APM Introductory Certificate. Project Management. Course Guide

Transcription

1 APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management Course Guide Thales Training & Consultancy, October

2 Thales Training & Consultancy, 2012 All rights reserved. This document may be used by students and staff registered with Thales Training & Consultancy for the purposes of training and education in the subjects of project management. This document contains references to other work. Use of this document is conditional on the agreement by the user to abide by the copyright and ownership conditions in place for all reference material within this document. Use of this document for any other purpose than as stated above is not permitted unless prior written permission has been given by Thales Training & Consultancy. Users are responsible for the correct application and use of the information contained in these publications. Thales Training and Consultancy Gatwick Road Crawley West Sussex RH10 9XN T F Thales Training & Consultancy, October

3 Contents Overview 4 Aims 4 General Format 4 Contents and Order 4 Advance Reading 4 Course Book 5 APM Material 5 The Course Format 5 The Exam 6 Tutor Guidance 6 Thales Training & Consultancy, October

4 Overview The course covers the topics and learning outcomes which enable delegates to take the examination for the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management qualification. Aims 1. To provide project management training in accordance with the learning outcomes defined in the APM Introductory Certificate Syllabus, 2 nd Edition. 2. To provide appropriate coaching for candidates taking the ICPM examination. 3. To promote project management best practice as defined and described in the APM Body of Knowledge, 5 th Edition. General Format The course is normally delivered as a face to face event over two days with the examination taking place in the afternoon of the second day. Advance reading material is provided. The main training involves interactive presentations, discussions and exercises. Contents and Order The contents are generally covered in the sequence of the APM project life cycle. The learning outcomes are stated at the beginning of each face to face session in accordance with the Introductory Certificate Syllabus, latest version (currently 2 nd Edition). Advance Reading Delegates are invited to prepare by reading discussion notes and investigating practices in their own working environments and projects. Guidance for advance work is either provided on line through a dedicated web link or by providing copies of course material in advance. Thales Training & Consultancy, October

5 Course Book The main text is provided as a book: Principles of Project Management. This covers the syllabus topics to the depth required in the examination. The main contents covered are summarised below. Project Context the business and project context including project and business as usual characteristics, success criteria and factors, programme and portfolio management, stakeholder management, project management processes, project life cycle. Project Concept business case and benefits management. This section also covers people aspects including leadership, team work and communication. Project Definition the project management plan, quality management, risk management, scope definition and planning, schedule and resource planning, estimating, procurement. Project Implementation project control, information management and reporting, issue management, change & configuration management. Project Handover and Closeout - project handover and close out activities, the post project review. APM Material APM supplied material includes the Introductory Certificate Candidate Guidance Notes; Syllabus (current version); Sample Paper. The Course Format Course topics are provided as a series of interactive presentations. They are supported by group and individual exercises. Depending on the topic, the tutor may employ interactive techniques including buzz groups and class exercises in addition to three formal exercises. At appropriate intervals, delegates are given opportunities to test their knowledge through sample questions. A 100 question Thales Training & Consultancy, October

6 multiple choice paper is also provided for revision and practice purposes. The Exam The exam normally takes place in the afternoon of the second day (typically 1600hr). The face to face sessions are usually completed around 1500hr allowing the candidates some time to revise and prepare. Tutor Guidance The subjects are all covered by slides and supported by the book: 'Principles of Project Management'. The course timetable is included in the Course Manual, Section 1 Introduction. Tutors may vary sessions to suit the needs of the delegates, as long as the syllabus and session questions are fully covered. Guidelines for the exam are covered in the APM publication: APMP Guide for Candidates. Tutors should ensure that delegates are briefed on the exam requirements including pre-requisites and timing. Tutors should also ensure that the room is set up appropriately for the exam with delegates seated at separate tables or at least in such a way that prevents them from observing each others' work, with flip chart sheets removed from walls and white boards cleaned. The lighting and room temperature should be appropriate for examination and delegates should have access to water and toilets. The exam is currently controlled by an APM invigilator who will bring the exam papers. The tutor should ensure that the invigilator is satisfied with the room arrangements, and understands emergency procedures for evacuating the building. The tutor should also review the delegate list with the invigilator and agree any changes. Thales Training & Consultancy, October