Project Management News from AFAprojects.com

Summer Training Offers

AFA will be running the following public training events during July and August. All these courses are guaranteed to run irrespective of delegate numbers. We won't mess you about by cancelling any of the dates.
Spend your Summer wisely by coming along to an AFA course and gaining a qualification. For more details see our website www.AFAprojects.com or reply to this Newsletter:

PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner 12 - 16 July in Ipswich
ITIL V3 Foundation 14 - 16 July in Norwich
Change Management Foundation & Practitioner 19 - 23 July in Reading
Management of Risk (M_o_R) Foundation & Practitioner 19 - 23 July in London
Managing Successful Programme (MSP) Foundation & Practitioner 19 - 23 July in Reading
PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner 19 - 23 July in Norwich
MSP Advanced Practitioner & Re-registration 18 - 20 August in Norfolk

Please contact us for offers and discounts.

Join the AFA community on Twitter and LinkedIn

We hope this community will allow you to chat and share with like minded individuals who can offer help and assistance with your projects, programmes and portfolios.
Why not come and join in the discussion.

Twitter � http://twitter.com/AFA_Alan

LinkedIn � http://bit.ly/AFAonLinkedIn

AFA Guarantees all Open Courses

All AFA open courses are guaranteed to go ahead, as of 1st May 2010. After speaking with many delegates over the past few months, we have decided to review our policies in a bid to help delegates through these difficult times. One of the first things that we get asked is 'Is this course definitely going to run?'
We understand that it can be frustrating for people to have a course cancelled at short notice. Many delegates have booked time off work, booked accommodation, or even booked flights. AFA very rarely cancelled courses in the past, and now we won't have to in the future.

Every one of AFA's standard open courses will run, whether there is one delegate or ten. There are no longer minimum number requirements, which mean you can book your course in confidence, knowing that AFA will provide you with the course you wanted, where you wanted and most importantly, when you wanted.

*This applies to all courses in England, and excludes courses in Scotland, Ireland and other countries.

Change Management is going strong

Building on the concepts of Esther Cameron and Mike Green's book "Making Sense of Change Management: 2nd Edition" this updated course has been developed, with the help of People Alchemy, to help organisations and individuals come to terms with the reality of change.
For those who have already taken the previous 'Principles of Change Management' exam, you will notice a big change to the format of the course. AFA ran a Principles of Change Management course over 4 days, with the exam taking place on the last afternoon. Since its new release, the Change Management qualification has become more appealing to all those thinking about taking the course.
The format now runs very similarly to PRINCE2 and M_o_R, with the foundation part of the course running over the first three days and the foundation & practitioner combined course running over 5 days.
A conversion course can be taken, which will take you from the foundation level to the practitioner level. This course runs for the last two days of an open course.
You may be wondering what happens if you took the old style exam? This means that you are qualified to foundation level and you will only need to sit the Conversion course to become a registered practitioner.

To find out more, please visit our Change Management page.

AFA adopt APM

AFA are delighted to announce that on Tuesday 5th January 2010 the Association for Project Management notified us that our application to become an approved training provider has been successful. Initially AFA will offer public, scheduled training for the APM Introductory Certificate and for the APMP qualification. Events will be held in London & Cambridge every six to eight weeks starting in February; if demand requires it additional courses will be scheduled. In-house delivery for corporate clients can also be arranged. AFA's Managing Director Alan Ferguson is quoted as saying "This exciting development allows AFA to teach clients about the wider aspects of project management in parallel with transferring knowledge about pragmatic & effective implementation of the PRINCE2 methodology'. For more information please go to APM Training.

AFA's 2010 Brochure is complete

The brochure provides information on new courses for Best Practice methods, AFA's Consultancy services, and background information on the trainers and backroom staff. The brochure can be downloaded at http://www.afaprojects.com/downloads/download_90.pdf

The first part of the brochure covers AFA's training courses, and starts with a synopsis about AFA and AFA's accreditations. PRINCE2 Project Management is the first training course discussed. Since the new manual release in July 2009, AFA have been running seminars throughout the country explaining the changes between the old and new versions. In-house refresher days can still be provided, so please contact us for more information.

Leading on from PRINCE2, the brochure covers MSP, the global Programme Management methodology, and underlines the changes in MSP after the major course update in 2007. Information is provided on AFA's future course dates, locations and costs. The brochure also covers P3O (Portfolio, Programme & Project Office), which is the latest guidance developed by the Office of Government & Commerce. The brochure includes information on the newly released P3O practitioner course. M_o_R Risk Management is then covered and summarises how effective risk management helps organisations achieve its objectives. Information is provided on course dates, locations and costs. 2010 sees the start of the new Change Management course, which covers dealing with and the impact of Change Management for the individual, the team, the organisation and the channge leader. Also new to AFA for 2010 are APM qualifications, such as APM Introductory Certificate and APMP. These two courses are accredited by the Association of Project Management. AFA also run courses in ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) which is delivered by ISEB accredited training providers and provides a systematic and professional approach to the management of IT service provision. Practices for Delivering Change, Portfolio Management and Outcome & Benefits Management are then covered, giving course information also.

The final part of the brochure covers AFA's Consultancy Services, and discusses the latest assessment model; the Portfolio, Programme and Project Management Maturity Model (P3M3) that give clients a preliminary assessment of their organisations maturity. Information is provided on how AFA can help organisations implement a structured method in the workplace, and how less experienced managers can benefit from post-training mentoring.

This year AFA have continued to refine their training locations to include London based courses for PRINCE2, MSP and M_o_R. PRINCE2 courses can be found in Belfast, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Exeter, Ipswich, London, Norwich, Peterborough, Reading and in various locations across Europe; MSP courses are in Cambridge, London, Norwich and Reading along with the M_o_R courses which run in Cambridge, London and Reading. P3O can be found in Cambridge, London, Manchester, Norwich and Reading along with ITIL courses in Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich.

Change Management, APM, Practices for Delivering Change, Portfolio Management and Outcome and Benefits Management details can also be found in the brochure along with their dates in both Cambridge, London, Manchester and Reading.

Please contact us if you have a request for the new course schedule, or alternatively you can download the brochure in PDF format below.

