Ten Years of Deliberate Practice

Want to hone your craft? Commit to it for ten years of deliberate practice. ...

... "Reinforcing that no-free-lunch finding is vast evidence that even the most accomplished people need around ten years of hard work before becoming world-class, a pattern so well established researchers call it the ten-year rule. " ...

Via Micro Persuasion on Developing Expertise: Practice brings success

Certify Your Green Data Center

IBM offers certification program for energy efficiency in IT operations, as a way to benchmark, collaborate, and recognize achievements of the participants. ...

... "Energy efficiency certificates are a recognized form of documenting energy conservation and also provide financial incentive and recognition for businesses and electricity providers that increase their efficiency. " ...

Via IBM: Energy Efficiency Certificate Program

Vote of Confidence for Prince2

PRojects IN Controlled Environments, Prince2, offers a structured methodology for managing projects. ...

... "Prince2 is growing in popularity across all vertical sectors and is becoming the de facto project management approach. " ...

Via ComputerWeekly: IT Project Certification Options

Business Analyst Body of Knowledge: Help at Last

AllPM has a great theme going this month. It's all about the integration of business analysis and project management. As it points out, especially during the early phases of a project, the project manager often works very closely with business analysts.

Three years ago, an organization called the IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysts) was formed to do for business analysts what PMI has done for project managers. It has grown to 3,500 members in 62 countries. They now have a certification exam as well, plus their own "Body of Knowledge" (BABOK).

The article below from AllPM outlines the relationship to project management. Well worth reading...

Theme of the Month: From Project Management (PM) Certification to Business Analysis (BA) Certification By Greta Blash, PMP :: ALLPM Project Management :: Project Manager - Project Management - Information - Forum Manager- PM Tools - Ar

IT Professionalism: Business Impact

From the land of ITIL comes IT certification. Nice vision. Business impact is the end-game. ...

... "To create a profession where the test of professionalism is related to business impact and outcomes in addition to technical excellence. " ...

Via British Computer Society: The vision for Professionalism programme

Microsoft enters the project certification arena

This press release from Microsoft, timed shortly before the PMI Global Congress, announces a certification programme for users of Microsoft Project 2007. The new version of Project Server is due to be released in the New Year and aims to integrate further with other organisation systems and processes. Offering a standard for training does seem like a good idea. It will be interesting to see how the new certification from Microsoft, which has a reputation for setting its own standards, aligns with the PMBOK.
The announcement says the "training and certification product lines ... were developed after consulting the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge ...".Microsoft Advances Its Project Management Technology and the Project Management Profession

PMI Announces Program Management Certification: Bring On the PgMP

PMI has finally announced the certification for program managers ---- the Program Management Professional or PgMP (the "sm" after the designation in the press release is for the service mark). It'll be available in early 2007.

The title is probably a good choice and has good synergy with the existing PMP designation. Of course, it's the same designation as the Program Management Plan (PgMP) from the Army Core of Engineers, so hopefully that won't cause confusion in those circles.

As I've mentioned before, the rigor of the PgMP requirements should give organizations a pretty good feeling about taking on program managers with this certification. It's based heavily on experience in the real world and feedback on results as opposed to pure knowledge.

Also, one needn't have a PMP certification to apply for PgMP certification. Here's the press release...

PMI to launch credential for program management practitioners

ITIL Certification Training Support

EXIN and BCS confirm their committment to the certification and training of ITIL for IT service professionals. ...

... "We will continue to guarantee the quality of training institutes providing ITIL courses for the ITIL Foundation, Practitioner and Service Manager Certification. Current applications for accreditation are valid, and we encourage new training provider prospects to become accredited. BCS-ISEB and EXIN and other stakeholders, will aim at a continued cooperation with accredited training providers in order to maintain the high quality of the ITIL certification standard. " ...

Via EXIN INTL: Statement BCS-ISEB and EXIN following recent announcements by OGC on ITIL ...

Is the Role of the Project Manager in Jeopardy? - An Editorial

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about the new Program Management credential from PMI. In it, I referenced PMI's definition of a program manager vs. project manager in their FAQ page.

