It has been an incredible year. More courses, more locations and pass rates for students attending CC Learning courses continue to surpass global averages. We still have courses running in Australia and New Zealand and our schedule for 2012 is published and we are already seeing strong interest.
Our most recent success was an amazing 10 out of 10 for an MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) delivered in Wellington. I am pleased to report that all 10 students attending the course passed their exams and all had very positive comments to make about our trainer, administration and materials (even before they got their results !!).
2012 will be a year where our traditional strengths in delivery of best practice training will be supplemented by students returning to renew their program registration and take the next step up.
For those that may not be aware passing a PRINCE2 or MSP exam earns you a certificate and a registration. The certificate has no expiry date (no one can ever take away the fact that you passed a particular exam at a point in time); however, the registration does lapse. Keeping yourself registered proves to the broader community that you are staying up to date with developments in your selected fields.
So, while 2011 has been a fantastic year and we are looking forward to a short break; we are already prepared for 2012 with new courses, new locations and even more energy !!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
P3M3 in a simple, easy to understand summary
Working in the Project Management space means that I often forget that concepts and frameworks that I am very familiar with may not be as clear to others.
I thought I would take a few minutes to write a very short summary of P3M3™.
P3M3™ is a model used to assess maturity levels against three distinct disciplines:
One of the key steps for any organisation carrying out a P3M3 ™ assessment is to decide the appropriate level of maturity that is appropriate for their organisation. The five levels are:
I thought I would take a few minutes to write a very short summary of P3M3™.
P3M3™ is a model used to assess maturity levels against three distinct disciplines:
- Project Management maturity
- Programme Management maturity
- Portfolio Management maturity
- Management control
- Benefits Management
- Financial Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Risk Management
- Organisational Management
- Resource Management
One of the key steps for any organisation carrying out a P3M3 ™ assessment is to decide the appropriate level of maturity that is appropriate for their organisation. The five levels are:
- Awareness of process
- Repeatable process
- Defined process
- Managed process
- Optimised process
Monday, October 10, 2011
New Zealand through to the Semi-Finals - RWC 2011
Was it a well executed project plan that yesterday saw the mighty Kiwi "All Blacks" triumph over the Argentinian Puma's or was it just a case of a hard fought desperate battle with the home town advantage?
As an experienced Project Manager, I'd like to think that the coaching and management staff sat down and looked at the game as a project. Surely they understood the Business Case for the project; financially, Rugby is good business and emotionally the hopes of the entire nation was at stake.
They would have had their plans defined to the point of knowing specifically who would be involved in the big plays of the day, what the communication structures were and when specific events would happen (ok, ok - so perhaps in a sporting arena we can't always predict when the points will be scored).
Then there would have been a regimented application of processes throughout the game. Each phase could be seen as a work package and each turn over in play (a stage boundary) would be a stage in itself. Assessments were happening on and off the field and ultimately the project was closed in the most satisfying way.
Well, perhaps I am stretching things a bit here, but life is a project and it was great to see the mighty All Blacks apply sound practice yesterday.
As an experienced Project Manager, I'd like to think that the coaching and management staff sat down and looked at the game as a project. Surely they understood the Business Case for the project; financially, Rugby is good business and emotionally the hopes of the entire nation was at stake.
They would have had their plans defined to the point of knowing specifically who would be involved in the big plays of the day, what the communication structures were and when specific events would happen (ok, ok - so perhaps in a sporting arena we can't always predict when the points will be scored).
Then there would have been a regimented application of processes throughout the game. Each phase could be seen as a work package and each turn over in play (a stage boundary) would be a stage in itself. Assessments were happening on and off the field and ultimately the project was closed in the most satisfying way.
Well, perhaps I am stretching things a bit here, but life is a project and it was great to see the mighty All Blacks apply sound practice yesterday.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
OGC replaced by The Cabinet Office
As of today - 1st September 2011 - the Trademark ownership for a whole bunch of frameworks and intellectual property has passed from the Office of Government Commerce to The Cabinet Office.
The transfer and demise of the Office of Government Commerce (the OGC web site, states in big red letters that their web site will cease to exist from the 1st October 2011) is a bit of a mystery, but I'm sure it's about control and naturally politics !!
The following statement was released by the APM Group (the sole official accreditor for all of the frameworks affected).