New P3O (Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices) Practitioner Qualification Released

Following on from this success, we are pleased to announce that from Thursday 28 January 2010, you will be able to attend one of our P3O Foundation and Practitioner or P3O Practitioner Conversion training courses. This 2 day course builds on your current Foundation knowledge and looks in more detail at the application of P3O in setting up and running a P3 Office.
Topics include;

Models and Tailoring
Why have a P3O?
Implement and Re-Energise
Tools and Techniques

With limited numbers available and places at only �695+VAT per person including examination please be sure to book your course as soon as possible.

P3O Courses in Germany & Poland

AFA is delighted to announce that we will be delivering Portfolio, Programme & Project Support Offices (P3O) training at two locations outside the UK in the very near future. The following events are now open for bookings:

P3O Foundation in Warsaw, Poland � 28-30 October
P3O Foundation in Cologne, Germany � 18-20 November

We hope & expect that these two events will be the first of many. For more information or to make a booking please contact Natalie Thatcher on +44 1362 655422 or by email Natalie.Thatcher@AFAprojects.com
Since its launch last November the P3O guidance and qualifications have very quickly gained credibility with PPM professionals throughout the UK. This interest has spread rapidly and AFA has already been approached to provide the training in at least five other countries in Europe.
The courses will cover the following topics:

Business Case & Performance Measures
P3O Models
P3O Lifecycle
Function & Services
Tools & Techniques
Roles & Responsibilities

Full preparation will also be given for the optional Foundation exam which can be taken on the final day of the course.

More PRINCE2 2009 Seminars

After running a number of successful PRINCE2 2009 Seminars during July, AFA are scheduling two additional dates in September to cope with demand. These are;

Tuesday 22 September in London
Thursday 24 September in Norwich

The aim of these sessions is to update those delegates on the revisions and developments between the 2005 and 2009 PRINCE2 guidance. Since the official release of PRINCE2 2009 on the 16 June 2009, AFA have delivered many successful courses using the latest guidance which have been well received by delegates.

The seminars will include;

PRINCE2 Revisions and Developments
PRINCE2 Themes
PRINCE2 Principles
Tailoring PRINCE2 to the Project Environment
PRINCE2 in the wider context of the Best Practice Methods
- Portfolio Management
- Programme Management
- P3O (Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices) Support Office
  If you would like to register, or find out more information please email us at P22009@AFAprojects.com. Cost is �99+VAT per delegate 10am � 4pm, including refreshments.

Seminar Success at BPS 2009

Following the release this year of the updated PRINCE2 manual, experts have been looking at the way in which this will affect the other Best Practise methods. The differences between the two were a key subject at this year's Best Practise Showcase, held on the 22nd June 2009, with many attendees wanting to know more.
AFA ran Birds of a Feather sessions on the topic, as well as a successful seminar presentation.
As many of the registered delegates wanted to attend the seminar session on 'How Best Practise is Evolving with PRINCE2 2009', AFA have decided to publish the presentation delivered on the day. AFA's guest speaker, John Vivian, developed a key presentation that covered many of the areas in which delegates were intrigued.

AFA at this years Best Practice Showcase

The Best Practice Showcase is always a major event in a project managers diary and this year is no exception. Although the format will change slightly for 2009 with more emphasis on Bird's of a Feather discussion sessions, the quality of speakers and facilitators is yet again to reach new levels.

AFA are running three separate BoFs over 5 sessions, these include;

P3O (Portfolio, Programme & Project Office)
We will give a quick overview of P3O focussing on how the method has become accepted within the market over the past 6 months and the ways in which it can help your organisation. Then, using our exclusive Change Management Practices Assessment Tool we will help you quantify your knowledge of Best Practice. This will enable you to appreciate all of the disciplines within P3O and a provide greater understanding on how to re-energise and streamline your P3 Office.
- book here

How is Best Practise is Evolving with PRINCE2 2009
With the imminent release of PRINCE2 2009 we will look at how the changes may effect the other Best Practice methods as well as you and your business.
- book here

Benefits Management in the real world
Working through a group scenario you will learn to spot poorly defined and in-appropriate benefits and then go on to analyse and improve your approach. It is anticipated that the session will cover indicator measurements, cost of direct measurements and base lining amongst other tools.
- book here

You will find AFA and our BoF sessions on table number 17. Please feel free to come and chat with us about training and consultancy or sit in on one of our BoF sessions.

More information can be found on www.bestpracticeshowcase.com, please register your interest early as places are filling up fast.

PRINCE2 2009 Release

As always AFA has played an active part in refreshing the guidance: attending update meetings and sitting on the review panel. You will also notice that 'Tailoring PRINCE2', written by our very own Alan Ferguson, is now an integral part of the current manual and syllabus, replacing the 'scalability' chapters.
Probably the first notable change will be the actual size of the manual. Currently the manual is approximately 450 pages in length and this has been reduced to nearer 300 pages. Don't worry the new manual has not 'lost' anything, but much of the duplication has been removed, primarily between the Process and Component chapters.
Other changes include;

New Chapter: PRINCE2 Principles � Explicit guidance on the seven principles that support PRINCE2
New Chapter: Tailoring PRINCE2 to the Project Environment � replacing Scalability, though some of the content and concepts are new
Components have been re-named as Themes � There are now 7 Themes, instead of 8 Components.
Some name changes have occurred and the Configuration Component now forms part of a wider 'Change' Theme
Themes now appear before Processes � This should help users understand the concept of Themes and how the Processes can be used to apply them
Techniques have been removed, and now form part of the relevant Theme

With the official release a few months away, AFA is advising clients not to put training on hold. Current courses are fully accredited and qualifications will still be registered come the release of the new manual. To ensure that you are completely up-to-date AFA is offering free PRINCE2 2009 seminars after the launch for anyone that sits an AFA PRINCE2 course on the current syllabus over the next few months.

You can find more information and register for our seminars here.

Still worried? Read our PRINCE2 2009 FAQ or email you questions to P22009@AFAprojects.com.

PRINCE2 2009 FAQ

AFA has put together these Frequently Asked Questions to hopefully guide you through the process;

I already have a PRINCE2 qualification, will I need to re-take my exams when PRINCE2 2009 is released?
No, all previously gained qualifications will still be valid.

