Program Affordability Management
Course Descriptions
All PRICE Systems courses are available for Custom, On-site Training at your location. We will provide a complete set of course materials for a maximum of 12 students as well as laptops, if applicable.
Program Affordability Management (PAM) Concepts
PAM establishes integration of requirements engineering, cost estimating, budgeting and cost control throughout the entire program life cycle. This course provides an introduction to PAM concepts and applications of performance-based cost estimation, project planning and control and continuous knowledge capture in a seamless solution.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Applications
Organizing a project into achievable milestones is essential for successful program implementation. This course introduces the basic building blocks of a WBS and its applications in cost estimation and program oversight and control. Instruction includes a hands-on case study where students are oriented to the WBS development process.
Earned Value Management (EVM) Concepts and Processes
This course introduces EVM as a management and oversight tool to better enable program planning and control. Basic EVM concepts are covered including performance measurement baseline, earned value planning and reporting techniques, cost accounting integration, and performance reporting. Instruction also includes EVM data analysis and variance analysis.
Performance Metrics and Performance-based Management
This course introduces users to performance and benefits integration through metrics to measure and report integrated EVM and program performance information. Instruction also includes discussion on variables for performance reporting essential in meeting performance-based guidelines.
Program Affordability Cost Concepts and Skills
This course introduces cost estimation, budget planning, and project cost accounting from a program management approach. Instruction covers basic cost management definitions and analysis concepts with a focus on application throughout the program life cycle from a program manager's perspective.
Cost Estimating Principles and Disciplines
This course introduces performance-based , parametric , standard cost estimating methodologies and how they are used throughout the program life cycle. Emphasis is placed on performance-based cost management systems and the ongoing integration of program technical performance with cost and schedule performance.
Software Program Cost Estimating Techniques
Realistic estimates for software development processes are essential in the program management effort. This course covers parametric approaches to estimating costs for COTS and ERP software implementation projects.
System Cost Estimating
Program Affordability Management applied to an organization's overall Capital Investment portfolio requires a system-level approach to planning and control. This course introduces users to System of Systems (SoS) planning frameworks and techniques used to develop cost estimates, program baselines, cost performance analysis for complex networks and systems.
Affordability Risk Analysis
This course covers PAM risk analysis to facilitate confidence within cost estimates. Instruction focuses on Monte Carlo processes and their applications to risk analysis as well as allocating risks to WBS elements.
Business and Investment Case Program Affordability Essentials
Analysis of potential alternative program solutions is essential to defining a credible business case. This course covers feasibility, definition, cost and effectiveness analysis of progam alternatives, leading to easier budget approvals.
EVM Planning Techniques
Advanced course designed for those already familiar with basic EVM concepts focuses on program planning stages. Instruction includes basic WBS and work-scope baseline establishment, integrated program budget baseline definition, integrated program scheduling, and requirements for Integrated Baseline Review (IBR).
EVM Baseline Analysis and Review
The definition of a realistic performance baseline is essential in any EVM implementation. This course gives the practitioner the necessary analytic tools to review and assess an achievable program performance measurement baseline.
EVM Control Techniques
This course covers EVM concepts of baseline change control, status reporting, cost integration, and EVM reports. Instruction includes measurement techniques, comparison to standards and recommended course of action.
EVM Data Analysis and Forecasting
This course presents the theory and practical aspects of program health and performance analysis using EVM reports and analytical techniques. Instruction includes analytic tools to determine current program status, identify trends, forecast the future, and assess evaluation indicators for management action.
Predictive EVM
Predictive EVM combines two proven methods in affordability management: parametric cost estimation and EVM measurement techniques. This course introduces Predictive EVM as an essential forecasting tool to provide a more reliable forecast for program costs.
Performance and Affordability Knowledge Capture
This course covers methods to capture programmatic information during the program execution phase. Instruction includes concepts of affordability management such as cost catalogs and knowledge management.
Program Performance and Affordability Management Reporting
During execution phase of a program, it is essential to translate EVM information into an accurate reporting tool. Concepts introduced will allow users to define which metrics to report, at what given frequency, and appropriate performance measurement dashboard tools.
PAM Implementation Strategies
This course outlines the critical elements needed to address the introduction of Program Affordability Management as a new process within the organization. Topics include the key issues and priorities related to people and business processes within the organization as well as tools and techniques that relate to and support PAM processes.