The Best Management Practice trademarks are now the sole property of the Cabinet Office, part of HM Government. To formalise the move of the Best Management Practice portfolio from the Office of Government Commerce,* the related trademarks and crown copyright have now transferred to the Cabinet Office
From 1 September 2011 the ATO, ACO and affiliate communities can, if they wish, begin to use the revised Best Management Practice trademarks and applicable acknowledgement statements. The Cabinet Office are also currently reviewing all the logos associated with the Best Management Practice portfolio.
Please note: The Cabinet Office wishes to minimize the pressure on the community to initiate any changes, particularly when further updates may be required as a result of the review of logos. To this end, making changes to your associated Best Management Practice materials and communications at this stage is discretionary, not compulsory
You can see the frameworks affected by visiting http://www.best-management-practice.com/officialsite.asp
The transfer and demise of the Office of Government Commerce (the OGC web site, states in big red letters that their web site will cease to exist from the 1st October 2011) is a bit of a mystery, but I'm sure it's about control and naturally politics !!
The following statement was released by the APM Group (the sole official accreditor for all of the frameworks affected).
The Best Management Practice trademarks are now the sole property of the Cabinet Office, part of HM Government. To formalise the move of the Best Management Practice portfolio from the Office of Government Commerce,* the related trademarks and crown copyright have now transferred to the Cabinet Office
From 1 September 2011 the ATO, ACO and affiliate communities can, if they wish, begin to use the revised Best Management Practice trademarks and applicable acknowledgement statements. The Cabinet Office are also currently reviewing all the logos associated with the Best Management Practice portfolio.
Please note: The Cabinet Office wishes to minimize the pressure on the community to initiate any changes, particularly when further updates may be required as a result of the review of logos. To this end, making changes to your associated Best Management Practice materials and communications at this stage is discretionary, not compulsory
You can see the frameworks affected by visiting http://www.best-management-practice.com/officialsite.asp
Monday, August 29, 2011
Management of Risk (M_o_R) Course delivered
John Humphries, delivered a Management of Risk course to an appreciative group, in Brisbane last week.
Administration evaluation
All administration and communication was efficient, prompt and effective, exactly what it needed to be.
Trainer evaluation
Presenter was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable and valuable course, brought to life by someone with a wealth of experience and a gentle encouraging style that made learning easy. An all-round good experience.
Compensation Authorities Staff Division (CASD)
With comments like these coming from delegates you can see why we are already planning our next program to be delivered in Australia and New Zealand. Find our database of courses at Training Navigator.
Administration evaluation
All administration and communication was efficient, prompt and effective, exactly what it needed to be.
Trainer evaluation
Presenter was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable and valuable course, brought to life by someone with a wealth of experience and a gentle encouraging style that made learning easy. An all-round good experience.
Compensation Authorities Staff Division (CASD)
With comments like these coming from delegates you can see why we are already planning our next program to be delivered in Australia and New Zealand. Find our database of courses at Training Navigator.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Templates, toolkits, portals, PRINCE2
At CC Learning we offer simply the best resources to our customer base. One of these resources is a collection of templates that are bundled into toolkits covering all aspects of running a project following the PRINCE2 methodology.
The toolkits we are offer are categorised as follows:
Footnote: these resources are available in English, German and Dutch.
The toolkits we are offer are categorised as follows:
- Daunting Projects: 31 templates, the entire set of documents to manage your most complex project
- Normal Projects: 17 templates that can be used in the majority of projects
- Simple Projects: 12 templates that provide the basics for your simple projects
- Checklists: to authorise a project, stage or exception, close a project, initiation, adhoc direction, starting up and more
- Roles: Project executive, project manager, project support, senior user, senior supplier and more
- Tasks: checkpoint reports, configuration item records, issue reports, work packages and more
Footnote: these resources are available in English, German and Dutch.
PRINCE 2 Reaching new Markets - Japan
In recent months we have noticed that the interest in the PRINCE2 Project Management framework has reached an important new market - Japan.
Unfortunately the increase in interest is borne on the back of a natural disaster that shocked the world in terms of loss of life and loss of infrastructure. It is an fact that following disasters there is a requirement to re-build and re-building requires structured process and a proven methodology.
We often think that a framework like PRINCE2 is only used in business environments to drive projects that are supported by well reasoned business cases. While this is true also understand that PRINCE2 is a critical part of re-building projects following the major devastation we have seen in Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
PRINCE2 helps communities such as those hit hard by Cyclone Yasi in the northern part of Queensland, Australia to reestablish industries such as tourism and restore loss of infrastructure. PRINCE2 can be a crucial part of helping entire cities to recover following major events, such as the major earthquakes experienced by the people of Christchurch, New Zealand. PRINCE2 is also a part of the solution for an entire country to restore communities, towns, infrastructure and services, following a series of major events, such as the Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear scare experienced by the people of Japan earlier this year.
