Applied Operating Models: Design and Delivery – Foundation

In this first module, candidates on the AOM:DD course will be introduced to the 5 parts of the Operating Model Design, Delivery, and Management Standard (OMDDMS) and the problems facing organisations who undertake operating model transformation. Candidates will also discuss the benefits of the standard in helping to deliver sustainable operating model transformation… It introduces you to a shared language, method, and approach to manage operating model transformation with clarity, purpose, and sustainability.

Candidates will:

• Be able to identify the risks and challenges commonly encountered through a lack of Operating Model transformation standards and how to mitigate them.
• Understand what is necessary to design for adaptability, innovation, and long-term efficiency.
• Understand the certification journey of the AOM:DD Foundation and Practitioner courses.
• Recognise the badge they will eligible for on passing the AOM:DD Foundation exam

In this module, candidates will explore how the concept of the operating model has developed over time and why it plays a critical role in delivering and sustaining strategy. By recognising its historical roots and evolution, you will be introduced to the concept of the operating model and why its design, delivery, and management are vital to organisational performance and adaptability.

Candidates will learn to:

• Understand the strategic purpose and business value of operating models.
• Recognise the common drivers and success criteria for operating model transformation.
• Explain how operating models support organisational efficiency and enable change.

In this module, candidates will learn why a defined and structured method is essential for effective operating model design and delivery. The OMDDM (Operating Model Design and Delivery Method) is introduced. Then, by examining the distinction between a methodology and a method, you will gain practical insight into how using a consistent method drives better transformation outcomes.

Candidates will learn to:

• Understand the difference between a methodology and a method, and why it matters.
• Identify the four key components of a successful method.
• Recognise the benefits of applying structure to operating model design.
• Use the OMDDM as a practical method to guide activities in building and implementing operating models.

In this module, candidates will be introduced to each phase of the OMDDM method and consider how it can be integrated with existing best practices in the organisation. The focus is on understanding each phase’s structure, outcomes, and guiding rules, ensuring the method can be confidently integrated into real-world environments.

Candidates will learn to:

• Identify and understand each phase of the OMDDM and its intended outcomes.
• Understand the rules that govern the method’s consistent and effective use.
• Recognise how the OMDDM can integrate with existing industry frameworks and standards.
• Integrate OMDDM into their organisation’s environment to support efficient transformation.

In this module, candidates will be introduced to the OMDDMS Content Model to organise and structure the key components of an effective operating model. By exploring both Level 1 and Level 2 concepts of the Content Model, you will develop the ability to clearly define and communicate how their organisation operates and delivers value.

Candidates will learn to:

• Apply the Level 1 and Level 2 concepts of the Content Model to operating model design.
• Use the Content Model to structure and organise essential elements of an operating model.
• Understand the relationship between the Context Concept and the Structure Concept.
• Translate strategic intent into operational clarity using a common framework.

In this module, candidates will learn how strategy is positioned within the OMDDMS Content Model and why it is central in driving operating model transformation. The focus is on understanding the internal and external forces that influence change and how to assess when transformation is necessary and where it should be directed.

Candidates will learn to:

• Connect strategy to operating model design using the Content Model.
• Identify and assess key organisational and external drivers of change.
• Apply techniques to analyse and evaluate existing operating models.
• Understand how ESG factors and the UN SDGs influence strategic decisions and sustainable transformation.

In this module, candidates will learn how to establish and apply governance structures that are purpose-built for operating model transformation. The focus is on the Operating Model Transformation Office (OMTO) and the Operating Model Board (OMB), and how these differ from traditional programme or project governance.

Candidates will learn to:

• Understand the role and function of the OMTO and OMB in large-scale transformation.
• Distinguish between OMTO and PMO structures, including their focus and responsibilities.
• Identify the key governance elements needed to manage complexity and maintain alignment.
• Apply effective OMTO and OMB structures to support strategic oversight and delivery success.

In this module, candidates will learn how to create and apply principles that guide consistent, aligned decision-making throughout operating model transformation. The focus is on developing practical, well-structured principles that support both strategic intent and day-to-day execution across varied organisational contexts.

Candidates will learn to:

• Define transformation principles and understand their structure (basic and extended).
• Develop principles tailored to support operating model design and delivery.
• Apply principles to guide decisions and manage competing priorities.
• Recognise when and why principles are used within organisational frameworks.

In this module, candidates will learn how to recognise and respond to legal factors that influence operating model design and delivery. The focus is on understanding the legal risks associated with transformation and ensuring compliance is built into the operating model from the outset.

Candidates will learn to:

• Identify the ten major legal areas relevant to operating model change.
• Understand how legal considerations affect business operations and risk exposure.
• Incorporate compliance and regulatory awareness into operating model design.
• Recognise when and why to seek legal expertise during transformation initiatives.

In this module, candidates will learn how organisation design underpins the effectiveness of any operating model. The focus is on understanding structural components, common design models, and, using generally accepted rules, how to establish the appropriate organisational form to deliver and sustain strategic and operational intent.

Candidates will learn to:

• Recognise the risks of neglecting appropriate organisation design during operating model transformation.
• Understand the link between organisation design and operating model performance.
• Apply accepted design principles to support scalable, efficient organisation design.
• Use the Content Model to understand the implications of organisation design.

In this module, candidates will learn how to structure and support decision-making within an operating model to improve accountability, consistency, and strategic delivery. The focus is on understanding the foundations of good decision-making and how decision governance strengthens organisational performance.

Candidates will learn to:

• Identify the objectives and benefits of effective decision-making.
• Recognise the organisational impact of poor or unstructured decisions.
• Apply decision governance principles to clarify accountability and support strategy.
• Structure decision-making processes that enhance operational clarity and performance.

In this module, candidates will learn how to clearly define and allocate decision rights to improve accountability, reduce confusion, and support effective operating model execution. The focus is on applying the GDU (Govern, Deliver, Use) framework and understanding how it compares with other models like RACI.

Candidates will learn to:

• Recognise and establish the purpose and importance of decision rights in transformation.
• Define and understand how govern, deliver, and use support decision-making across the organisation.
• Apply the GDU framework to clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities.
• Compare GDU with RACI to select the most suitable approach for their context.

In this module, candidates will learn how to identify, define, and apply capabilities and services. The focus is on understanding their structure, function, and how they work together and can be used to support operational performance and strategic outcomes.

Candidates will learn to:

• Define capabilities and understand their key characteristics and types.
• Interpret and apply capability models to support transformation.
• Recognise what drives capability change and how to respond effectively through operating model change.
• Identify different service types, their components, and how they relate to capabilities.
• Understand the relationship between capabilities and services in organisational design.