Project Management Diploma

Name: Project Management Diploma
SKU: ODL88
Price: 500 GBP

This Quality Assured Level 3 Diploma in Project Management spans a wide industrial sector base including engineering, construction, information technology, manufacturing and many other business sectors.

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Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / ODL88

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over 12 months and £ deposit

Course summary

Expert Tutoring

12 months tutor support

24hr Access to

Course, assignments & tutor

Endorsed by the

Quality Licence Scheme

NUS Card Eligibility

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Course introduction

Project Management skills prepare the student for taking up a career in the profession of Project Management.

The course will be of specific interest to those wishing to graduate into Project Management and those requiring a more generalist knowledge of the subject matter before embarking on more niche focused training. The course will provide a good foundation for those seeking postgraduate studies i.e. MSc in Project Management.

This course provides a foundation in Project Management. It will appeal to those Information Systems professionals who are moving into Project Management positions. It will equally be of interest to those with more specialist project management requirements but need first to obtain a foundation in the subject matter.

In the United Kingdom and Europe there is a strong move towards establishing PRINCE2 as a standard in structured project management. This course embraces elements of PRINCE2 but generally provides a wider foundation in Project Management across a much broader spectrum. Materials can be studied online or students have the option to have the printed materials delivered for an additional charge of £65.

Course Contents

Module 1 - Introduction to Project Management

This unit will provide the student with the foundations of Project Management. It will examine how Project Management is structured into the three important elements of Planning, Organization and Control. We will consider the structured approach to Project Management and the concepts of the APM Body of Knowledge, the latter of which has been produced to establish quality standards within the profession. An early introduction to the benefits of using PRINCE2 ; perhaps the most widely accepted structured Project Management method in the UK and Europe.

This course will have an IT bias and as such look at the applied use of Project Management in Information Technology Projects. This means full lifecycle systems implementations covering the following application types:

Infrastructure Projects
Software Engineering
Business Process Re-Engineering
Enterprise Management Systems
Bespoke Systems build ( Programming)
E-Commerce Systems
Desktop Systems
Package Implementations

Module 2 - Project Management Methods

This section will explore the different structured approaches to implementing project management. This will be contrasted to using unstructured methods. The emphasis on proving the importance of using a structured approach i.e. PRINCE2. Not everybody advocates the use of adopting a structured approach. We explore how the better methods have conquered that problem by providing scaled down versions for small business applications. Equally, adopting an interface to Programme Management techniques where there is a requirement to manage an integrated portfolio of projects.

Module 3 - Project Planning

This unit will explore the techniques for completing the Project Planning requirements within Project Management. We will explore the use of software planning tools, in particular Microsoft Project 2003. The following areas will be covered:

Project Scheduling
The Gantt Chart
The Pert Chart
The RAP Chart
Product Flow Diagrams
Product Breakdown Structures
Quality Products
Technical Products
Aspects of Resource Contouring
Baseline Plans
Managing Risk
Managing Change
Use of Milestones
Planning Reports

Module 4 - Project Organization

Project Organisation considers how resources are utilized on the project. This will be explored in association with the structured approach. The unit will focus on the following areas:

Establishing a Project Board
The Role of the Project Board
The Role of the Project Manager
The Role of the Stage Manager
The Project Organization Chart
The Project Assurance Team
The Project Support Office
The Change Management Function
The Risk Management Function
Configuration Management
The use of the intranet e-enablement

Module 5 - Project Control

Examination of Project Controls with emphasis on the PRINCE2 structured method approach.

Project Briefs
Project Initiation Documents
End Stage Assessments
Mid Stage Assessments
Project Closure
Checkpoint Meeting
Project Board Meetings
Monthly Highlight Reports
Configuration Control
Change Control
Quality Control
Control of Issues and Risks
Control of Costs and Budgets
Essential Management Reports

Module 6 - Tools and Techniques

A look inside the engine room of project management and the tools and techniques for successful exploitation of the method.

Estimating Techniques
Reporting Project Progress
Project Control Log
Controlling Steering Committees
Managing 3rd Parties and key interfaces
Project Dependencies
Critical Path Analysis
PM Methods

Module 7 - Project Management Reports

The Management reporting aspect. The type of reports that need to be produced in the management of a successful project :

Project Board Reports - Monthly Highlight Reports
Weekly Project Control Reports
Financial Control Reports
Change Management Reports
Risk Management Reports
Planning Deviation Reports
Quality Reports
End of Stage Reports
Project Closure Reports
Lessons Learned Report
Configuration Control Reports

Module 8 - Project Estimating Techniques

An examination of project estimating techniques and how this relates to both planning and control

Methods of Estimating
Techniques of Estimating
Using software applications

Module 9 - Managing Project Change

How Change Management works with emphasis on the PRINCE2 approach

Change Management techniques
Off Specification situations
Exception Conditions
Interface to planning
Interface to risk management
Recognizing change situations
Managing change conditions - people and change
Dealing with Organizational change

Module 10 - Global Project Management

A review of how the profession is responding to change and the demands placed upon it by the global business transformation taking place.