My organisation already uses PRINCE2. Should I wait for the new PRINCE2 manual or take my training now?
If your organisation already uses PRINCE2 then you should take the course and accredited exams now. This will ensure that you are using the same terminology and concepts as your colleagues. When the time is right for your organisation, AFA can run in-house PRINCE2 2009 update sessions to bring the whole organisation in-line with current Best Practice.

Will there be any changes to the PRINCE2 Foundation or PRINCE2 Practitioner exams?
There will be changes in terms of the content of the exams to match the syllabus of PRINCE2 2009, however in terms of the layout and style of the exams we do not expect to see any major changes.

I am already PRINCE2 Foundation qualified; do I need to take my Practitioner exam before the new manual?
No, your PRINCE2 Foundation accreditation will still be valid and you will be able to sit the PRINCE2 Practitioner using either the 2005 or 2009 manual. Our PRINCE2 2009 courses will include updates and revisions, as well as being flexible enough to allow delegates to transfer from one manual to the other. However in terms of the easiest route for delegates, it may be advisable to sit a Foundation to Conversion Course based on the 2005 guidance.

I am currently a registered PRINCE2 Practitioner but my accreditation is up for renewal in the coming months. Should I wait or take the exam now?
The most sensible way for most delegates will be to take the exam before the manuals crossover, using the current exam and syllabus. However if time is tight don't worry. All of the AFA PRINCE2 2009 courses will be backwards compatible. And we are planning a few courses based on the 2005 manual later in the year if delegates would prefer this option.

I have taken the PRINCE2 Practitioner in the last few years, is my accreditation still valid?
Yes, your PRINCE2 Practitioner status will still be valid until your 5 years after the date you took your Practitioner exam. Instead of booking a whole new course to learn about the changes in PRINCE2, you may find one of our update seminars useful.

When will the PRINCE2: 2009 exams be available?
Currently the release date for PRINCE2: 2009 is 16th June 2009. AFA, as always, will aim to be one of the first Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs) to offer the new courses and based on current information this should be on the 6 July 2009.

Will I still be able to take the PRINCE2 2005 exams after June?
Yes, there will be a crossover / grace period for the 2005 version of exams and these will be available until the 31 December 2009.

If I attend a Re-registration or Conversion Course, will I need a new manual?
Yes, you will need a new PRINCE2: 2009 manual. However as a special offer AFA will supply you with one FOC if booking on one of our accredited courses. This offer applies to all courses before the 31 August 2009.

I have heard that the new exams are harder to pass, is this true?
No, there is no official plan to make the PRINCE2 Foundation or Practitioner exams more difficult than the current versions.

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PRINCE2 2009 Seminars

Although some delegates may wish to wait until the summer and take their accredited courses on the new 2009 manual, the majority of delegates will have taken the exams on the current version of the manual. The aim of this session is to update those delegates on the revisions and developments between versions of the manual.
PRINCE2 2009 will be officially released on the 16 June 2009 in London. AFA will be running update sessions from this date for our clients, and we have also scheduled a run of seminars for open attendance.
These are;

Thursday 2 July in Norwich
Wednesday 8 July in Cambridge
Thursday 16 July in London

The seminars will include;

PRINCE2 Revisions and Developments
PRINCE2 Themes
PRINCE2 Principles
Tailoring PRINCE2 to the Project Environment
PRINCE2 in the wider context of the Best Practice Methods
- Portfolio Management
- Programme Management
- P3O (Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices) Support Office

If you would like to register, or find out more information please email us at P22009@AFAprojects.com.
If you would like to learn about PRINCE2 2009 but have not attended an AFA PRINCE2 course during the last few months, you can still register for �99+VAT.
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AFA Release new 2009 Course Brochure

The brochure provides information on new courses for Best Practice methods, AFA's Consultancy services, and background information on the trainers and backroom staff. The brochure can be downloaded at http://www.afaprojects.com/downloads/download_82.pdf

The first part of the brochure covers AFA's training courses, and starts with a synopsis about AFA and AFA's accreditations. MSP Programme Management is the first training course discussed. This highlights the changes made to MSP since its initial publication in 1999; the main changes being around three core concepts, and the three levels of qualification being renamed. To help organisations with the changes, AFA are running a series of refresher days, and information is provided on locations, dates, and costs.

Leading on from MSP, the brochure covers PRINCE2, the global project management methodology, and underlines the changes in PRINCE2 with the Objectively Tested Examinations introduced in September 2007. Information is provided on AFA's future course dates, locations and costs. M_o_R Risk Management is then covered and summarises how effective risk management helps organisations achieve its objectives. Information is provided on course dates, locations and costs. Our new P3O (Portfolio, Programme & Project Office) courses are the latest guidance to be developed by the Office of Government & Commerce. It provides details on creating support structures within the best practices and information is provided on course dates, locations and cost. Also new to AFA is ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) which is delivered by ISEB accredited training providers and provides a systematic and professional approach to the management of IT service provision. Course dates, locations and costs are given. Change management and Benefits management are then covered, giving course information also.

Roni Holmes, who co-ordinated the production and distribution of the brochure said, "We have put together this brochure in a way that we hope is simple to understand for everyone. We have kept its handy A5 size, and been able to include all course details as well as some of the benefits to each of our methodologies. I think we have succeeded in creating a simple, easy to use pocketbook for all your project and programme management needs."

The final part of the brochure covers AFA's Consultancy Services, and discusses the latest assessment model; the Portfolio, Programme and Project Management Maturity Model (P3M3) that give clients a preliminary assessment of their organisations maturity. Information is provided on how AFA can help organisations implement a structured method in the workplace, and how less experienced managers can benefit from post-training mentoring.

This year AFA have continued to refine their training locations to include London based courses for PRINCE2, MSP and M_o_R. PRINCE2 courses can be found in Belfast, Bracknell, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Ipswich, London, Norwich, Peterborough and in various locations across Europe; MSP courses are in Bracknell, Cambridge, Exeter and London along with the M_o_R courses which run in Bracknell, Cambridge and London. P3O can be found in Cambridge and London along with ITIL courses in Cambridge and Norwich.

Change Management and Benefits Management details can also be found in the brochure along with their dates in both Bracknell and Cambridge.

Please contact us if you have a request for the new course schedule, or alternatively you can download the brochure in PDF format below.

