# FPM 133: Fundamentals of Business, Cost, and Financial Management Course

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/fpm-133-fundamentals-of-business-cost-and-financial-management>

## Overview

This course builds the financial and business management foundation for federal project and program managers, emphasizing the development of defensible business cases, credible cost estimates, and fluency in federal budgeting and appropriations. Core topics include cost types and estimating methods, the Work Breakdown Structure as a basis for estimates, and total life-cycle cost considerations that shape planning and execution.

In addition to planning, students learn funds allocation and performance measurement. They use Earned Value Management (e.g., CPI, SPI) and related indicators to track cost, schedule, and scope, and to inform decisions. By course end, entry-level practitioners can justify, budget, and monitor projects effectively, meeting the competencies required for FAC-P/PM Entry-Level training.

## What you'll learn

- Build a defensible business case using qualitative and quantitative decision criteria.
- Create cost estimates tied to a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and document assumptions and uncertainties.
- Explain federal budgeting and appropriations, and allocate funds appropriately across project phases.
- Use performance measures and basic EVM metrics (e.g., CPI, SPI) to assess cost/schedule status and forecast outcomes.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Building Business Cases

- Define the elements and purpose of a project business case.
- Identify qualitative and quantitative decision factors that support investment justification.
- Develop an initial problem statement, alternatives analysis, and recommendation.
- Explain how the business case supports agency strategic goals and budget requests.

#### Module 2: Cost Estimating

- Apply common cost estimating techniques (analogy, parametric, bottom-up).
- Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to organize project costs.
- Document cost assumptions, constraints, and risk factors.
- Validate estimates by comparing with historical data or benchmarks.

#### Module 3: Federal Budgeting

- Explain the federal budget cycle and how it impacts project funding.
- Identify major appropriation types and their allowable uses.
- Describe the roles of OMB, Congress, and agencies in budget formulation and execution.
- Recognize common funding constraints (e.g., Anti-Deficiency Act, continuing resolutions).

#### Module 4: Allocating Funds

- Allocate funds across project phases in compliance with appropriation law.
- Develop time-phased spending plans linked to project schedules.
- Identify indicators of potential funding shortfalls or overruns.
- Apply corrective actions when project spending deviates from plan.

#### Module 5: Performance Measures

- Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that monitor project health.
- Relate performance metrics to cost, schedule, and technical progress.
- Interpret performance data to assess whether corrective action is needed.
- Communicate results effectively to senior management and stakeholders.

#### Module 6: Earned Value Management

- Calculate and interpret key EVM metrics (EV, PV, AC, CPI, SPI).
- Assess cost and schedule variances and determine project status.
- Forecast project completion cost using Estimate at Completion (EAC).
- Use EVM data to drive performance-based management decisions.

#### Module 7: Putting It All Together

- Integrate cost estimation, budgeting, and EVM into a single financial management plan.
- Develop and present a business case supported by quantitative analysis.
- Apply learned techniques to a project scenario through team-based exercises.
- Evaluate the financial health of a sample program and propose improvement actions.

## Schedule
- Sep 14, 2026 – Sep 16, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 16, 2026 – Nov 18, 2026 — Live Online

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $2049