Customer Relationship Management

Description: Customer Relationship Management is a key activity for any successful organization. Effective customer relationship helps your organization build and maintain its customer base for sustained success. How you build effective customer relationship management is a key question that will be answered by this course.

RefineM’s Customer Relationship Management course covers tools, techniques, and best practices in customer relationship management. You will learn how to attract customers, compile information about them, and improve business relationships. You will leave the course prepared to develop a plan to improve your customer relationship management.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, you will be able to

• Explain the basic components of customer relationship management.
• Identify ways to attract and retain customers.
• Develop a customer relationship management plan for your organization.

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for project managers, project leaders, project team members, PMO leads/directors, and stakeholders.

PDUs: 7 PDUs (Strategic: 7, Leadership: 0, Technical: 0)

Course Delivery: Variable

Course Material: RefineM will prepare and provide the necessary training course material for all attendees.

About RefineM's Instructors: RefineM's instructors are experienced and certified in project management and Agile and bring real-world experience to their instruction. Our instructors not only teach concepts, we also provide insights and hands-on experience. And we don’t waste time. Our training is focused and hard-hitting. We offer practical targeted training in just the key topics that will make the most impact.

Contact us about future dates or to arrange for this training to be delivered in your organization or city.

Balanced Scorecard

Description: The balanced scorecard, first popularized by Drs. Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton, is a tool to help businesses achieve strategic outcomes by aligning business activities to the overall vision. It also helps businesses achieve greater focus on not only the financial perspective, but also the important perspectives of organization learning and growth, improvement of business processes, and customer satisfaction.

In RefineM's Balanced Scorecard course, you will learn about how a balanced scorecard approach can improve your organization’s portfolio management strategy. You will also be able to apply concepts of the balanced scorecard to achieve strategic goals.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, you will be able to:

• Explain what a balanced scorecard is and what benefits it has.
• Identify key criteria to include in a balanced scorecard.
• Start using a balanced scorecard in your organization.

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for PMO leads/directors, business analysts, and senior executives involved in strategic planning in their organizations.

PDUs: 8 PDUs (Strategic: 8, Leadership: 0, Technical: 0)

Course Delivery: Variable

Course Material: RefineM will prepare and provide the necessary training course material for all attendees.

About RefineM's Instructors: RefineM's instructors are experienced and certified in project management and Agile and bring real-world experience to their instruction. Our instructors not only teach concepts, we also provide insights and hands-on experience. And we don’t waste time. Our training is focused and hard-hitting. We offer practical targeted training in just the key topics that will make the most impact.

Contact us about future dates or to arrange for this training to be delivered in your organization or city.

Advanced Techniques in Microsoft Project

Duration: 1 day in person or two half-days online

Description: RefineM’s Advanced Techniques In Microsoft Project course is designed to introduce you to advanced tools and techniques available in Microsoft Project. This course will provide an overview of several advanced project tasks, including creating and monitoring the project plan, working with reports, customizing Microsoft Project, managing multiple projects, and exchanging project information.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, you will be able to

• Create a project plan in Microsoft Project, analyze it, and make adjustments.
• Create, modify, and view reports, including new customizable reports.
• Customize Microsoft Project to your project needs through macros, custom fields, adjustable views, and Gantt chart formats.
• Manage multiple projects and consolidate and share resources among them.
• Create summary tasks, project calendars, and resource calendars and utilize collaboration tools.

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for project/program managers, portfolio managers, PMO leaders, project team members, business/systems analysts and other project stakeholders. This course is very useful for project managers who have some experience with Microsoft Project and need to learn more advanced tools and techniques.

PDUs: 7 PDUs (Strategic: 0, Leadership: 0, Technical: 7) (8 PDUs for two half-days over the Web)

Course Delivery: Variable

Course Material: RefineM will prepare and provide the necessary training course material for all attendees.

About RefineM's Instructors: RefineM's instructors are experienced and certified in project management and Agile and bring real-world experience to their instruction. Our instructors not only teach concepts, we also provide insights and hands-on experience. And we don’t waste time. Our training is focused and hard-hitting. We offer practical targeted training in just the key topics that will make the most impact.

Contact us about future dates or to arrange for this training to be delivered in your organization or city.

