I’ve joined the Academy!

Megan Walsh, 15 February 2010

“First off, I’d like to thank the Academy...”

Only a handful of people get to start their sentences like that, usually while clutching a little golden statue. I haven’t won an Oscar (yet), however, I do have reason to thank the Academy – the Microsoft Dynamics Partner Academy that is.

The Partner Academy resource is part of the evolution of the Microsoft Partner Network and provides a role by role breakdown of the new training requirements for Dynamics Partners. I have found their break down of the Project Manager role extremely helpful in defining my role within the Dynamics CRM component of our business. A Learning Plan is provided for each of the 7 key roles in a partner organisation that maps out the relevant instructor-led and on-demand training specific to each role. Certification and skills assessments are also included in the plan.

The key components covered in the Project Manager curriculum are:

Project Management –courses start with the fundamentals of Project Management and continue through to teach Project Management at an advanced level

Solution Design – focus is on technical knowledge of the Microsoft Dynamics Solutions

Implementation Methodology – covers the introduction and application of the Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step implementation methodology

Change Management – training focuses on Organisational and Action-based change management

Certification – the three key Project Manager related certifications are

• Certified Associate in Project Management Credential
• Implementation Methodology Certification
• Project Management Professional Credential

I am confident that the Partner Academy will prove to be a great, practical resource both for Magnetism and Microsoft Dynamics Partners worldwide.