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Categories: training
I have done two training courses recently: the P3O certification course and Maximising IT/IS Team Effectiveness with Villanova University. The experience led me to consider what you need to take into account when choosing a project management course provider. And this is what I concluded:
1. Tutor
Can you find out who is the course tutor? Look them up on LinkedIn, on Gantthead or on their own website. Do they have credibility? Do they have experience in the industry? Have other people written nice things about them?
2. Other delegates
You won’t be able to find out the names of the people attending the course with you, but you can find out the types of clients that the course provider serves. For example, and ISEB project management course is likely to attract IT project managers. A course run by the Impact Factory is likely to attract people in different industries, perhaps with a more creative outlook.
The course provider may have a list of previous clients on their website, or testimonials from people who have attended courses with them in the past. The job titles and companies of these people can tell you a lot about the sort of delegates who will potentially be on the course with you.
3. Location
You need to factor in travel costs. Attending a course far away from the office could be good as it minimises distractions. Staying in a hotel also means that you have time in the evenings to focus on your class homework. However, staying away is more expensive and this will either be factored in to the course costs or into your own expenses for attending.
4. Pre-course work
What pre-course work is made available to delegates? What format is this in? A course provider who offers a range of materials is good. Do you get an e-course or e-book? Is there a CD-ROM of course materials you can browse before the course? During the course you will probably receive handouts and worksheets, so find out if the company provides a binder and a copy of all the class slides for you as well.
5. Cost
Finally, consider what is included in the cost of attending. For certification courses like P3O or PRINCE2, is a copy of the manual included – and is it a paper one or an electronic copy? A physical copy is better, especially if you are taking an open book exam where you can take in your annotated manual. Materials aside, consider what extras are included to make your studying experience more bearable. Does the venue provide lunch? Will they offer you slices of cake mid-afternoon, like Maven? These extras may not be important to you, in which case you can opt for a vendor that provides fewer extras and charges less.
It is always a gamble to use a new project management course provider for the first time, but you can reduce some of the risk by making sure that you have done your homework before handing over your cash. As for your homework during the course – I can’t help you with that...
Posted on: March 20, 2011 11:59 AM |
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