P3O (Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices) Workshop Round-up

This latest event was based around the latest guidance from OGC in the form of Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices (P3O). P3O brings together for the first time in one place principles, processes and techniques to facilitate effective portfolio, programme and project management through enablement, challenge and support structures. These structures also bridge the gap between strategy/policy makers and the delivery arm of an organisation.

Over 30 delegates attended and the session started with a brief overview on P3O and the benefits, followed by smaller facilitated groups looking at;

Producing a Business Case for implementing P3O
P3O Models
Implementing / Re-energising a P3O
Organisational Maturity

If you would like a copy of slides used during the day, you can download them here (PDF) and visit our training pages for more information on P3O training.

Free P3O (Portfolio, Programme and Project Office) Workshop

Following the recent publication of the OGC guidance for Portfolio, Programme and Project office (P3O) AFA, in conjunction with the Best Practice User Group will be running a free workshop to help delegates gain a basic overview of the methodology, and to include discussion around the different models of implementation.

The workshop will be held in Ipswich, Suffolk on Friday 9 January and is free to attend. An outline of the day is provided below;

Coffee & Registration begins at 09:30am

Introductions
Overview of P3O
Producing a Business Case for implementing P3O
P3O Models
Implementing / Re-energising a P3O
Summary & close

To register your interest or book a place please email Stuart.Flatt@AFAprojects.com.

P3O (Portfolio, Programme & Project Offices Launch

The purpose of the P3O event, hosted by OGC, TSO and the APM Group, was two-fold: to inform the PPM community of this new offering from the Office of Government Commerce and to thank those who contributed to the development of the product. Alan, who took part in the reviewing process, is convinced that the new guidance will support the set-up and maintenance of these important corporate facilities. He agrees with lead author Sue Vowler that it answers the question 'why' for departmental heads and senior managers, and the question 'what' for programme level managers. In addition the sections on tools and techniques give P3O staff answers to the question 'how'.

AFA is offering a schedule of P3O training courses in London & Cambridge throughout 2009 for those wishing to gain a greater understanding of the guidance.

You can find information on the P3O Foundation, alternatively look for dates and locations of our open courses here.

AFA launches Accredited P3O (Portfolio, Programme and Project Office) Courses

AFA will be delivering an open schedule of P3O training courses, with our first course scheduled for 25 - 27 November in Cambridge.

Portfolio, Programme and Project Office (P3O) is the latest guidance from the Office of Government Commerce. This new offering - aligned to OGC's PRINCE2, MSP, and M_o_R methodologies - brings together for the first time in one place principles, processes and techniques to facilitate effective portfolio, programme and project management through enablement, challenge and support structures. These structures also bridge the gap between strategy/policy makers and the delivery arm of an organisation. P3 Offices may exist under several different names e.g., Portfolio Office, Centre of Excellence, Enterprise or Corporate Programme Office.

The purpose of the Portfolio, Programme and Project Office (P3O) guidance is to provide universally applicable guidance that will enable individuals and organisations to successfully establish, develop and maintain appropriate business support structures that will allow:

Informed senior management decision making on strategic alignment, prioritisation, risk management, optimisation of resource etc to successfully deliver their business objectives (portfolio management)
Identification and realisation of business outcomes and benefits via programmes
Successful delivery of project outputs that enable benefits within time, cost and quality restraints

At present only the P3O Foundation qualification will be available, however we shall be offering the Practitioner as soon as it is released by the APM Group, in the interim we are able to offer in-house P3O Awareness Courses and Senior Management Seminars.

For further P3O information and P3O course bookings please visit the new training section on our website.

Download the P3O Foundation Course Outline here

AFA launches Accredited ITIL Courses

ITIL Service Management is the most widely accepted approach to IT service management (ITSM) in the world. Providing a cohesive set of best practice guidance drawn from the public and private sectors globally, it has recently undergone a major and important refresh project.
ITSM derives enormous benefits from a best practice approach. Because ITSM is driven both by technology and the huge range of organisational environments in which it operates, it is in a state of constant evolution. Best practice, based on expert advice and input from ITIL users is both current and practical, combining the latest thinking with sound, common sense guidance.
ITIL provides a systematic and professional approach to the management of IT service provision. Adopting its guidance offers users a huge range of benefits that include:

Reduced costs
Improved IT services through the use of proven best practice processes
Improved customer satisfaction through a more professional approach to service delivery
Standards and guidance
Improved productivity
Improved use of skills and experience; and
Improved delivery of third party services through the specification of ITIL or ISO 20000 as the standard for service delivery in services procurements.

AFA will be delivering an open schedule of ITIL training courses in Norwich and Cambridge over the next few months, dates are:

8 - 10 October in Norwich
26 - 28 November in Cambridge
28 - 30 January in Norwich
11 - 13 March in Cambridge

All of our courses will be delivered using the latest ITILV3 (Version 3) accredited materials. These courses will cover the ITIL Foundation only, although we will be offering in-house ITIL Awareness Courses and Senior Management Seminars. Once the ITIL V3 Lifecycle and Capability qualifications are finalised, AFA will provide training courses to support them.

For further ITIL information and ITIL course bookings please visit the new training section on our website.

AFA forms new Scottish Partnership

Pitman Training Scotland offers classroom and distance learning courses in personal and management development, office skills as well as IT-based technical courses. Offering PRINCE2 training courses will further enhance the company's ability to provide customers with a complete training package to suit their needs.

Stuart Flatt, AFA training manager, said: 'This partnership is an exciting new venture for AFA that will promote our PRINCE2 courses in Scotland to a wider audience. Pitman Training Scotland is a prestigious brand and one of the UKs biggest training providers and we are delighted to be working with them. They have forged an excellent reputation for high-quality learning over the last 100 years and we look forward to working with them for another 100.'

Pitman Training Scotland will offer a full selection of PRINCE2 training courses including PRINCE2 Overview; PRINCE2� Foundation; PRINCE2 Practitioner; PRINCE2 Re-registration and tailored in-house courses.

Leone Shaw Tulloch, Pitman Training Scotland's sales manager, said: 'We are excited to be working with AFA and to be adding PRINCE2 to our portfolio. We believe that offering PRINCE2 perfectly complements our range of management development solutions. We look forward to developing our relationship with AFA and to providing this excellent training methodology to all our customers.'