A project manager, according to PMI, has the following responsibilities (I've put some of the key points that jumped out at me in bold):

• Perform their duties under general supervision and are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project
• Lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget and resources
• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to appropriately apply a methodology to projects that have reasonably well-defined project requirements and deliverables.

A program manager, according to PMI, has the following responsibilities (again, I've bolded the key points):

Under minimal supervision, program managers are responsible and accountable for the coordinated management of multiple related projects directed toward strategic business and other organizational objectives. These programs contain complex activities that may span functions, organizations, geographic regions, and cultures. Program managers build credibility, establish rapport, and maintain communication with stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the organization.

Clearly, a program manager must be closely tied to the strategic goals and benefits, monitor the program accordingly, and have a strong connection to senior management. And I also feel that the new credential seems on the surface to set the bar appropriately high.

But I can't help but feel that, in contrast, the PMP credential is losing steam. First, there are myriad organizations virtually guaranteeing an "instant-PMP" after a crash course and some tweaking of one's background experience (although PMI is now doing audits of work experience).

Second, a project manager must, in many cases, go beyond the PMP/tactical focus and possess the same traits and skills that PMI has designated as requirements of a program manager, especially in the case of an enterprise and/or global project, such as a business transformation effort. I realize PMI's role definitions are a way to differentiate and justify the new certification and I suppose one could organize their effort into a "program" to qualify for that certtification, but in these changing times (and with greater challenges for project managers), I think PMI needs to evaluate and revamp the PMP certification as well.

When I do presentations on principle-based leadership training, I have a slide where I present what I call "The PM Challenge." I present it as a boxing match. In one corner, we have a project manager, armed with MS/Project and the PMBOK, but lacking:

• Business Acumen
• Leadership Skills
• Conflict Management Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Communication Skills
• Strategic Intuition

In the other corner, we have the "challenger," represented by "the project," with the following characteristics:

• Global, virtual team
• Complex technology
• Complex change
• Multiple vendors
• Offshore resources
• Conflicting Stakeholders
• Scrutinizing Executives

Such a project manager, without the appropriate leadership and soft skills, doesn't stand a chance. Wouldn't a person with the skills PMI describes as a "program manager" be more apt to have success?

In the latest PM Network magazine from PMI, there are not one, but TWO articles that illustrate this point. One is titled "Project Management 2.0: Project Management is at a Crossroads," by Peter Fretty. The other is titled "No Limits," by Marcia Jedd, and talks about what project managers must do to crash through the glass ceiling and elevate it from the tactical trenches.

Perhaps a start would be to take a new view of project management beyond just "executing to a set of requirements to deliver on-time and on-budget." The current tactical focus might explain the consistent failure rates of projects. One problem is that PMI has traditionally "followed common good practices in the field," which of course is what a standard is supposed to do. The problem is that common practices have brought common results, which aren't all that good. Time for an upheaval. Perhaps they need a section, apart from the "standard" itself, for "new frontiers in project management," which could outline those who are breaking the mold with good results.

I'd be interested in others' thoughts on this topic. Who knows---It just might help drive requirements for the next version of the PMBOK and/or PMP credential.

Move Over PMP: PMI Announces Program Manager Credential

As reported in PM Forum, PMI has announced their new Program Manager credential, which looks to be like a PMP on steroids.

Earning the new credential will be like passing the seven trials of Hercules, with education reviews by PMI staff, reviews of experience by a panel of program managers, a multiple-choice scenario-based exam, and an assessment by a team of raters selected by the candidate to rate them during on-the-job program management performance.

Any guesses as to what the new credential will be called? How about PME (Program Manager Extraordinaire) or KOAPM (King of All Program Managers - oops, that wouldn't work for female program managers). Maybe SPM (Supreme Program Manager)? Hey, we get enough jokes about the PMP acronym, why don't they continue the trend and use PMS (Program Management Specialist)?

I better quit while I'm behind.

In all seriousness, it's good that the credential will require such a rigorous application process. With so many organizations virtually guaranteeing "instant PMPs," this one should have quite a bit of prestige.

