Learning outcomes
Assessment criteria (New assessment criteria
are highlighted in green)
When awarded credit for this unit, a learner Assessment of this learning outcome will
will:
require a learner to demonstrate that they
can:
1 Understand how organisations and
projects are structured
1.1 differentiate between types of organisation
structures highlighting advantages and
disadvantages of each (including functional,
matrix, project)
Links to APMP syllabus edition 3.1 (items in
italics and contained in brackets relate to
specific topic coverage areas or provide further
explanation?
Specific areas of the APMP syllabus edition 3.1
(linked to APM Body of knowledge 5th edition)
where Accredited Providers will have to review
materials to ensure proper coverage of the
updated syllabus content (4th edition syllabus
aligned to APM Body of Knowledge 6th
edition ). Areas in orange do not appear in the
updated syllabus
6.7 organisation structure learning outcomes A.
Distinguish between functional, matrix and
project organisation structures.
B. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a
functional organisation structures.
C.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a
matrix organisation
structures.
D. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a
project organisation
structures.
1.2 explain the way in which an organisational 3.1 Scope management topic coverage (RAM
breakdown structure is used to create a
and how it is constructed)
6.7
responsibility assignment matrix
Organisation structure topic coverage (links
between organisation structure, OBS and RAM)
1.3 explain the role and key responsibilities of
the project manager
6.8 Organisational roles learning outcome A.
Explain the role and typical responsibilities of the
project manager.
1.4 differentiate between the responsibilities of 6.8 Organisational roles learning outcome B. 1.5 Project sponsorship learning outcome B:
the project manager and project sponsor
Explain the differences between the role and
Explain the importance of project sponsorship in
throughout the project life cycle
typical responsibilities of the project manager
project management
and the project sponsor (executive). 1.5 Project
sponsorship learning outcome A. Describe the
role and typical responsibilities of the project
sponsor
(executive) across a project life cycle.
1.5 describe other roles within project
6.8 Organisational roles learning outcomes C.
management including users, project team
Describe the role of users.
members and the project steering group/board D. Describe the role of project team members.
E. Describe the role of the project steering group
(project board).
2 Understand project life cycles
1.6 describe the functions and benefits of
different types of project office (including
project support office {PSO}, enterprise project
management office {EPMO}, project services or
centres of excellence)
2.1 define a project life cycle and project life
cycle phases (including concept, definition,
development, handover and closure and
benefits realisation)
1.6 project office learning outcomes
Describe functions that project offices often
perform.
B. Explain the benefits of a project office.
6.1 Project life cycles learning outcome
A.
Describe a project life cycle and topic coverage
(Project phases such as concept, definition,
implementation, handover and closeout) Please
note the inclusion of benefits realisation
1.1 Project management learning outcome D
Distinguish between project management
processes and the phases of the project life
cycle
2.2 explain why projects are structured as
phases (including the use of end of phase
reviews, go/no-go decisions and high level
planning)
6.1 Project life cycles learning outcome
Explain why projects are split into life cycle
phases.
B
6.5 Handover and closeout learning outcome A:
Describe activities involved in handover and
closeout
2.3 explain the differences between a project
life cycle and an extended life cycle
6.1 Project life cycles learning outcome
C.
Explain the differences between a project life
cycle and an extended life cycle.
6.5 Handover and closeout learning outcome B:
Explain the importance of project handover
2.4 outline processes for sharing knowledge
and lessons learned throughout projects
6.6 Project reviews topic coverage (The need to
learn lessons throughout the project) Please
note the inclusion of the processes for sharing
knowledge
6.5 Handover and closeout learning outcome C:
Explain the importance of project closeout.
A.
These areas have specifically been excluded
from the syllabus as the emphasis of the
assessment criteria is on the project life cycle
as a whole rather than focussing on one aspect
of the life cycle
6.6 Project reviews learning outcomes
A.
Describe project evaluation reviews.
B. Describe gate reviews.
C. Describe audits.
D. Describe post-project reviews.
E. Describe benefit realisation reviews.
F. Explain the benefits of project reviews.
3 Understand contexts and environments in 3.1 distinguish between projects and business 1.1 Project management learning outcome A.
which projects can be delivered
as usual {BAU}
Distinguish between project management and
business-as-usual.
2.5 explain the benefits of conducting reviews
throughout the project life cycle (including
project evaluation reviews, gate reviews, post
project reviews, peer reviews, benefits reviews
and audits)
1.1 Project management learning outcome B
Explain the benefits of project management
3.2 differentiate between project management 1.2 Programme management learning outcome 1.2 Programme management learning outcome
and portfolio and programme management
A. Distinguish between programme management B: Describe the role and typical responsibilities
and project management.
of the programme manager
1.3 Portfolio management learning outcome A .
Distinguish between portfolio management and
project management.
