So, Bok7 is here, and we’re still running virtual APM PFQ courses due to COVID-19 and you want to know what the format of your course will be in the virtual world, below is some information on how it will work in practice.
Why has my class gone virtual?
In case you haven’t seen the news…the government have advised against non-essential travel and to work from home since March 2020. In addition, with the schools still currently closed, many parents will need to stay at home to care for their children.
What will I need?
All of our virtual courses will run via Adobe Connect, which is free for you to use and is often accepted through firewalls onto computers as Adobe is a widely accepted piece of software. If you work in a company with high security settings, you might need to use your personal PC or mobile phone. Therefore, you will need:
- A laptop/ PC/ MAC/ iPad/ or Phone, which
enables sound - Internet – a good internet connection
(preferably wired) will ensure you don’t miss anything! - Headphones – you may wish to use a headset/
headphones to listen, but you won’t be asked to connect via webcam, so
feel free to sit in your pjs! - Your attention!
How will I access Adobe Connect?
Your course tutor will send you a link to the Abode Connect session – you can go into this virtual room any time to check it works. We’ve also created step by step instructions on how to setup Adobe Connect – its worth a watch before your planned session.
Who will teach the session?
You will be told who your tutor is prior to the session, you can find out more about them on our Parallel Trainers page. All of our trainers are highly experienced in virtual delivery and will make sure you get online and get engaged as quickly as possible. This is something we have done for a number of years, so isn’t new to us.
How long will the session be?
The PFQ will run as a 2-day course, with 7 x 1-hour webinars spread across the two days. The webinars will be highly interactive, using PowerPoint slides, quizzes and discussion boards to engage you throughout. But don’t worry, you won’t be asked to sit at a desk for the whole day – there will be lots of breaks in which you will be asked to go away and complete some activities, like you would in a classroom, including feedback from the tutor in the next session. Adobe Connect allows you to type questions as a group, or send them privately to the tutor, so you will be able to see what thoughts other delegates have throughout the sessions.
The exam will be run online at the end of the course at 4 pm. The exam is undertaken online through the Surpass service and we advise that you test your system using the online guidance available on the APM website.
Timetable for the 2-day PFQ
| DAY 1 | |
| 9.00–10.30 | WEBINAR 1: PROJECTS, BUSINESS AS USUAL AND THE OPERATING ENVIVONMENT |
| 10.30–11.30 | WEBINAR 1 ACTIVITIES & E-LEARNING |
| 11.30–12.30 | WEBINAR 2: UNDERSTAND THE PROJECT ROLES & LIFECYCLES |
| 12.30–13.30 | LUNCH |
| 13.30– 14.30 | WEBINAR 3: PROJECT PLANNING |
| 14.30– 15.30 | WEBINAR 3 ACTIVITIES & E-LEARNING |
| 15.30– 16.30 | WEBINAR 4: SCOPE MANAGEMENT |
| DAY 2 | |
| 9.00– 10.30 | WEBINAR 5: ESTIMATING & SCHEDULING |
| 10.30– 11.00 | WEBINAR 5 ACTIVITIES & E-LEARNING |
| 11.00 – 2.30 | WEBINAR 6: UNDERSTAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, RISK MANAGEMENT & QUALITY |
| 12.30 – 3.30 | LUNCH |
| 13.30 – 4.30 | WEBINAR 7: UNDERSTAND CHNAGE CONTROL & THE PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK |
| 14.30 – 5.30 | SELF STUDY/ REVISION |
| 15.30 –17.00 | ONLINE EXAM |
What if I get distracted, miss a point, or have to miss a session?
Fear not! Adobe allows us to record sessions which will be sent to you afterwards – these obviously won’t give you the opportunity to ask questions but do mean you won’t miss anything if your food box arrives/ work phone call comes in.
As always, any questions drop us a line at withyoualltheway@parallelprojecttraining.com, because we’re with you all the way!