The latest AFA dates for PRINCE2 training courses in Scotland and other locations, including Norwich, Cambridge, London, Peterborough, Ipswich, Preston and Belfast are available at here.

Best Practice Round-up

This year's event saw the launch of the APM Group's new Programme & Project Sponsorship Qualification, in addition to our own unique post course support service of which more information can be found here.
We were delighted to meet so many new and old friends at the event. The hot topics for this year were Change Management and MSP Programme Management.

AFA delivered an interactive Ask the Experts Panel seminar session entitled "Beyond MSP: Attitudes, Benefits or Challenges" and Managing Director, Alan Ferguson lead a Birds of a Feather Session on "Mix and Match Maturity Models". Full details of both session can be found at the Best Practice Showcase Website.
AFA were pleased to giveaway AFA piggy banks with the chance to win up to �500 off any AFA open training course in 2008. If you were one of our lucky winners please contact Natasha, Natasha.Lockhart@AFAprojects.com or on 01362 692973 with your golden ticket details.

614 visitors attended this year's show, by far the best turnout to date. If you didn't make it and would like any information on AFA's presence at the event or our unique post course support please contact Stuart,
Stuart.Flatt@AFAprojects.com or call 01362 692973.

London Summer Madness!!!

We are offering upto a massive 20% discount on our London PRINCE2 courses this summer. Upcoming dates are;

16 - 20 June - Full
7 - 11 July - 20% discount
11 - 15 August 10% discount

For more information please go to our PRINCE2 pages or head straight to our online booking system.

Come and meet AFA at the Best Practice Showcase - 24th June 2008

New for 2008, AFA will be hosting a 'Ask the Experts' session entitled 'Beyond MSP: Attitudes, Benefits or Challenges'. Confirmed panellists so far are Alan Ferguson (AFA), Alison Browne (Royal Berkshire NHS Trust) and Paul Roberts (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority). If you would like to submit questions please send them to us via our contact form here.
We shall also be facilitating a Birds of a Feather table on 'Mix and Match Maturity Models'.
Finally you can book a free consultation in our Consultancy Clinic running throughout the day. To book your session please use our contact form from the website and someone will get back to you with details.
Three reasons to visit AFA's stand at this year's Best Practise Showcase;

A free piggy bank and the chance to win �500 off any AFA training course this year!
Free post course support on all AFA exam courses
Alan Ferguson � Meet AFA's lead trainer and resident consultancy guru. Book your free 15 minute session at our Consultancy Clinic, running throughout the day.

You may also want to visit us to discuss any training and consultancy needs you have, or simply gain more information on AFA and what we can do for you.
More information can be found on www.bestpracticeshowcase.com, please register your interest early as places are filling up fast.

Free Post Training Support

AFA is delighted to announce free post-course support for PRINCE2 Project Management, MSP Programme Management, M_o_R Risk Management and Change Management. The exciting new development is for delegates who book directly onto an AFA Open exam course and aims to offer delegates help and support once they have returned to the workplace. Delegates can ask accredited experts up to five project, programme, risk or change management questions in the relevant methodology.
The new and unique service is offered to every directly booked delegate that attends an AFA course and sits a Foundation, Practitioner, or Advanced Practitioner exam between the 1 May and 1 August 2008. Delegates can contact the experts via email, and all questions will be answered within fourteen days.
Stuart Flatt, AFA Training Manager said, "Often after an intensive course delegates find it hard to start embedding what they have learnt into their daily work. This is our way of helping our delegates well beyond taking the examinations."

To take advantage of this offer book now;

PRINCE2 Project Management

MSP Programme Management

M_o_R Risk Management

Change Management

Then just email your question (s) to help@AFAprojects.com stating your candidate number, course level and dates you attended and we will do the rest.

For further information please contact the office on 0845 6439 101.

AFA Celebrates Excellent PRINCE2 Examination Pass Rates

The aim of the new examinations is to measure whether a candidate would be able to apply PRINCE2 to the running and managing of a project within an environment supporting PRINCE2. The candidate has to demonstrate competence, and the ability to address the needs and problems of a specific project scenario using PRINCE2 techniques.

Stuart Flatt, AFA Training Manager said, "Our pass rates are amongst the very best in the whole Accredited Training Organisation community. I think it is a testament to the quality of our training courses and material, and the continued professional development of our trainers and consultants."

AFA have devised a unique blend of learning that combines a fundamental understanding of the method with sound exam technique, which has resulted in their candidates gaining above average examination pass rates.

To learn more about AFA's PRINCE2 training courses, please contact us.

AFA Approved for Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme

Service personnel can choose from PRINCE2, MSP and M_o_R examination courses. The Ministry of Defence's ELC scheme is an initiative to promote lifelong learning for members of the Armed Forces and financial help is provided. For further information on ELC scheme visit http://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.

The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration (ELCAS) pay up to 80% of the course fee, and is open to personnel who are currently serving in the forces, or have left the forces within a certain time frame.

Alan Ferguson, AFA's Managing Director said, 'I think the scheme is a great way to encourage armed forces personnel to continue their professional development and think about a career in project or programme management. Having spent 20 years in the Royal Air Force before starting up AFA some 15 years ago, this is a great initiative which AFA fully support.'

Open courses are scheduled in Norwich, Cambridge, Ipswich, Peterborough, London, Bracknell, Preston, Edinburgh, and Belfast.

AFA Change 2008 Wokingham Venue

Although the Easthampstead Park training facilities were very good, feedback from delegates commented on the lack of leisure facilities and overnight rooms were not of a standard that delegates come to expect when attending an AFA course.

AFA's new Bracknell venue however, hosts many attractive features for delegate's attending accredited courses. It is just 5 minutes from the M3 and 30 minutes drive from Heathrow airport, contains a gym and swimming pool, wireless internet connection in public areas and has recently undergone a full refurbishment.

Our new venue is the Hilton Hotel, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 0QJ.

To find out more about AFA's courses in Bracknell, visit our Training Pages.

AFA's 2008 Course Brochure Revealed

The first part of the brochure covers AFA's training courses, and starts with a synopsis about AFA and AFA's accreditations. MSP Programme Management is the first training course discussed. This highlights the changes made to MSP since its initial publication in 1999; the main changes being around three core concepts, and the three levels of qualification being renamed. To help organisations with the changes, AFA are running a series of refresher days, and information is provided on locations, dates, and costs.

