APMG Managing Benefits Foundation

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• 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.
• Utilise the appropriate tools and benefits management techniques effectively.
• Identify the functions and services provided by a P30 model and the correct roles needed 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 benefits management 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.

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
• 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 practices 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
• Benefits mapping
• Customer insights
• Forecasting benefits

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 benefits 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 benefits management documentation for initiative-level and identifies those responsible for preparing and maintaining these documents.

Module 7: The benefits management practice 4 – realise

• Transition Management: Highlights its importance for achieving benefits.
• Tracking and Reporting: Discusses benefits management methodology, including surveys.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Covers strategies to encourage necessary behaviour changes.

Module 8: The benefits management practice 3 – review

• Emphasise the importance of benefits review 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.

This three-day Managing Benefits Foundation course is delivered through a virtual classroom. This allows you to study where it suits you best, while gaining practical skills to help your organisation achieve better results.

• Exam Format - Multiple choice
• Duration – 40 minutes
• Open Book – No
• Pass Mark – 25/50 (50%)

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We offer flexible payment options to make the course more accessible:

• 0% interest finance and payment plans to fit your budget, even with a low credit score.
• The price you see is the price you pay – all prices include VAT.
• Our flexible payment plans make it easy to invest in your future without financial stress.