Study for the PMP Exam on Your iPod

Cornelius Fitchner, the project management podcasting pioneer (see The PMPodcast.com), has done it again. This time, he has created The Project Management PrepCast(tm), a new and unique way to study for the PMP exam. For those on the go who are studying for the exam, this is a great method to learn (and as it says on the website, probably a darn sight more entertaining than simply studying the PMBOK).

There's a free version available now, and a premium version coming in January 07. The prices aren't listed yet, but it'll probably be much more affordable than alternative options.

Here's the link...

The Project Management PrepCast™ - Home

Yogi Berra on Project Management

There's a cute article in Computerworld called Yogi Berra, PMP. The article uses the baseball great's famous quips to make some compelling points about managing projects.

Of course, it didn't include one of my favorites as it applies to project management. When someone said to Yogi, "Hey Yogi, I think we're lost," he replied, "Yeah, but we're making great time!"

Unfortunately, this happens all the time in project management. Many methodologies focus on schedule, budget, and execution----and fall short when it comes to defining the problem and goals (and aligning them with the organization's needs). As a result, we end up getting to the wrong place fast.

Here are some other fun Yogi quotations, and here's the Computerworld article...

Yogi Berra, PMP

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

Leading and Influencing: The Project Manager's Secret Weapon

There's an excellent article by Frank Saladis on allPM about how to lead and influence others. Topics such as boosting your credibility, practicing empathy, and maintaining organizational awareness are discussed, as well as some good tips for engaging team members and obtaining buy-in.

From my experience, these are the things a project manager needs to get right. The rest is just details.

Here's the article. Well worth reading.

Positive Leadership in Project Management – Team Building, Influencing and Leadership By Frank P. Saladis, PMP :: ALLPM Project Management :: Project Manager - Project Management - Information - Forum Manager- PM Tools - Articles -PMI

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

The Making of a PMI Standard; Behind the Scenes

For those who wondered what goes on behind the scenes of creating a PMI global standard, there's a nice writeup in the latest PMI Community Post, which gets sent to all certified PMPs.

In the article, titled Evolution of a PMI Global Standard, PMI reveals the standards creation process, from the project approval and charter through the team selection, standard development, and exposure draft process.

Having served on the leadership team for PMI's new Standard for Program Management and Standard for Portfolio Management, I can say that volunteering on a standards creation project is very rewarding.

It's an opportunity to work with the best in the business and get involved in a large virtual project with people from all over the world. I definitely recommend the experience. Plus you get to earn PDUs if you're a certified PMP.

For those interested in volunteering, here's PMI's Volunteer Opportunity website, which has a link to the Opportunity Page. Tell ' em PMThink sent you.

Project Management Book - An easy, worthwhile summer read

Just started reading Napoleon on Project Management by our own PMThink co-founder, Jerry Manas.

I am one of those people who generally falls asleep within 10 seconds of watching the history channel, and so far, even I love this book. (And believe me, I would tell Jerry if I didn't!)

Why? It is an easy read - I started reading it on my commute home, which involves 2 subway rides, and was actually able to recall the key points over dinner with my husband (who is a PMP and MBA and appreciates books on leadership like this one).

Jerry - thank you for an interesting and worthwhile summer read. I'll hand it off to my hubby when I'm done.

PMThinkers, go to manasbooks.com to learn more about the book or simply click on the ad on this page to order it. Enjoy!

Best,
FemPM

Project-Based Instruction: Technology Educator Recognized ...

Project-based instruction is fun, yet challenging for students, and integrates multiple perspectives into the learning process. Penn State instructor recognized for technology education. ...

... "Samir Shah, an instructor in information sciences and technology at Penn State York, was recently honored by the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania (TCCP) as the 2006 Technology Educator of the Year. Most of his advanced courses are project-based and designed to bring both local and international experience to students by incorporating real-world classroom projects. Shah's areas of research interest are in global IT project management and software development. Shah has earned his Masters degree in Engineering Sciences from Penn State Harrisburg. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). " ...

Project-Based Instruction: Technology Educator Recognized: Via Penn State York: Faculty Member Named Technology Educator of the Year ...

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 Podcast; Hear About Best Practices

I'd like to thank The Project Management Podcast for mentioning PMThink in their latest episode, as well as a generous review of the two podcasts I had done to date. I must say I was impressed with the depth, breadth, and quality of their radio show.

My hats off to Cornelius Fichtner for pulling off such a professional and entertaining series, and for being a true pioneer in the project management podcasting arena. Here's some more info about his show...

The Project Management Podcast, a free "internet radio show", is hosted by Cornelius Fichtner, PMP and brings project management topics to beginners and experts. The show is an entertaining and educational mix of both current trends and best practices in project management. Using a podcatcher software such as iTunes or iPodder you can subscribe to the show and have it automatically downloaded to your MP3 player. No player? No problem! You can also just listen to the show on your computer speakers. Individual episodes and subscription links are available at http://pmpodcast.blogspot.com.

I highly recommend the show for those looking to broaden their project management horizons.

Free PMP Exam Video Lecture Series from TSI

As reported in PMForum, TSI (True Solutions, Inc.) is now offering a series of 47 videos as part of a "PMP® Lunchtime Lecture Series." It's completely free, and is geared toward those studying for their PMP or CAPM exams, or those already certified that are looking for tips or refreshers. Even the companion documents are free.

For anyone studying for their PMP exam, it's bound to be an excellent resource.

PMI PMP Training, Exam prep courses

Project Management Exam Prep ...

Upcoming PMP exam prep course ...

March 16-18: The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the Project Management Institute will conduct a three-day project management professional exam preparation course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Liberty Hall, 800 Eisenhower Drive, Kimberly. The course is designed to tutor attendees through the PMI Project Management knowledge areas and code of professional conduct with the focus of helping students prepare to pass the PMP exam.