While the PMP certification assures a solid foundation of project management knowledge, this one should give organizations the confidence that the certified program manager is indeed worthy of managing large programs (although nothing is foolproof).

Here's the full article on PM Forum, where they list PMI's stated qualifications for certified program managers. One might argue that a senior project manager should have the same qualifications (although PMI's FAQ page attempts to distinguish the project manager role from that of the program manager).

PMFORUM, Connecting the World of Project Management PMFORUM Breaking News: PMI INTRODUCES PROGRAM MANAGER CREDENTIAL

CIO Drives Enterprise Architecture Standardization and Best Practices: A Common Theme ...

CIO drives standards and best practices to moderate IT spending to acceptable percent of sales. A recurring theme. Where's the innovation or differentiation? ...

... "In terms of governance and best practice that means things like the introduction of the Prince 2 project management principles, IT information library (ITIL) guidelines for IT infrastructure and BS7799 certification for security. " ...

CIO Drives Enterprise Architecture Standardization and Best Practices: A Common Theme: Via silicon.com: United Business Media CIO Matthew Graham-Hyde ...

PMI to Introduce Program Manager Credential in 2006

As reported in PMForum last week, Iain Fraser, PMI's Chair, discussed PMI's key initiatives for 2006 at their Asia Pacific Global Congress.

Most importantly, he announced that PMI will be introducing a new certification for program management to go along with the current PMP and CAPM certifications.

The new standards for program and portfolio management will be released at PMI's European Global Congress in Madrid in May.

For more about Iain Fraser's comments, read on...

PMFORUM, Connecting the World of Project Management PMFORUM Breaking News: PMI CHAIR IAIN FRASER ANNOUNCES PRIORITIES FOR 2006

Project Management Training: Experienced Workers Wanted ...

Tom Peters' recent presentations (see Tom's slides in his sidebar) point out the age demographics shift as a major growth opportunity for today's companies looking to innovate. Combine that with the insights from this article and we should see an upswing in project management and related training services. Tailor the services to the mature segment of the workforce and you could differentiate in a saturated market for PM training. I better brush up on my teaching skills ...

... "The company also offers all its tech workers, regardless of age, skills certification and training opportunities, including project management classes that can enhance older tech worker's existing skills base. " ...

Project Management Training: Experienced Workers Wanted: Via InformationWeek: Keeping Older Tech Workers On The Job Longer ...

Risk Analysis

Oil exploration is a notoriously risky business. Add in the physical risk of deep water drilling and you can easily understand why risk analysis and management takes on a really high profile in the off shore drilling industry.
DNV is a long established maritime certification organisation and, with the North Sea oil boom, has moved naturally into the off shore oil exploration risk management and certification business.
This paper describes an approach to risk management for deep water exploration. It is written with a general approach and is adaptable to other styles of project and product.
A couple of perspectives that make it particularly interesting:
The risk analysis - and management plan - will be different for the organisation executing the project and for the contractors;
The categorisation of risks by Economy, Time and Performance - equivalent to Cost, Schedule and Scope. The familiar Probability/Impact matrices are represented for each of these and the authors use an interesting method of plotting the effect of risk mitigation plans on the analysis.
There is also extensive discussion of the risk management process, use of the risk register and communication. It ends with a couple of case studies that illustrate the approach nicely.
DNV Risk Analysis

Project Manager Certification: PM3 Level

Alcatel advocates PM3 level and beyond for project manager certification for complex project engagements. Alcatel plans to sustain project management training and to certify 30 project directors per year and 200 project managers. The company is committed to develop project management as a core competency. ...

... "During an official award ceremony at Alcatel's headquarters in Paris recently, the 2005 certified top project directors of Alcatel have been welcomed by the board of directors. Two years ago, Alcatel launched an innovative accreditation program for its project managers. This program, which includes the Project Management Institute (PMI) certification, enables the project managers of the Group to continuously improve their skills in complex project management. At the end of the program, the candidate receives Alcatel's accreditation.

