APM Fundamentals of Project Management

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 mind-sets such that projects can be clearly defined, realistically planned and effectively managed. 

Target Audience:

This course is suitable for those looking to gain an understanding of project management, or those who are not directly involved in project management but who wish to become familiar with project management processes and key terms.  It is also ideal for project managers as a pre-cursor to more advanced certification such as the APMP: The APM Project Management Qualification.

Please note : The exam fee is not included in the cost of the APMIC course.  

Prerequisites:

• This course is intended for those looking for an understanding of project management. No prior knowledge required for this certificate. 

Delegates will learn how to:

• Differentiate between project management and the operating environment
• Define the management structure by which projects operate
• Apply project management planning
• Describe project scope management
• Contribute to scheduling and resource management
• Apply risk management and issue management
• Define project quality management
• Manage communication in the project environment
• Recognise the importance of stakeholder management
• Explain principles of leadership and teamwork

The Fundamentals of Project Management course works through the lifecycle of a project, giving delegates insight all the key activities and processes undertaken to deliver successfully. A realistic project scenario is used as a case study during the course. This allows delegates to consolidate their knowledge of the key topics discussed, in a practical setting through syndicate work.

The course is structured around the syllabus for the Association for Project Management (APM) 'Introductory Certificate: The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification'. The exam is not included in this course. Delegates wishing to undertake the exam should also book on course code FPMEX-3.

Project Management and the Operating Environment

Projects are undertaken in a unique environment. Delegates are introduced to the factors that shape that environment.

• Differences between a project and business as usual
• Purpose and core components of project management and the benefits of effective project management
• Programme and portfolio management
• Project environment and the PESTLE acronym
• Use and phases of a typical project life cycle and reasons for structuring projects into phases
• Roles and responsibilities of: project manager, project sponsor, project steering group/board, project team members, project office and end users

Project Management Planning

Delegates are introduced to the principles and techniques of effective project planning from the outset.

• Purpose and the typical content of a business case, including benefits
• Purpose and production of a project management plan
• Stakeholders, stakeholder management and stakeholder analysis
• Estimating methods (including analytical, comparative, parametric), estimating funnel,
• Success criteria, success factors and the use of KPIs
• Purpose and benefits of project reporting
• Project scope management, including product and work breakdown structures and Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) with RACI
• Configuration management and change control
• Different approaches to scheduling (including critical path analysis, Gantt (bar) charts, baselines and milestones)
• Resource management
• Procurement within the context of project management
• Risk management and issue management
• Project risk management process and the use of a risk register
• Issue and issue management and the use of an issue log

Communication

In addition to understanding the tools and techniques of project management the key aspects of engaging with people are covered.

• Definition and methods of communication
• Barriers to effective communication
• The communication plan
• Leadership and teamwork
• Role of project team leader
• Teamwork models