APMG Managing Benefits Foundation

APMG Managing Benefits Foundation syllabus

Learning outcome:

• Knowledge of terms, principles, model types and components, tools, roles, responsibilities, and relevant techniques applicable to project management.

• Understand the key concepts, principles, processes, themes, organisational factors, and roles, and explain their application.

• Be able to Justify a case to develop a P30 model.

• Use the correct tools and techniques.

• Identify the functions and services to be provided by a P30 model and the correct roles to implement them.  

Foundation level

• Definitions, scope and objectives of managing benefits, barriers to its effective practice, and the key success characteristics.

• Principles upon which successful approaches to benefits management are based.

• Five practices are contained within the Benefits Management Cycle, and relevant techniques apply to each practice.

• Scope of key roles and responsibilities for benefits management and the typical contents of the main benefits management documentation.

• Approaches to implementation and the factors to consider in sustaining progress.

Course outline

Module 1: Overview: what is benefits management?

• Defines key terminology related to benefits and benefits management.

• Explains the concept of benefits and managing benefits.

• Reviews the success rate of change initiatives in achieving benefits realisation.

• Discusses cognitive biases that can affect benefits management.

• Outlines the main objectives of benefits management.

Module 2: The benefits management principles

Covers the seven principles that form the foundation of managing benefits :

• Align benefits with strategy – Ensure that benefits support the organisation's overall strategic goals.

• Begin with the end in mind – Focus on the desired outcomes immediately.

• Use proven delivery methods – Apply successful methods and frameworks to achieve benefits.

• Link benefits to performance management – Integrate benefits into the organisation's performance tracking systems.

• Manage from a portfolio perspective – Oversee benefits across multiple projects and programmes for maximum impact.

• Ensure strong governance – Apply clear governance to manage benefits effectively.

• Foster a value-driven culture – Promote a culture that prioritises value creation and optimising benefits realisation.

Module 3: The benefits management cycle

• Introduces the Benefits Management Cycle and its relevance within the organisational context.

• Outlines the key practices that will be explored in the subsequent five modules.

• Discusses common barriers to effective benefits management and identifies Key Success Characteristics for successful delivery and implementation.

• Provides an overview of essential roles and responsibilities related to benefits management.

• Highlights the important documentation required for effective benefits management.

Module 4: The benefits management practice 1 – identify & quantify

Establish a foundation for informed options analysis, investment appraisal, and portfolio prioritisation. Discusses various methods for identifying benefits, including:

• Benefits discovery workshops – Collaborative sessions to uncover potential benefits.

• Benefits mapping – Visual representation of benefits to clarify their relationships and impacts.

• Customer insights – Gathering information from customers to inform benefit identification.

• Forecasting benefits – Estimating future benefits based on available data and trends.

Module 5: The benefits management practice 2 – value & appraise

• Examines the reasons organisations assign a monetary value to benefits.

• Discusses methods for valuing non-financial benefits in financial terms.

• Cost-benefit analysis – Evaluating the financial return of an initiative.

• Real options analysis – Assessing the value of future choices.

• Cost-effectiveness analysis – Comparing the relative costs of achieving benefits.

• Multi-criteria analysis – Evaluating initiatives based on multiple factors.

• Explores the role of value management techniques in enhancing appraisal processes.

Module 6: The benefits management practice 3 – plan 

• Focuses on strategies for validating and prioritising benefits.

• Discusses managing the pre-transition phase and selecting appropriate benefit measures.

• Covers benefits of risk and opportunity management.

• Highlights the importance of effective stakeholder engagement in the planning process.

• Provides an overview of key documentation for initiative-level benefits management and identifies those responsible for preparing and maintaining these documents.

Module 7: The benefits management practice 4 – realize

• Transition Management: Highlights its importance for achieving benefits.

• Tracking and Reporting: Discusses methods, including surveys.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Covers strategies to encourage necessary behaviour changes.

Module 8: The benefits management practice 3 – review

• Emphasise the importance of reviews for learning and ongoing improvement during the project.

Module 9: Portfolio-based benefits management

• Explains the importance of managing benefits at the portfolio level and outlines its key components.

Module 10: Implementing and sustaining progress

• Embedding Benefits Management: Integrate practices into company culture.

• Implementation Steps: Outline how to start and maintain progress, including measuring impact.

APMG Managing Benefits Exam Details

• Exam Format - Multiple choice

• Duration – 40 minutes

• Open Book – No

• Pass Mark – 25/50 (50%)

There are no prerequisites for the Foundation course, but you must pass the Foundation exam to enrol in the Practitioner training course.

• Globally recognised certification: Our course is fully accredited by APMG International, ensuring that employers worldwide recognise and value your certification, boosting your credibility in the industry.

• Accelerate career growth: Earning this qualification can significantly improve your career prospects, unlocking opportunities in Managing Benefits and positioning you for higher responsibility and leadership roles within your organisation.

• Join a global community: Upon completing the course, you'll join a global network of Managing Benefits professionals, offering valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and exchange best practices with peers across the industry.

• Flexible, interest-free payment plans: We provide 0% interest payment plans, making it easier to invest in your education without the burden of financial pressure.

What is the APMG Managing Benefits Foundation?

The APMG Managing Benefits Foundation is a certification programme centred on benefits management principles and practices. It provides generally applicable guidance for organisations to maximise project value by systematically managing benefits throughout the project lifecycle. This programme equips professionals with the essential knowledge to align benefits with organisational goals and address key business issues.

What are the benefits of a management course?

A management course equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in managerial roles. It can also open up new career opportunities, expand your professional network, and provide insights into business strategies that align your team's goals with the organisation's objectives. The course also covers benefits management principles and practices for those looking to become strategic planners, helping you effectively drive organisational success.

Why is benefits management important?

Managing benefits is important because it helps organisations deliver projects on time and within budget while achieving the desired outcomes that support their goals. By focusing on benefits, organisations can prioritise projects, use resources more effectively, and enhance overall performance and sustainability. Accurate benefits management information is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring successful outcomes.

Is the APMG International Managing Benefits Certification worth it?

Yes! The APMG International Managing Benefits Certification is recognised globally and provides valuable knowledge on effective benefits management practices. It equips you with the skills to manage benefits effectively, helping organisations optimise their projects' outcomes and realise intended benefits.

What is the benefits management handbook?

The Benefits Management Handbook is an essential resource that outlines benefits management's concepts, principles, and practices. It provides practitioners with detailed methodologies for identifying, planning, and tracking benefits throughout a project's lifecycle. This handbook is invaluable for anyone looking to apply benefits management practices and strategies effectively within their organisation.

What are the benefits management principles?

Benefits management principles focus on aligning benefits with organisational goals, involving stakeholders, ensuring clear communication, fostering improvement, setting metrics to track outcomes, and drawing on multiple disciplines to help organisations get the most value from their projects.

What are the five practices in the Benefits Management Cycle?

The Benefits Management Cycle involves identifying, planning, delivering, reviewing, and sustaining a project's benefits to business objectives to ensure long-term value for the organisation.

How hard is the APMG Managing Benefits exam?

The APMG Managing Benefits exam can be challenging. However, it can be much more manageable with the right tools and techniques and a solid understanding of project management and benefits realisation.

What jobs can I apply for after my APMG Managing Benefits Foundation training?

After completing the APMG Managing Benefits Foundation training, you can pursue roles such as Benefits Manager, Project Manager, Programme Manager, Change Manager, Senior Responsible Owner, Portfolio Manager, Business Analyst, or PMO Analyst. These roles focus on skilled change management staff and ensure projects deliver measurable value and align with organisational goals.