At all times our thoughts are with the people who are suffering in these areas.
Related Stories
Unfortunately the increase in interest is borne on the back of a natural disaster that shocked the world in terms of loss of life and loss of infrastructure. It is an fact that following disasters there is a requirement to re-build and re-building requires structured process and a proven methodology.
We often think that a framework like PRINCE2 is only used in business environments to drive projects that are supported by well reasoned business cases. While this is true also understand that PRINCE2 is a critical part of re-building projects following the major devastation we have seen in Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
PRINCE2 helps communities such as those hit hard by Cyclone Yasi in the northern part of Queensland, Australia to reestablish industries such as tourism and restore loss of infrastructure. PRINCE2 can be a crucial part of helping entire cities to recover following major events, such as the major earthquakes experienced by the people of Christchurch, New Zealand. PRINCE2 is also a part of the solution for an entire country to restore communities, towns, infrastructure and services, following a series of major events, such as the Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear scare experienced by the people of Japan earlier this year.
At all times our thoughts are with the people who are suffering in these areas.
Related Stories
Friday, June 24, 2011
PRINCE2 Professional assessment explained
The official accreditor for PRINCE2 and other OGC Frameworks - APMG - have been working on the development of a higher level qualification for some time, known as the PRINCE2 Professional. After a successful candidate pilot earlier this year, OGC have requested two further pilots be run for approved trainers and consultants to garner further feedback.
This is a good indication of the level of seriousness that these organisations have with regard to new qualifications.
What is the PRINCE2 Professional qualification?
The PRINCE2 Professional qualification tests, through a 2-day Assessment Centre, a candidate’s ability to apply the PRINCE2 method when managing a non-complex project. In order to test this, the PRINCE2 Professional qualification moves outside of the boundaries of the PRINCE2 method and syllabus, and includes globally recognised project management competencies. This Assessment Centre is not a course. No training is provided.
Suitable candidates will have experience of managing non-complex projects or will have been a team member of a more complex project. Candidates wishing to take the PRINCE2 Professional qualification must also have passed the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification.
What is assessed?
The PRINCE2 Professional qualification assesses a candidate’s capability to manage a non complex PRINCE2 project across all aspects of the project lifecycle. For the purpose of the PRINCE2 Professional qualification, the assessment of a candidate’s capabilities takes place within the boundaries of a Case Study and the Assessment Centre.
How is the PRINCE2 Professional qualification assessed?
The assessment takes place at a residential Assessment Centre, held over two days.
Assessors collect evidence of a candidate’s competence through observation of group activities and exercises. Candidates are observed discussing and solving problems relating to the project Case Study. In addition, all candidates are interviewed by their assessor(s) on an individual basis during the Assessment Centre. Assessors and the Moderator must judge that a candidate is capable of managing a non-complex PRINCE2 project of the type used as case material during the Assessment Centre.
Assessment Teams
An Assessment Centre needs to operate with between six (APMG strongly recommends no less than 8) and sixteen candidates with an assessment team comprising two to four people depending on candidate numbers, plus one Moderator appointed by APMG.
The design of the PRINCE2 Professional qualification assumes the following: -
This is a good indication of the level of seriousness that these organisations have with regard to new qualifications.
What is the PRINCE2 Professional qualification?
The PRINCE2 Professional qualification tests, through a 2-day Assessment Centre, a candidate’s ability to apply the PRINCE2 method when managing a non-complex project. In order to test this, the PRINCE2 Professional qualification moves outside of the boundaries of the PRINCE2 method and syllabus, and includes globally recognised project management competencies. This Assessment Centre is not a course. No training is provided.
Suitable candidates will have experience of managing non-complex projects or will have been a team member of a more complex project. Candidates wishing to take the PRINCE2 Professional qualification must also have passed the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification.
What is assessed?
The PRINCE2 Professional qualification assesses a candidate’s capability to manage a non complex PRINCE2 project across all aspects of the project lifecycle. For the purpose of the PRINCE2 Professional qualification, the assessment of a candidate’s capabilities takes place within the boundaries of a Case Study and the Assessment Centre.
How is the PRINCE2 Professional qualification assessed?
The assessment takes place at a residential Assessment Centre, held over two days.
