Nov 132010
 

Following the outstanding success of the APMP qualification for project management Parallel Project Training has launched a programme of APM introductory certificate in project management training. Based in London and Reading this course is ideal for new project managers or project team members. This two day course is available every month and includes the 1 hour test from the association for project management.

The topics covered in the course include:

  1. Project management in context including the role of the project manager, the sponsor and team member.
  2. Initiating projects including planning and risk management
  3. Executing projects including reporting and controlling changes
  4. Working with people to develop and effective team.

 

Paul Naybour, Business Development Director for Parallel Project Training said. “Following the outstanding success of our new and innovative approach to the APMP we are excited to be launching the APM Introductory certificate in Project Management.

For more information on Parallel Project Training Introductory Certificate training visit http://www.parallelprojecttraining.com/public-apmp-training-courses/events

Oct 172010
 

An insider’s guide to selecting a good quality Project Management Training Provider


Project management training is a significant investment of your time, cost and effort. The quality of your learning is dependent on several key factors. Asking the right questions in advance can help you select the best training provider for your course. The key factors are:

  1. Level of pre and post course support and logistics?
  2. Quality of the venue and number of delegates?
  3. Quality of the material?
  4. Quality and experience and trainer?

We recommend asking the following questions to evaluate the quality of your potential provider.

How many public training courses do you cancel or reschedule?

Many training providers advertise a large portfolio of training courses and cancel or reschedule course because they are not economic to run. Having your course re-scheduled is highly inconvenient. You will have to re-arrange your diary and re-schedule your work plans and lose the momentum of your pre-course preparation. Ask your provider how may courses they have re-scheduled in the past 6 months to get an indication of how often this happens?

What pre-course material is provided?

Training is not just about want you learn in the class room, modern course should provide significant pre-course support with e-learning, study material in advance and on-line tutor support. This means that you arrive on the course well prepared and ready to learn.

Ask about arrangements for lunch?

This may seem a rather un-important issue but like airlines the quality of the food is a measure of the values of the training provider. No lunch or a sandwich in the room indicates that low cost is more important to the training provider than your learning experience. On a full week course you will learn better if you take a break and visit an on-site restaurant for lunch. Getting out of the training room for an hour at lunchtime significantly improves your ability to learn post lunch.

What is the average and maximum number of delegates on a course?

The best size for a course is between 6 to 12 people. This is because you get good group dynamics but also enough attention from the trainer. If the maximum class size is over 12 then you may not get the attention that you need. If the average group size is less than 5 then you won’t have the opportunity to learn from others.

Who is the trainer and what experience do they have?

The quality of the trainer is crucial to the success of your learning experience. Ask your training provider who will be teaching the course? What is their experience of project management? Ask if you can speak to the trainer? Any good training provider will arrange a call back from you trainer. This is important because many training providers outsource the course delivery to the cheapest freelance trainer.

 

Paul Naybour is business development director with Parallel Project Training, which offers on-line, in print, on iTunes and face to face APM Project Management Training

Aug 262010
 

Organisations and individuals have a wide range of choices for project management training and development. Three of the most widely recognised are Prince2 from the Office of government commerce, the PMP from the USA based Project Management Institute and the APMP from the UK based Association for Project Management. This decision guide will help you make the best choice for you and your organisation.

PRINCE2™

PRINCE2™ is a project management method sponsored by the UK government via the Office of Government Commerce. It focuses on describing the processes, products and responsibilities required to manage a project in a controlled environment. Its roots are in government contracts and if provides a consistent approach to the implementation of major projects. Some have criticised it for not being fully scalable for smaller projects.

With its background in the UK, PRINCE2™ is increasingly recognised across the world with over 400,000 project managers holding the qualification. The qualification has no prerequisites.

PMI PMP

This is the most widely recognised project management qualification in the world with over half a million holders of the qualification around the globe. It is based on the comprehensive PMI body of knowledge. This combines both processes and a tools and techniques. While comprehensive the PM BoK is a little over complex for smaller projects.

The PMI PMP has detailed pre-requisites including

  • 35 hours of directed study
  • Project management experience of :
    • With University – 4500 hours over at least 36 months
    • With High School – 7500 hours over at least 60 months

The fastest growth area for the PMP is in Asia.

APM

The UK APM has introductory (IC), foundation (APMP) and practitioner qualifications (PQ) qualification. These are based on the APM BoK. Unlike the PMI the APM body of knowledge provides a summary of the project management topic areas. The qualification is strongest in the UK with little recognition outside the UK. The APM has applied the for a Royal Charter so that it can award Chartered status to its members. It is strongest in the rail, construction and IT sectors in the UK.

How to decide

Questions to ask are:

  1. Are you interested in a global career in project management? PMP
  2. Do you work for an organisation (or client) working to a PRINC2 method? PRINCE

Are you based in a non UK PRINCE2 organisation? APM

For more information visit Parallel Project Managment Training