QRP International is proud to announce the launch of new PM courses: PM² Project Management, the PM methodology developed by the European Commission.

PM² Project Management Methodology

PM² is a Project Management Methodology developed and supported by the European Commission which captures the experience of EU institutions from managing thousands of projects, change initiatives, programmes and grants. PM² has been custom developed to fit the specific needs, culture and constraints of EU Institutions and Public Administrations, but also incorporates elements from globally accepted best practices, standards and methodologies, such as PRINCE2, PMI’s PMBOK and IPMA. The result is an easy-to-implement methodology suitable for any type of organization.

THE OPEN PM² INITIATIVE Until the end of 2016, PM² methodology and certification was only available to EU institutions’ staff.

With the OpenPM², the EU Commission decides to provide open access to the PM² Project Management Methodology beyond purely EU institutions and including Contractors, Member States and finally all EU citizens. This open initiative help establish a common project management language and process for projects across organisations, increase effectiveness, collaboration efficiency and success in the coordination of projects in the EU.

PM² Project Management Course: PM² Fundamentals

QRP International offers PM² Project Management Methodology courses. These are two-days training called PM² Fundamentals. PM² courses take place in the EU Commission area (Rondpoint Schuman).

This unique course is particularly relevant for those organisations and people involved in international collaborative EU funded projects or willing to apply for EU grants.

The purpose of PM² Project Management Methodology is to enable better project management in the EU to help organisations deal with challenges of project management performance, collaboration with other organizations, engagement with citizens and complexities of managing service providers and outsourced projects.

GENERAL INFO:

• Location: Brussels (EU Commission area – Rondpoint Schuman)
• Duration: 2 days, 14 h
• Language: English
• Price: € 1 250 (excl VAT)
• Material: PM² course handouts (English)

Stay Ahead! Register for the first PM² Courses!

Now that you know about PM² courses, and the launch of this open initiative from the EU Commission, don't miss your chance to stay ahead with your PM skills: register for one of the two sessions planned for this year! Feel free to get in touch to have more info on PM².

The goal of our webinars is to deliver information: we want you to learn more about the topic you have chosen and we see it as our mission to improve your knowledge.

Together with our expert trainers and consultants, we run several webinars during the year, trying to cover all those topics that are particularly relevant for your professional growth: from project management (PRINCE2 as well as Agile methods), to Programme, Portfolio and PMO Management.

The best thing about webinars is that you can watch them over and over! So if you've missed one, no worries! Follow the link to watch the recorded version of your preferred topic or method and ...

... enjoy your learning moments!

AGILE METHODS AND FRAMEWORK: AN INTRODUCTION Agile approaches are no longer limited to software development. They are more and more popular with various organizations that need to be more flexible and responsive to effectively address their increasing pace of change. Agile Project Management is an innovative approach to project management. This 1 hour webinar will introduce you to the different agile methods, the principles of the AgilePM approach and the tools needed to manage projects in an Agile way.

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INTRODUCTION TO PMO MANAGEMENT: ROLES, TECHNIQUES AND BENEFITS If your focus is on improving the way that projects are done (so that more projects succeed and change is more effective), then you should consider P3O, which explains how to use offices to support projects, programs and portfolios. You can facilitate effective portfolio, programme and project management in your organization by implementing a PMO Office. This may be provided through a single permanent office which may exist under several different names e.g. PMO, Portfolio Office, Centre of Excellence, Enterprise or Corporate Programme Office. It may otherwise be provided through a linked set of offices (portfolio office, programme offices, project offices), both permanent (enabling/supporting business objectives and consistency of delivery) and temporary (enabling/supporting specific programmes and projects), providing a mix of central and localized services.

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PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: BENEFITS OF STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT If you are a manager with a top-down perspective (you are managing a budget and a team, or a group of strategic initiatives), your next step could be MoP Portfolio Management, a one week training with certification. MoP, Management of Portfolios, provides an overview of all change activities including what is in the portfolio, what it is costing, what risks are faced, what progress is being made, and what the impact is on business as usual and the organization’s strategic objectives. MoP helps you answer the question “Are we doing the right projects?” by prioritizing the right projects and programmes to undertake.