Leading on from MSP, the brochure covers PRINCE2, the global project management methodology, and underlines the changes in PRINCE2 with the Objectively Tested Examinations introduced in September 2007. Information is provided on AFA's exam results with the PRINCE2 Objectively Tested Examinations, future course dates, locations and costs. M_o_R Risk Management is then covered and summarises how effective risk management helps organisations achieve its objectives. Information is provided on course dates, locations and costs.

Jenna Cornwell, who co-ordinated the production and distribution of the brochure said, "We have worked very hard on this year's brochure to make it easily accessible and information rich, yet maintaining its handy A5 size. I think we have succeeded in creating a fresh, easy to use, and handy pocketbook for all your project and programme management needs."

The second part of the brochure covers AFA's Consultancy Services, and discusses the latest assessment model; the Portfolio, Programme and Project Management Maturity Model (P3M3) that give clients a preliminary assessment of their organisations maturity. Information is provided on how AFA can help organisations implement a structured method in the workplace, and how less experienced managers can benefit from post-training mentoring. Last but not least, the brochure covers Benefits Management that helps organisations achieve change initiatives.

This year AFA have refined their training locations to include London based courses for PRINCE2, MSP and M_o_R. PRINCE2 courses can be found in Belfast, Bracknell, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Ipswich, London, Norwich, Peterborough and Preston; MSP courses are in Bracknell, Cambridge and London along with the M_o_R courses which run in Bracknell, Cambridge and London.

Change Management and Benefits Management details can also be found in the brochure along with their dates in both Bracknell and Cambridge.

Please contact us if you have a request for the new course schedule, or alternatively you can download the brochure in PDF format below.

AFA Launches New PRINCE2 Resource Pages

AFA are proud to announce a recent addition to their website, a PRINCE2 resource section. AFA worked closely with their trainers, to develop the first stage of the resource section. The resource section can be found at http://www.AFAprojects.com/resources.asp.

'We created our new PRINCE2 resources section for two reasons, firstly to help our current band of customers get more out of our training, by receiving post-training support, and secondly to allow people new to PRINCE2 test their level of knowledge using our new sample papers,' said Stuart Flatt, Training Manager at AFA. 'Assuming feedback is good we hope to add areas for MSP and M_o_R in the not so distant future along with more interactive features and test questions.'

In the resource section there are three categories: PRINCE2 Style Sample Exam Questions, a PRINCE2 Process Model Resource, and the PRINCE2 Cross Reference section. The PRINCE2 Style Sample Exam Questions are designed to test PRINCE2 knowledge to Foundation level. Depending on the score achieved, guidelines are provided for the next step.

The Process Model Resource breaks down the PRINCE2 process into user friendly parts. It helps the user understand the PRINCE2 inter-relationships. Included are one complete process model and six partial process models.

The Cross Reference section is a guide as to how the process, components roles, and products of PRINCE2 work together. An easy to follow guide is provided to highlight roles and responsibility within the project.

In addition to providing a resource section on their website, AFA provide training courses associated with the Office of Government Commerce's Best Practice methodologies, throughout the United Kingdom as public scheduled courses, and in-house courses around the world.

For more information, visit http://www.AFAprojects.com/resources.asp.

New 2007 Brochure Now Available

We now offer open courses in more locations than ever before! You will find PRINCE2 courses in Belfast, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Dartford, Dublin, Edinburgh, Exeter, Gloucester, Ipswich, London, Norwich, Peterborough and Swindon, MSP courses in Bristol, Cambridge, Ipswich, London, Reading and Solihull, and M_o_R Courses in Cambridge, Reading and Solihull.
Please contact us to request a copy of the new course schedule. Alternatively you can download the brochure in PDF format below.

MSP Training Material Updated

AFA have updated their MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) Programme Management training material in-line with the latest 2007 version of the MSP manual and guidance released last month by the APM Group, TSO and the Office of Government (OGC). Since its initial publication in 1999, MSP has become recognised as a global standard for programme management. However in the eight years that have elapsed since then programme management thinking has expanded and become more sophisticated bringing programme management up-to-date in an era of transformational change, tighter regulation and the emergence of portfolio management.

The main change has been to structure the guidance round three core concepts; MSP Principles, MSP Governance Themes and MSP Transformational Flow.

AFA have spent considerable time and effort on this new and updated material, in the first instance being chosen as reviewers for the new updated manual, and also then spending a number of months updating and reviewing all of their training course material in readiness for the new exams release date in October.

"As the new MSP manual has been so extensively revised and updated, and with such significant additional content to deal with, our material required a major overhaul to bring it in line with the new standards. We have now developed a comprehensive range of courses that I believe both successfully reflect the changes and developments in, and give added value to, the best practice guidance and new examinations" said Kimberley Wiseman, AFA's head of material production.

In support of this revised guidance, the accredited qualification system has also been updated. There are still three levels of qualification but they have been renamed:

Foundation
Practitioner (equivalent to the previous Intermediate qualification)
Advanced Practitioner (equivalent to the previous Practitioner qualification)

After months of production the benefits for AFA's clients are already becoming clearly evident. Stuart Flatt, AFA's training manager said "Demand and request for courses on the new manual and syllabus have exceeded expectation. We have already delivered an MSP Foundation course in Brussels, held two open MSP Practitioner courses and delivered MSP update briefings for our clients, one of whom is currently one of the largest users of MSP worldwide."

For more information, visit http://www.afaprojects.com/training_msp.asp.

MSP Exams Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the MSP qualification names being changed?
The MSP qualifications have been updated and re-written in line with the release of the updated 2007, third edition manual published by TSO in September 2007. As the manual was being refreshed, the examinations themselves had a major update to both content and style. Those within the MSP community have suggested that 'Intermediate' was not an appropriate name for the examination and so APMG took the opportunity of the launch of the updated manual and exams to implement the changes to the names of the qualifications.

What will the names be changed to?
Current Foundation examination � no change, this will still be called the Foundation examination.
Current Intermediate examination � this will now be known as the Practitioner examination.
Current Practitioner examination � this will now be known as the Advanced Practitioner examination.

When will these changes come into effect?
The changes have been brought into effect with new manual and examinations, which were launched on the 3rd September 2007.