Assessors collect evidence of a candidate’s competence through observation of group activities and exercises. Candidates are observed discussing and solving problems relating to the project Case Study. In addition, all candidates are interviewed by their assessor(s) on an individual basis during the Assessment Centre. Assessors and the Moderator must judge that a candidate is capable of managing a non-complex PRINCE2 project of the type used as case material during the Assessment Centre.
Assessment Teams
An Assessment Centre needs to operate with between six (APMG strongly recommends no less than 8) and sixteen candidates with an assessment team comprising two to four people depending on candidate numbers, plus one Moderator appointed by APMG.
The design of the PRINCE2 Professional qualification assumes the following: -
- A minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 groups of candidates
- Each group containing either 3 or 4 people
- 1 approved Assessor per group
- 1 Moderator per Assessment Centre
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Standing still - not a good look.
I have a long held belief that simply standing still in business is a recipe for failure. That is, you may have a thriving business but if you are not looking at how to enhance your service offering to the market then you are not doing justice to your customer base.
At CC Learning we have the perfect vehicle for offering new and improved services on a rolling basis. Our internal system for managing literally hundreds of courses, multiple partners and thousands of customers is our platform for new products and services. Just recently we upgraded and now have a module that allows delegates booking on to training courses to select complementary products as part of their registration process.
The system is called Course Sales and it is software for training organisations. Well worth a look.
At CC Learning we have the perfect vehicle for offering new and improved services on a rolling basis. Our internal system for managing literally hundreds of courses, multiple partners and thousands of customers is our platform for new products and services. Just recently we upgraded and now have a module that allows delegates booking on to training courses to select complementary products as part of their registration process.
The system is called Course Sales and it is software for training organisations. Well worth a look.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Do my PRINCE2 Qualifications expire?
I was asked this quite basic question and thought that perhaps it would be worth a very short blog.
The Foundation qualification has no expiry, but the Practitioner qualification is valid for 5 years.
Most vendors offer a Re-Registration with every PRINCE2 course they run. That course is designed for those people that need to refresh their qualification. The re-reg gives you access to the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of the course - and a special (shorter) exam for re-registration.
Naturally, the specific nature of how the re-registration is offered can differ from vendor to vendor, but I've explained how we do it at CC Learning.
The Foundation qualification has no expiry, but the Practitioner qualification is valid for 5 years.
Most vendors offer a Re-Registration with every PRINCE2 course they run. That course is designed for those people that need to refresh their qualification. The re-reg gives you access to the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of the course - and a special (shorter) exam for re-registration.
Naturally, the specific nature of how the re-registration is offered can differ from vendor to vendor, but I've explained how we do it at CC Learning.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Better Project Outcomes
The title of today's blog comes direct from a client meeting I went to this morning with the GM - Roger Purdie. Having been selected to deliver a series of seminars and workshops - based on PRINCE2 for this client it was a great exercise in common understanding.
Both CC Learning and the client understand that when it comes to the delivery of training, education and seminars the key objective is to identify the problem or issue that the training is looking to solve. Many training organisations will only scratch the surface when it comes to answering this question; but at CC Learning we go deeper to understand the customers true requirement.
In today's case it was about delivering "better project outcomes". The Project Outcome is meant to be stated in customer language and related to business and user objectives. Unfortunately, too many of us have stories to tell about projects that did not deliver, were over time and over budget. However, just as many projects fail due to poor communication and a lack of understanding on how to promote the project benefits in non-technical language.
At CC Learning we understand that there are many facets to training and education and while many other providers focus on exams; we focus on building capability of our delegates to deliver better project outcomes. Of course, a step in that journey can legitimately be passing an exam; but we like to deliver so much more than a high quality course, with world class presenters and unequaled materials. We truly develop capability that can be taken back to the organisation and used to add greater value in a variety of areas.
Better Project Outcomes is what we are aiming for with our newest client and we will build and deliver a unique solution and achieves that common goal.
Both CC Learning and the client understand that when it comes to the delivery of training, education and seminars the key objective is to identify the problem or issue that the training is looking to solve. Many training organisations will only scratch the surface when it comes to answering this question; but at CC Learning we go deeper to understand the customers true requirement.
In today's case it was about delivering "better project outcomes". The Project Outcome is meant to be stated in customer language and related to business and user objectives. Unfortunately, too many of us have stories to tell about projects that did not deliver, were over time and over budget. However, just as many projects fail due to poor communication and a lack of understanding on how to promote the project benefits in non-technical language.
