P3O® Foundation

Overview and Principles

• Definitions of portfolio, programme and project
• Context of P3O
• P3O governance responsibilities
• P3O decision support role
• Sources of guidance

Why Have a P3O

• The value of a P3O to the organisation
• How value is added
• The P3O Value Matrix
• Principles for measuring success
• Examples of measurable KPIs

 P3O Models

• Models names and features
• Functional areas, skills and competence requirements
• Determining an appropriate model
• P3O reporting lines
• Information Assurance
• Sizing and Tailoring

P3O Roles

• Required Skills and Competencies
• Staffing considerations
• Management and generic roles
• Functional roles

Techniques and Tools

• Overview of Tools and Techniques
• Benefits of using tools and techniques
• Critical success factors
• P3O tools o P3O techniques

P3O Implementation

• The permanent P3O lifecycle
• Key activities in the lifecycle Definition Stage
• Reporting flows in the Blueprint
• The P3O Temporary Model Lifecycle
• Temporary Programme or Project office focus

Successful completion of these workshops will enable participants to gain an understanding of the following:

• An Introduction to P3O – Discussing why, when and how to use P3O models including the difference between portfolio, programmes and project environments and their different requirements
• Value – What value P3Os can bring to the organisation including a business case, funding models and performance measures
• Model – An overview of the different P3O models with examples
• Functions and Techniques – Details on the functions/services and techniques/tools used by units of a P3O model

• Senior managers wishing to gain an understanding of possible structures for supporting business change and the type and level of support that can be provided by Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices
• Senior Managers, Programme and Project Managers who require an understanding of how portfolio and programme offices can add value and enhance the delivery of strategic business change, benefits and capability
• Managers and/or staff who have been tasked to create delivery support structures and mechanisms within their organisation
• Experienced portfolio or programme office managers who need to review, revitalise or tailor current portfolio or programme office provision
• Portfolio office or programme office staff who need to understand the importance of their role
• Staff responsible for programme/project assurance

Exams are undertaken on the final day of each workshop. PeopleCert administers the P3O examinations.

By completing the 3-day P3O Foundation Workshop the participant will have sufficient knowledge to sit the P3O Foundation Examination.

The P3O® Foundation exam is based on the following format:

• 75 questions (70 trial – not counted in scores)
• Multiple-choice format
• 60-minute exam
• Pass mark is 50% (35/70)
• Closed book

By completing the 2-day Practitioner Workshop the participant will have sufficient knowledge to sit the P3O Practitioner Examination.

The P3O® Practitioner exam is based on the following format:

• 2 ½ hours duration
• Objective testing paper based on a scenario
• The paper consists of 4 questions of 20 marks each – 80 marks available in total
• Pass mark is 50% (40/80)
• Open book (P3O guide only)