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Applied Operating Models: Design and Delivery - Foundation

The Applied Operating Models: Design and Delivery Foundation course introduces candidates to a clear, simple, and usable definition of an operating model and provides a common language (from the OMDDMS® standard) to understand how to design and deliver operating model transformation

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Frequently Asked Questions

OMDDMS® is the Operating Model Design Delivery and Management Standard.

OMDDMS® is the emerging standard for operating model transformation.

It was created so individuals and organisations can confidently modify operations for greater efficiency, profitability, and success.

By providing a repeatable, scalable method, guidelines, best practices, principles and structures, organisations can respond and change confidently, drive innovation, manage risk, and operate more efficiently and sustainably.

OMDDMS® training is only delivered through approved training providers.

The course is ideal for COOs, CIOs, CEOs, Enterprise Architects, Business Architects, Business Analysts, HR Business Partners, Subject Matter Experts (Legal, Risk, Finance, etc.), Transformation Leaders, Programme Directors, Programme Managers, Project Managers, Managers, consultants, and anyone involved in designing or delivering operating models in complex organisations.

OMDDMS® courses are available as live online instructor-led sessions, in-person public classroom sessions, and private enterprise cohorts, delivered onsite or offsite.

The Applied Operating Models: Design and Delivery - Foundation course is a 2-day course and includes quizzes and exercises based on a case study.

Yes. To become certified, you must take the course and pass the online exam.

You will learn:

  • How to identify and resolve typical problems and challenges facing operating model transformation
  • To understand the implications and impacts associated with operating model transformation
  • To understand and be able to articulate the big picture and detailed views of your operating model
  • About Operating Models, Principles, the OMDDMS® Content Model, Decision Making and The Operating Model Transformation Practice

It is helpful to have a background in business or IT transformation, architecture, operations, or consulting, but not essential. The course is designed to be practical, accessible, and sector agnostic.

By registering for this course, you will receive:

  • Digital course slides, handouts, sample exam questions and answer pathways
  • Official OMDDMS® artefacts to be used at Foundation level
  • Exam voucher for the online Applied Operating Models: Design and Delivery Foundation exam
  • One free exam re-sit voucher if you fail an exam on your first attempt
  • Case study, exercises, and quizzes
  • Certificate of attendance
  • On passing the exam, you will get a digital badge and certificate

Pricing depends on the delivery format.

The public Foundation course fees start from £1,690 + VAT per person.

Private group pricing is available upon request.

Discounts may be available for corporate bookings. Contact us for a tailored quote.

You can register via the Courses page on our website, or you contact us on +44 (0) 113 468 4455 or email [email protected] to book a free discovery call to discuss the best course fit for your needs.

Absolutely! OMDDMS® is in use across local government, healthcare, financial services, utilities, and highly regulated sectors where accountability and strategic delivery are critical.

Course Modules

Explores the foundational ground rules, including established methods, guidelines, best practices, principles, and structures that ensure consistency in Operating Model transformation.

Candidates will examine how these frameworks enable organisations to confidently adapt to change, drive innovation, manage risk, and enhance operational efficiency in a sustainable manner. This also includes a discussion on how the emerging OMDDMS standard provides a shared and reliable basis for managing expectations in, and delivering, Operating Model transformation.

Explores the history and evolution of the Operating Model concept, examining its emergence in written work and the key elements that define it.

Candidates are introduced to the benefits of developing and managing an Operating Model, along with the drivers, outcomes, and success criteria for successful Operating Model transformation, leading to an understanding of why a properly defined operating model is essential to supporting strategy and organisational efficiency.

Examines the distinction between a methodology and a method, highlighting the benefits a structured method brings to Operating Model design.

Candidates will explore the four major components of a method and why a defined approach is essential for developing effective Operating Models. The OMDDM (Operating Model Design and Development Method) is introduced, providing the approach to create and implement a successful operating model.

Provides a comprehensive understanding of how each phase of the OMDDM integrates with industry frameworks, ensuring support for best practices.

Candidates will explore the phases of OMDDM, their outcomes, and the rules governing its application, along with critical integration factors and activities, providing the background to successfully integrating OMDDM into industry environments and optimising it for efficiency and effectiveness.

Introduces the Content Model, including its Level 1 and Level 2 concepts, and their role in understanding and structuring an effective Operating Model.

Candidates will learn how the Content Model supports Operating Model development by providing a structured approach to organising the necessary elements. In particular, the candidate will examine the important relationship between the Context Concept and the Structure Concept, and how to use each in Operating Model design and delivery.

Explores the fundamentals of strategy, its placement within the Content Model, and the significant organisational and external drivers that influence Operating Model change.

Candidates will examine why Operating Model transformation is necessary, learn techniques to analyse operating models, and understand the role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in shaping sustainable business practices. This also highlights the impact of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on large-scale Operating Model transformation and long-term strategic decision-making.

Examines the roles of the Operating Model Transformation Office (OMTO) and the Operating Model Board (OMB), explaining why they are critical in managing large-scale Operating Model transformation.

Candidates will explore the similarities and differences between the OMTO and the PMO (Programme/Project Management Office), as well as the unique change characteristics associated with these management and governance structures. Additionally, candidates will be introduced to effective OMTO and OMB structures, highlighting their necessary role in ensuring successful Operating Model transformation.

Provides a foundational understanding of principles, including their definition, basic structure, and extended structure.

Candidates will learn how to develop effective Operating Model transformation principles and apply them in various contexts to guide decision-making and strategy. They will also explore when and why principles are used, ensuring clarity in their role within organisational frameworks.

Explores the importance of incorporating legal considerations into Operating Model design and delivery to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.

Candidates will be introduced to the ten major legal areas relevant to Operating Model change and understand their potential impact on business operations. Additionally, the module emphasises the necessity of seeking professional legal advice to navigate complex regulatory requirements effectively.

Provides an overview of organisations, their structure, and the four major components of organisation design.

Candidates will explore why organisation design is essential for understanding Operating Models, the risks of neglecting this, and model approaches used in design. Additionally, this covers generally accepted design principles and standard organisational structures to support effective and scalable business operations.

Explores the importance of good decision-making, its major objectives, and the foundational elements that support effective choices.

Candidates will examine the implications of both good and poor decision-making on organisations and learn the principles of decision governance and learn how to structure decision-making processes to enhance responsibility, accountability, consistency, and strategic support.

Explores the concept of decision rights, including their purpose, allocation, and the stakeholders involved in defining them.

Candidates will gain a pragmatic understanding of the GDU (Govern, Deliver and Use) framework as opposed to other frameworks such as RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed). This includes learning such frameworks are used to clarify roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority.

Introduces the concept of capabilities and services within operating models, exploring their definitions, relationships, and strategic importance.

Candidates will learn how to identify, define, and structure capabilities and services to support effective operating model design and delivery, including understanding the distinction between business capabilities and IT services, and how they work together to enable organisational objectives.