At CC Learning we understand that there are many facets to training and education and while many other providers focus on exams; we focus on building capability of our delegates to deliver better project outcomes. Of course, a step in that journey can legitimately be passing an exam; but we like to deliver so much more than a high quality course, with world class presenters and unequaled materials. We truly develop capability that can be taken back to the organisation and used to add greater value in a variety of areas.
Better Project Outcomes is what we are aiming for with our newest client and we will build and deliver a unique solution and achieves that common goal.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Our results speak for themselves
Our General Manager, Roger Purdie - reported to me today that he has obtained our last 12 months of exam results from APMG for PRINCE2 exams - Foundation and Practitioner.
Like most of our clients we understand that the exam is just one part of the entire learning experience; however, it can be used as an independent benchmark that reflects our ability to deliver to you exactly what you would expect to see from us.
So here they are for the 12 months - March 2010 to April 2011
Foundation pass rate (all trainers combined) - 99%
Practitioner pass rate (all trainers combined) - 90%
As close to 100% of our delegates as we can get passed the Foundation exam when they took their course and exam with us. A staggering 90% of people passed their PRINCE2 practitioner.exam with us.
I put this outstanding result to a number of factors - not least of which is our high calibre trainers, quality materials and back office support.
Fantastic results.
Like most of our clients we understand that the exam is just one part of the entire learning experience; however, it can be used as an independent benchmark that reflects our ability to deliver to you exactly what you would expect to see from us.
So here they are for the 12 months - March 2010 to April 2011
Foundation pass rate (all trainers combined) - 99%
Practitioner pass rate (all trainers combined) - 90%
As close to 100% of our delegates as we can get passed the Foundation exam when they took their course and exam with us. A staggering 90% of people passed their PRINCE2 practitioner.exam with us.
I put this outstanding result to a number of factors - not least of which is our high calibre trainers, quality materials and back office support.
Fantastic results.
Monday, April 11, 2011
An overview of training with CC Learning
I am delivering a PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner in Brisbane this week and I have other trainers delivering in Auckland, Wellington and other cities around the world.
It is quite amazing for me to look at the way we have CC Learning set to not only deliver world class training with world class instructors; but we have a world class team backing all of this up. When we first began the company - like many - we relied on what would today be considered ancient tools to manage our courses. Spreadsheets and documents were the order of the day.
Many companies now boast administration processes and procedures; we've gone one better than that. We have taken our processes and procedures and automated them into a tool. We have Course Sales and nothing comes close to it as an automated training administration system - with web front end and web back end with powerful customisation capability.
The tool is based on defined process and procedure and it has already won us praise from a number of independant companies - but the tool is nothing without the right people to use it. We're a training company - so we train our staff in the complex art of training administration. Any training company that doesn't put as much effort into the way that they handle your enquiry, registration, pre-course and post course activities as they do into the training isn't providing you with a total experience.
CC Learning offers you a total training experience. You are kept informed, you get the best in class and out of class support and you won't find another company like CC Learning when it comes to your needs analysis, delivery and support. www.cclearning.cc
It is quite amazing for me to look at the way we have CC Learning set to not only deliver world class training with world class instructors; but we have a world class team backing all of this up. When we first began the company - like many - we relied on what would today be considered ancient tools to manage our courses. Spreadsheets and documents were the order of the day.
Many companies now boast administration processes and procedures; we've gone one better than that. We have taken our processes and procedures and automated them into a tool. We have Course Sales and nothing comes close to it as an automated training administration system - with web front end and web back end with powerful customisation capability.
The tool is based on defined process and procedure and it has already won us praise from a number of independant companies - but the tool is nothing without the right people to use it. We're a training company - so we train our staff in the complex art of training administration. Any training company that doesn't put as much effort into the way that they handle your enquiry, registration, pre-course and post course activities as they do into the training isn't providing you with a total experience.
CC Learning offers you a total training experience. You are kept informed, you get the best in class and out of class support and you won't find another company like CC Learning when it comes to your needs analysis, delivery and support. www.cclearning.cc
Monday, April 4, 2011
PRINCE2 Maturity Model
Many readers won't be aware of it, but there is a PRINCE2 Maturity model (P2MM). The model is a 5 tiered approach to assessing the initial, repeatable and defined key process areas of your PRINCE2 implementation.
Assessments are mechanisms that provide a way to prioritise improvements and in general give the reader an overall feel for the way a particular methodology is working in the organisation.
