Project Management Training Podcasts

Welcome to Parallel Project Training Podcast My name's Paul Naybour and welcome to another Parallel Project Training podcast. Today we're doing the PPQ and I'm really delighted that Thomas has decided to join us. Introducing the New PPQ Program Leader Tom O'Shea is going to be leading our PPQ programs from now on, and I've known Tom for many, many years. So, introduce yourself. Tom, tell people what you know about the PPQ and your involvement as a sort of PPQ assessor. Tom's Involvement in PPQ Yeah, certainly. So I've been involved in PPQ from the outset. I was actually involved in the previous version at this level, which was something called the PQ and that was a two-day assessment center. So fortunately, the PPQ is a little bit easier than that in that it's now just a half-day assessment in effect. But I've been involved from the beginning in the pilot, setting up the process and confirming or evaluating the structure of the assessment and have been undertaking assessments ever since. In addition to that, I also do some guidance and coaching of people through the process and how to present evidence, the kinds of things that are expected of a PPQ care assessment and the best way to prepare. Understanding the PPQ Fantastic. Fantastic. So you basically have seen the inside of how candidates do well and not so well and the hints and tips that they can use. So that's what we wanted to capture in this series of podcasts. I suppose we better explain what the PPQ is really. I see it as a bridge between the knowledge and understanding that you get in the project management qualification and that sort of advanced technical knowledge that you need to get your chartered status. So it provides a route to chartered. So I think that's why most people come on this program, that they're looking to work towards chartered status, I think. PPQ Versus PMQ Yes, indeed. Although the PPQ is, you know, recognized in itself and is something worth having, just as it almost is a standalone, if you like, to show that you have developed an advanced level of competence and capability in delivering projects. And I think that's the key thing that differentiates it from the PMQ that you mentioned. The PMQ is very much about knowledge. It's about learning some stuff, some theories, and techniques, and tools, and processes, and then being able to write theoretical answers to exam questions. PPQ is very much about application. So within the PPQ, you are expected to demonstrate to the assessors that you can actually run a project by applying your knowledge to the case study. So you have to approach this as a project manager, not as a student candidate in an exam. You have to approach this as if you are actually about to go into this organization or have just gone into this organization to deliver a project. Case Study Assessment Yes. So the assessment based on a case study, isn't it? Yes. So you get a case study four weeks before your assessment and you have to put yourself into the feet of the project manager who's coming in to run the case study. And most of them seem to be turnaround situations where the project has not been managed effectively. And you have to think about what steps and measures you would implement in order to bring that project back into control. Yeah. It's always going to be a situation that a project or projects are not being run well. There's no point in putting somebody into a situation where everything's perfect because all you do is pick up the reins and carry on. What this assessment is looking for is for you to use your knowledge and experience to say, well, I can see what's gone wrong here and what I need to do moving forward. So it is very much about the application.

In this episode, we discuss competence 7. stakeholder management and communication management. The professional practice criteria are PP1.1 Determined stakeholder interests, and levels of influence for a project. PP1.2 Produced a communication plan and undertaken effective stakeholder engagement based upon it. PP1.3 Monitored effectiveness of the communication plans and stakeholder engagement activities. PP1.4 Adjusted the communication plan and responded to any changing stakeholder engagement needs. PP1.5 Employed relevant communication methods and media to meet stakeholder requirements and expectations. PP1.6 Disseminated clear, timely and relevant information to stakeholders. PP1.7 Obtained, and responded to, feedback from stakeholders which may have an impact on a project.   For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030

In this episode, we discuss competence 6. Risk and issue management. the professional practice criteria are PP1.1 Continually identified risks within a project. PP1.2 Created a risk register including potential impact and suitable responses. PP1.3 Assessed the probabilities and impacts of risks and planned their responses. PP1.4 Capture and recorded issues, how they were resolved, and their implications to inform planning for future projects. PP1.5 Reacted, assessed, and planned responses to issues. PP1.6 Implemented responses to risks and issues including escalation, recording lessons learned. PP1.7 Transferred and/or formally closed unresolved risks at the end of a project or phase.    For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030.

