APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) Course Overview

Course Prerequisites

• • This is an intensive five-day course and it is typical for delegates to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of preparation. Delegates are provided with access to QA's APMP eLearning. A self-assessment document is also provided that can be used to help focus your preparation more effectively.
  • Delegates who are registered PRINCE2® Practitioners may wish to look at our 'APMP for PRINCE2® Practitioners' course where a shorter route to APMP is possible.
  • This course is intended for practising, or possibly aspiring, project managers with a minimum of two years' experience in a project environment. This grounding is essential in order that attendees have a basic understanding of project management in order that theory can be applied to the workplace. Delegates who do not have this experience are encouraged to attend the QA APM Introductory Certificate course instead.

Course Objectives

• • Explain the internal and external contextual factors that influence the management and execution of projects
  • List and describe the key activities that are undertaken in each phase of a generic project life cycle: Concept, Definition, Development, Handover and closure
  • Explain the interpersonal skills that are practiced by the effective project manager

Included with this course

• • Comprehensive course materials and exercises

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) Course Content

• Overview

  This highly interactive course covers the content of the APMP syllabus which is based on the APM Body of Knowledge, 6th Edition. The framework and tools that are covered provide a solid foundation for the successful delivery of a project, irrespective of industry sector.
  Delegates will explore these tools through a number of facilitated individual and group-based exercises, providing ample opportunity for sharing experience and learning throughout the class.
  In addition to the classroom sessions listed below, delegates will also be assigned evening work to help reinforce learning and prepare for the examination. The evening work is a key part of the course and may take approximately two hours to complete although some delegates may choose to extend this time.

• Context and Governance

  The governance and setting of a project will heavily influence how it is managed. This section will cover topics such as:
  The difference between project and operational work
  Programme and portfolio management
  Project team roles
  The governance of a project across its life cycle
  

• Concept Phase

  It is essential that the need for a project is identified and understood before its viability can then be judged. This may involve:
  Identifying and managing stakeholders
  Creating a business case
  Assessing project success and benefits
  Procuring resources and contract management

• Definition Phase

  The definition phase is often where the project manager is most heavily involved and we look at a structured approach for planning the project - both in terms of what needs to be done and also how it will be done.
  Requirements and scope management
  Schedule and resource management
  Budgeting and cost management

• Development Phase

  Putting the plan into action will require the project manager to undertake many of the following actions.
  Project control, including cost control through earned value management
  Manage information and reports
  Risk and issue management
  Health and safety
  Quality management
  Change control and configuration management

• Managing the Team

  No project is successful without an engaged and committed team. This requires the project manager to utilise a number of interpersonal skills.
  Communication
  Conflict management
  Build and lead the team

• Project Handover and Closure

  Formal closure of a project will help ensure that the deliverables are handed over in a structured manner and that the team and the organisation has reviewed and learned from the performance on the project.
  Project handover
  Project reviews