Overview
Effective project management skills are becoming increasingly important. Organizations need good project managers, at all levels, to successfully deliver the change projects that will enable the business to adapt, grow and achieve its strategic objectives. The Association of Project Management APMP qualification allows delegates to demonstrate their knowledge of the various elements of project management and how projects fit into the strategic and commercial environment.
Important Note
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.
As this course is an exam-preparation workshop, delegates are also expected to have undertaken a significant level of prior study before attending this course. For example, delegates may have undertaken QA's APMP eLearning course or attended a previous APMP classroom course.
If you have less experience with the APM body of knowledge you should attend the full five day course instead found under code APMP-5.
Prerequisites
Delegates who attend this course are expected to have a minimum of 2 years' experiece in managing projects.
Delegates who are registered PRINCE2® Practitioners may wish to look at our 'APMP for PRINCE2® Practitioners' course where an alternative route to APMP is possible.
Pre-Course Reading
There is no pre-reading assigned for this course. However, delegates are expected to be fully familiar with the APMP syllabus topics covered in your prior study. Prior study is discussed in the 'Prerequisites' section above.
Learning Outcomes
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
Course Outline
This highly interactive course covers the content of the APMP syllabus which is based on the APM Body of Knowledge, 7th 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 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.
As there is insufficient time in this accelerated workshop to cover every topic in the APMP syllabus, delegates will assume some responsibility in selecting the topics below that are most appropriate for them.
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
APMP: The APM Project Management Qualification
The APMP examination is scheduled for 1.00pm on the final day of the course.
Key exam information:
- 3 hours and 15 minutes duration
- Closed-book
- 10 essay-based questions to be answered from a total of 16 questions; each answer is worth 50 marks
- Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of 275 marks out of 500 (55%) to pass
Please note: Delegates must bring photographic identification with them and present this to the invigilator on the exam day (e.g. passport, driving license, company secure access card, student card). Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification may result in a candidate being unable to sit the exam. For questions about what form of identification is acceptable, please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273 or info@qa.com.
APM certification paths
= Required
= Certification
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