3.3 outline the characteristics of programme
1.2 Programme management topic coverage
management and its relationship with strategic (Programme management and its links to
change
strategic change)
Copyright APM
Commercial in confidence
1.2 Programme management learning outcome
C: Explain the benefits of programme
management
v0.1 18th October 2013
3.4 explain the challenges a project manager
may face working within a programme
3.5 describe where the use of portfolio
management may be appropriate
1.3 portfolio management learning outcome B.
Explain situations where portfolio management
would
be appropriate.
3.6 describe how environmental factors affect
projects(including the sector, geography and
regulation)
3.7 explain tools and techniques used to assess 1.4 Project context learning outcome
B.
a project’s context (including PESTLE, SWOT)
Explain a tool or technique for ascertaining a
project’s context and topic coverage (The use of
tools and techniques such as PESTLE and
SWOT.) Please note the change from 'such as' to
'including'
2.7 Health, safety and environmental
3.8 explain the importance of relevant
legislation applicable to projects (such as health management topic coverage (Environmental
and safety , environmental , employment ,
legislation as applicable to project management
contract, data protection, freedom of
such as noise and statutory nuisance and waste
including pollution; purpose of health, safety and
information)
environmental regulations) Please note the
inclusion of employment, contract, data
protection, freedom of information
4.1 describe the principles of governance of
project management (such as policies,
regulations, functions, processes, procedures
and responsibilities)
4.2 explain how project management
methodologies can be used to support the
governance structure
4.3 explain the advantages of using standard
project management methodologies across an
organisation
5 Understand communication within project 5.1 describe the key contents of a project
management
communication plan
4 Understand governance of project
management and the use of structured
methodologies
5.2 explain the benefits of a project
communication plan
5.3 explain the importance of effective
communication in managing different
stakeholders
5.4 identify factors which can positively or
negatively affect communication
6 Understand the principles of leadership
and teamwork
5.5 identify sources of conflict within the
project life cycle and ways in which it can be
addressed(such as Blake and Mouton, ThomasKillman and Pruitt)
5.6 explain how to plan and conduct different
negotiations (including formal, informal,
competitive and collaborative)
6.1 Describe typical leadership qualities
6.2 Explain the principles and importance of
motivation
6.3 explain the impact of leadership on team
performance and motivation (using models such
as Maslow, Herzberg and McGregor)
6.4 explain the benefits of adapting styles of
leadership within a project (such as situational
leadership, action centred leadership)
7 Understand planning for success
Copyright APM
Commercial in confidence
6.10 Governance of project management
learning outcome B. Describe the principles of
governance of project management.
1.1 Learning outcome C Explain the challenges
that organisations face when using project
management
1.2 Programme management learning outcome
D: Explain the challenges organisations face
when using programme management
1.4 Project context learning outcome A:
Describe what is meant by project context
2.7 Health safety and environmental
management learning outcome A: Explain the
importance of project health and safety
management
2.7 Health safety and environmental
management learning outcome B: Explain the
importance of project environmental
management
6.10 Governance of project management
learning outcome A: Explain governance of
project management
6.9 Methods and procedures learning outcome
A: Describe the typical contents of a structured
method
6.9 Methods and procedures topic coverage
(links to governance of project management)
6.9 Methods and procedures learning outcome B.
Explain the advantages of adopting a structured
method.
7.1 Communication learning outcome
A.
Describe the typical contents of a project
communication plan.
7.1 Communication learning outcome
Explain the importance of effective
communication in project management.
B.
7.1 Communication learning outcome C: Explain
the typical barriers to communications and how
they may be overcome
7.4 Conflict management learning outcomes A.
Describe sources of conflict in the project life
cycle.
B. Explain a conflict resolution model.
7.5 Negotiation learning outcome B: Explain
each stage of a negotiation process
7.5 Negotiation learning outcome A: Describe a
negotiation process
7.3 Leadership learning outcome
Describe typical leadership qualities.
7.3 Leadership learning outcome
Explain the principles and importance of
motivation.
A
B.
7.3 Leadership learning outcome C: Describe a
situational leadership model
7.2 Teamwork learning outcome C: Describe a
social roles model
7.2 Teamwork learning outcome B: Explain the
importance of team development
7.2 Teamwork learning outcome A: Describe a
team development model
6.5 Describe the characteristics and benefits of
effective teams and teamwork
6.6 explain factors involved in the creation,
development and management of teams
(models such as Belbin, Margerison-McCann,
Myers- Briggs, Tuckman , Katzenbach and
Smith)
A.