The P2MM defines five levels of maturity as follows but only three levels are actually in use:
1. Initial - Projects are recognised and run differently from usual business
2. Repeatable - PRINCE2 adopted by most projects
3. Defined - PRINCE2 tailored for organisational fit
4. Managed - not utilised in PRINCE2
5. Optimising - not utilised in PRINCE2
You may be wondering - why define the 5 levels if only 3 are used. The reason is that the 5 levels are used in the ITIL maturity model (ITIL and PRINCE2 are both OGC owned frameworks).
Assessments are mechanisms that provide a way to prioritise improvements and in general give the reader an overall feel for the way a particular methodology is working in the organisation.
The P2MM defines five levels of maturity as follows but only three levels are actually in use:
1. Initial - Projects are recognised and run differently from usual business
2. Repeatable - PRINCE2 adopted by most projects
3. Defined - PRINCE2 tailored for organisational fit
4. Managed - not utilised in PRINCE2
5. Optimising - not utilised in PRINCE2
You may be wondering - why define the 5 levels if only 3 are used. The reason is that the 5 levels are used in the ITIL maturity model (ITIL and PRINCE2 are both OGC owned frameworks).
Thursday, March 17, 2011
PMI vs. PRINCE2 Qualifications
People will often ask me to help them decide which is the better Project Management framework for them to get qualified in. PMI-PMP or PRINCE2.
As you'd expect there is no easy answer; but here are some pointers that can't be refuted:
As you'd expect there is no easy answer; but here are some pointers that can't be refuted:
- PMI-PMP has a greater take up in the USA; but across Europe and into Asia-Pac PRINCE2 is more dominant.
- Both frameworks require the qualification holder to "re-certify" PMI-PMP do this through the Professional Development Units (PDU) scheme - where attending project related events (training, seminars, conferences, etc.) count towards a required minimum number of PDU units per annum. PRINCE2 (at the Practitioner level) requires the certified person to take a small re-registration exam once ever 5 years.
- Both PMI-PMP and PRINCE2 are intensive courses that require the student to undertake pre-course study and in course homework. PMI-PMP recommend an additional 200 hours of self study, PRINCE2 suggests up to 20 hours of pre-course study and then a few hours each night of the full 5 day course.
- PMI has many, many more questions in their exam than PRINCE2
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Could not be more proud !
What was the TV series where the famous line was always "I love it when a plan comes together".
Well I love it when a plan comes together. In the first quarter of 2011 we have delivered a lot of courses to a lot of satisfied clients in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. We have opportunities opening up across Africa and into the Asian markets.
PRINCE2 is still our focus, but we are bringing on new products in a planned and strategic manner. Most recently that includes 1 day simulations based on the ITIL and PRINCE2 frameworks. From our great partners at GamingWorks these simulations are superb for practicing techniques and team bonding.
Contact us for more details courseadmin@cclearning.cc
Well I love it when a plan comes together. In the first quarter of 2011 we have delivered a lot of courses to a lot of satisfied clients in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. We have opportunities opening up across Africa and into the Asian markets.
PRINCE2 is still our focus, but we are bringing on new products in a planned and strategic manner. Most recently that includes 1 day simulations based on the ITIL and PRINCE2 frameworks. From our great partners at GamingWorks these simulations are superb for practicing techniques and team bonding.
Contact us for more details courseadmin@cclearning.cc
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
PRINCE2 and PMI PDU credits
We get quite a few people asking us. So here is the answer to the question of whether you can claim Professional Development Unit (PDU) credits under the Project Management Institute (PMI) continuing accreditation scheme.
SUMMARY: Candidates may claim PDUs under PMI's "Category B: Continuing Education" for attending relevant CC Learning courses.
Discussion: Even though CC Learning does not carry actual PMI certification - this is NOT A BARRIER to you claiming PDU points. The story is that by attending educational courses that are deemed to be relevant to the PMI guidelines and that are offered by training organisations that are NOT registered with PMI (e.g. training (in any form) offered by your employer, another professional or a non-accredited PMI training organisation) you can lodge a claim.
Even if you consider that only a portion of the course you take relates to your area of expertise you can STILL CLAIM PDUs on the basis of 1 PDU per 1 hour of the course that is relevant (project management, project risk, project scheduling, or program management equals).
The only thing you need to do is ask us for a letter to prove your attendance and submit that along with a brochure of the course or syllabus that outlines the topics covered and the fact that our courses are in fact APMG accredited - as are our trainers.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
MSP Exams and materials delay notice
We received a note from the APM Group. The summary of the message is that the MSP (Managing Successful Programs) exams and associated documentation will not be available in March 2011 as originally published.