Beyond the PMI certification, Alcatel proposes the PM3 and PM4 levels. Four levels of competence along a career path are clearly defined: project leader (PM1), project manager (PM2 or PMI equivalent), project director (PM3) and executive project directors (PM4). The PM3 accreditation allows Alcatel to identify a key competence and to ensure that all the project directors within the Group have the same language and share the same strategy. In front of the customer, the business skills of the project managers are today a key criteria in the selection process of a vendor. The PM3 accreditation permits the customer to assess the competences of the project director, which will be its interface in a complex project. " ...

Project Manager Certification: PM3 Level: Via Alcatel: Alcatel launches an accreditation program for its employees awarding the management of complex projects ...

PMI Lowers Passing Score on 2005 PMP Exam; Breaking News

Point Advantage, a PMI education provider of PMP exam prep courses, project management training programs, and learning tools, announced on their website that PMI has lowered the passing score on the new PMP exam from 81.7% to 61%.

We reported the other day that PMI was reviewing the exam questions, as they usually do after releasing a new exam, and this is the result. Of course, they'll retroactively adjust the scores of those who have already taken the exam.

More details below on the Point Advantage site...

Project Management Certification Training PMP Exam Prep Courses

Microsoft Security: Risk Govern Audit ...

Microsoft is making concerted effort on security management, appealing to technology independent partners with services focused on security policy, governance, compliance, risk assessment, risk management and auditing, while balancing its focus on infrastructure security, the technical perspective. ...

Microsoft Security: Risk Govern Audit: Via ISACA: Microsoft Partner Program Includes ISACA Certification in Restructure of Its Security Solutions Competency ...

... "Having a skilled and innovative security partner ecosystem is central to the company’s approach and, therefore, a large part of the effort has been significant changes to the Microsoft Partner Program, Security Solutions Competency, announced this week in partnership with long-established certification programs from Information Systems Audit and Control Association® (ISACA®) and International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. " ...

Michael Domingo provides update on Microsoft's updated approach to security, which balances the technical with the strategic security management: risk, govern, audit. ...

Via Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine: Security Competency Gets Revamped

... "Microsoft says it has taken a technology agnostic approach within its Security Solutions competency, splitting it into two specializations that address technical issues and the other that looks at security policy and risk management, governance, and auditing. " ...

With more than 47,000 members who live and work in more than 140 countries, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association® (ISACA®) is a recognized worldwide leader in IT governance, control, security and assurance. Founded in 1969, ISACA sponsors international conferences, publishes the Information Systems Control Journal®, develops international information systems auditing and control standards, and administers the globally respected Certified Information Systems Auditor™ (CISA®) designation, earned by more than 40,000 professionals since inception, and the Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) designation, a groundbreaking credential earned by 5,200 professionals.

The New ISO 27001 Security Standard; Get Prepared! Listen to Alan Calder's Podcast

As I've mentioned before, the perfect storm is headed our way. As more companies move toward hosted solutions and the threat of a pandemic computer virus looms, organizations worldwide could be crippled.

Enter the new ISO 27001 Security Standard.

Alan Calder, the leading IT Governance and Security expert and CEO of IT Governance, Ltd., issued a podcast last week talking about ISO 27001 and its impacts. Best of all, Calder offers several eBooks for all levels of audiences, as well as an ISO 27001 toolkit, which allows organizations to become ISO 27001-compliant without expensive consultants.

Here's what Calder's company, IT Governance Ltd. has to say about the new standard:

• ISO 17799:2005 and BS 7799 are the international best practice information security management standards, defining and guiding Information Security Management System (ISMS) development.
• BS7799 is the basis for the new international standard ISO 27001, which was introduced in October 2005. Internationalisation will create a global upsurge in demand for ISMS certification.
• ISO 27001 will become the international touchstone for effective, secure information management practices that protect organisations and ensure their compliance with data protection, privacy and computer misuse regulations.
• As with ISO 9000, the new standard will become a prerequisite for many businesses wishing to secure new customers and contracts. It is therefore as much a business issue as an IT issue.
  
  To learn more, check out Alan Calder's podcast below...
  