7.1 explain the purpose of a business case and 5.1 Business case learning outcome
Explain the purpose of a business case and topic
its importance during the project life cycle
coverage (importance and use of a business case 5.1 Business case learning outcome B: Describe
during the project life cycle)
the typical contents of a business case
7.2 describe who has authorship and approval 5.1 Business case learning outcome
C.
of the business case
Describe the authorship and ownership of a
business case. Please note the change from
ownership to approval
7.3 explain benefits management (including
2.1 Project success and benefits management
success criteria and key performance indicators learning outcomes
B.
and their uses in measuring project success)
Explain the relationship between success criteria 2.1 Project success and benefits management
learning outcome A: Distinguish between
and KPIs.
success criteria and success factors
C. Describe benefits management.
7.4 explain the use of payback, Internal Rate of 5.1 Business case learning outcome
D.
Return and Net Present Value as investment
Explain the use of payback, Internal Rate of
appraisal techniques. The examination
Return (IRR) and Net Present Value (NPV) as
questions will not require calculations to be
investment appraisal techniques.
performed.
v0.1 18th October 2013
7.5 explain an information management system
(including collection, analysis, storage,
dissemination, archiving, destruction of
information)
7.6 explain a typical project reporting cycle
including the gathering of data and
dissemination of reports and the principles of
reporting by exception
7.7 explain the purpose of the project
management plan and its importance
throughout the project life cycle
7.8 describe the typical contents of a project
management plan
7.9 outline the authorship, approval and
audience of a project management plan
7.10 explain estimating techniques (including
analytical, comparative, parametric, threepoint, PERT formulae)
3.7 Information management topic coverage (An
information management system (such as
collection, storage, dissemination, archiving and 3.7 Information management and reporting
learning outcome A : Explain information
appropriate destruction of information))
management
3.7 Information management topic coverage (A
typical project reporting cycle including the
gathering of data and dissemination of reports;
the principles of reporting by exception)
2.4 Project management plan learning outcome
A. Explain the purpose of a PMP and topic
coverage (The use of the PMP throughout the
project life cycle)
2.4 Project management plan learning outcome
B. Describe typical contents of a PMP.
2.4 Project management plan learning outcome
C. Describe the authorship, ownership and
audience of a PMP. Please note the change from
ownership to approval
4.3 Estimating learning outcomes
B.
Explain bottom-up estimating.
C. Explain comparative estimating.
D. Explain parametric estimating.
E. Explain three-point estimating.
3.2
Scheduling topic coverage (Program Evaluation
and Review Technique as a method for
estimating activity durations)
7.11 explain the reasons for and benefits of reestimating through the project life cycle and the 4.3 Estimating topic coverage (Estimating
through the project life cycle. The changing
concept of the estimating funnel
accuracy of estimates through the project life
cycle and the concept of the estimating funnel)
7.12 describe stakeholder management
2.2 Stakeholder management learning outcome
processes
A. Describe a stakeholder management process.
7.13 explain the importance of managing
stakeholders expectations
8 Understand project scope management
3.7 Information management and reporting
learning outcome B: Explain project reporting
4.3 Estimating learning outcome A: Describe
practical problems of estimating across the
project life cycle
2.2 Stakeholder management learning outcome
B: Explain the importance of stakeholder
management
7.14 describe advantages and disadvantages of 3.6 Earned Value Management learning outcome 3.6 Earned Value Management learning
earned value management
B. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of outcome A: Describe Earned Value
Management (EVM)
EVM.
7.15 perform earned value calculations and
3.6 Earned Value Management learning outcome
interpret earned value data
C. Perform earned value calculations and
interpret earned value data.
8.1 define scope in terms of outputs, outcomes
3.1 Scope management learning outcome A:
and benefits (including use of product
Explain scope management
breakdown and work breakdown structures)
8.2 explain how to manage scope through
3.1 Scope management learning outcome B:
Describe Product Breakdown Structure (PBS)
• requirements management processes (such
as capture, analysis, justifying requirements,
baseline needs)
3.1 Scope management learning outcome C:
Describe Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
3.1 Scope management learning outcome D:
Describe Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS)
• configuration management processes (such
as planning, identification, control, status
accounting, audit and verification)
8.3 explain the different stages of change
control (such as request, review, assessment,
decision, implementation)
8.4 explain the relationship between change
control and configuration management, and the
concept of change freeze
8.5 explain the advantages and disadvantages
of a change control process
9 Understand schedule and resource
management
Copyright APM
Commercial in confidence
9.1 explain the process for creating and
maintaining a schedule
3.1 Scope management learning outcome E:
Describe Organisational Breakdown Structure
(OBS)
3.5 Change control learning outcome B. Explain 3.1 Scope management learning outcome F:
Explain the reasons for using a Responsibility
each stage of a change control process.