The delay is due to delays in publishing the definitive text that supports MSP.
While frustrating, there is no value in publishing exams, etc. until the source material upon which those exams are to be based has been locked down.
So, check back regularly or drop me a note on this blog if you are interested to know when the courses are available.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Does the poor workman always blame the tools?
I read a blog yesterday and picked up on one comment. The blog was on PRINCE2 (the Project Management methodology) and one reviewer made a comment that ".... we use the PRINCE2 framework throughout our organization - unfortunately!".
It really got me thinking. What could be unfortunate about using a structure PM methodology that has flexibility, modularity and scalability inherent in the design?
Really, it would appear that there is no pleasing some people, but let's be real here. PRINCE2 has never done anything wrong to anyone. The methodology is nothing more than a bunch of words written in a book. Anything "wrong" with the framework will, 100% of the time, be traceable to a person.
I'd welcome any comments to the contrary.
It really got me thinking. What could be unfortunate about using a structure PM methodology that has flexibility, modularity and scalability inherent in the design?
Really, it would appear that there is no pleasing some people, but let's be real here. PRINCE2 has never done anything wrong to anyone. The methodology is nothing more than a bunch of words written in a book. Anything "wrong" with the framework will, 100% of the time, be traceable to a person.
I'd welcome any comments to the contrary.
ITIL Interest in the market??
It's no secret. I am a Projects focused guy. I have participated in major projects in several countries and I now focus on teaching people how to deliver projects as well as manage programs and portfolios.
I am continually monitoring the market for frameworks whose time may have come to see how they complement the work I do. The latest framework that is getting some of my attention is ITIL.
ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library. It is a 5 stage framework built on the concept of a Service Lifecycle. It is not a new framework having been around in some form or another since the 1980's. I looked at the framework and I can see obvious synergies between PRINCE2 and ITIL. The fact is that PRINCE2 defines projects that have distinct start and finish dates; whereas ITIL is more of a mindset change (changing the way the IT Professionals think about the services they deliver).
So while ITIL is not a project per se, it has components that can definitely be managed as projects. For example, the creating of a Service Catalog or the population of a Configuration Management Data Base (along with the tool assessment, selection and implementation to manage configuration items (CI's).
So, while these two frameworks are ostensibly different they work hand in hand to deliver a better service to the business customers and end users.
I am continually monitoring the market for frameworks whose time may have come to see how they complement the work I do. The latest framework that is getting some of my attention is ITIL.
ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library. It is a 5 stage framework built on the concept of a Service Lifecycle. It is not a new framework having been around in some form or another since the 1980's. I looked at the framework and I can see obvious synergies between PRINCE2 and ITIL. The fact is that PRINCE2 defines projects that have distinct start and finish dates; whereas ITIL is more of a mindset change (changing the way the IT Professionals think about the services they deliver).
So while ITIL is not a project per se, it has components that can definitely be managed as projects. For example, the creating of a Service Catalog or the population of a Configuration Management Data Base (along with the tool assessment, selection and implementation to manage configuration items (CI's).
So, while these two frameworks are ostensibly different they work hand in hand to deliver a better service to the business customers and end users.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Principles, Themes, Processes and Performance for PRINCE2
I was chatting to Roger Purdie, our newest addition to the CC Learning team. Roger has extensive IT Service Management (ITIL) experience and qualifications, plus he has run a large number of major projects. However, he hasn't ever attended the PRINCE2(r) accredited training.
He has started to look at the course and was chatting to me about the principles, themes, processes and performance aspects of the framework. It made me remember how daunting it can be; taking on a new topic, a new language.
Just a couple of pointers for those that are taking on PRINCE2.
The Principles - these are effectively the "rules of the game" and cover how you should run a project from the highest level and what you should do.
The Themes - a step down from the principles and these 7 aspects tell you what you need to address in every project.
The Processes - these 7 steps are a logical flow on how you run a project. There can be thought of as a set of sequential actions which ensure a controlled progression of the project.
Performance Measures - perhaps the easiest conceptually to absorb. These are the categories where we set the actual metrics that help us determine if the project is an ongoing success or not (and ends up being a success overall or not).
...oh and there is one critical element that must be considered for all PRINCE2 initiatives. Tailoring - that is ensuring that the framework is molded to fit the project and NOT the project molded to fit PRINCE2.
He has started to look at the course and was chatting to me about the principles, themes, processes and performance aspects of the framework. It made me remember how daunting it can be; taking on a new topic, a new language.