  Alan Calder on IT Governance, information security and ISO 27001 (BS7799): Talking ISO 27001

Project Management Professional Certifications

There are several well-respected Project Management Professional Certifications to note:
1. Association for Project Management (APM)
2. Australian Institute of Project Management
3. IPMA Validated Four-Level Certification Programme
4. Project Management Institute (PMI)

1. Association for Project Management (APM)

APM has a progressive structure of qualifications from the Introductory Certificate in Project Management through to Certificated Project Manager. Your level of experience will give you an indication of which level is appropriate for you; Introductory Certificate is for those with no project management experience. APMP is for professionals with more than two years, Practitioner Qualification is for project managers with at least 3 years experience and Certificated Project Manager is for senior professionals with extensive experience. There are also two Risk Management qualifications.

For more info see: http://www.apm.org.uk/

2. Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM)

This certification system is available in Australia currently, and will shortly be available everywhere else. The AIPM certification is available at three levels - project team member, project manager and program manager.

For more info see: http://www.aipm.com.au

3. International Project Management Association (IPMA) Validated Four-Level Certification Programme

IPMA has been in existence for forty years and is based in the Netherlands. The four certification levels are:
A. Certified Projects Director
B. Certified Senior Project Manager
C. Certified Project Manager
D. Certified Project Management Associate

For more information see: http://www.ipma.ch/
The USA Affiliate of the International Project Management Association is the American Society for the Advancement of Project Management (asapm). See http://www.asapm.org for more.

4. Project Management Institute (PMI)

Here at PMThink! we reference PMI a lot. Some of us are Project Management Professionals (PMP)’s, the highest level certification offered by PMI. There is also the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).

For more about both the PMP and CAPM certifications see: http://www.pmi.org/

Are there others that you believe are well-respected? Tell us!

Project Management e-Learning; Praxis Announces Virtual Campus

Praxis Learning Networks recently announced the Praxis Virtual Campus for project management, an online catalog of e-Learning solutions for PMP study, general project management topics, and MS/Project-specific activities.

Prices range from $20 to $845, so it's a cost-effective way to learn. Best of all, if you have a PMO certification, you can earn PDUs.

Welcome to Praxis Learning Networks' e-Learning Campus

Construction Project Management: LEED Green Building Certification ...

Johnson Controls introduces software-enabled process for simplifying sustainable green building construction. The software supports the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. ...

Construction Project Management: LEED Green Building Certification: Via Johnson Controls: Johnson Controls Launches Leedspeed Software to Expedite Environmental Green Building Certification ...

... "Leedspeed is divided into two sections: Assessment/ROI Planner and Project Management/Certification. In the Assessment/ROI Planner Section, the Leedspeed software automatically scores a project against the most current LEED-NC (new construction) or LEED-EB (existing building) standards. It then ranks potential LEED credits so building owners can determine the best green features to help them maintain budgets and gain environmental and social returns. ... In the Project Management/Certification Section, Leedspeed provides comprehensive project development and management functions by organizing tasks and responsibilities to properly manage workflow, maintains electronic work schedules for subcontractors, and archives building data. Finally, Leedspeed acts as an electronic repository of all the documentation needed to submit a LEED certification application using the required USGBC letter templates that can be loaded onto the tool. " ...

Leedspeed is powered by Enverity, industry leaders of Web-enabled software applications that corporations and municipalities use to improve their environmental compliance management. Enverity is managed by a former chief technology officer and co-founder of MarketXT, an online securities exchange, and a former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Bank environmental compliance expert.

PMP 2005 Exam Information & PMBOK 3rd Edition Changes

If you haven't already heard, the exam to become a Project Management Professional changed in 2005. It is based on the new Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK 3rd Edition).

According to the link below, the passing score is now 81.7%, the number of processes increased from 39 to 44, process flow diagrams were added, there were several changes to existing processes and even more has changed (not to mention, the book is just BIGGER!).

For more info about what's new in the 3rd addition see: Link

Project Management Certification: Global Recognition ...

Project manager certifications are gaining global interest. Ho Siew Yee explores the project management certification strategy at Kompakar, where a major investment in its project managers is expected to increase brand value, name recognition, and global status. ...

Project Management Certification: Global Recognition: Via Business Times: Kompakar raises spending to certify project managers ...

... "By year-end, all Kompakar project managers being deployed will be internationally-recognised project management professionals who will undertake large-scale overseas projects. " ...

