APM Fundamentals of Project Management (PFQ)

This entry-level course provides a comprehensive overview of project management that focuses on applying the core principles to make better decisions, understand consequences and generate success. Relevant for any project in any area of business, the course covers the pragmatic skills and techniques necessary for effective project delivery.

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.

Course Prerequisites

• • There are no prerequisites for attendance.

Course Objectives

• • At the end of this course you will be able 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

Target Audience for this Course

• • 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.
  • Pre-Course Reading
    
    This is an intensive three-day course and delegates will be expected to undertake around 10 hours pre-course work in order to be fully prepared. Delegates will be provided with pre-course reading by email prior to attending the course. Success on the course will be enhanced by close attention to the pre-reading materials. Delegates who have not received pre-course reading material within one week of the start of the course should contact a member of the ITTS team.
    

Included with this course

• • Comprehensive course materials and exercises

APM Fundamentals of Project Management (PFQ) Course Content

• 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 book an exam also.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Optional - APM Introductory Certificate: The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification Examination

  Delegates who wish to sit the APM Introductory Certificate: The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification exam need to book on code FMPEX-3 separately. Key exam information:
  One hour
  Closed book
  60 multiple-choice questions
  60% pass mark
  Where the APM Introductory Certificate: The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification exam is linked to the course, delegates will be provided with lots of examples of examination questions. There will be a number of exercises and 'question-and-answer' sessions that will help to consolidate the learning, thereby ensuring that delegates are more than adequately prepared for the final examination.
  Exams for delegates attending this course virtually, via 'Attend From Anywhere', will be managed separately, therefore please contact your account manager following course delivery who will arrange this.