Just a couple of pointers for those that are taking on PRINCE2.
The Principles - these are effectively the "rules of the game" and cover how you should run a project from the highest level and what you should do.
The Themes - a step down from the principles and these 7 aspects tell you what you need to address in every project.
The Processes - these 7 steps are a logical flow on how you run a project. There can be thought of as a set of sequential actions which ensure a controlled progression of the project.
Performance Measures - perhaps the easiest conceptually to absorb. These are the categories where we set the actual metrics that help us determine if the project is an ongoing success or not (and ends up being a success overall or not).
...oh and there is one critical element that must be considered for all PRINCE2 initiatives. Tailoring - that is ensuring that the framework is molded to fit the project and NOT the project molded to fit PRINCE2.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Classroom training/Instructor led
There are a growing number of options for people to increase their knowledge in a particular subject; but training is still the number one way to grow knowledge in a controlled, defined manner.
The other option that many have tried to use is "self research". This is where you could look to use the internet to find topics, blogs, etc. on your topic of choice. However, this method is actually detrimental to your learning experience. With no clear structure to such an approach you may find you come out worse off than going in.
So training is the only viable option. However, the choice doesn't stop there. For your training you have two primary options - classroom or online/self study. Of course, I have a biased view; I am a trainer and the CEO of a training company, so naturally I would be promoting classroom events. However, the online/self study option is a viable alternative for some (namely, those that are self employed and cannot spare the time to make it to the classroom). There is enough documentation on the facts regarding adult self study vs. classroom learning - all I want to say is that we are about to embark on a journey where we offer a wider range of access to our quality programs.
So watch this blog or follow us on Facebook.
The other option that many have tried to use is "self research". This is where you could look to use the internet to find topics, blogs, etc. on your topic of choice. However, this method is actually detrimental to your learning experience. With no clear structure to such an approach you may find you come out worse off than going in.
So training is the only viable option. However, the choice doesn't stop there. For your training you have two primary options - classroom or online/self study. Of course, I have a biased view; I am a trainer and the CEO of a training company, so naturally I would be promoting classroom events. However, the online/self study option is a viable alternative for some (namely, those that are self employed and cannot spare the time to make it to the classroom). There is enough documentation on the facts regarding adult self study vs. classroom learning - all I want to say is that we are about to embark on a journey where we offer a wider range of access to our quality programs.
So watch this blog or follow us on Facebook.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Management of Portfolios (MoP)
There is a buzz in the management training sector over the new MoP - Management of Portfolio training.
CC Learning will be offering training in this latest of OGC frameworks that has as it's focus the strategic drivers from the business side to all of the organisations projects and programmes.
So if you have an interest in making sure that business objectives are met by ensuring the right projects are run, at the right time, by the right people and (of course) at the right cost - then you will want to contact our team.
CC Learning will be offering training in this latest of OGC frameworks that has as it's focus the strategic drivers from the business side to all of the organisations projects and programmes.
So if you have an interest in making sure that business objectives are met by ensuring the right projects are run, at the right time, by the right people and (of course) at the right cost - then you will want to contact our team.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Exciting year ahead
Well we may be 1/12th through the year, but we are already starting to see some exciting new trends emerge in the industry.
My sales team has already been very busy educating and promoting new programs that have traditionally been seen as supplementary to PRINCE2. These include M_o_R, MSP and MoP - all proven frameworks that support multiple business aspects (including Governance and control).
I was recently asked how to position each of the frameworks against one another. The easy answer is "attend one of our courses" and we explain the connections. However, for the purpose of this blog it is sufficient to say that each framework is complementary to the other.
For example
I look forward to posting more blogs for you and hope you will follow along.
My sales team has already been very busy educating and promoting new programs that have traditionally been seen as supplementary to PRINCE2. These include M_o_R, MSP and MoP - all proven frameworks that support multiple business aspects (including Governance and control).
I was recently asked how to position each of the frameworks against one another. The easy answer is "attend one of our courses" and we explain the connections. However, for the purpose of this blog it is sufficient to say that each framework is complementary to the other.
For example
- PRINCE2 is a framework for managing projects with a focus on six (6) control variables.
- MSP is a framework for managing a group of related projects
- MoP is a framework that helps drive business decisions relating to specific projects or even entire programs.
- P3O is a practical step-by-step guide to setting up and operating projects, programmes and portfolio management.
- M_o_R spans all aspects of risk management across projects, programmes and portfolio decisions.
I look forward to posting more blogs for you and hope you will follow along.
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