Agile-Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)^® Exam Prep Course

Duration: 3 days

Description: Are you looking for an Agile certification that shows your ability to lead Agile projects using a variety of methodologies? PMI’s Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification demonstrates this ability by requiring certification holders to demonstrate knowledge of a wide variety of methodologies and proven experience on Agile projects. If you want to obtain your PMI-ACP® certification but need help with contact hours or preparing for the exam, then this course is for you.

Previous students have shared their testimonials about our course:
 

“RefineM’s PMI-ACP Exam Prep course was exactly the type of training I needed to help me successfully prepare for the ACP exam. The trainer was extremely knowledgeable in the core principles and foundations of Agile and his real world experience provided relatable examples to actual usage and application of Agile outside of the classroom. I have attended many trainings before but the course material and smaller classroom setting really makes RefineM stand out among other training classes.”
—Kari Boots, PMP, PMI-ACP, Program Manager, Valorem Consulting

“RefineM’s PMI-ACP exam prep course was a great experience and was extremely helpful in my successful passing of the exam on the first attempt. NK is a wonderful teacher and his real world experience was extremely helpful in understanding concepts and scenarios related to all Agile methodologies. I highly recommend his prep course for anybody wanting to obtain his or her PMI-ACP certification.”
—Donald Day, PMP, PMI-ACP

 
RefineM's Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® Exam Prep Course includes the key skills and knowledge areas of Agile to help you prepare for the exam. You will learn in a small group environment where you can interact with other Agile practitioners and an instructor experienced in Agile. With all meals and course materials valuing over $100 provided, you can approach your exam study with peace of mind. By the time you leave this course, you will be better prepared to take the PMI-ACP® exam and to utilize Agile principles, tools and techniques. You will have the resources to pass the exam and continue your Agile journey.

This course is also useful if you want to learn about Agile methodologies, even if you are not planning to take the PMI-ACP® exam. The course covers Agile concepts such as Scrum, XP and Kanban, and includes a number of individual/group exercises to reinforce concepts.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, you will be able to

• Develop better/increased understanding of Agile Fundamentals.
• Have a better understanding of the PMI-ACP exam course material and topics.
• Know tips and tricks for passing the PMI-ACP exam.
• Be prepared to take the PMI-ACP exam.

Who Should Attend: This course is primarily designed for anyone who is planning to get PMI-ACP certification. The course will also help those looking for a deeper understanding of agile methodologies. Project managers, project leads, technical leads, or project team members in software development or IT could also attend.

Organizations that want to prepare their employees to receive the PMI-ACP certification should also benefit from sending them to this training.

PDUs: 21 PDUs (Strategic: 2, Leadership: 2, Technical: 17)

Course Delivery: Variable

Course Material: Attendees will receive the following course material:

• The PMI-ACP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try, by Andy Crowe, latest version.
• Supplemental readings and exercises.
• Any other necessary training course material.

About RefineM's Instructors: RefineM's instructors are experienced and certified in project management and Agile and bring real-world experience to their instruction. Our instructors not only teach concepts, we also provide insights and hands-on experience. And we don’t waste time. Our training is focused and hard-hitting. We offer practical targeted training in just the key topics that will make the most impact.

Contact us about future dates or to arrange for this training to be delivered in your organization or city.

Project Management Professional (PMP)^® Exam Prep Course

Duration: 4 or 5 days (35 hours total)

Description: If you are seeking your Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification and you want a focused, hard-hitting prep course, this class is for you.

Our previous student, Terry, stated this about our course:

“I took the RefineM Exam Prep course and passed the exam five days after the last class. Each question that was raised by a student was met with real-world application of [A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)] principles.”
—Terry Parker, Project Manager, CSI Designs

 
RefineM’s PMP® exam prep course not only covers A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), it incorporates real-life examples from project experience as well as practice tests. You will learn the most critical parts of each knowledge area, understand where your own knowledge gaps lie, and receive the individual attention you need to close these gaps. You will also receive PMP® exam test-taking tips and tricks to improve your confidence heading into your test day.

In addition to preparing you for the exam, you will learn how to implement the project management processes that will help you stand out as a PMP®-certified project manager, further increasing your competitive advantage. For example, you will learn how to develop a WBS to perform Scope Management and use stakeholder analysis tools to perform Stakeholder Management. We offer multiple practice exams throughout the course, and a full-length practice exam at the end of the course.

