courses:

	Advanced Project Management
	Understanding project management
	Delivering strategic programmes
	Beneficial change management
	Making projects work
	Corporate portfolio management

Managing Successful Programmes® Foundation and Practitioner

Paul Ashton — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:01:37 +0000

The course is suitable for programme managers, senior programme support staff, business change managers, senior managers involved in major business change and those wanting to become involved at a programme management level. It is specifically designed for individuals seeking professional recognition and certification in managing programmes.

What are the course objectives?

This course, accredited by APM Group Ltd on behalf of the AXELOS, is targeted at imparting knowledge of the MSP® methodology. The course introduces delegates to MSP® and provides coaching and guidance to enable participants to sit the foundation and practitioner examinations. By the end of the course, delegates are familiar with MSP processes, techniques and vocabulary, understand their values and are able to implement them.

The course blends formal presentation with practical exercises. Our trainers use their extensive programme management experience to illustrate and put into context the concepts and techniques, to expand on the MSP® material and ensure delegates’ understanding. Time is provided for discussion and clarification on examination techniques. Guided evening study is required, as well as pre-course reading and preparation.

What are the key topics?

What is the course format?

There are two levels of accreditation: Foundation and Practitioner. The course covers the full Foundation and Practitioner syllabus. It is a very intensive course and we have organised the programme to meet the different learning styles of different individuals.

The Foundation syllabus is covered in the first three days, enabling the Foundation exam, a multiple-choice format to be taken at the end of day 3. The final two days is aimed specifically at preparing for, then sitting, the Practitioner exam.

What is the duration and cost of the course?

This course is either 3 plus 2 days with a week break between the two modules or 5 days with the foundation exam taking place on the third day and the practitioner exam taking place on the fifth day.

£1,300 plus VAT includes exam fees and manual.

For further details contact us on 01908 283 600 or opencourses@citi.co.uk.
MSP® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited
The Swirl logo™ is a trade mark of AXELOS Limited

Managing Successful Programmes® Foundation

Paul Ashton — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:36:26 +0000

What are the course objectives?

This course, accredited by APM Group Ltd on behalf of the AXELOS, is targeted at imparting knowledge of the MSP® methodology. The course introduces delegates to MSP® and provides coaching and guidance to enable participants to sit the foundation examination. By the end of the course, delegates are familiar with MSP processes, techniques and vocabulary, understand their values and are able to implement them.

What content is covered?

There are two levels of accreditation: Foundation and Practitioner. The course covers the full Foundation syllabus. It is a very intensive course and we have organised the programme to meet the different learning styles of different individuals.

The syllabus is covered in the first three days, enabling the Foundation exam, a multiple-choice format to be taken at the end of day 3.

What are the key topics?

What is the course format?

MSP® is a Registered Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom and other countries

What is the duration and cost of the course?

This is a single module course, comprising of a three day event.

£900 plus VAT includes exam fee and manual.

For further details contact us on 01908 283 600 or opencourses@citi.co.uk.

MSP® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited
The Swirl logo™ is a trade mark of AXELOS Limited

PRINCE2® Practitioner re-registration

Paul Ashton — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:13:50 +0000

If you have attended and passed a PRINCE2 Practitioner course the registration expires after 5 years; this course will prepare you to sit the re-registration examination.

What are the course objectives?

The objective of this two day course is to prepare you to sit and pass the PRINCE2 re-registration examination.

What content is covered?

The tutor leads an interactive and focused discussion which covers all key areas or the new manual that could be examined on a practitioner exam. Day 1 covers a review of these key areas, taking into account your particular requirements and any areas or questions you need covering. Day 2 completes the syllabus and then a question paper is attempted and full solution notes are provided; answers are fully discussed. The format of each day is inherently flexible and is tailored by an experienced tutor to your needs.

What are the key topics?

What is the course format?

The course begins with a review of the complete lifecycle model and a detailed explanation on how a PRINCE2 project is run using the 2009 method. The themes are explained and integrated into the process model; a case study is used to show how the method is applied in practice. You are invited to highlight problem areas, or areas in the model that you find confusing. Day 2 is focused around the typical types of exam questions that have been set.

What is the duration and cost of the course?

2 days (including exam)

Cost

£800 plus VAT includes exam fee and manual.

For further details contact us on 01908 283 600 or opencourses@citi.co.uk.

PRINCE2® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited
The Swirl logo™ is a trade mark of AXELOS Limited

PRINCE2® Practitioner

Paul Ashton — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:09:19 +0000

If you are a project manager, project support team member or work package manager, and you want to achieve PRINCE2® accreditation, this course is for you!

What are the course objectives?

Following the course you will have a good understanding of PRINCE2® and, subject to successful examination results, a recognised accreditation.

What content is covered?

The course is designed to provide you with a working understanding of structured project management as presented in PRINCE2®, to a level where you can use it to manage a project and pass the APMG PRINCE2® Foundation Examination. The course is accredited by APMG.

What are the key topics?

What is the course format?

