The two day course is an advanced training workshop that focuses on the Project Management area of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step 2010. Students assume the role of a Project Manager as they complete a case study involving the implementation of one of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP products using a fictitious customer account.

Guidance is provided in using Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step from a Project Manager's perspective as students complete each phase of the implementation. Lab activities focus on project management tasks involving project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Students are tasked with completing a variety of Sure Step documents and making strategic implementation decisions during each implementation phase.

Students do not install or use Microsoft Dynamics ERP products during the case study. However, sufficient knowledge of one of Microsoft Dynamics ERP products is necessary for the student to tailor the implementation and complete the Sure Step project documents to satisfy the customer’s business requirements. Class discussions following each lab exercise add the dimension of peer learning and play a key role in enforcing the knowledge obtained during the training.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Examine how to prepare and plan for a Diagnostic phase
• Decide, plan, and deliver Sure Step decision accelerators
• Define the scope of the project based on results from the decision accelerator
• Guide the customer toward the most efficient implementation process and project type
• Produce time and cost estimates for the project
• Plan the resources for the project and plan for risks
• Prepare for and conduct the Kickoff meeting with the Customer
• Determine if a Solutions Overview is necessary
• Understand the Detailed Business Process Analysis
• Identify and document functional requirement Fits and Gaps
• Control scope creep by implementing proposal management
• Plan early for the Deployment phase by creating a deployment plan
• Learn how to use solution design documents
• Examine Performance Reporting and Status Reporting
• Plan and perform testing activities across different phases
• Conduct a tollgate review
• Prepare and conduct the cutover from the non-production to production environment
• Understand the importance of quality management during the Operation phase.
  Identify how to work towards project closure.

This training is intended for Project Managers and Implementation Consultants responsible for managing Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP, and NAV implementations.

Before attending this course, students must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step. It is recommended that students complete the following course prior to attending this workshop:

Course 80166 - Using Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step

Because a consultant-friendly layer has been built into the labs, sufficient knowledge of one of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP products is also an advantage in successfully completing the case study.

Before attending this training, individuals must have:

A working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step. It is recommended, but not required, that individuals complete the following assessment and courses prior to attending this training:

Free! Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Proficiency Assessment (1 hr On-demand)
Free! Introduction to Microsoft Dynamics™ Sure Step (45 min On-demand)
Using Microsoft Dynamics™ Sure Step Course # 80166 (4hrs On-demand)

For more information on Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step 2010, visit PartnerSource.

Key subject areas covered during the two-day workshop include:

Module 1: Introduction to the Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Case Study - This module provides a brief introduction for this two day course. It begins by reviewing and summarizing some of the essential concepts of Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step. This module also introduces the basic premise of the case study. Background information about the fictitious implementation project is provided, as well as the structure and types of exercises in the upcoming modules.

Module 2: Project Initiation and Planning in the Diagnostic Phase - The case study begins with the Diagnostic phase, which typically includes sales related activities. This module examines the Diagnostic activities that support and reinforce the sales activities and prepare for the upcoming project. This involves gathering sufficient information to define the high level project scope and make a confident proposal for the remaining phases of the implementation.

Module 3: Project Planning and Execution during the Analysis Phase - This module examines the activities required to initiate and effectively plan the entire project. In the case study, you will create the project charter, execute the project team Kick Off meeting, document the functional requirements, update the Fit Gap analysis, and manage issues and changes.

Module 4: Project Execution and Monitoring During the Design, Development, and Deployment Phases - This module examines the activities that a Project Manager must execute and monitor when implementing Microsoft Dynamics Ax. By collaborating with the project team (the class), the student will determine what activities and processes are appropriate and to what extent each activity needs to be conducted. During the execution phase of the project, the student will review the following project management activities as they apply to the case study: plan and perform quality assurance and quality control, monitor and close any necessary purchases and acquisitions, ongoing risk and issue management, ongoing time and cost management, project scope management, project communication, and develop the project team.

Module 5: Project Closure During the Operations Phase - This module examines the final activities required to close out the project and transition the solution and knowledge to the customer.