Project Manager Certification: Info Session ...

Project Manager Certification: Info Session: Via TimesDispatch.com: METRO BUSINESS CALENDAR

... "Wednesday, Nov. 16: Virginia Tech Richmond Center offers an informational session on Project Management Certification, 6 p.m., 2810 N. Parham Road, Suite 300. " ...

Enterprise Architecture: SEC Future State: Troux Metis ...

Troux and ISI partner to drive the enterprise architecture transformation at the SEC over the next few years. ...

Enterprise Architecture: SEC Future State: Troux Metis: Via Troux: SEC Taps Troux Technologies and ISI for Multi-Year Enterprise Architecture Program

... "Troux Technologies, the global leader in IT Governance and Enterprise Architecture (EA) solutions, and Integrated Systems, Inc., a foremost 8(a)-certified systems integrator, announced they have jointly won a multi-year contract from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the SEC's Enterprise Architecture and increase its business value. Under the agreement, Troux and ISI will collaborate to provide the SEC's Office of Information and Technology with consulting expertise in documenting the SEC's current state architecture, and in developing and maintaining future state target architectures. ... Troux's Metis Enterprise is an Enterprise Architecture and planning solution that provides the basis for the transformation from an organization's current state to an optimized future state. It is designed with a highly scalable database that accommodates the volume of enterprise-wide data required for successful organizational transformation. Additionally, Troux's Metis offers a unique analysis capability, leveraging both the current and future EA states. The automated data collection in Metis, from disparate sources across the organization, keeps information timely and relevant. " ...

Integrated Systems, Inc. is dedicated to the development and implementation of high quality technology- and process-based solutions for government and commercial clients. Founded by Indrani Seetharam in 2000, ISI is a Minority Woman-Owned 8(a)-Certified small business, currently providing sophisticated technical solutions to the U.S. Treasury, the Departments of Homeland Security (US VISIT Program), Transportation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), Energy, Agriculture and Education; the National Archive and Records Administration; the State of Delaware; and the US Navy Space Warfare Center (SPAWAR). ISI's focus areas include Enterprise Architecture, Information Assurance, Information Security, Certification and Accreditation, Independent Validation and Verification and Life-cycle Management. ISI develops practical, affordable, and deliverable solutions of significant value to its clients, on or ahead of schedule.

Troux Technologies (pronounced "true") is a global provider of IT Governance software that accelerates IT and business transformation. Troux's IT Governance solutions enable organizations to strategically plan the enterprise, capture and analyze critical IT and business data and deliver actionable decisions to transform the business. Troux's breakthrough technology provides the enterprise-class information, policies, and analytics critical for IT excellence. With Troux, organizations succeed in breaking the traditional IT silos and effectively aligning IT with core business goals. Based in Austin, Texas, Troux Technologies serves the Global 1000 and government marketplaces.

ITIL Leader: David Ratcliffe Pink Elephant

ITIL is the recipe for IT services management success. Philip Quinn catches up with David Ratcliffe, CEO of Pink Elephant. Pink Elephant is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with operations worldwide. Pink Elephant works with organizations, including many of the Fortune 500, to improve the quality of IT services through the application of established best practices, such as the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL). ...

Via National Post: Flies around the world four times a year ...

... "We were the ones who launched this best-practice framework we support called the IT infrastructure library. If you think [in terms] of a restaurant ... it's the recipes you follow and the routines around how you keep the place clean... " ...

Additional PMThink References on ITIL:

• For Well-Rounded IT Project Management - Learn ITIL and PRINCE2


• IT Service Transformation Through ITIL Service Catalogs ...


• ITIL Certification BTO Software ...


• ITIL Helpdesk Transformation: Services Model


• ITIL IT Management Processes ...


• ITIL IT Service Management Differentiators


• ITIL Market Assessment: Podcast


• ITIL Microsoft Operations Framework Assessment ...


• ITIL Process Approach: Federated CMDB ...


• ITIL Process: Run IT Like Business ...


• ITIL Project: Cultural Implications ...


• ITIL Projects: Avoid Pitfalls ...


