The Art of Optioneering – The Options Workout

Ever struggled with justifying one project over another? The Options Framework from the Better Business Cases model is a powerful yet practical way to identify, assess, and shortlist delivery options in a transparent and evidence-based way. This session walks through the structured approach to developing a longlist (typically 12 options), categorising it using the Options Framework, and narrowing to a preferred way forward (three options). We’ll also explore how to test and refine that into a robust preferred option, ready for economic appraisal and detailed business case development. Perfect for PMO professionals supporting prioritisation, business case development, or assurance. Expect theory, real-world examples, and hands-on learning.

You’ll learn how to:

1. A practical understanding of the Options Framework – including how to create and assess longlist options and narrow to a preferred way forward.
2. Insight into developing a robust preferred option – and the steps needed to move from strategic clarity to credible solution design.
3. Techniques to improve project justification and prioritisation – helping PMOs add value across the full business case development lifecycle.

Carol Hindley-Baxter

Director
Hindley-Baxter Associates

Beyond Agile and Waterfall: How to Build Hybrid Methods

While the PM industry talks about Hybrid value, “How” to mix methodologies remains limited. We risk saying “Hybrid is fine!” without knowing what it means per project. Participants learn comprehensive hands-on frameworks for effective mixing – practical, actionable tools with step-by-step guidance they can immediately apply to their own projects. This session demonstrates practical methodology crafting through real-life examples spanning diverse project types. Understanding key concepts like “philosophy,” “framework,” and “methodology,” they’ll create powerful hybrid models tailored to their specific contexts.

Through real-world examples, delegates will gain:

• Solid Methodological Understanding: Comprehensive grasp of Agile and Waterfall fundamentals, moving beyond perceived differences to identify how these methods complement each other in practical applications.

• Hybrid Creation Skills: Practical guidelines and frameworks for developing hybrid methodologies that amplify strengths, reduce weaknesses, and ensure smooth merging of practices from multiple approaches, illustrated through real-life examples.

• Hands-On Workshop: Ability to craft a hybrid methodology live in the room with a group of colleagues, having successfully created and tested an approach for a project case that they can immediately apply to their own work.

• Conceptual Clarity: Clear understanding of the distinctions between “philosophy,” “framework,” and “methodology,” enabling them to avoid the common trap of implementing “Hybrid” without truly understanding what it means for their specific project context.

Ivan Vaptsarov

Founder & Consulting Lead

PM Peer Ltd.