In this episode, we discuss competencies 5a. Leadership and 5b. Team management   The professional practice criteria for 5A. Leadership  PP1.1 Maintained a team's understanding of, and commitment to the vision, values, and objectives of a project. PP1.2 Selected an appropriate leadership style based on the situation and/or context. PP1.3 Collaborated with others to maintain the momentum of a project. PP1.4 Encouraged others to adopt behaviours which built trust, confidence, and collaboration either within or between teams. PP1.5 Established environments which presented opportunities for empowered and autonomous working. PP1.6 Established leadership approaches to work with remote teams, colleagues and stakeholders. PP1.7 Identified and addressed difficulties and challenges through facilitating open discussions in a timely manner.   The professional practice criteria for 5B. Team management are PP1.1 Agreed team objectives and ways of working to achieve the vision and goals of a project. PP1.2 Evaluated the maturity level of the team. PP1.3 Adopted a proactive approach to communication to establish networks of support and facilitate effective ownership of delegated tasks. PP1.4 Built a relationship of trust and support, taking into consideration the possible complexities of collaboration, virtual working, time zones and cultures. PP1.5 Met the demands of a project through balancing individual and team needs. PP1.6 Provided opportunities for coaching and/or mentoring to members of a team, creating an environment of learning and trust thus promoting continual professional development.  PP1.7 Addressed performance issues likely to negatively impact on the success of a project whilst remaining alert to any signs of stress within the team. PP1.8 Acknowledged levels of performance through constructive feedback to individuals and teams and celebrated success when evident. PP1.9 Established a learning culture and promoted continued professional development.    For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030.

In this episode, we discuss competencies 4a. Integrated planning and 4b. Schedule management   The professional practice criteria for 4A. Integrated planning  PP1.1 Considered constraints and assumptions when creating an integrated plan. PP1.2 Considered dependencies and governance arrangements, when creating an integrated plan. PP1.3 Demonstrated compliance with organisational practice when establishing the size, structure, and contents of an integrated plan. PP1.4 Included other relevant components, plans and documentation to support a comprehensive integrated plan, and ensured formal acceptance of it.  PP1.5 Completed formal sign off and acceptance of an integrated plan. PP1.6 Continually monitored the progress of a project against the integrated plan. PP1.7 Adjusted the integrated plan utilising a change control process PP1.8 Applied configuration management to a plan once it had been formally accepted.    The professional practice criteria for 4B. Schedule management are PP1.1 Defined tools and techniques for creating and updating a schedule. PP1.2 Established units of measure to accurately define activities and events to be completed during a project. PP1.3 Developed duration estimates and critical dates for each activity and event. PP1.4 Determined relationships and dependencies between activities and events, when constructing a schedule. PP1.5 Documented a schedule of phases, milestones, and reviews to support project monitoring and progress reporting.  PP1.6 Agreed a schedule baseline, exceptions, and tolerance thresholds. PP1.7 Communicated regular schedule updates to internal or external stakeholders. PP1.8 Refined a schedule of activities based on effective monitoring, implementing the change control process when required.   For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030.

In this episode, we discuss competencies 3a. governance and 3b. reviews.   The professional practice criteria for 3A. Governance are PP1.1 Defined reporting, decision-making hierarchies, and levels of authority for a project. PP1.2 Established the relationship between a project's governance and the organisation's governance structures. PP1.3 Designed the project governance structure taking into account context, complexity, and potential impact. PP1.4 Adapted or adjusted the governance structure as required PP1.5 Ensured clarity of ownership and levels of authority by agreeing the responsibilities and accountabilities with relevant individuals.  PP1.6 Ensured effective decision making through maintained governance structures. PP1.7 Ensured effective reporting through maintained governance structures for appropriate staffing and maintenance   The professional practice criteria for 3B. Reviews are PP1.1 Considered factors which need to be evaluated during a review. PP1.2 Established and implemented a schedule of reviews incorporating key milestones. PP1.3 Obtained appropriate information from valid sources to inform the reviews. PP1.4 Maintained records of any deviations from plans to include reasons for and responses to, the deviations. PP1.5 Communicated the outcomes of reviews to relevant stakeholders. PP1.6 Confirmed stakeholder understanding and acceptance of proposed actions. PP1.7 Implemented agreed actions and updated lessons learned. PP1.8 Conducted and documented a close out review.    For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030.