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PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT: ELEMENTS AND BENEFITS If you are a project manager, or a manager, managing bigger-and-bigger projects and driving transformational business change, your next step is Programme Management. MSP, Managing Successful Programmes, represents proven good practice in programme management in successfully delivering transformational change, drawn from the experiences of both public and private sector organisations. MSP defines programme management as “the action of carrying out the coordinated organization, direction and implementation of a dossier of projects and transformational activities (i.e. the programme), to achieve outcomes and realize benefits of strategic importance to the business”. In fact it’s key to understand that a programme is not only a “bigger project”, but can also be a set of coordinated projects.

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PRINCE2 2017: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PRINCE2 UPDATE PRINCE2 is firmly established as the world’s most practiced method for project management and is globally recognized for delivering successful projects. In January 2017 AXELOS, announced the upcoming arrival of updated PRINCE2 guidance and Foundation and Practitioner examinations. Together, these form PRINCE2 2017 and represent the first major update to PRINCE2 since 2009. With this informative webinar QRP International wants to introduce you to the changes, understanding not only what changes in the content, but also what are the main reasons for the update, and how these updates will impact (or not impact) on your actual certification, and/or training plans.

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MORE INFO QRP International aims to support organisations and professionals developing their personal skills and reaching their business objectives with Training, Certification and Consultancy services in Best Practice management methods. Get in touch to know more or to ask your questions.

The Summer is about to start... take the opportunity to invest some of your time to upgrade your skills!

Have a look at this list of confirmed courses: Project Management (PRINCE2), Scrum, Change Management and Portfolio Management.

AUGUST and SEPTEMBER CONFIRMED COURSES 

• Project Management - PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner: 6-10 August (FR) Brussels ---> More Info
• Project Management - PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner: 20-24 August (EN) Brussels ---> More Info
• Project Management - PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner: 10-11-12-13-14 September (FR) Brussels ---> More Info
• Change Management - Foundation & Practitioner: 10-11-12-13 September (EN) Brussels ---> More Info
• Scrum - Certified Scrum Master - 20-21 September (EN) Gent ---> More Info
• Portfolio Management - MoP Foundation & Practitioner (EN) Brussels ---> More Info

MORE PEOPLE TO TRAIN? 

Get in touch with us to discuss the best solution for your team!

Many professionals already ITIL Foundation certified struggle in the selection of the next step in the ITIL Intermediate certification path. What is the next step to improve your IT service management skills? With the info and the guide below we want to explain in easy words the ITIL 4 certification path: the different options available, the credit system and the steps that will guide you to become ITIL Expert.

WHY CONTINUE YOUR TRAINING AFTER ITIL FOUNDATION?

While ITIL Foundation remains the core level, as it provides good preparation and insight into the relevant ITIL structure concepts in IT Service Management, the Intermediate Levels deepen specific concepts across the different phases or processes of the IT Service Management cycle.

Depending on the needs of the candidates, their activities or their position, some specific Intermediate levels can improve professional skills and help them become more competitive.

WHAT ABOUT THE ITIL INTERMEDIATE LEVELS?

To start off it is very important to underline that all ITIL Intermediate certifications are available ONLY to ITIL Foundation certified professionals. In other words, ITIL Foundation certificate is the prerequisite in order to enter any intermediate level.

Secondly, the ITIL Intermediate levels are divided into two so-called streams. ITIL Managing Professional, which consists of four modules and ITIL Strategic leader, which consists of two modules.

The ITIL Managing Professional Stream modules are relevant for IT practitioners working within technology and digital teams across business. The Managing Professional (MP) stream provides practical and technical knowledge about how to run successful IT-enabled services, teams and workflows

The ITIL Managing Professional Stream modules are:

• Create, Deliver & Support
• Direct, Plan & Improve
• High Velocity IT
• Drive Stakeholder Value

On the other hand, the ITIL Strategic Leader modules recognize the value of ITIL, not just for IT operations, but for all digitally-enabled services. Becoming an ITIL SL demonstrates that the individual has a clear understanding of how IT influences and directs business strategy.

