Structure and content
During the course you will learn how to set up a project, how to cope with complexity, how to interpret and manage the client’s aspirations and expectations; it will enable you to establish and lead the project team, and give you a range of tools that you can use to optimise the way your project runs, and manage it through uncertainties and contingencies. Covers how to better manage the CDM Regulations 2015 through Project Management.
Our method is very practical. You will work in teams and you will be exposed to simulated situations which will test your performance and correct your approach; this is so that when you go back to your real work, you will have valuable experience which can be applied and enable you to lead with confidence and authority. The course is structured into three blocks (a block is two days of face-to-face learning), which are linked by distance learning.
The learning is incremental with blocks 2 and 3 building on the foundations laid down in block 1.
Tutor support is available throughout the course. Tutors can be contacted by email, phone or through the Moodle website. Comprehensive feedback is given after the submission of the assignments following each Block highlighting areas that might need more work or improvement.
The course material, including the Project Management Handbook and Course Workbook, is online and once your place on a course has been confirmed, you will be given access to this. Before the course you are asked to start reading and working through the Handbook and Workbook. During the taught sessions you will be put into a team and carry out an exercise based on a case study. Following the taught session you are given an individual exercise to complete and submit. We allow four weeks for this and on satisfactory submission, you are awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
Course Content
Block 1: Project Management - the Fundamental Processes
Deals with the fundamental processes such as procuring building work, programming or scheduling work according to time requirements, roles and responsibilities, project structures. It is a basic ‘how to do it’ course, which tackles the nuts and bolts of basic project management tools and processes.
Take-away: knowledge of the basic processes.
2 days of face-to-face teaching with some distance learning.
Block 2: Project Management Theory and Practice
Takes the learning on a stage, and fleshes out the skeleton. For instance, it adds questions of resources to the techniques of programming or scheduling and shows you how to tune your project to a higher level of performance. It includes sessions on managing the supply chain. It creates an understanding of how the team might pull together to multiply its effectiveness. It increases the scope of project management study.
Take-away: Increased depth of knowledge and the foundations of competence laid.
2 days of face-to-face teaching with some distance learning
Accredited by the Association for Project Management, Blocks 1 & 2 cover the syllabus for the Project Management Qualification (PMQ) and prepare students to take the exam which leads to Membership of the APM (MAPM). Students who wish to take the PMQ exam should also attend Block 4, the one day exam preparation and revision session.
Block 3: Project Management Competence
The Advanced Professional Certificate in Construction Project Management: takes the learning on to a higher level. It is for students with the breadth of experience to underpin the professional competences, who wish to become Chartered Members of the APM (ChPP). This block focuses on the further development, integration and application of the principles and tools learned in Blocks 1 & 2. Blocks 1-3, taken together, cover the syllabus of the APM’s PPQ exams and are accredited by the APM for this.
Case study: final assessed assignment
Take away: considerably enhanced competence
Block 4: Exam Preparation
This is a one day exam revision and preparation session for those wishing to take the APM PPQ or PMQ exams. It also covers the application process for the Chartered Project Professional standard (ChPP). The tutors will be available to advise and support students throughout the revision period and help is given on how to compose the application to the APM.
This learning is accredited by the APM in relation to the PPQ exam level.
