Information on the units

Course Overview

Asset management in the past has comprised a disjointed group of activities. Acquisition was often a knee-jerk response to a perceived shortage of supply. Maintenance was often considered only at the crisis stage and no-one disposed of any assets if they could help it. Strategic Asset Management has brought a structured approach to previously disjointed and expensive activities.

The Strategic Asset Management framework has been developed to assist organisations to continually appraise the services they are required to deliver, and ensure the asset portfolio demonstrably supports those services. The framework provides added value by structuring the process and ensuring appropriate input to it. Activities are co-ordinated so that responses correlate with forecast demand and to minimise duplication. Strategic Asset Management emphasises demand management and non-asset solutions before the creation of new assets.

The course has been developed to meet the need for professional development in strategic asset management practices to underpin the principles outlined in the Strategic Asset Management framework. It is targeted at professionals who have responsibility for strategic planning and resource planning in service delivery and supporting assets. The course is designed to enhance the efficient development and maintenance of assets and the provision of asset services. Assets include private and public sector infrastructure as well as construction projects.

The course will help meet the requirement for skilled professionals capable of applying leading-edge management strategies to asset management and project development. In doing so it will assist their organisation in providing services with enhanced levels of quality, productivity and profitability.

The course is designed to draw upon the participant’s professional expertise. It builds upon existing knowledge and skills by introducing the new concepts and the underpinning theory, and then providing maximum opportunity to practice the skills. The intention is to foster an environment in which the participant is willing to take risks and explore innovative approaches in the relative safety of the course. They are encouraged to continue the learning after completion of the course. Participants are also encouraged to achieve standards of performance in the application of the strategies that are aimed at achieving world’s best practice.

The Units

A Certificate will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of three of the following units: The design of each unit has been based upon competencies identified as necessary to undertake the role.The learning experiences have been designed to enhance the development of the skills, knowledge and understanding and provide maximum opportunity to practice.

The emphasis is on the development of the actual skills required by the role, supported by the necessary underpinning theoretical knowledge. There are three phases:

Preliminary Phase	Intensive Phase	Application Phase
10 to 15 hours	40 hours	10 to 15 hours
Pre-course reading	Five days of lectures and tutorials	Workplace related assignments

Preliminary Phase

During the period prior to the first intensive phase, you are asked to undertake some reading and a small exercise to prepare for the activities of the first intensive phase. This comprises reflecting on the role, and how you intend to apply the skills in your work.

You are asked to identify a mentor who would assist you in implementing your newly acquired skills. To further enhance your learning, you asked to maintain a diary or journal in which you record your key learnings and record the outcomes of your attempts to implement your skills.

Intensive Phase

The underpinning skills and knowledge required to undertake the role are identified and developed during the five days of the intensive phase. (More information is given in the details for each unit.)

The more complex aspects of the role’s competencies are developed during this phase. Opportunities to practice the skills and to question the tutors on any related matter are provided. Participants are assisted with the implementation of the skills into their organisation.

Application Phase

After the intensive phase, participants are required to implement their acquired skills. This will involve structured assignments relevant to the principles dealt with in the course and applications in the workplace.

For further information contact ACVM.