Demands of the global economy in Project Management
Conducting Project Management in the Global Economy
Project Management skills in the digital age
Body of Knowledge for a new century
Standards and business ethics
Business English - the universal language A look at the international Project Management profession

Required knowledge

No previous knowledge or experience is essential to study this course.

Assessment

Final online multiple choice examination counts for 100% of the final grade. Throughout the course there are ten SAPs (coursework) and a thesis. The course clearly states that this is not mandatory to complete as it has no bearing on the final grade. We do suggest that students complete these as this will not only assist them in examination preparation but also will give the student the skill set should they wish to continue their studies (continuous professional development) at a higher level.

Certification

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

The course has been endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme.The Provider has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained.

The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at QLS Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.

The Quality Licence Scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group, a charitable organisation that unites education and skills-orientated organisations that share similar values and objectives. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Skills and Education Group’s strategic partnerships create opportunities to inform, influence and represent the wider education and skills sector.

The Skills and Education Group’s knowledge and experience of working within the awarding sector enables them to work with training providers, through the Quality Licence Scheme, to help them develop high-quality courses and/or training programmes for the non-regulated market.

*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales.

Course modules

Module 1: Introduction to Project Management
Module 2: Project Management Methods
Module 3: Project Planning
Module 4: Project Organization
Module 5: Project Control
Module 6: Tools and Techniques
Module 7: Project Management Reports
Module 8: Project Estimating Techniques
Module 9: Managing Project Change
Module 10: Global Project Management

Learner support

12 Months Tutor Support. Tutors are available to answer student questions relating to course materials and to comment on the assignments that are sent in to state how well students have understood the unit content.

FAQs

What does NCC stand for?

NCC originally stood for the National Consortium of FE (Further Education) Colleges. This brought together the FE Colleges to achieve the best provision. Regular national meetings were attended by both Colleges and Government agencies who funded them. This was very helpful to them both to best deliver training to their students.

For more than 25 years NCC has supplied FE Colleges with learning materials as well as student marketing.

NCC now specialise in online training of a very high quality to students both self-funded, paid for by schools, employers and training providers.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is the most flexible and convenient approach to studying. There is no need for you to attend college and you can study anytime, anyplace, anywhere that fits in with your lifestyle. Distance learning programmes are ideal for people who may have a job, family commitments, or any other commitment that won’t allow them time off to study.

What is the difference between the online and paper versions of courses?

Both our online and paper courses are completed via an online learning portal (LMS) which you can access after you receive your login details by email. Please ensure that you check your junk email if you do not receive your login details within 48 hours.

All learners will submit their assignments, receive feedback and correspond with their tutor directly through the LMS. If you require help from our support team, then simply email [email protected].

If you opt for the online course, you will not receive any course materials through the post. Everything is available via the LMS.

If you opt for the paper version, you are simply paying for a study book to be printed and posted to your home, or place of work. You will use this book as a reference guide, but you will still be required to upload your assignments and correspond with your tutor via the LMS.

If you are unable to access our online LMS, we do have alternative options available, so please email [email protected] in order to request further support.

What do I need to do to get started?

We recommend that you choose a course that will interest you and help you to achieve your ambitions. If you would like some advice, or further information, contact us here or dial 0333 3445 690.

To purchase a course, simply click on the ‘Buy now’ button against your chosen course and follow the on screen instructions. Alternatively if you would prefer to purchase the course over the phone, call 0333 3445 690 and speak to one of our expert course advisors.

How much will it cost?

The price largely depends on the size and duration of the course. The course cost is determined by the expenses associated with its provision, taking into consideration the course's size and complexity, development costs, study materials, and the level of tutor support required. Some courses also necessitate additional in-person assessments by assessors, which incur additional expenses and consequently affect the course's cost.

The cost for each course is always listed clearly on the course description page before you make a purchase.

Additionally, extra fees may apply for courses that require externally monitored assessments (such as A Levels or ICB qualifications). For more details, it's best to consult with one of our course advisors.

How do I enrol?

Once you've chosen your course, you have two options for enrolment:

You can purchase the course online by clicking the "Buy now" button, which will enrol you automatically.
Alternatively, you can call our helpline at 0333 3445 690, and our expert course advisors will assist you in signing up for the course and arrange for the delivery of any requested additional learning materials to your address.

All courses are available to purchase in full or via affordable monthly payments over 12 months. A £29 non-refundable deposit is required for monthly payments, and you will be required to set up a monthly direct debit.

We do not require you to complete a credit check to sign up for monthly payments.

How quickly will I receive my course materials?