Assignment Matrix
4.7 Configuration management topic coverage
3.5 Change control learning outcome A:
(links to change control)
3.5 Change Describe a change control process
control topic coverage (the concept of change
freeze)
3.5 Change control learning outcome C: Explain
reasons for requiring change control on a
project
4.1 Requirements management learning
outcome A: Describe requirements
management
4.1 Requirements management learning
outcome B: Explain the importance of
requirements management
4.7 Configuration management learning
outcome A: Describe a configuration
management process
4.7 Configuration management learning
outcome B: Explain reasons for requiring
configuration management on a project
3.2 Scheduling learning outcome A. Explain how a
project schedule is created and maintained.
v0.1 18th October 2013
9.2 describe different techniques used for
depicting a schedule (including network
diagrams, critical path analysis, Gantt chart,
milestone chart)
3.2 Scheduling learning outcome B. Demonstrate
the use of different techniques for scheduling
projects. Please note the change from
demonstrate to describe
9.3 state advantages and disadvantages of using 3.2 Scheduling learning outcome C. Explain
advantages and disadvantages of using software
software scheduling tools
tools for scheduling.
9.4 explain categories and types of resources
(such as human resources, consumable and reusable equipment, materials, space)
9.5 describe how resources are allocated to a
schedule
9.6 differentiate between resource smoothing
and resource levelling
10 Understand project procurement
9.7 explain what is meant by budgeting and
cost control
10.1 explain the purpose, typical content and
importance of a procurement strategy
10.2 distinguish between different methods of
supplier reimbursement (including fixed price,
cost plus fee, per unit quantity, target cost)
10.3 distinguish between different contractual
relationships
11 Understand risk management and issue
management
10.4 explain a supplier selection process
11.1 explain each stage in a risk management
process (such as initiate, identify, assess, plan
and implement responses)
3.3 Resource management topic coverage (types
of resources such as replenishable and re3.3 Resource management learning outcome A:
usable).
Describe resource management
3.3 Resource management learning outcome B.
Distinguish between resource smoothing (timelimited scheduling)
and resource levelling (resource-limited
scheduling).
3.3 Resource management learning outcome C:
Demonstrate the use of different resource
management techniques
3.4 Budgeting and cost management learning
3.4 Budgeting and cost control learning outcome outcome B: Explain the benefits of budgeting
A. Explain budgeting and cost management.
and cost management
5.4 Procurement learning outcome A: Describe
5.4 Procurement learning outcome B. Explain the procurement
typical contents of a procurement strategy and
topic coverage (the purpose and content of a
procurement strategy) Please note the addition
of importance
5.4 Procurement learning outcome D. Distinguish
between different methods for supplier
reimbursement and topic coverage (Different
methods of supplier reimbursement, such as firm
fixed price contract, contract target cost,
contract target price, cost plus
fixed fee contract, cost reimbursement type
contract, cost plus incentive fee contract.)
Please note the change from such as to
including
5.4 Procurement learning outcome E. Distinguish
between different contractual relationships.
5.4 Procurement learning outcome C. Explain a
supplier selection process.
2.5 Project risk management learning outcome B.
Explain each stage of a project risk management
2.5 Project risk management learning outcome
process.
A: Describe a project risk management process
11.2 compare the responses to risk in terms of
2.5 Project risk management topic coverage
risk as a threat or opportunity (such as avoid,
reduce, transfer or accept and exploit, enhance, (Risk as a threat and opportunity; basic
responses to threats i.e. avoid, reduce, transfer
share or reject)
and accept; basic responses to opportunities i.e.
Exploit, enhance, share and accept
11.3 explain the benefits of project risk
2.5 Project risk management learning outcome C.
management
Explain the benefits of project risk management.
3.8 Issue management learning outcome A:
11.4 distinguish between risks and issues
Describe issue management
11.5 explain the advantages and disadvantages
3.8 Issue management learning outcome B:
of risk and issue escalation
Explain the importance of issue management
2.6 Project quality management learning
12 Understand project quality management 12.1 define quality management
outcome A. Describe project quality
management.
12.2 define quality planning, quality assurance, 2.6 Project quality management learning
quality control and continual improvement
outcome B. Explain the differences between
quality planning, quality assurance
quality control and continuous improvement.
12.3 describe the benefits of the quality
management process
Copyright APM
Commercial in confidence
2.6 Project quality management learning
outcome C. Explain benefits of project quality
management.
v0.1 18th October 2013