In this episode, we discuss competencies, 2a. Change control and 2b. Conflict management. The professional practice criteria for 2A. Change control; PP1.1 Established a suitable change control process. PP1.2 Implemented and maintained a suitable change control process. PP1.3 Captured and recorded proposed changes to the agreed project scope. PP1.4 Determined the high-level impact of proposed changes to the project scope including reference to relevant sources. PP1.5 Determined the detailed impact on time and cost estimates of options relating to a proposed change. PP1.6 Reached justified recommendations on the approval, rejection, or deferral of proposed changes to a project and updated stakeholders as necessary. PP1.7 Updated plans and schedules reflecting the approved changes to a project demonstrating configuration management. PP1.8 Used trend analysis to help determine the performance of the current and future projects.   The professional practice criteria for 2b. Conflict management; PP1.1 Taken a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential conflict situations which may have impacted on the project. PP1.2 Taken an impartial approach to investigating the cause of conflict. PP1.3 Evaluated and implemented conflict resolution measures, seeking assistance from others when necessary. PP1.4 Responded appropriately and promptly to conflict situations where intervention was required. PP1.5 Monitored the extent to which conflict resolution measures have been successful. PP1.6 Sought to resolve conflict respecting the views, opinions, and concerns of all parties. PP1.7 Supported others to resolve conflict.   For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030.

In this episode, we discuss the first two competencies, 1a. budgetting and cost control, and 1b. financial management. The professional practice criteria for 1A. Budgetting and cost control are; PP1.1 Established estimates for different project costs. PP1.2 Established and gained agreement to a project budget. PP1.3 Set up funding drawdown arrangements based on cash flow forecasts. PP1.4 Applied metrics to establish cost trends within a project. PP1.5 Refined budget allocations based on cost analysis, applying change control processes as required. PP1.6 Produced financial reports for stakeholders based on financial performance monitoring. PP1.7 Upon project closure, produced final financial reports and distributed them to relevant stakeholders.   The professional practice criteria for 1B. Financial management are; PP1.1 Established estimates for different project costs. PP1.2 Established and gained agreement to a project budget. PP1.3 Set up funding drawdown arrangements based on cash flow forecasts. PP1.4 Applied metrics to establish cost trends within a project. PP1.5 Refined budget allocations based on cost analysis, applying change control processes as required. PP1.6 Produced financial reports for stakeholders based on financial performance monitoring. PP1.7 Upon project closure, produced final financial reports and distributed them to relevant stakeholders.   For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030.

In this episode, Parallel Project Training discuss some further details around the application process for ChPP. We also start to look deeper into the Technical Knowledge and Professional Practice statements. These statements are written on a number of mandatory and elective competencies, and we set the scene for the upcoming podcasts on each competence. For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030.

In this episode, Parallel Project Training offer an introduction to some APM ChPP topics. We cover; What is ChPP, and why might someone want to become chartered? The application process What is different with the new version of the Chartered Standard. An introduction to technical knowledge and professional practice.   For more guidance on the Association for Project Management Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), or any other project management training, please visit www.parallelprojecttraining.com or call 0118 321 5030.