We ensure that you will receive your ordered course materials within 5 working days of registration, though for many courses, delivery may take as little as 48 hours.

Your course materials will be sent through a tracked courier service to guarantee delivery of your study book within the specified timeframe.

Do I need any additional books or equipment to do my course?

All the relevant information required to complete your course is available via the LMS. Additional research via the internet is encouraged, depending on the level you are working at, to bolster knowledge of the subject area.

There is no requirement to purchase any additional materials.

What support will I receive?

You will have access to a dedicated personal tutor whom you can contact through the Learning Management System (LMS) for assistance and guidance on any course-related matters. Your tutor will only initiate contact in response to your messages. If you encounter any difficulties reaching your tutor, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected].

Many courses require you to submit work to your tutor during the period of study, and your tutor will assess your work and provide feedback to you within 10 working days. Your tutor is available to you as much as you need them.

Please note that the course includes tutor support for a duration of 12 months. If you require additional time, please inform us, and we will make every effort to provide you with an option for a paid extension, if feasible, to assist you in completing your course.

Please be aware that our tutors are actively assisting multiple learners, and to ensure they are not inundated with excessive workloads, we have implemented a policy limiting learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time. We recommend that you upload your completed units as you finish them. This way, you can benefit from your tutor's feedback to enhance your future assignment submissions.

How long will it take for my work to be marked by my tutor?

Your work will be marked and feedback returned to you within 10 working days after submission. This is because our tutors are required to provide detailed, considered feedback to our learners that may take a while to formulate. We find that by working this way, our learners actually complete their course in less time, as they rarely need to submit an assignment more than twice.

Whilst it is possible to submit multiple assignments at the same time, we advise that our learners submit only one at a time. We want our learners to develop as they progress through their course, and find this is best achieved when a student embarks on a new module having taken into account tutor feedback from the previous submission.

Kindly note that our tutors are currently supporting multiple learners simultaneously. In order to maintain a balanced workload for them, we have established a policy that restricts learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time.

How long should it take to complete a course?

The time needed to complete your course depends on the specific course you've chosen and the time you're able to dedicate. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months. You'll usually have up to 12 months from the date of purchase to complete your course if you wish to receive your certificate, this is your end of support date.

One of the biggest advantages of distance learning is the flexibility it offers. You can study at your own pace, fitting your coursework around your personal schedule and commitments. There's no pressure—no one will be chasing you to submit work or asking why you haven't turned in an assignment.

That said, we recommend considering your availability before enrolling to ensure you can devote enough time to stay motivated and complete the course within a reasonable timeframe.

Will I have to sit an examination?

All of our courses are fully accredited, and to successfully complete them, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding. Depending on the course you choose, this could involve an examination, but the assessment methods can vary.

For some courses, you'll be continuously assessed throughout your studies, while others may require a final exam or an assignment, which can be done from home and submitted to your tutor.

For specific qualifications like A-levels and GCSEs, you will need to sit invigilated exams at a registered test centre. You'll be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of these exams, but full guidance will be provided by the centre delivering the qualification.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We can help or connect you with the course provider for more details.

Will I receive a qualification when I complete the course?

All of our courses are accredited and you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

For more information about this please see the section of the website that details how awarding bodies work and what the different types of qualifications are: https://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/awarding-organisations

Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes, you can take as many courses as your time allows, but we would recommend that you clearly evaluate how much time you can commit to your courses of study.

The good news is that if your circumstances change you can always take a limited break and come back to your studies to save your paid for support.

If you decide to enrol on more than one course at the same time, speak to our enquiries team for any bundle deals or offers.

Can I enrol and study outside the UK?

Absolutely! In most cases, our courses are accessible regardless of where you're located. However, some courses may have geographical restrictions set by the Awarding Organisation, and any such limitations will be clearly outlined in the course details.

Keep in mind that all of our tutors are UK-based, and while most work can be submitted via email, there may be rare instances where submissions need to be sent by post.

For courses that require a monitored exam, there are many test centres available internationally. If you're planning to study from abroad, we recommend reaching out to us before purchasing the course to ensure everything is in place for your studies.

What if I’ve chosen the wrong course?

If, after receiving the course, you decide it isn’t the right course for you, you may return the materials within 14 days, provided you have not yet submitted any coursework for evaluation. Please note that you will be responsible for covering the return shipping costs. We will refund your payment, minus a non-refundable deposit of £29. Additionally, you have the option to select an alternative course that better matches your goals and aspirations.

For any help on cancelling your course please email [email protected], we will only deal with cancellation enquiries via email.

What is a Totum Card?

Totum is the new brand for UK student cards and replaces the old NUS student card. NCC students are eligible to sign-up for the Totum card where applicable, giving access to a multitude of retail, food and travel special discounts. For more information, you can visit their website: https://www.totum.com/