Key Project Management Observations

Where can I find information about project management courses?

There are thousands of places to find training all around the world, including in-classroom, online, DVDs etc. A good resource to consult is PMI’s Registered Education Provider Registry, which is a searchable list of PMI-accredited training providers. Of course at Key Consulting, we have our own project management courses.

This month we visited Legal Project Management (www.legalprojectmanagement.info). The blog’s owner and main writer is Paul C. Easton, Managing Director Global Colleague’s Asian division.

Legal Project Management is devoted to sharing information about legal project management, including relevant seminars and presentations, courses (both classroom and online), and books and publications.

The posts are largely informative in nature, although Easton does make editorial comments from time to time, sharing his own thoughts and opinions. When he does, his comments are generally brief but insightful. As an example, a recent posting discusses a survey regarding legal project management staff roles, in which he notes the survey’s omission of numbers of respondents, but nevertheless finds the results worth consideration. (Legal Project Management Staff Roles Survey, September 15, 2011.)

LegalProjectManagement.info appears to be a helpful tool for those who manage legal projects. Easton keeps abreast of the most current topics relating to legal project management, and has a good handle on the resources available in this field.

Is it appropriate to apply for a program management position with project management related work experience?

In the PMI world, a program is a collection of projects that all have a common objective, and a program manager is therefore coordinating the projects across the whole program.  A project manager manages individual projects.  However, some organizations use the term program management, when they mean project management.

Whereas “project management” has a fairly common definition these days, “program management” often means different things to different people. In your particular situation, I would look at the job description carefully, and if your skills and experience are appropriate, I’d apply.

I am missing one contact hour needed for PMP certification.  Where can I get my last contact hour?

Track down your local PMI chapter and attend an event that includes at least a 1 hour presentation. (i.e. not just a networking event.) This can count as your 1 remaining contact hour. Make sure that your attendance is recorded, and keep a copy of all handouts, presentation outlines etc.

As mentioned in our previous post, a new Project Management Professional (PMP)® examination will be released on 31 August 2011.  In the past, PMI has required candidates to track and report their hours of experience leading and directing projects for different tasks within each domain (Process Group).  On 31 August, PMI will update the PMP application to require candidates to track and report their hours only for each domain (Process Group).  Any candidates who have an application in progress at the time the change is made will have their experience hours migrated to the new application, so that no data is lost.

These changes are minor, should make the application process a little bit easier,  and shouldn’t cause an inconvenience for those candidates who are already into the application process.

As PMI transitions to a new PMP examination after August 31st,  they need to update the examination reporting processes. This means for a short period of time examination results will not be available immediately following the exam. There will be a 4–6 week period between taking the examination and receiving the results via email. A delay like this is necessary any time an exam changes, to validate the new examination structure. In particular, note the following details about the delivery of the examination results.

• Candidates who take the updated computer-based examination on or after 31 August will not receive immediate results at the Prometric testing center.
• Candidates taking the updated paper-based examination can also expect a delay in receiving their examination results.
• Once PMI validates the new examination structure (by mid-October) they will be able to resume providing individuals with immediate results at the Prometric testing center.
• Each PMP candidate will receive a communication to notify them when their results are available at PMI.org.
• All candidates can expect to receive their examination results by mid-October.

There are millions of nonprofits around the world, and these nonprofits initiate, plan, execute, and manage projects every day.  Now you can help your favorite charity manage its projects more efficiently and effectively with a free project management resource for non-profits.

The Project Management Nonprofit Practicum is a twelve hour workshop-training program for nonprofit organizations, which includes an instructor manual with notes and templates. The workshop was developed by developed by Millersville’s Nonprofit Resource Network (NRN) with grant funding from the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) and can be downloaded for no cost from the PMIEF website.

The PMIEF is a foundation committed to providing project management training for non-profits around the world. Through grants, programs, scholarships, and educational resources the PMI Educational Foundation brings the benefits and the power of project management to local communities and to the farthest reaches of the world for social good.

It’s a fact: today’s organizations are more likely to pursue PMI-certified project managers.  PMI credentials are valued by organizations for three major reasons:

• Recognition and Prestige. PMI credentials are used as a measure of competency when competing for new business opportunities. Because the credentials are global, an organization can enhance its reputation as an international player, which it might not otherwise have been able to accomplish.  For example: Global engineering firm CH2M HILL cites the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential and the PMBOK Guide as contributors to them winning the contract to enhance the Panama Canal. In 2014, Panama will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening with a newly completed third set of locks, expanding the canal’s size and capacity.
• The Power to Attract the Best of the Best. Certifications are indicative of an organization’s devotion to and investment in that profession. When there are more qualified people in the labor pool, such as in our current economy, companies can choose to hire only the most qualified individuals. Since 2003, Standish Group has been tracking the number of employers who require PMI certifications or their equivalent. Between 2003 and 2010, this figure has increased from 11% to 42%. In just this past year alone the figure has increased from 31% to 42%!
• A Way to Attract Younger Professionals. Organizations are examining how to capture Millenials (a.k.a. Generation Y: those born between 1982 and 2000) to build and propel corporate growth. Almost 3 out of 4 Millenials expect to seek a post-graduate degree or certification.

In general, PMI credentials increase an organization’s confidence that employees have a consistent understanding of project management. In turn, they increase customer confidence by showing that employees meet set standards and are consistent in their practice.

While credentials are only one element of a career development plan, they also help with retention by providing an opportunity for professional development, advancement and recognition.

Getting a project management certification is a commitment.  Make sure you choose the one that’s right for you – the one that best fits your current expertise and your future plans.  No one certificate is a pre-requisite for another, and you can apply for any one that matches your qualifications.  PMI’s main two certifications are:

Project Management Professional (PMP): This is the most globally-recognized and independently validated credential for professional project managers – perfect if you have demonstrated experience and competence in leading project teams.  If you’re an experienced project manager looking to solidify your skills, stand out to employers and maximize your earning potential, the PMP is the right choice for you.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): This is a good entry-level certification if you’re new to project management or still figuring out your career path.  If you’re a less experienced project manager looking to demonstrate your commitment to project management, improve your ability to manage larger projects or earn additional responsibility, and stand out to potential employers, the CAPM is right for you.

PMI was the first organization to offer credentials specifically for project managers. Today, their certification program remains the global standard, and their certifications are a pre-requisite for a significant number of positions. Right now (based on PMI data):

• Approximately 20% of the worlds GDP is spent on projects.
• Approximately 20 million people practice project management.
• 80% of high performing projects use a credentialed project manager.
• There are over 400,000 PMI credential holders in 170 countries, compared with fewer than 10,000 in 1997, mostly in North America.

PMI’s two most popular certifications are the PMP (Project Management Professional) and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management). PMI credentials provide:

• Flexibility: PMI credentials are not based on one specific methodology, making them flexible and adaptable. Those who hold PMI credentials can easily transfer them between industries, market segments or geographic locations.
• Applicability: PMI continually conducts in-depth studies to ensure that the credentials actually reflect the current skills, knowledge and best practices needed to succeed in today’s business world.
• Commitment: PMI’s credential maintenance program requires credential holders to continually develop skills and stay current by requiring a specific number of professional development units (PDUs) for each credential.
• Earning Potential: Project Management Professional (PMP) credential holders earn up to 10% higher salaries than non-credential holders, according to the PMI Salary Survey — Sixth Edition, 2009.
• Instant Recognition: Tremendous marketability comes from the prestige of PMI credentials. PMI has provided project management certifications for over 25 years, and the PMP credential was the first one designed specifically for project managers.