Embarking on the journey to earn your APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)? You've come to the right place. In this episode, we break down the APM Body of Knowledge (BoK) and provide a clear, concise guide to the PMQ.

We'll cover:

• Understanding the BoK: What is the APM Body of Knowledge, and why is it the definitive resource for the PMQ exam?
• Key Concepts: We’ll walk you through the essential topics you need to master, from project life cycles and governance to risk management and leadership.
• Exam Prep Strategies: Get practical advice on how to structure your study, tackle exam questions, and ensure you're fully prepared to pass the PMQ with confidence.

Whether you're starting your self-study journey or looking for a final review before your exam, this episode is your essential companion for navigating the APM PMQ.

 On this episode, we're navigating sustainability in project management. We'll explore how to align projects with frameworks like the UN SDGs and balance key project constraints with the four dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, economic, and administrative. Learn how to lead projects that not only succeed but also create a lasting, positive impact. 

Welcome to "Understanding Project Management Governance," the podcast that makes sense of project success.

In this episode, we tackle a key question: What's the real difference between project governance and project management? We'll break down how governance handles the strategic "why" of a project—ensuring it aligns with business goals—while management focuses on the tactical "how," handling the day-to-day execution.

Learn how a strong Project Management Office (PMO) can connect these two functions and discover how clear governance can prevent a project from going off the rails. You'll leave with practical tips to strengthen your own projects and deliver real value.

This episode we discuss the five key principles for building engagement in a changing world. These 5 important areas will help you to manage change affectively and efficiently.  

Feeling prepared for your APM PMQ exam? This episode focuses on schedule management, a key topic for the qualification. We’ll break down the different types of questions you might encounter, from multiple-choice to more detailed short and long answers. Learn how to identify what the question is really asking for, understand common pitfalls, and structure your answers to maximize your marks and boost your confidence on exam day. 

 This episode brings together three crucial project fundamentals: estimating, risk, and issue management. We'll explain how these topics are interconnected and why a strong grasp of all three is essential for successful project delivery. Learn to distinguish between a risk (a potential problem) and an issue (a current problem), and understand how accurate estimating lays the groundwork for effective risk and issue management. A vital microlesson for anyone on their way to the APM PFQ qualification. 

 This episode demystifies the different methods for estimating project costs and timelines. We'll break down a range of common approaches and help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. Learn how to choose the right technique for your project, from high-level estimates to detailed breakdowns, and improve the accuracy of your plans. This is essential for a solid grasp of project planning for your APM PFQ. 

 In this episode, we tackle the two most commonly confused terms in project scheduling: effort and duration. Learn the crucial difference between the total work required to complete a task (effort) and the actual calendar time it takes (duration). We'll use simple examples to illustrate why a task's effort of eight hours might result in a duration of two days and why understanding this distinction is essential for accurate project planning and a realistic schedule. 

 This episode dives into two foundational project lifecycles: linear (or waterfall) and iterative (or agile). Discover the key differences in their approach to planning, managing scope, and responding to change. We'll help you understand when to use each model and how to identify the benefits and limitations of both. A crucial topic for anyone preparing for the APM PFQ exam! 

This episode tackles the most common mistakes made when creating network diagrams for project schedules. We’ll cover what to look out for, including dangling activities, looping, and incorrect dependencies. Learn how to spot these errors and create a clear, logical, and accurate network diagram to better manage your project timelines. Essential knowledge for anyone preparing for the APM PMQ exam.