The course is a two-day classroom event which blends formal presentation with practical exercises and focused discussion. Evening work is necessary and your trainer will assess your evening work at the start of each day. The Practitioner exam is taken on the second day.

During this time you will be expected to undertake further distance learning and revision using the materials that we provide.

What is the duration and cost of the course?

2 days (including exam)

£800 plus VAT includes exam fee.

For further details contact us on 01908 283 600 or opencourses@citi.co.uk.

PRINCE2® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited
The Swirl logo™ is a trade mark of AXELOS Limited

PRINCE2® Foundation

Paul Ashton — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:02 +0000

If you are a project manager, project support team member or work package manager, and you want to achieve PRINCE2® accreditation, this course is for you!

What are the course objectives?

Following the course you will have a good understanding of PRINCE2® and, subject to successful examination results, a recognised accreditation.

What content is covered?

What are the key topics?

What is the course format?

In advance of the course, you will be provided with a copy of the PRINCE2® Manual, along with our pre-course study materials and you should plan to do up to eight hours of study on those materials prior to attending the course. Naturally, if you have knowledge and experience of PRINCE2® this time may be lessened for you.

The course is a three-day classroom event which blends formal presentation with practical exercises and focused discussion. Evening work is necessary and your trainer will assess your evening work at the start of each day. The Foundation exam is taken on the third day.

What is the duration and cost of the course?

3 days (including exam)

£900 plus VAT includes exam fee.

For further details contact us on 01908 283 600 or opencourses@citi.co.uk.

PRINCE2® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited
The Swirl logo™ is a trade mark of AXELOS Limited

12 reasons for a product centred view of change

Paul Ashton — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:20:36 +0000

Product based planning and product centred approaches sit at the heart of nearly all modern project management methodologies; but why? Here is a ‘whistle-stop’ tour of twelve good reasons:

The only thing a project leaves behind; projects are by definition temporary entities. The team will disband, the sponsor and project manager move on and the project itself will be nothing more than a file-note in the PMO library. The legacy is the tangible output that the project generated; its product set
Easier to manage than tasks; it is often not possible to tell the real status of a task, even with the most honest and diligent reporting. By looking at the extent of the completeness of a product (because of its physical nature) it is far easier and quicker to get an accurate view of progress
The power of visualisation; a joint understanding of theoretical concepts can be difficult to achieve; this is why people use analogies all the time. Products are very much easier to visualize – to see in your ‘mind’s eye’ – than activities, allowing people to reach and share a joint understanding much more quickly
Perfect source for milestones; why place a milestone at the end of an activity? If the output of the process is unsatisfactory then you will have to repeat the activity, so it hasn’t really finished and the milestone hasn’t been met. Base the milestone, instead, on the output….otherwise known as the product!
Easy to decompose; once the primary level product has been decided upon it is a relatively simple process to establish the sub-products. A house has foundations, walls and a roof; walls have vertical surfaces, windows and doors and so on. This ability to quickly decompose a product allows the selection of appropriate management points and highlights areas of particular risk very early in the project.
Tangible and therefore easy to monitor; because a product has, in all instances, a physical presence it is easy to establish if it is present or not. And, if a product is too big, late in the lifecycle or inappropriate as a monitoring point, you can simply select a product or combination of products at a level or two lower in the decomposition.
Unarguable evidence of progress; giving you the ability to demonstrate to your client (and your suppliers to you) what has been achieved so far for the time and money expended.
The answer to the client’s requirements; and therefore good for stakeholder engagement, management and expectation setting
Necessary to satisfy your critical success factors (CSFs); not only are products the key to benefits, but without appropriate products the CSFs are also unattainable. Remember, if you don’t achieve your CSFs then you have failed. Products allow you to place appropriate focus and emphasis
Ease of communication; akin to visualization, being able to clearly describe and itemise the deliverable set facilitates effective communication. It allows a straightforward explanation of what is in and what is out of scope of the project – because the product set is the scope.
The scope of the project; is often a problem because people interpret it in different ways. The user sees scope as the functionality that they need and have articulated in the requirements; the supplier, conversely, will see the scope as the work (activities) that they will have to undertake. The point at which these two unite is in the products – this is why they exactly define the scope
Highlight risks; as soon as people start to visualise or understand the level of complexity inherent in the products or their dependencies they start to understand the risks. At its simplest this may simply be a question of looking at a product definition and thinking “we’ve never done one of these before, I bet it’s tricky!” At a more sophisticated level the way in which the product breakdown structure is populated will tell you plenty about risk.
Clarifies dependencies; product flow diagrams (clearly impossible without an appreciation of the product set) give the earliest indication of the dependencies within and beyond a project. These are vital, later on in the planning process, to understanding the dependency network and critical path – if you can’t infer these, and you don’t fully understand your product flow diagram, you will have little control of your schedule.

Well there’s a ‘baker’s dozen’ of reasons for focusing on products – the key to effective project management. The question is which do you find most important? Please contribute to the debate and let us know your views