• ITIL Technology Standard Framework ...


• ITIL: IT Service Catalog: Alignment Focal Point ...


• Microsoft ITIL Sans CMDB ...


• Process Models: ITIL ITGovernance ...


• Ready or Not; Here comes ITIL


• Siebel CRM ITIL Ready: Helpdesk Capabilities ...

Project Management: Strategic Tool: Agile Enterprise

Business success is increasingly reliant upon executing change and transformation projects. Fostering a project management competency is one way to position the enterprise for the future. As the pace of change accelerates, the need for flexibility and the speed attained through agility become critical factors for success. The folks at PWC explore program and project management performance in support of the agile enterprise ...

Project Management: Strategic Tool: Agile Enterprise: Via PWC: Boosting Business Performance Through Programme and Project Management

... "The successful organization employs project management as a strategic tool to respond to this changing environment and to outperform those that do not adapt. An organization that excels at project management becomes an agile organization that knows how to deal with and drive change. " ...

PMThink references on change:

• Project Portfolio Management: Organizational Change Perspective PPM


• Project Change Management Culture Key ...


• Transformational Change IT Projects; Transformation or Emulation?


• Telecommuting Trend Forces Changes in Project Management


• Project Management Change Control: Benefits SDLC ...


• Process Change or Process Tool First?


• Starbucks Acquires Ethos Water: Who Says Projects Can't Change the World?


• PMP Exam Certification Changes: New Scoring, Eligibility Criteria, Credentialing

Increase IT Career Opportunities with Certifications & Education

This July 2005 article titled, "IT Certification: Increasing Women’s Career Opportunities" really could apply to anyone who may feel they aren't being taken as seriously as they should be. Some key points:

• For whatever reasons, there are STILL few women in senior IT and business roles
• Respected and relevant certifications/education can help to establish credibility and increase leadership opportunities (the key words are respected and relevant - if your company doesn't respect a Master's in Liberal Arts from City College, it probably isn't going to get you the corner office at THAT firm, but it may help you find your next job at a firm that values education in general; perhaps a Master's in Comp Sci or a certificate in Project Management from PMI (yes I am biased) would be more respected by your firm and relevant to your job, for example, and hey, it doesn't take as much time to achieve either)
• Most respected certification programs demand continual education and training for retaining the designation (PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP) is no exception)
• IT security and governance programs are reaching the top levels of organizations today - who are they going to choose to lead these important efforts? Someone with a string of respected and relevant certifications or not?

The answer is clear. Eat your alphabet soup - but pick out only the respected and relevant letters.

CertMag.com IT Certification: Increasing Women�s Career Opportunities

IT Service Delivery Management: Excellence Model

Ah!, the sweet taste of ITSM IT services management ... Hershey's adopt Sun Micro's service excellence model to improve the delivery of business value. Sun has developed a portfolio of aligned IT services, called SunTone. ...

IT Service Delivery Management: Excellence Model: Via Sun Microsystems: The Hershey Company Continues To Use Sun Microsystems' SunTone Service Excellence Model to Improve IT Service Delivery Management ...

... "Sun Tone is part of Sun's integrated portfolio of aligned services that provide IT infrastructure planning, assessments, and resolution services for customer business issues. SunTone helps enterprises derive greater business value from IT, transforming IT from a support function to a provider of business-led services that create competitive advantage. SunTone Service Excellence Model provides guidance and a measurement system for Sun Tone users. The new SunTone Service Excellence Model 3.0 brings advancements in industry standard and regulatory compliance, major enhancements in security, greater manageability, and requirements for financial management.

By adopting the SunTone Service Excellence Model and consistently operating enterprise data center services in accordance with SunTone certification requirements, Hershey was able to improve service availability and operational efficiency. Hershey was also able to reduce the time and effort required to meet requirements for IT governance. Hershey's experience is representative of a current global market trend to adopt IT service management (ITSM) principles to improve IT governance, compliance, drive operational efficiencies and derive greater business value from IT. The SunTone Service Excellence Model covers all the elements involved in delivering IT services -- system architecture, operational processes, and human skills. " ...

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 and Hershey's Cookies.