Has the level of the examinations changed?
No. The examinations are still aimed at the same level and require the same knowledge and application of MSP as they did prior to the release of the new manual. All that has changed with the examinations is that they have been updated and re-branded to contain the information from the refreshed manual and their names have been changed, i.e. an old manual Intermediate qualification is the equivalent of the new manual Practitioner qualification.

What happens if I have already gained an MSP qualification?
You will maintain your current qualification, but in line with the new naming structure, APMG will update all their websites, including the successful candidate register, to show the qualification you hold under the new name. If you wish to update your CV and any other marketing material then you may do this with the name changed as appropriate.

What if I want a new certificate?
APMG will not automatically be issuing new certificates to show the name change on them. If you would like one of these, they are available to order from APMG at a cost of �15 + VAT. If you would like to order a certificate, please email the APMG Service Desk on servicedesk@apmgroup.co.uk detailing your name, address, date of exam, candidate number and training organisation you sat the exam with (if applicable).

Do I still have to complete the exams in 'order'?
Yes, the Foundation examination must be passed prior to the Practitioner examination being taken. Likewise, the Practitioner examination must be attempted prior to the Advanced Practitioner examination being taken.

Will qualifications gained under the previous names still provide exemptions for the new exams?
All current qualifications will be accepted as an exemption to the next level as required for the new name qualifications, i.e. a candidate who hold the Foundation and Intermediate qualification will only have to take the Advanced Practitioner (if they wish to) and not re-sit the new manual Foundation and Practitioner papers.

Will the style of the new qualifications change?
The Foundation examination will not change in the style or format. The paper will remain a simple multiple choice style, closed book examination consisting of 50 questions to be completed within 40 minutes. Candidates need to achieve a mark of 25+ to pass the paper. The Practitioner examination has been changed to an objectively marked style, closed book paper. The paper will consist of 9 questions, each divided into 2 or more sections with a total of 180 marks available to be completed within two and a half hours. Candidates need to achieve a mark of 90+ to pass the paper. The Advanced Practitioner examination will remain an essay based, open book paper. The paper will consist of up to 3 questions with a total of 75 marks available to be completed within 2 and a half hours. Candidates need to achieve a mark of 38+ to pass the paper.

What does objective marking mean?
Objective marking is an advanced type of multiple choice testing where candidates have to demonstrate understanding and application to be able to arrive at their answer. It has been developed based on the 'Blooms Taxonomy' model of questioning which as an internationally recognised question method is used for examinations.

Will sample examination papers be available?
Yes, sample examination papers are available for all examinations following the booking of a training course. They will be distributed with course material. For more information please go to www.AFAprojects.com/training_msp.asp.

Will I get feedback from the examinations?
If you are not successful when taking the examination at either Practitioner or Advanced Practitioner level, you will be provided with feedback regarding the areas you need to revise for next time.

I have all the MSP examinations I wish to hold, do I need to re-take any examinations?
You do not have to re-sit any examinations. If you would like to take a refresher course to understand the changes between the old and new 2007 manual and syllabus then AFA are offering a MSP Refresh, please contact AFA on 01362 692973 further details.

Where can I find more information about the changes to the manual?
Further information about the changes to the MSP Manual can be found on our website at www.AFAprojects.com under the News / MSP manual section.

When is the last date that I can take examinations based on the old manual?
AFA will offer examinations based on both the old and new manual until 1st March 2008. Please note we are currently only offering the old style of exams on in-house client courses.
After this date, all examinations will be issued against the new manual content and new style examinations.

To learn more about AFA MSP training, visit the MSP Training page or contact our training team.

New AFA MSP courses

As from the 26 November 2007 AFA will be offering the following new MSP courses;

MSP Overview (1 day) - recommended for individuals who are involved within or around programme management. Also for senior management considering the introduction of MSP into their organisation.

MSP Foundation (3 days) - recommended for managers who have recently been given a programme role, for programme support staff, for specialists contributing to a programme, and for senior executives directing a programme.

MSP Practitioner (4 days) - recommended for managers working towards a role with full-time responsibility within a programme environment.

MSP Advanced Practitioner (3 days, a new style MSP Practitioner / old style MSP Intermediate pass is a pre-requisite) - recommended for senior managers with substantial experience in a programme environment.

MSP Refresh (1 day) - recommended for delegates who have previously undertaken training on the old MSP manual and would like to conversant in the new 2007 manual.

This is in addition to our current offerings which we will continue to run for client requests until 1 March 2008.

To learn more about AFA MSP training, visit the MSP Training page or contact our training team.

New 2007 MSP manual released

The original launch date at this years Best Practice Showcase arrived and passed, but we are pleased to confirm that the new MSP manual is now in stock.

The MSP qualifications have been updated and re-written in line with the release of the updated manual, and examinations based on the refreshed guidance will be available from November 2007.
These are as follows;

MSP Foundation - 40 minute multiple choice exam
MSP Practitioner - 2 and a half hour objectively marked advanced multiple choice exam
MSP Advanced Practitioner - 2 and a half hour case study based written exam

AFA will be releasing a comprehensive range of MSP courses based on the new manual and examinations. Details of which will be published later today.

The below download is TSO copyright, used with permission. TSO is the official publisher for the OGC.

To learn more about AFA MSP training, visit the MSP Training page or contact our training team.

Best Practice User Group

Book on any AFA training courses and receive a link to create your new login. Some of the benefits include;

Members may attend the Best Practice User Group� Conferences held once a year
Members may attend regional workshops free of charge - held approximately monthly around the UK
Members receive free subscription to Project Manager Today
Members can take part in feedback to OGC, the owners of M_o_R, MSP and PRINCE2 and are thus able to influence the future of these methods. This process is formal, with Best Practice User Group� hosting the Issues Log and thus performing a central role in prioritising issues for OGC to deal with and in reviewing changes. This also brings the consequential benefit of becoming informed about future changes - potential and actual - before non-members
Members can take part in other ad hoc activities, based around M_o_R, MSP and PRINCE2
Members receive discounts on many publications related to the products mentioned, includng the official manuals
Members have access to a growing library of resources, free of charge to download from the web site.
Members receive a electronic newsletter

More information can be found here.

Benefits Management

As well as our Change Management initiative we shall also be launching a range of courses in Benefits Management, these courses are based on the Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), Best Practice approach.

