Course Outline
Introduction to Centres of Excellence (CoE)
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Defining a CoE: Core pillars, mission, and organisational value
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Distinguishing between a CoE, a PMO, and standard functional departments
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Exploring CoE archetypes: Technical (Cloud, AI, Automation) vs. Operational (Agile, Six Sigma)
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Assessing organisational readiness and capability maturity models
Strategic Design and Alignment
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Aligning the CoE vision with enterprise-level business strategy
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Drafting a formal CoE Charter: Vision, scope, boundaries, and mandate
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Securing executive sponsorship and managing stakeholder expectations
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Designing the target operating model: Centralised vs. Federated vs. Hybrid structures
Governance, Roles, and Responsibilities
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Establishing a dual-layer governance model (Strategic Steering Committee vs. Tactical Execution)
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Defining key organisational roles: CoE Lead, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and business unit "Champions"
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Creating clear accountability metrics using RACI matrices
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Governing compliance, risk assessment, and standard guardrails
CoE Operations and Demand Management
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Setting up the intake funnel: How business units submit ideas or request support
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Establishing a prioritisation framework (evaluating feasibility, strategic alignment, and value)
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Financial and funding models: Corporate funding vs. Showback/Chargeback mechanisms
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Tooling, infrastructure, and operational workflows for cross-functional collaboration
Capability Enablement and Knowledge Management
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Building organisational playbooks, reusable assets, and architecture patterns
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Designing training pathways and upskilling programmes across the organisation
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Fostering internal Communities of Practice (CoPs) to democratise knowledge
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Driving change management and overcoming cultural resistance to standardisation
Measuring Success and Business Value
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Defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objective & Key Results (OKRs) for a CoE
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Measuring operational efficiency vs. realised business value (revenue/savings)
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Calculating and reporting Return on Investment (ROI) to the board
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The continuous improvement lifecycle: Evolving the CoE as organisational maturity grows
Launch Blueprint and Implementation Roadmap
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Designing a phased implementation roadmap: Crawl, Walk, Run approach
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Setting up a minimum viable CoE (MVCoE) and delivering "quick wins"
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Identifying common pitfalls in CoE design and how to mitigate them
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Practical Workshop: Drafting an initial CoE Charter, Operating Structure, and 100-Day Launch Plan
Format of the Course
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Interactive lecture and structured business discussion.
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Real-world corporate case studies highlighting success stories and pitfalls.
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Hands-on workshop exercises where delegates collaboratively build a mock CoE design and roadmap.
Course Customisation Options
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To request a tailored syllabus or specific focus (e.g., AI Centre of Excellence Design or Agile CoE Operations), please contact us to arrange.
Requirements
Audience
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Enterprise Architects and IT Leaders
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Program Managers and PMO Directors
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Business Transformation and Change Managers
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Innovation Leads and Department Heads seeking to scale internal capabilities
Requirements
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Experience working within matrixed, corporate, or cross-functional enterprise environments.
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A fundamental understanding of project management principles, organisational structure, or corporate governance.
Custom Corporate Training
Training solutions designed exclusively for businesses.
- Customized Content: We adapt the syllabus and practical exercises to the real goals and needs of your project.
- Flexible Schedule: Dates and times adapted to your team's agenda.
- Format: Online (live), In-company (at your offices), or Hybrid.
Price per private group, online live training, starting from 3200 € + VAT*
Contact us for an exact quote and to hear our latest promotions
Testimonials (2)
Fun to talk
Jihan Fadila - BAF
Course - Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for Internal Audit
casual conversation supported by specific examples