The ITIL Strategic Leader modules are:

• Direct, Plan & Improve
• Digital and IT Strategy

What is ITIL 

ITIL is the most widely accepted approach to IT Service Management in the world, and is used globally by millions of practitioners. For over 25 years, ITIL has been providing organisations with a practical guidance to improve IT services. ITIL is fundamental to businesses, enables transformation and helps organisations realize value. The last version of the framework, ITIL 4, is built on established ITSM practices and expands itself to the wider context of customer experience, value streams and digital transformation, as well as embracing new ways of working, such as Lean, Agile, and DevOps. ITIL 4 provides a practical and flexible basis to support organisations on their journey to the new world of digital transformation. ITIL provides an end-to-end IT/digital operating model for the delivery and operation of tech-enabled products and services and enables IT teams to continue to play a crucial role in wider business strategy. The ITIL Certification Scheme exists of four certification levels; ITIL Foundation, ITIL Managing Professional, ITIL Strategic Leader and ITIL Master. See the image below for an overview of the ITIL 4 Certification Scheme.

Source: Axelos

WANT EXTRA INFO ON ITIL 4?

Get all the info on the latest version of ITIL by visiting this page.

Feel free to get in touch, we will ask our ITIL trainer to help you identify your next step!

PRINCE2 is firmly established as the world’s most practiced method for project management and is globally recognized for delivering successful projects. As you all know, 2017 marked the year of the update of the method, since its last update in 2009. While the ENGLISH version of this update was released in 2017, the French and Dutch versions are upcoming! This is the statement released by Axelos Global Best Practice, owner of the PRINCE2 method: “Following the successful update of PRINCE2 in English, AXELOS is delighted to announce the schedule for translation of the PRINCE2 2017 updated manual and the supporting Foundation and Practitioner examinations.”

PRINCE2 Manual Latest Edition

ENGLISH VERSION - You can buy your copy of the "Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2®" 2017 Edition at this link. FRENCH VERSION - You can pre-order your copy of the French manual 2017 version "Réussir le Management de Projet avec PRINCE2®" at this link. DUTCH VERSION - You can pre-order your copy of the Dutch  manual 2017 version "Managen van Succesvolle Projecten met PRINCE2®" at this link.

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environment) is a structured method for the effective and efficient management of projects. It is a generic, best-practice approach for the management of all types of projects and it has become the de facto standard for organising, managing and controlling projects globally. The PRINCE2 process map is always one of the most downloaded documents from QRP International's download area: this graphic view of the PRINCE2 process involved within a project is a useful and relevant tool for:

• Project managers: anyone who is applying PRINCE2 at work would benefit from having a clear and graphic overview of the method.
• Course delegates: QRP International provides an A3 Process Map version as part of the training material during our courses, both classroom and distance learning.

PRINCE2 2017 Process Model PDF: a Renewed Process Map, updated to NEW Version

PRINCE2 is firmly established as the world’s most practiced method for project management and is globally recognized for delivering successful projects. In July 2017 AXELOS released the first major update to PRINCE2 since 2009, with the 2017 version of the method: this brings along a new PRINCE2 guidance and new Foundation and Practitioner examinations. The 2017 update of PRINCE2 builds on the proven strength of PRINCE2, so the following key elements remain unchanged:

• 7 Processes forming the project management
• 7 Principles forming the basis of good method of managing projects
• 7 Themes, knowledge areas which support specific key areas of project management

The purpose of the updated version is to better respond to current imperatives for flexibility and agility, and the new guidance wants to do so with a renewed focus on the importance of tailoring. The PRINCE2 Process Flow Diagram is a graphical 'at a glance' representation of all the PRINCE2 processes and how they fit together and it shows all the processes involved in running a PRINCE2 project from start to finish.   The QRP International's PRIN​CE2 Process map does not show only all the processes and how each stage integrates with the others but also what action needs to be taken for each process, which are the important products, documents or information to deliver during the stage​ for each management level​​ (Team Manager, Project Manager, Project Board). Looks complicated but it's not! This process map is a strong asset during your PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner course and an helpful reference ​once back in the office​ as a project manager.

Download your version!

Our PRINCE2 Process Model is available for download: don't miss this chance!

More on PRINCE2: Literature, Articles and Case Studies

QRP International has a full selection of recommended reading for professional qualifications: check out our Literature page to stay up to date with the latest publications on Project, Programme, Portfolio and Change Management. Furthermore, our commitment is to share with the community practical cases and real life scenarios about the methods, as well as white papers that illustrate the features of each Best Practice: check out our Articles & Case Studies page to find valuable content, easy to download!