What to expect: At RefineM we do our best to ensure that you have a comfortable, yet effective learning environment to properly prepare for the PMP® exam. You will receive 35 contact hours of project management education by an experienced, PMP®-certified instructor.

Our instructors deliver the course in an informal lecture format, with opportunities for discussion, practice exams, and hands-on activities. You will receive course materials valued at over $100. On-site attendees will be treated to morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack each day.

Finally, we stand by our class attendees and are committed to their exam success. To learn more about our pass guarantee for PMI^® certification exams, please visit our Training Policies page.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, you will be able to

• Better prepare for the PMP® exam to pass on your first attempt.
• Explain and apply the project management process groups and knowledge areas.
• Understand critical exam topics and the highest-value project management processes.
• Perform project management practices with optimized resource management.

Who Should Attend: This course is geared toward anyone who wants to pass the PMP® certification exam.

PDUs: 35 PDUs (Strategic: 3.5, Leadership: 3.5, Technical: 28)

Course Delivery: This course will be delivered in-person over four days from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, and over the Web as 9 four-hour sessions.

Course Material: RefineM will prepare and provide the necessary training course material for all attendees. Training course material to be provided by RefineM includes the following:

• A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Sixth Edition.
• PMP Exam Prep, Ninth Edition by Rita Mulcahy.
• A “brain dump” consisting of critical exam topics to record on scrap paper once the exam starts.
• In-class practice tests including a full length mock test (200 questions).
• 90-day subscription to RefineM’s on-line PMP Exam Prep test simulator at https://examprep.refinem.com.

About RefineM's Instructors: RefineM's instructors are experienced and certified in project management and Agile and bring real-world experience to their instruction. Our instructors not only teach concepts, we also provide insights and hands-on experience. And we don’t waste time. Our training is focused and hard-hitting. We offer practical targeted training in just the key topics that will make the most impact.

Cancellation Policy: Please refer to RefineM's Training Policies.

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Risk Management for Projects

Duration: 1 to 3 days

Description: Do your projects get derailed often? Do you think such problems could have been avoided or drastically reduced if there had been an explicit early concern with identifying and resolving the high-risk elements in those projects? If yes, then this course is for you.

Project risk management is perhaps the least understood and most effective tool project managers, program managers, or PMOs can employ to increase the odds of project success. When implemented correctly, it not only boosts probability of success, but also alleviates anxiety and improves predictability. Over the last decade, project risk management has become the backbone of organizations which successfully deliver projects, and in the current period it is absolutely essential to the success of a project/program/PMO.

This course on Risk Management covers theoretical as well as practical aspects of risk management methodologies. Examples from real projects will clarify concepts and illustrate the best practices. Attendees will also get an opportunity to participate in a few exercises that will prepare them to implement best practices in their projects.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, you will be able to

• Define and differentiate between issues and risks, threats and opportunities, and total, residual, and secondary risks.
• Assess risk tolerances and attitudes of stakeholders.
• Understand all parts of a risk management plan and develop a risk management plan for your real projects.
• Analyze and prioritize risks using qualitative and quantitative risk analysis methods.
• Use risk contingency reserve with Expected Monetary Value (EMV) to improve the predictability of project outcomes.

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for project/program managers, portfolio managers, PMO leaders, executives, project sponsors, change agents, project team members, business/systems analysts and other project stakeholders.

PDUs: 7 PDUs / Contact Hours per day of instruction (Business Acumen: 0, Power Skills: 2, Ways of Working: 5)

Course Delivery: Variable

Course Material: RefineM will prepare and provide the necessary training course material for all attendees.

About RefineM's Instructors: RefineM's instructors are experienced and certified in project management and Agile and bring real-world experience to their instruction. Our instructors not only teach concepts, we also provide insights and hands-on experience. And we don’t waste time. Our training is focused and hard-hitting. We offer practical targeted training in just the key topics that will make the most impact.

Contact us about future dates or to arrange for this training to be delivered in your organization or city.