There are 3 course options available;
Identifying Benefits - To allow delegates to carry out detailed modelling of the benefits associated with a programme
Demonstrating Benefits - To allow delegates to demonstrate the realisation of benefits associated with a programme or project
Realising Benefits - To allow delegates to proactively manage and optimise the realisation of benefits associated with a programme.

To learn more about AFA Benefits Management courses, visit the Benefits Management Training page or contact out training team.

Change Management

AFA will be launching a range of Change Management courses in December 2006 in conjunction with the APMG Group.

Based on the best-selling book by Esther Cameron and Mike Green, Making Sense of Change Management, the qualifications are focused on helping people understand change management, the impact it has within their organisation and their role in the successful implementation of organisational change.

The Principles of Change Management course comprises four one-day workshops, building on change management knowledge and practices and focusing particularly on the effects of change in four key areas � individuals, teams, organisations and change leaders.

The Certified Change Leader course comprises a five-day workshop, supported by a mentoring scheme to help people currently running, or about to run, a major change initiative within their organisation. This course will help change leaders explore all the relevant issues and consider ways of maximising the benefits of the change initiative while minimising the potential negative impacts.

New style PRINCE2 Practitioner Exams

From Monday 3 September all AFA PRINCE2 courses will support the new style PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. More information can be found at www.prince2.org.uk/qualifications.

We are able to provide the old style of exam until 1 January 2007, please contact us for information.

To learn more about AFA PRINCE2 Practitioner training, visit the PRINCE2 Practitioner Training page or contact our training team.

Vacancy: PRINCE2 and/or MSP Trainer

AFA is accredited to deliver consultancy and training services in the Best Practice methodologies � MSP programme management, PRINCE2 project management and M_o_R risk management. Training is delivered throughout the UK both as public scheduled events and as client's in-house events. A small but significant part of our workload is outside the UK.
AFA's training courses are delivered by an elite group of employed and associate trainers. During the last quarter there has been a marked increase in our client base, and so in order to maintain the quality of our delivery we are seeking to expand this group.
We are offering the following opportunities:
� Full time employment on a salaried basis to individuals already accredited or wishing to become accredited as a trainer in one or more of the Best Practice methods. Prior qualification to Practitioner level in one or more of the methods would be an advantage, or
� A retained position whereby AFA will guarantee to book a given number of training days per annum in return for priority availability. This would probably be most suited to an already accredited trainer but non-accredited individuals with the right background might be suitable.
If you would like to discuss how you could become an integral part of AFA's outstanding team please contact Susan Ferguson on 01362 692973 or on 07774 429728. Or send your CV to Susan.Ferguson@AFAprojects.com

Best Practice Showcase 2007 Round-up

The 2007 Best Practice Showcase had been designed especially to focus on enterprise programme, project and risk management. AFA had very interesting chats with delegates who are now going beyond the standard PRINCE2 and MSP Training. AFA's Accredited Change Management courses were a hot topic, as well as Benefits Management and the need for external reviewers performing health checks.

AFA delivered a very successful seminar on Independent Reviews, and our thanks goes out to Mark Salmon for an excellent presentation on the consultancy and training AFA have delivered with Sellafield Ltd over the past few years. You can download the Independent Review seminar here and below.

Alan Ferguson also hosted a birds of a feather session on 'Beyond MSP � Benefits Management in the Real World'. This proved to be a invigorating session for all delegates involved and details about Benefits Management can be found here and the session outline here.

AFA at Best Practice Showcase 2007

Please feel free to come and visit us on table 20 (right next to the APM Group stand) for advice and a general chat (or to rest those weary legs). We shall be available all day.
More information can be found on www.bestpracticeshowcase.com, please register your interest early as places are filling up fast.

New 2007 M_o_R Manual released

AFA's Lead Trainer Alan Ferguson was chosen as a member of the Review Panel and feels it is a great improvement over the 2005 version, providing practical advice for every day use in the workplace.
With the new manual now released and the revisions to the Practitioner Case Study back in September 2006, we are sure M_o_R will continue to go from strength to strength.
All of AFA's future M_o_R courses will be based on the new guidance, for more information please contact us here.

The below download is TSO copyright, used with permission. TSO is the official publisher for the OGC.

PRINCE2 Refresh

TSO has announced details of the upcoming PRINCE2 Refresh they are looking for users to help in the following ways;

Please take part in the survey at www.best-practice-management.com/PPMRefresh
You make input any additional comments to the issues log at www.usergroup.org.uk. The issue log will close on 30 March 2007 for this current refresh. It will remain open for all other issues.

You can find more information on the OGC Best Management Practice website.

Best Practice User Group Conference 2006

Attended by over 100 delegates from all parts of the public sector as well as from a wide range of commercial organisations, the conference looked at issues across the full range of programme, project and risk management. Particularly well received by those attending was a session in which a group of experts answered, without prior warning, questions on all aspects of management best practice. AFA's Managing Director was particularly interesting in his responses to questions about Product Based Planning and the relationship between Programme and Project Risk Management.

New Website

Welcome to our new look website, although slightly delayed in its launch we are very pleased with the end result.

What have we done?

A new look and feel � cleaner and fresher
More individual course information
Improved booking engine
More general Best Practice information and downloads
Enhanced accessibility and navigation
Contact details on all individual pages
Feedback

Should you have any queries, feedback or technical issues please do not hesitate to contact us here.

Best Practice Showcase 2006

We hope you all found the Best Practice Showcase a very enjoyable and educational day. AFA were present for the fourth year running as a sponsor and also recorded the largest subscribed seminar in the Showcases history with over 180 pre-subscribed delegates.

We would like to thank all of you that came to visit AFA and the ones that didn't have time (there was a lot to do!) we look forward to seeing you next year.

The event was again a roaring success; AFA delivered a hugely successful seminar on Benefits Management, a big thank you to all those that came to our stand after the seminar to say how good it was. We also ran two Birds of a Feather sessions on 'Changing behaviour in the way we do projects' which were again fully attended and I hope you all found very invigorating.

AFA at Best Practice Showcase 2006

Yet again AFA will be sponsoring this years Best Practice Showcase. We have an exhibition stand as well as delivering a seminar on Benefits Management, sign ups are moving fast so please register you interest early here. We look forward to seeing you.