Front End Loading (FEL) for Projects (CPD) 

Front End Loading

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sticking your teeth into a brand-new project. You might be part of a team of talented people or flying solo, but that initial excitement never truly fades.

But some project leaders dread this next challenge for various reasons. You might be worried that the cost estimation was wrong, the project lifecycle may drag on, or if you’ll be investing time in the right ways.
There’s a lot to consider when you’re about to start a new project, which can be daunting even for an experienced leader. You might be worried that the cost estimation was wrong, the project lifecycle may drag on, or if you’ll be investing time in the right ways.

If this sounds familiar, our Front-End Loading (FEL) course is exactly what you need to get things spot on. Success is not just about execution—it's about setting up the right project the right way from the very beginning.
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What is Front End Loading in Project Management?

Front end loading (FEL) is a structured approach to project planning that ensures you are “Doing the Right Project Right’’. It’s similar to front-end planning (FEP), but FEL covers all bases, not just the planning process.

If you start off on the right foot in the early stages of project management, everything else will fall into place. Front-End Loading focuses on what you do before the project begins as well as during, with a heavy focus on project planning that gives you all the necessary tools to keep things running smoothly.

This includes establishing project goals and building a solid pathway towards them. It’s much easier to stick to this path when you create it yourself before the journey begins.

The Importance of Project Front End Loading

Effective Front-End Loading is about more than just deciding what to do before you do it. Projects should properly defined, evaluated, and planned before any major commitments are made.

Our course explores how to “do the right project right” using FEL principles, tools, and frameworks. It even covers project delivery, so that your hard work is made clear when the project is completed. Just understanding what Front-End Loading is isn’t enough, it’s about how you apply it to your next projects.

Every project team does things slightly differently, and no two projects are themselves the same. By following our course we’ll guide you through the FEL process in a way that benefits you and relates to how you manage your projects.

About the course

By the end of our Front End Loading Course you will:
  • Understand what Front End Loading is and why it is critical to project success.
  • Recognise the value and benefits of a structured planning approach.
  • Learn key FEL tools and methods that enhance project definition and execution.
  • Gain insights into UK Government project delivery guidance and best practices.
  • Apply lessons learned from real-world experiences and case studies.

Who is Front End Loading for? 

Our course is designed for project professionals looking to enhance their ability to select, define, and plan projects effectively. Through seven focused modules, you will gain a solid foundation in the principles, tools, and best practices of Front-End Loading.
Whether you're working on complex infrastructure projects, government initiatives, or corporate ventures, this course provides the essential knowledge to improve project outcomes and reduce risks.

Our Introduction to FEL Course is perfect for:

  • University Students
  • Graduates
  • Consultants
  • Project Delivery Professionals
  • Considering a Change of Career

Testimonials

I would often hear the project term "Front-end-loading" and wanted to find out more, and this course was a great introduction to the topic
Eric, GSK

I found the course really informative and it gave me a great understanding of the fundamentals of risk management in a really approachable way. Great graphics and animations too.

Suzanne, Civil Service
A great introduction to data and data in project, would highly recommend the course
Shola A, Civil Service
A really fun and interesting course on the impacts of bias, loved it!
Ben B, Met Police
Brilliant course, the approach and learning style was much clearer than the current PM courses I’m doing in LinkedIn
John, Raytheon
Good to see key concepts and principles explained in a really digestible way
Simon, Senior Consultant
We completed the bias exercise in our team,  and it helped us to better understand the impacts of our biases and was a real eye opener, would recommend
Toby, PMO Lead
I would recommend the courses to anyone new in project delivery consultancy role, affordable, useful and dives into key basics which are often missed!
Sarah, Senior Manager

Course Lessons

Course Contents

As you can see, our modules go into much more detail than other online Front-End Loading courses. A common frustration is when you cover some elements in one course but need to take another to fill in the gaps. We cover everything about Front-End Loading for project management, so you can start your next one with complete confidence.

FEL is all about making the right decisions at the right time—ensuring projects are set up for success from the outset. By leveraging structured methodologies, proven tools, and expert insights, professionals like you can reduce risks, improve efficiency, and drive better project outcomes.

Meet the instructor

Tim Podesta 

Introducing Tim 
Tim is a subject matter expert and active advisor in project management and investment analysis, front end planning/project shaping and benchmarking/assurance; and have deep experience of the oil, gas, petrochemical and energy industries.

He has a track record of delivering cross cultural programmes in strategy, change management and process improvement. In my last role with BP I led the back office for a major global corporate programme in the matter of safe and reliable operations which made significant improvements to operating performance across the group.

Tim is  passionate about professional development; learning and sharing learning with a focus on the NetZero agenda and the potential for a hydrogen economy alongside clean electricity. Tim is  currently a Faculty Member of World Hydrogen Leaders, presenting courses and masterclasses on the Investment Case for Hydrogen and Project Development Best Practices. He is also an experienced trainer and facilitator of live events and can work in English and French and has strengths in facilitation and building rapport in multi-cultural environments using accomplished language skills.

Tim  experience of facilitating Front End Planning workshops using the Construction Industry Institute (CII) Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) and am affiliated to Valency Inc , a CII member , as a senior consultant.
He has have extensive experience of developing and delivering impactful training during a 35 year career at BP; in particular the BP Way course for Project Professionals, Managing Projects in collaboration with Manchester Business School and Economic Evaluation Methodology for BP's commercial community.

The Best Front End Loading Course

A quality Front-End Loading Course needs to be in-depth, without being overwhelming. Ours is aimed at project managers but is designed to be accessible for anyone who might still be getting to grips with the terminology.

Front End Loading (FEL) for Projects

Join the FEL course to ensure your projects are built for success!
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