Bringing ICT components under control
To support the business use of IT you must control and manage changes. This course provides guidance on how to do this.
By understanding the Configuration, Change and Release Management processes you will be able to apply the basic principles involved in identifying components, knowing when and how they should be controlled and preparing components for release into the live environment. You will also understand how Change, Configuration and Release Management supports the complete product lifecycle areas of Project Management, Application Development and Service Management. This means that you will have the demonstrable skills needed to plan, implement, run and improve a CCRM business unit.
The course is based on industry standard guidance and best practice, specifically ISO 10007 for the basic principles and additionally BS 15000 and OGCs ITIL® Best Practice for the Service Management elements, and OGCs PRINCE2 Managing Successful Projects for the Project Management elements.
Delegates undertake practical case-study based assignments throughout the course. They will develop their skills in different areas, for example they will "build" a Configuration Management Database (CMDB). They will decide how much detail should be held. They will identify a fail-safe process for handling change requests. They will define the requirements for a Definitive Software Library and formulate the release policies and "roll out" tactics.
Please note that whilst this course covers some ITIL® Service Management material it does not lead to an ITIL® Service Management qualification. Instead the course is based upon the syllabus of the ISEB BSD certificate in Configuration, Change and Release Management Essentials.
Who will the course benefit?
- Staff who are responsible for implementing and managing Configuration, Change and Release Management at any point in the product lifecycle.
- Staff who act as a member of a Configuration, Change and Release Management team.
- Staff whose organisation is affected by either ISO9000/BS5750, BS7799, BSI DISC PD0005, BSI 15000:2000, ISO 10007.
- Staff who intend to obtain the ISEB (BSD) Certificate in Configuration, Change and Release Management Essentials.
Course Objectives
The purpose is to provide practical guidance on the design, implementation and operation of the Configuration Management, Change Management and Release Management processes for the complete product lifecycle.
Skills Gained
This course will enable delegates to:
- Implement an industry standard "best practice" approach to Configuration, Change and Release Management.
- Describe the goals, dependencies, benefits, costs, possible problems, tools and issues involved in Configuration, Change and Release Management.
- Act as a member of a Configuration, Change and/or Release Management team within an organisation.
- Aid in the construction of Configuration, Change and Release Management plans, processes and procedures.
- Prepare for the ISEB (BSD) Certificate in Configuration, Change and Release Management Essentials examination.
Prerequisites
None, although we would recommend that delegates have some experience of working in a relevant environment.
Course Content
Session 1 - Introduction and Overview
The scope, basic concepts and terminology of Configuration, Change & Release (CCR) Management.
Their place within Project Management, Application Development and Service Management.
Session 2 - Configuration Management
The scope, basic concepts and terminology of Configuration Management.
Configuration identification.
Configuration control.
Configuration status accounting.
Configuration auditing and verification.
Implementation and maintenance of the Configuration Management Database (CMDB).
Application of the principles of Configuration Management to Project Management, Application Development and Service Management.
Session 3 - Change Management
The scope, basic concepts and terminology of Change Management.
Identifying, recording, reporting and managing changes.
Change priority and urgent changes.
Categorisation, coding systems and change forms.
Evaluation/assessment of change.
Change authorities and decision making (e.g. Change Control/Advisory Boards).
Implementation and verification of change.
Application of the principles of Change Management to Project Management, Application Development and Service Management.
Session 4 - Release Management
The scope, the basic concepts and terminology of Release Management.
Release identification and packaging; types of release.
Establishing release policy.
Release planning.
Designing, building and configuring a release.
Delivery/roll-out/implementation including handling, storage, distribution and installation.
Auditing, verification and acceptance of the release.
Setting up a Definitive Software Library (DSL), and the Definitive Hardware Store (DHS).
The responsibilities of Project Management, Application Development and Service Management to the successful delivery of products into the live environment.
Session 5 - Planning for the CCR Function
The importance of planning, measures and targets.
Contents of a Change, Configuration and Release Management Plan.
How to contribute to the planning process.
Examinations
This course covers the syllabus of the ISEB BSD Certificate in Configuration, Change and Release Management Essentials which combines all three subject areas together in the same examination.
This examination is a 1 hour, part open, closed book, case study based paper. It consists of 10 multiple choice questions and 4 written questions. The exam is available via the ISEB. It is the intention that the exam be included as part of the course in the future. Please check with Parity for the latest information.
Please note this is not an ITIL® Service Management qualification.
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