APM Training | APM Introductory Certificate (PFQ) Training in Durban

APM Introductory Certificate PFQ Course Outline

Module 1: Understand Project Management and the Operating Environment

• Define the Term Project
• Projects Vs Business as Usual
• Define the Term Project Management
• Purpose of Project Management
• Define the Term Programme Management
• Define the Term Portfolio Management
• PESTLE Analysis

Module 2: Understand Project Life Cycles

• Project Life Cycle
• Linear Project Life Cycle
• Iterative Project Life Cycle
• Hybrid Life Cycle
• Extended Project Life Cycle

Module 3: Understand the Roles and Responsibilities within Projects

• What is Project Sponsorship?
• Role of the Project Sponsor
• What is an Organisation?
• Project Team Structure Example
• Project Sponsor and Project Manager
• Project Governance
• Project Team Members
• End Users
• Product Owner
• Project Management Office

Module 4: Understand Project Management Planning

• Define the Term Deployment Baseline
• Linear Vs Iterative Life Cycles
• Stakeholders of a Project Management Plan
• Purpose of a Business Case
• Typical Contents
• Role of a Project Sponsor and Project Manager in a Business Case
• What is Stakeholder Management?
• Stakeholder Analysis Process
• How a Stakeholder Analysis Supports Effective Stakeholder Engagement
• Define the Term Benefits Management
• What is Estimating?
• Typical Estimating Methods
• Purpose of the Estimating Funnel
• What is Project Success?
• What is Success?
• When to Define Success?
• Success Criteria
• Reporting
• Purpose of Project Progress Reporting
• Benefits of Project Progress Reporting

Module 5: Understand Project Scope Management

• Scope Management
• Scope Management within Linear and Iterative lifecycles
• Breakdown Structures
• Product Breakdown Structure
• Work Breakdown Structure
• Cost Breakdown Structure
• Organisational Breakdown Structures
• Responsibility Assignment Matrix
• Configuration Management
• Change Control
• Why Change Control
• Change Control Process
• Configuration Management Process

Module 6: Understand Resource, Scheduling and Optimisation in a Project

• What is Scheduling?
• Purpose of Scheduling
• Purpose of Critical Path Analysis
• Purpose of Milestones
• Time Boxing
• What is Resource Optimisation?
• Resource Levelling
• Resource Smoothing
• Procurement Strategy

Module 7: Understand Project Risk and Issue Management in the Context of a Project

• What is Risk?
• What is Project Risk Management?
• Purpose of Risk Management
• Risk Management Process
• Use of Risk Registers
• What is an ‘Issue’?
• Terminology
• Purpose of ‘Issue Management
• Differentiate Between an Issue and a Risk
• Issue Resolution Process

Module 8: Understand Quality in the Context of a Project

• Definition of Quality
• Quality Management
• Quality Components
• Quality Planning
• Quality Control
• Quality Assurance
  • Decision Gates
  • Post Project Reviews
  • Benefit Reviews
  • Project Audits

Module 9: Understand Communication in the Context of a Project

• What is Communication?
• Communications in Projects
• Face-to-Face Communication
• Physical Communication
• Virtual Communication
• Contents of a Communication Plan
• Benefits to a PM of a Communication Plan

Module 10: Understand Leadership and Teamwork within a Project

• Leadership
• Impact on Team Performance
• Challenges to a Project Manager
  • Tuckman Team Development Model
  • Belbin Roles

APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Exam Information

The APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management (PFQ) Exam assesses participants' understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of project management. This certification focuses on providing individuals with a foundation in project management knowledge and terminology. 

• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice 
• Total Questions: 60 
• Total Marks: 60 Marks 
• Pass Marks: 60%, or 36/60 Marks 
• Duration: 60 Minutes 
• Open Book/Closed Book: Closed book

The assessment will cover the following core principles of Project Management:

• Planning and Scheduling
• Communications
• Quality Management
• Teamwork
• Resource Management
• Risk Management
• Issue Management
• Handover
• Reviews

Who should attend this APM Introductory Certificate PFQ Course?

The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Course is suitable for professionals seeking a broad understanding of fundamental Project Management principles. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Project Managers
• Junior Project Managers
• Project Coordinators
• Project Team Members
• Operations Professionals
• Professionals Working in Project Environments
• Individuals New to Project Management

Prerequisites for the APM Introductory Certificate PFQ Course

There are no formal prerequisites for attending this APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Course. However, an interest in Project Management can support the learning experience.

APM Introductory Certificate PFQ Course Overview

The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Course introduces the core concepts and principles of Project Management. It covers project life cycles, governance, planning, stakeholder engagement, scope, scheduling, resources, risk, quality, communication, leadership, and teamwork.

Delegates will develop knowledge of key Project Management terminology, roles, responsibilities, planning approaches, risk and issue management, quality practices, and communication methods. The training also develops an understanding of how these areas contribute to effective project delivery.

This 2-Day course by The Knowledge Academy enables delegates to apply foundational Project Management knowledge within different project environments. They will be able to support planning, understand project responsibilities, manage basic project activities, and contribute more effectively to project delivery.

APM Introductory Certificate PFQ Course Objectives

• To understand the fundamental principles and terminology of Project Management
• To understand project life cycles, governance, planning, and stakeholder engagement
• To gain knowledge of scope, scheduling, resources, risk, and quality management
• To understand communication, leadership, and teamwork within project environments
• To develop the knowledge required to contribute effectively to project delivery

Learning Outcomes of this APM Introductory Certificate PFQ Course

Upon completion of this training course, delegates will understand the fundamental concepts, terminology, roles, and practices of Project Management. They will be able to support project planning, contribute to risk and quality activities, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and work more confidently within project environments.

What’s Included in this APM Introductory Certificate PFQ Course?

• APM PFQ Examination
• World-Class Training Sessions from Experienced Instructors
• Digital Delegate Pack