P3O® Foundation virtual

Learning objectives

By the end of this course you should understand the key principles and terminology within the P3O guidance. Specifically you should understand: 

• High-level P3O model and its component offices 
• Differences between Portfolio, Programme and Project Management 
• Key functions and services of a P3O 
• Reasons for establishing a P3O model 
• Differences between types of P3O model and the factors that influence selection of the most appropriate model 
• Processes to implement or re-energize a P3O 
• Tools and techniques used by a P3O 
• Purpose and major responsibilities of the defined roles

This is an intensive three-day virtual course, providing all you need to get through the P3O Foundation examination first time:

• All accompanying course material
• Online pre-course
• The official P3O manual
• The cost of the P3O Foundation examination (must be taken online via remote proctor within 12 months of purchase)

Materials

For last-minute bookings (10 working days or less before start date), you will be issued with digital materials – this will include all accompanying course materials (usually a workbook) and a manual, if this is included as part of your purchase.

The course materials will be provided in a PDF format and available for download via our virtual platform on the first day of the course. You will need to download and save the materials to your device, so that you can annotate them during the training course.

Your digital course manual will be sent as a PDF/eBook via email from TSO Customer Services (customer.service@tso.co.uk), and will only be compatible with Adobe Digital Editions. Therefore you will need to have this installed on your device.

If you would like to receive a physical copy of the manual, please get in touch with a member of our team, and they will talk you through your options.

What's covered?

P3O overview

• What a P3O is and why it is relevant
• Who the P3O guidance is aimed at
• The differences between projects, programmes, and portfolio management

P3O services and functions

• The objectives of each functional or service area
• Strategic planning, delivery support and centre of excellence
• Assurance services, through gated reviews or audit
• P3O governance

Model structures

• Services and functions delivered through various design models
• What kind of model to deploy
• The reporting structure of a P3O model
• Critical success factors of a P3O structure
• Information assurance for projects and programmes

How to operate a P3O

• Portfolio prioritisation, management dashboards, information portals and knowledge management
• Some of the facilitated workshops a P3O may be asked to lead
• Business process swim-lane diagrams and the benefits they can bring
• How approaches can be tailored for different demands

P3O roles and responsibilities

• Management, generic and functional P3O roles
• The purpose of each role, and be aware of some of the key responsibilities of each
• How the roles might be implemented within the various P3O models
• Some of the key skills and competencies needed within a P3O

Developing a P3O business case, why have a P3O?

• The benefits of a P3O, and the capabilities of a P3O
• The principles for extracting value. A value matrix
• What performance improvements can be expected

How to implement or re-energise a P3O

• A blueprint for a programme of change, for a successful P3O
• The lifecycle needed for P3O implementation
• How to setup and run a temporary office structure

Case studies

P3O Foundation examination preparation

• How to approach the P3O examination 
• Sample questions solved in an interactive and engaging manner

Please note: to assist your learning there are some pre-course reading and activities that must be completed prior to attending your course. In addition, whilst attending your course, there will also be some examination preparation evening work .

Target audience

This course would benefit:

• SRO’s/programme directors and managers
• Portfolio/programme/project office managers
• Project or programme office support staff and project managers

There is mandatory online pre-course work that must be completed prior to attending this course. You will be sent full instructions with a link to the online pre-course within 48 hours of your confirmed booking.

In addition, you will also be required to complete some evening work during the virtual classroom event.

HOW YOU TAKE YOUR EXAM

The Foundation exam is taken online via remote proctor. Two weeks prior to course commencement ILX will arrange for an exam voucher to be issued. You then have a choice you can either:

• Book a suitable time after your virtual classroom event has finished to undertake your exam

OR

• We currently allocate exam time within the virtual classroom event. So that you can book directly, we will advise you of recommended exam timings as part of the candidate guidance — this is issued three weeks prior to course commencement

Note: You are responsible for booking your own exam.

Exam format

• Multiple choice
• 75 questions - 70 live questions and 5 trial
• 60 minutes
• 50% pass mark - 35 out of 70
• Closed book

Welcome to ILX Group video links

Click on a video link below to find out more about ILX Group and our PRINCE2 training services.