Project Management Exam Prep: Via Appleton Post-Crescent: Business planner ...

PMP Exam Prep Course ...

PMP Exam Prep Course upcoming ...

... "March 16-18: The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the Project Management Institute will conduct a three day Project Management Professional exam preparation course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Liberty Hall, 800 Eisenhower Drive, Kimberly. The course is designed to tutor attendees through the PMI Project Management knowledge areas and Code of Professional Conduct with the focus of helping students prepare to pass the PMP Exam. " ...

PMP Exam Prep Course: Via Appleton Post-Crescent - Business planner

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

PMI Reviewing New Exam Questions; Clarification of Rumors

Rita Mulcahy at RMC Project Management (and creator of an excellent PMO Exam Study course) posted a clarification on her site of PMI's recent announcement regarding the review and possible revision of new exam questions.

PMI's normal process is to review the performance of questions after new exam is released, and as such they are doing it with this exam. They may remove or rewrite certain exam questions as needed, and would adjust the score of those who have taken the exam accordingly.

Apparently, rumors have gotten out of hand, and Rita clarifies them below...

Clarification of PMI Announcement Regarding PMP Exam: Are the Rumors True?

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

Government Projects: Higher Spending and Delays ...

Government project culture needs an infusion. ...

Government Projects: Higher Spending and Delays: Via Business Standard: Economy & Policy: Govt spends 42% more on project delays ...

... "Even in the information technology sector, only a third of all projects are completed on time and within budgets, and give the originally anticipated value, says Gregory Balestrero, global CEO of Project Management Institute (PMI). " ...

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: 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

PMP eLearning Alliance Drives Project Manager Development

PMP eLearning Alliance Drives Project Manager Development: Praxis and Measure Twice Announce Alliance: Via Praxis Learning Network

Praxis Learning Networks and Measure Twice, creator of the PM Final software testing tool for project managers, create alliance to advance project manager development for the PMP exam ...

... "Praxis will develop and maintain the question bank used in PM Final to test project managers in preparation for the Project Manager Professional (PMP) certification exam. Measure Twice will focus on further developing the PM Final tool to provide greater capability for individuals and training organizations to track exam results, test by knowledge area, and build comprehensive content exams. The Praxis question bank has been completely redeveloped and aligned with the Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge, Version 3.0. " ...

Project Management: Open Source Compatible ...

Project Management: Open Source Compatible: Via Important Projects: Getting Things Done: Managing Software, People and Projects ...

Rob Purdie, PMP, posts about recent experience that demonstrates synergy between project management and open-source software projects ...

... "project management tools and techniques, traditional or otherwise, can be applied to community development and/or open source projects because project management is about just that --- the appropriate application of skills, knowledge, tools and techniques. " ...

ITProject Manager Alternatives to PMP ...

ITProject Manager Alternatives to PMP: Via IT Project Management at tribe.net

Alternative(s) to PMP certification for IT project managers ...

... "There is also the Project+ Certification. It costs far less, doesn't have all the persnickety rules, doesn't sunset, seems more focused on IT, and I particularly appreciate the focus that Element-K and other Project+ curriculum give to the Project Manager's role in creating the project charter. " ...

New 2005 PMP Exam

The new PMP exam is coming! Here's the quote from PMI's website.

PMI officially announces that it will deploy the updated PMP credential examination (referred to as the “2005 Examination” for purposes of this communication) globally at 14.00 GMT on 30 September 2005. Five days prior, a “black-out” period (beginning on 25 September 2005) will commence during which the PMP credential examination will be unavailable.

See the PMI wesbite below for more info:

New 2005 PMP Exam

The Project Manager's Ethical Dilemma

As anyone who took the PMP exam knows, the most difficult decisions in project management are not technical-related decisions, not are they process-related. They are usually political or ethical issues, especially when dealing with unfamiliar international situations.

This article by Janet Williams on the Business Improvement Architects website offers concise, sage advice when dealing with ethical dilemmas, especially when working internationally.

The Project Manager's Ethical Dilemma

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

Check out the latest info on the new PMP Exam for 2005, from Rita Mulcahy's RMC Project Management website. RMC Project Management is world reknowned for their PMP certification preparation products and courses.

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

Project shmoject - Just gimme a frickin issues list...

How many times have you heard this? And you know what? They may be right (under the right circumstances)! Some of the best perceived projects I've managed have been those where I had a one-page milestones list and an issues list, and communicated the hell out of the project. Simple as that.

At each weekly status meeting, after going through this week's issues, we reviewed the milestones. I asked questions like: "What percent complete are we on these?" "How much time have each of you spent on these in the last week?" "Is there anything standing in the way of meeting our next milestone, and if so, how do we resolve it?" I put together a simple Earned Value chart and management was happy. Simple, flexible, and fast - three principles of any good project.

Will this work for every project and in every environment? No. But it'll work more often than we care to admit (and this is coming from a PMP-certified, project management evangelist). Of course, we still need a business case and a collaborative effort putting the plan together. But once the plan is developed, the milestones and issues list can often take you the rest of the way. As Eisenhower said, "Plans are nothing. Planning is everything." Food for thought.

Project Portfolio Management Seminar: At PMI Congress ...

Project Portfolio Management Seminar: At PMI Congress: Via PMI > PMI Global Congress 2005 - North America > Seminars > Seminar 16: Project Portfolio Management: A Practitioner's Approach

Prasad Kodukula, PhD, PMP presents project portfolio management seminar at the upcoming PMI congress in September ...

... "learn best practices, tools and techniques that will help you with project assessment, prioritization, selection, tracking and termination. This how-to seminar presents a step-by-step approach to managing a project portfolio using hands-on practical tools and case study exercises. " ...