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<< ALL COURSES

Structured Writing
for Policies and Procedures™

 

Learn to develop clear and usable policies, procedures and reference documentation
Learn DocuStructure™, the research-based method for analyzing, organizing and presenting information
Receive DocuTools™ Formatting Software for creating structured documents quickly and consistently in MS Word.
In-house and online delivery options available

Learn a proven writing system used by thousands
When job-critical information in documents such as manuals, guides, and handbooks is poorly written, hard to find or doesn't meet the audience's need, performance suffers.

This hands-on course teaches participants the DocuStructure Writing System, a unique combination of methods and tools for analyzing, organizing and presenting policy and procedure information so that it is clear and consistent for the user.


Skills and techniques you'll learn
Applying the DocuStructure Writing System, you will learn to:

  • Recognize the 4 common failings of documentation
  • Identify the specific information needs of the intended audience
  • Apply the 7 Guidelines of effective writing
  • Organize and format your content according to the 7 Information Types
  • Develop and format multiple types of procedures, processes and reference information
  • Capture content from existing documents and subject matter experts
  • Review, test, and revise your documents to ensure usability
  • Follow a standardized document development process
  • Plan a documentation project and estimate development time/costs
  • Use DocuTools Formatting Software to author structured documents in MS Word

COURSE EMPHASIS: Policy and procedure documentation
Using carefully selected examples and hands-on activities, this course applies the DocuStructure method on multiple types of policy, procedure and reference documentation. This course is ideal for anyone developing the following types of documents:

  • Policy and procedure manual
  • Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Training materials
  • Reference materials
  • Employee handbooks
  • User guides
  • Compliance documentation
  • Job-aids
  • Rules and regulations
  • Other business-critical documents

What you'll receive
Independent of how the training is delivered, you will receive:

  • Comprehensive, hands-on instruction
  • Individual feedback on documents you develop in class
  • 200-page Reference Guide detailing all techniques and concepts taught
  • DocuTools 5.0 Formatting Software for MS Word (CD-ROM and user license)
  • Worksheets, job-aids and templates for use on your own projects

Who should attend
This workshop was created for anyone who wants to improve the effectiveness of business-critical documentation and end-user performance. It is also an excellent method for teams of experienced writers seeking a consistent, standard approach for document analysis and design. Attendees often include:

  • Documentation professionals
  • Training designers and developers
  • Business analysts
  • Quality, safety and compliance professionals
  • Subject-matter experts
  • Human resources personnel

Delivery options and pricing

     
Option #1:
In-house, classroom training


2 days of hands-on training delivered at your facilities by a Certified PTA instructor

Class size: 5 to 16 (recommended)

Select a time and location convenient for your team or department

Fee includes all instruction, course materials and DocuTools software

Ideal for intact work groups and departments seeking a standard approach to document development

Using computers in the classroom, participants learn Structured Writing techniques and DocuTools software simultaneously, so they return to the job ready create usable documents

Commercial rate: $995 per participant
GSA rate: $795 per participant

 
Option #2:
Interactive, online training


Learn when you want, where you want with 24-hour access to interactive lessons and activities

Receive detailed, customized feedback on written assignments you submit to a certified PTA instructor via email

Arrange to talk with an instructor at anytime with conceptual or technical questions

Complete your training and certification in 1 to 10 weeks (2-3 is average)

Fee includes all course materials, online lessons, custom scored feedback, and DocuTools Formatting software

Commercial rate: $995 per participant
GSA rate: $795 per participant

Online registration >
     
 

Option #3: Instructor Certification Program


If you anticipate training a large number of staff annually within your organization, you might consider certifying your own instructor(s) to teach the workshop within your organization. This option provides maximum flexibility for conducting training and reduces training costs. To learn more about instructor prerequisites, the certification process and fee structures, please contact us.
 

For more information...

  Read: PTA Course Catalog
  Call: 800-820-7280
  Email: info@p-t-a.com