Course description
This intensive one-day training programme has been developed to help those involved in producing specifications create high quality documents in an organised and effective way.
The programme explains the primary purpose of specifications and the importance of understanding the context in which they are used. It focuses particularly on how to develop and structure content and write requirements that are clear and concise. The methods and techniques presented will provide a practical foundation course for those new to the topic whilst offering new insights to those with more experience.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Outcome / Qualification etc.
- Review and discuss the role and purpose of specifications
- Present a structured approach for organising and producing specifications
- Explain each of the key steps involved in creating effective specifications
- Review some methods for assisting in defining requirements
- Explain how to define the scope and develop the structure for a specification
- Present methods to assist the writing and editing of specifications
- Review how specifications should be issued and controlled
Training Course Content
1 Introduction
- Course objectives
- Review of participants’ needs and objectives
2 Specifications in perspective
- The role and purpose of specifications
- The impact of specifications on commercial performance
- The qualities of an effective specification
- The five key steps of ‘POWER’ writing: prepare-organise-write-edit-release
3 Step 1: Preparing to write
- Defining the purpose the specification; integrating the specification and contract
- Deciding how to specify: when to specify in functional and technical terms
- Getting the right people involved at the right time; engaging stakeholders
- Applying procedures for writing, issuing and controlling specifications
4 Step 2: Organising the specification content
- Scoping the document: scope maps, check lists, structured brainstorming
- Clarifying requirements; separating needs and desires
- Dealing with requirements that are difficult to quantify
- Useful techniques: cost benefit analysis, Pareto analysis
- Deciding what goes where; typical contents and layout for a specification
- Creating and using model forms: typical sections and sub sections
5 Step 3: Writing the specification
- Identifying and understanding the readers needs
- Choosing and using the right words; dealing with jargon
- Important words; will, shall, must; building a glossary
- Using sentence structure and punctuation to best effect
- Understanding the impact of style, format and appearance
- Avoiding common causes of ambiguity; being concise and ensuring clarity
6 Step 4: Editing the specification
- Why editing is difficult; how to develop a personal editing strategy
- Key areas to review: structure, content, accuracy, clarity, style and grammar
- Editing tools and techniques
7 Step 5: Releasing and controlling the specification
- Key requirements for document issue and control
- Final formatting and publication issues; document approval
- Requirements management: managing revisions and changes
8 Course review and action planning
- What actions should be implemented to improve specifications?
- Conclusion
Course delivery details
The programme structure will be participative and session timings may be adapted to match the particular training needs and pace required by the group.
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The In-House Training Company
We offer top-quality in-house training, in a wide range of subjects, at sensible prices. All of our programmes are delivered by independent subject specialists who also have outstanding training skills. We have rigorous standards and only work with the very...