Advanced Techniques in Risk Management

Duration: 1/2 to 1 day

Description: Is your organization seeking to improve its risk management practices? RefineM’s half-day course is designed to help you improve risk management through advanced techniques honed through experience. Topics include qualitative and quantitative risk analysis techniques, using Expected Monetary Value (EMV) to create a risk contingency reserve, using the risk contingency reserve to improve predictability of project outcomes, and communicating risks to the team and stakeholders. Attendees will leave this course with the knowledge and skills they need to perform risk management more effectively on their projects.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, you will be able to

• Understand and perform key qualitative and quantitative risk analysis techniques.
• Develop a risk contingency reserve using Expected Monetary Value (EMV).
• Improve the predictability of project outcomes using risk contingency reserve.
• Effectively communicate risks to the team and stakeholders.

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for project/program managers, PMO leaders, and project team members involved with risk management who have been managing/leading projects and are looking for advanced techniques to strengthen their career.

PDUs: 1 PDU / Contact Hour per hour of instruction (Strategic: 0, Leadership: 0, Technical: 1)

Course Delivery: Variable

Course Material: RefineM will prepare and provide the necessary training course material for all attendees.

About RefineM's Instructors: RefineM's instructors are experienced and certified in project management and Agile and bring real-world experience to their instruction. Our instructors not only teach concepts, we also provide insights and hands-on experience. And we don’t waste time. Our training is focused and hard-hitting. We offer practical targeted training in just the key topics that will make the most impact.

Contact us about future dates or to arrange for this training to be delivered in your organization or city.

Agile Fundamentals / Agile 101

Duration: 2 days

Description: Are you looking for a way to deliver value and customer satisfaction? Are you seeking to implement Agile and unsure where to start? This course can address these problems, providing a stepping stone to take Agile practices to the next level.

“I highly recommend RefineM to any company, regardless of their level of experience, that is looking to improve their agile process because they are wonderful to work with and are dedicated to seeing others succeed from the knowledge and understanding they impart.”
—Leslie Melton, Business Analyst, IT, XPO Logistics (formerly Con-way Truckload)

RefineM’s Agile Fundamentals course is a training that introduces you to the basics of Agile. Agile has been successfully used to deliver high value to customers within a fixed scope and time frame. This Agile training course will provide an overview of Agile concepts, various Agile methodologies, Agile teams, planning for Agile projects, and executing Agile projects.

As an attendee of this Agile training course, you will learn more about the foundations of Agile, including the Agile manifesto, guiding principles, and a comparison to waterfall-style development. You will learn more about Agile methodologies, basic roles, and ceremonies and artifacts. In our stress-free, small-group learning environment, you will have the opportunity to interact with other Agile practitioners and learn hands-on with the guidance of an experienced Agile instructor. You will leave this Agile training course ready to implement Agile on your teams.

Course Objectives: After completing the course, you will be able to

• Lead and/or participate in an Agile project much more efficiently.
• Clearly describe Agile concepts.
• Differentiate among different Agile methodologies.
• Clearly describe Agile project team roles and responsibilities.
• Explain the principles of self-managing teams.
• Perform Agile estimation/planning for your projects.
• Significantly contribute to project success in an Agile environment.

Who Should Attend: RefineM’s Agile Fundamentals course is a basic course that will help attendees get a good understanding of the Agile methodology. This Agile training course is designed for those who would like to learn more about Agile. This may include project team members, project managers, project leads, technical leads, or QA testers or managers, particularly in software development or IT. It may also include team members in business roles such as product owners, business analysts, business experts, project sponsors, or other stakeholders.

Any organization in the process of adopting Agile that needs its team to go through formal Agile training should also benefit from sending team members to this course.

PDUs: 14 PDUs / SEUs / Contact Hours (Strategic: 2, Leadership: 2, Technical: 10)

Course Delivery: Variable

Course Material: RefineM will prepare and provide the necessary training course material for all attendees.

About RefineM's Instructors: RefineM's instructors are experienced and certified in project management and Agile and bring real-world experience to their instruction. Our instructors not only teach concepts, we also provide insights and hands-on experience. And we don’t waste time. Our Agile training is focused and hard-hitting. We offer practical targeted training in just the key topics that will make the most impact.

Contact us about future dates or to arrange for this training to be delivered in your organization or city.

Leadership Skills for Project Managers

Please contact us if you would like to set up a customized training course in your city or at your corporate site.

Duration: 1 or 2 days

Description: What is leadership, and how can managers become more effective leaders? These questions, and more, will be answered during this course.