ActiveStrategy University
Course Descriptions

Standard Software & Methodology Courses

Clients may register to attend any of the following courses at either of ActiveStrategy's offices, which are located in Philadelphia and San Francisco. The courses listed here, as well as customized training, may also be arranged at client locations. To inquire about upcoming course availability, please contact us.

ASE Administrator Training

ActiveStrategy Administrator Training covers all elements relevant to a system administrator of an ActiveStrategy Enterprise (ASE) software deployment. This includes complete system control as well as minor user configurations. The ASE Power User training session is a prerequisite for this session. Topics include:

• Managing the Components of the Administration Console:
  • Scorecard Perspectives
  • Measure Comparators
  • Initiative Templates
  • Scorecard and Chart Options
  • Stoplight Chart Templates
  • Domains
• Defining Global System Options
• Managing Users and Groups
• Configuring User Profiles
• Managing Performance Data Periods
• Utilizing Data Import Tools
• Customizing the System Dictionary
• Customizing System Drop Lists
• Cloning Objects
• Managing Organizations
• Accessing Administrative Reports

Personnel Requirements:

• A fair understanding of basic Balanced Scorecard concepts.
• A fair understanding of ActiveStrategy Enterprise Power User concepts.

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ASE Power User Functionality Overview

ActiveStrategy Power User training digs into all of the major features typically used by more sophisticated, in-depth ActiveStrategy Enterprise (ASE) software users, including those features used by Regional Administrators. After the training, attendees will be prepared to utilize the application for their own ‘user’ purposes and will also be able to provide support to other users within a deployment. Topics include:

• Accessing and Navigating the ASE System
• Building a Favorites Page
• Understanding Object Ownership Profiles
• Creating and Managing ASE Objects:
  • Scorecards
  • Objectives
  • Measures
  • Initiatives
  • Program Groups
  • Dashboards
  • Stoplight Charts
  • Briefing Books
  • Visual Maps
• Utilizing Object Reference Centers
• Entering Measure Performance Data
• Completing Measure Variance Reports
• Customizing Measure Performance Charts
• Completing Initiative and Program Group Status Reports
• Utilizing Data Entry Shortcuts
• Accessing ASE Reports

Personnel Requirements:

• A fair understanding of the Balanced Scorecard basic concepts.
• A fair understanding of ActiveStrategy Enterprise end-user concepts.
• A good aptitude for software systems and modern user interface and navigation concepts.

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ASE Server Maintenance Training

ActiveStrategy Server Maintenance Training provides an overview of all topics related to installing, maintaining, and upgrading an ActiveStrategy Enterprise deployment. Topics include:

• ASE System Architecture Overview: how to install and support the application and its components over time
• Initial Installation Process Overview: installation and server set-up processes for ActiveStrategy Enterprise for the web server, component server, application server, and database server
• Alternate Server Configuration Overview: outlines configurations that incorporate from one up to four servers, as well as processes for properly maintaining multiple environments (i.e. development, test, and production)
• Service Pack Update Overview: describes how system upgrades and patches are made
• Troubleshooting and Documentation

Personnel Requirements:

• A great understanding of application servers.
• A great understanding of Microsoft IIS.
• A great understanding of the client-specific network security settings.
• A good understanding of Oracle or MS SQL Server.
• A good understanding of web applications in general.

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ASE Data Integration Training

ActiveStrategy Data Integration Training covers a wide array of topics that will provide attendees with a solid understanding of how to tie various client systems and data sources into ActiveStrategy Enterprise most successfully.
                            
Day One Topics include:

• ASE Data Model Orientation
• Data Source Discussion: includes optimal methods for extracting and loading data from other data systems, data warehouses, and flat files
• ActiveStudio™ and ActiveMapper™ Orientation: discusses concepts and ways to create data maps

Day Two Topics include:

• ActiveLoader™ Orientation: how and when to schedule data loads, as well as how to review the logs
• ActiveMapper™ Map File Practice Session
• ActiveLoader Job Load Practice Session

Day Three Topics include:

• Target Data Map and Load: trainees are expected to arrive at training with actual data files to load that will be used in their production system. This third and final day is spent on writing the real data map and running the job loader.  At this point, trainees should be self-sufficient in writing new data maps and maintaining the existing maps.

Personnel Requirements:

• A good understanding of SQL databases and SQL queries (Oracle and/or MS SQL Server).
• A great understanding of legacy data sources (SAP, PeopleSoft, etc.).
• A good understanding of XML technology.  (No XSL/ ASP/ HTML/ JavaScript is required)
• A good understanding of basic Balanced Scorecard concepts.
• A good understanding of ActiveStrategy Enterprise end-user concepts.

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Performance Management Methodology Training

In this course, attendees will learn the basic concepts for creating an effective top-level Balanced Scorecard that is linked to organizational strategy, as well as techniques for cascading the Balanced Scorecard down and across the organization to create linkage, alignment, and accountability. Also covers ways to ensure adoption of this type of performance management framework using Scorecard-based business reviews.
                                                    
Topics include:

• Introduction to the Balanced Scorecard
• Building a Top-level Balanced Scorecard Aligned to Strategy
• Effectively Cascading Balanced Scorecards
• Aligning Scorecard Measures and Setting Targets
• Initiative (a.k.a. Improvement Project) Prioritization and Alignment
• Conducting Scorecard-Based Business Review

Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us to inquire about customized training.