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss procurement. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain the purpose, typical content and importance of a procurement strategy Differentiate between different methods of supplier reimbursement (including fixed price, cost plus fee, per unit quantity, and target cost) Differentiate between different contractual relationships Explain a supplier selection process This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast Paul and Jan discuss quality control, quality management and quality assurance. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain what is meant by quality planning Differentiate between quality control and quality assurance This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss risk and issue management. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain each stage in a risk management process (such as identification, analysis response, and closure) Explain proactive and reactive responses to risk (such as avoid, reduce, transfer or accept and exploit, enhance, share and reject) Explain the benefits of risk management Explain the key aspects of issue management This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss earned value. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain why a project manager would use earned value management Interpret earned value data (including variances and performance indexes) Explain the benefits of using interpretation of earned value data This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss stakeholder management. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Describe how resources are categorised and allocated to a linear life cycle schedule Differentiate between resource smoothing and resource leveling This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast Michelle and Paul discuss scheduling. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Describe ways to create and maintain a schedule (including critical path and Gantt charts) Differentiate between critical path and critical chain as scheduling techniques This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss stakeholder management. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain the relationship between stakeholder analysis, influence and engagement Explain the importance of managing stakeholder expectations to the success of a project This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss estimating. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain the approaches to producing estimates (including parametric, analogous, analytical and Delphi) Explain the reasons for and benefits of re-estimating throughout the project life cycle This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Michelle and John discuss the project management plan. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain the relationship between the deployment baseline and the development of a project management plan in linear and iterative life cycles Explain the importance of producing a project management plan Describe the typical contents of a project management plan This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Michelle and John discuss information management. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain an information management process (including collection, storage, curation, dissemination, archiving, and the destruction of information) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Jan and John discuss business case and investment appraisal. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain the importance of a business case throughout the project life cycle Explain what is meant by benefits management (including identification, definition, planning, tracking and realisation) Explain investment appraisal techniques used by a project manager (including Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Net Present Value (NPV)) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and Jan discuss change control. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain different stages of a typical change control process (such as request, initial evaluation detailed evaluation, recommendatoin, update plans, and implement) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, John and Jan discuss requirements and configuration management. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain how to establish scope through requirements management processes (such as gather, analysis, justifying requirements, ad baseline needs) Explain how to manage scope through configuration management processes (such as planning, identification, control, status accounting, and verification audit) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss scope management. This podcast aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain how to define scope in terms of outputs, outcomes and benefits (including use of product, cost and work breakdown structures) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and Jan discuss the conflict and negotiation. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Describe the characteristics and benefits of effective teams and teamwork Explain factors which impact on the leadership of virtual teams Explain factors which influence the creation, development and leadership of teams (using models such as Belbin, Margerison-McCann, Mysers-Briggs, Hackman, Tuckman, Katzenbach and Smith) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Jan and Paul discuss leadership. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain how leadership impacts on team performance and motivation (using models such as Maslow, Herzberg and McGregor) Explain why it may be necessary to change leadership styles to effectively support the management of a project This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, John and Paul discuss the conflict and negotiation. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; State sources of conflict within a project Explain ways in which conflict can be addressed (such asThomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument) Explain how to plan and conduct negotiations (including ZOPA, BATNA, and 'Win Win') This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and Jan discuss the communication. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain the benefits, to a project, of a communication plan Explain the relationship between stakeholder analysis and an effective communication management plan State factors which can positively or negatively affect communication This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss project life cycles. This includes look at the differences, phases and reviews in linear, iterative and hybrid life cycles. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Differentiate between linear, iterative and hybrid life cycles Explain why projects are structured as phases in a linear life cycle Explain the differences between a project life cycle and an extended life cycle This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Jan and Michelle discuss the project environment. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Describe the functions and benefits of different types of project office (including project / programme / portfolio management office (PMO), embedded PMO, central PMO and hub and spoke PMO). Explain why aspects of project management governance are required (such as the use of: policies, regulations, functions, processes, procedures and delegated responsibilities. This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and Jan discuss project roles. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain the role and key responsibilities of the project manager Differentiate between the responsibilities of the project manager and the project sponsor throughout the project. Describe other roles within project management (including users, project team members, the project steering group / board and the product owner) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Jan and John discuss organisational roles within projects. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; The difference between types of permanent and temporary organisation structures (including functional, matrix and project) Explain the way in which an organisational breakdown structure is used to create a responsibility assignment matrix   This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, John and Paul discuss regulation in projects. They talk about the impact of regulation on projects, including working conditions, risk management and governance. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain the impact of legal and regulatory environment on projects (such as the impact on working conditions, risk management, governance and sustainability)

