PrintDURATION: 2 days |
| TIME: 09:00 to 17:00 GMT |
ELCAS Introduction to Project Management. Start your career in project management with our highly regarded two day APM PFQ (APM Project Fundamentals Qualification) course. No project management experience is required. Our courses are delivered from our Live Virtual Classroom and also at our Southampton-Solent classroom venue (between Portsmouth & Southampton).
This qualification is offered by IPSO FACTO and is one of several courses registered on the ELCAS scheme. For options to combine this ELCAS Introduction to project management with other qualifications, go to the ELCAS Resettlement page.
No prior knowledge or experience is required for this qualification.
The course offers a fundamental awareness of project management terminology and is for those wishing to gain a broad understanding of the principles of project management.
Its recommended that the total study and exam preparation time is on average 34 hours. This is split into 20 hours tutor led training and evening work followed by 13 hours of self study and exam preparation. 1 hour for the exam.
We’re accredited to provide the best learning experience for you. Find out more.
Have a look at our course bundles to make the most of your ELCAS funding.
You’re considering a career in project management but have no real experience.
You have no experience in project management, and this ELCAS Introduction to project management qualification is the perfect choice to combine with either Agile Project Management, PRINCE2, APM PMQ or Change Management.
If you are considering joining this course please complete the assessment form.
Your APM PFQ exam will be taken online using Surpass. We will book your online exam to take place starting between 15:00 and 16:00 on day two of your course. The exam will be booked seven days before the exam date, where you will be sent an email invitation from Surpass to test your equipment. This will allow you plenty of time to test your equipment, identify and resolve any issues.
Its important that you carry out the tests straight away, as you will be charged by the APM to make alterations to your exam booking within five days of your exam. You must test the equipment you’ll be using for the exam.
An email invitation to take the exam will be sent 3 days before your exam date. If you are expecting an email to test your equipment or take the exam please check you spam. Contact the APM or IPSO FACTO if you have any concerns.
The exam
*** Important information about preparing for APM online exams
Step 1: Read the course outline, select location and date from the drop down lists. Click “Make enquiry button”, complete the form. Note our ELCAS number, course title, course date and course location for your resettlement forms.
Step 2: We’ll email you with a detailed acknowledgement of the course, and reserve a place. In addition, we’ll invoice the costs including your contribution, and include our terms and conditions.
Step 3: On receipt of your payment contribution, we’ll email joining instructions. There are no pre-course materials for the course.
Understanding project management involves grasping its basics and the environment in which it operates. Recognize the distinctions between project work and ongoing business activities. Clearly define ‘project management’ and state its primary purpose. Additionally, understand the relationships between project management, programme management, and portfolio management. Explore the use of PESTLE analysis by project managers.
Projects follow distinct life cycles. Learn the phases of both linear and iterative project life cycles. Understand the concepts of hybrid life cycles and extended project life cycles.
Recognize the various roles and responsibilities in project management, including the project sponsor, manager, governance, team members, end users, product owner, and project management office.
Define a ‘deployment baseline’ and understand how it differs between linear and iterative life cycles. Identify stakeholders and explore the purpose and content of a business case. Comprehend benefits management, estimating methods, and the significance of establishing success criteria. Additionally, understand the purpose and benefits of project progress reporting.
Define ‘scope management’ and differentiate its application within linear and iterative projects. Explore how product breakdown structures (PBS) and work breakdown structures (WBS) illustrate required work scopes. Understand the use of cost breakdown structures (CBS), organizational breakdown structures (OBS), and the responsibility assignment matrix (RAM). Define ‘configuration management’ and ‘change control’ and explain their relationship. Outline stages in a typical change control process and activities in a configuration management process.
Understand the purpose of scheduling, critical path analysis, and milestones. Explore resource optimization options, including leveling and smoothing. Define a ‘procurement strategy.’
Define ‘risk’ and explain the purpose of risk management. Outline stages in a typical risk management process. Define ‘issue’ and outline the purpose of issue management. Differentiate between issues and risks.
Define ‘quality’ and ‘quality management.’ Understand quality planning, control, and assurance. Recognize the purpose of decision gates, post-project reviews, benefit reviews, and project audits.
Define ‘communication’ and outline the advantages and disadvantages of different communication methods. Explore the contents of a communication plan and understand its benefits to a project manager.
Define ‘leadership.’ Explain how a project team leader can influence team performance. Outline challenges faced by project managers in developing and leading project teams. Understand how project managers can use models like Belbin and Tuckman to assist team development.