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Jan and Michelle discuss the project environment. This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Explain tools and techniques used to determine factors which influence and impact projects (including PESTLE, SWOT, and VUCA) Explain the impact of legal and regulatory environment on projects (such as the impact on working conditions, risk management, governance and sustainability) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Michelle and Jan discuss projects, programmes and portfolios. They discuss the difference between project management, programme management and portfolio management, and the way they fit in an organisations strategic goals.  This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Differentiate between project management, portfolio management and programme management Outline the relationship between programmes, projects and strategic change Describe situations where the use of programme management may be appropriate This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this APM Project Management Qualification (BoK7) podcast, Paul and John discuss projects and business as usual. They look at the characteristics of a project, and explain how projects differ from the business as usual activities in an organisation.  This podcasts aims to address the following APM PMQ assessment criteria; Differentiate between projects and business as usual (BAU) This podcast is just part of the parallel learning system for the APM Project Management Qualification. This approach includes a wide range of learning resources including a printed study guide, on-line e-learning, a tutor lead study group and a wide range of project management courses

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: outline the purpose and benefits of project progress reporting

In this podcast the Parallel Team discuss the following assessment criteria: state the purpose of: decision gates, post project reviews, benefit reviews and project audits

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1 define the term ‘leadership’ 2 explain how a project team leader can influence team performance 3 outline the challenges to a project manager when developing and leading a project team 4 outline how a project manager can use models to assist team development (including Belbin and Tuckman)

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1 define the terms ‘configuration management’ and ‘change control’ in the context of scope management 2 explain the relationship between change control and configuration management 3 outline the stages in a typical change control process 4 outline the activities in a typical configuration management process (including planning, identification, control, status accounting and verification audit)

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1 define the term ‘issue’ 2 outline the purpose of ‘issue management’ 3 differentiate between an issue and a risk 4 state the stages of an issue resolution process

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1 define the term ‘quality’ 2 outline the purpose of ‘quality management’ 3 define the term ‘quality planning’ 4 define the term ‘quality control’ 5 outline the purpose of ‘quality assurance’ 6 state the purpose of: decision gates, post project reviews, benefit reviews and project audits

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1 define the term ‘risk’ 2 explain the purpose of risk management 3 outline the stages of a typical risk management process (including identification, analysis, response and closure) 4 describe the use of risk registers

In this podcast the Parallel Team discuss the following assessment criteria: outline options for resource optimisation (including resource levelling and resource smoothing)

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1 state the purpose of scheduling 2 state the purpose of critical path analysis 3 state the purpose of milestones 4 define the term ‘time boxing’ 5 outline options for resource optimisation (including resource levelling and resource smoothing) 6 define the term ‘procurement strategy’

In this podcast the Parallel Team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1 State typical estimating methods (including analytical, analogous, parametric) 2 Outline the purpose of the estimating funnel

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1 define the term ‘scope management’. 2 differentiate between scope management within linear projects and scope management within iterative projects. 3 describe how product breakdown structures (PBS) and work breakdown structures (WBS) are used to illustrate the required scope of work. 4 outline how a project manager would use cost breakdown structures (CBS), organisational breakdown structures (OBS) and the responsibility assignment matrix (RAM). 5 define the terms ‘configuration management’ and ‘change control’ in the context of scope management. 6 explain the relationship between change control and configuration management 7 outline the stages in a typical change control process 8 outline the activities in a typical configuration management process (including planning, identification, control, status accounting and verification audit)

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1. Define the term ‘communication’ 2 outline the advantages of different communication methods (including face to face, physical and virtual). 3 outline the disadvantages of different communication methods (including face to face, physical and virtual). 4 outline the contents of a communication plan. 5 explain the benefits, to a project manager, of a communication plan.

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1. Outline the stakeholders of a project management plan

In this podcast the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1. define the term ‘deployment baseline’ 2. state how deployment baselines differ between linear and iterative life cycles

In this podcast the Parallel Team discuss the following assessment criteria: 1. Explain why establishing success criteria is important at the start, during, and at the handover of a project