Sep
15
2007
We are happy to announce that Steve Chandran has agreed to contribute to 1800projects.com.He will be contributing in his capacity as guest columnist.
Steve is a senior project manager with a leading organization in New york.During his decade long career, he has worked with a myriad of industries including power and Information technology.He has hands on experience managing projects for clients in India, The Netherlands and the US.
Steve lives with his wife and son in New Jersey .
Thanx Steve & Welcome to 1800Projects!!.
-Team @ 1800projects.com
Sep
09
2007
Any work that we do with in an organization can be classified into two types. They are
- A Project
- An ongoing operation
PMBOK defined project as a temporary endeavor that is undertaken to create a unique product or services.A project is characterized by:
- Its temporary nature
- The unique products or services that it creates
- Its nature of progressive elaboration.
[
Temporary nature: Means that the span of the project is temporary. The project team is set up to achieve a result/ accomplish a task, and once the task is accomplished , the project team is dismantled and do not exist as a tem any more.
Unique nature: Means that the project achieves some thing that is different from a thing previously achieved. It is not a replication of what was already done.
Progressive elaboration: Means that the project advances in stages and that the project team will know more and more specifics as the project progresses.
]
It must also be noted that a project comes about so that an organization can achieve a strategic objective .With in an organization, a project can come about due to various reasons.Some of the reasons are
- Market demand
- Organizational need
- Customer request
- Technological advance
- Legal requirement and so on .
The guide to PMBOK discusses only so many reasons. But in reality there are many more.
In contrast to that of a project, an ongoing operation is undertaken to sustain the organizations business. It includes the routine work conducted on a day today basis with in an organization.
Sep
09
2007
Over the years, project managers have accumulated knowledge and have created best practices and industry standards. This sum total of knowledge with in the profession of project management is called the PMBOK (Project management body of knowledge).This was not really compiled by any one and there was no way to access this “sum total” of all knowledge in the industry. That is when the PMI, did the tough lifting. It compiled the best practices and standard processes and created the Guide to PMBOK. The guide to PMBOK or simply the PMBOK guide is the subset of the larger PMBOK.Note that the PMP exam will be based on the “Guide to PMBOK”.
When PMI compiled the guide to PMBOK, it aimed at
- Creating a document that can be used by project management professionals across the industries.
- Creating a standard lexicon with in the profession so as to avoid un wanted confusions that arise in communication.
- Providing a base documentation by which, the project manager’s credentials can be measured (As in the case of the PMP exam, where the testing is based primarily on the guide to PMBOK).
We must acknowledge that the PMI has done a tremendous job in creating the guide to PMBOK.
The guide to PMBOK does not aim to be an all encompassing document, which contains all the industry standards and processes.Simply put, it is the base document on which you can plan your project from initiation to close. It is up to the project management team of individual projects to decide what has to be adopted from the guide and what should not be. Also it is up to the project management team to decide what more /what else must be added to their process. Thus due diligence is always needed while planning for your projects. This means that though a thorough understanding of the PMBOK is needed , as a project manager, it is not the only requirement for a successful project.
Also note that the guide is not industry specific. It is aimed at project management professionals across the industries.In layman’s terms it is basically a framework. How to use the guide is largely upto you, the project manager.
Topic Highlights:
- The guide to PMBOK is the subset of the project management body of knowledge.
- The guide to PMBOK was compiled and structured by the PMI
- The PMP examination is based on the guide to PMBOK.
- It is up to the project management team to decide how the suggestions and best practices in the PMBOK must be implemented.
- It is industry neutral and is aimed at all the project management scenarios across the industries.
Sep
09
2007
First of all let us be clear here.
- Unlike many other technical certifications, the PMP certification is not for all TDH.
- To become a PMP, and utilize it to the fullest (both professionally for you & the betterment of your organization and clients), you must have had hands on project management experience.
- We advice you not to attempt PMP if you have had no project management experience at all or if you are a freshman. Firstly, you will not be allowed to take the exam by the PMI. Secondly, preparing and sitting for PMP will have an enriching impact on your career only if you can relate it to what you are doing.
With the above points in mind, lets see the eligibility criteria for becoming a PMP.
To sit for the PMP exam, you must be at least a high school graduate. If you are only a high school graduate, you must have 7,500 hours of project management experience and this must be clocked in three years with in the last six years. If you have a bachelor’s degree or above, you are eligible to appear for the exam if you have 4,500 hours of project management experience and this must be clocked five years with in the last eight years. All the candidates must have 35 contact hours of PM education.
We will be posting soon on “How to get 35 contact hours”.
Once you have the above credentials, you must fill up the application form for the examination and send it (by post or electronically) to the PMI. PMI decides whether or not you can sit for the examination, based on your credentials. If you are accepted, you will be send an Authorization letter. You need this authorization letter to register for the exam at a convenient center. The examination will have 200 questions and will be of 4hours duration.
Important points/ Recap.
1.You must have the required credentials to apply for the exam.
2.Once you have the required credentials apply to the PMI.
3.Once approved by the PMI, use your authorization letter and register for the exam.
4.Take the exam (4 hour duration, 200 questions).
5.Become a PMP 
Important web sites:
1.PMI web site: www.pmi.org
2.PMP credentials hand book: http://www.pmi.org/PDF/pdc_pmphandbook.pdf
3.Prometric testing: http://www.prometric.com/PMI/default.htm
NAVIGATION HELP
<< PMP &PMI - An Introduction << |
Sep
07
2007
PMI or the Project Management Institute was founded in 1969 to provide a common platform for professionals involved in project management.The purpose was to create a platform where professionals could discuss problems of day to day project management, share knowledge , cement industry standards and so on. Founded by five individuals, this institute today’s boasts of more than 240,000 individuals across the world. Though most of the members are from North America,the largest growing membership is from the Asia Pacific region.
Project management institute worked towards creating an industry standard for Project Management professionals. The best and the brightest worked together to create the document that we call “The guide to PMBOK” [PMBOK - > Project Management body of knowledge].Today this guide is the base line on which best practices in the field of project management rests on.
PMI instituted the PMP certification, which has gained a huge popularity with in the industry. PMP is mainly based on the guide to PMBOK.In addition to mastery of all the stuff with in the guide to PMBOK, one should also have a strong project management experience to pass the exam. For those with lesser experience, PMI has the CAPM certification. Of late there are many other certification like PgMP (Program management certification)and others that are instituted by PMI. Of all the certifications awarded by PMI,PMP certification is the most widely known and acclaimed.
For more information please take time to visit the official PMI website at www.pmi.org.
Any one who has decided to pursue a career in project management must consider becoming a member of project management institute. The PMI website has many resources that can help you advance your career. More over once you become a member, you will get a free copy of the guide to PMBOK (soft version).You will also receive monthly PMI magazines and other literature. You will also be eligible for a discount when you register for PMP, if you are a PMI member with good standing.[Please refer PMI’s official website for more and updated information].
<< Previous Post : Good Reasons to be a PMP<< | >>Next Post : Are you eligible for PMP ?>>
Sep
06
2007
In this post I would like to discuss the reason why you should be get PMP certification.I assume the you (the reader) has already managed projects (full projects / sub) in various capacities. I do not expect you to be designated as PM, but you must have carried out certain PM functions with in your organization or for your client.
Gone are those days when the senior most person was designated as the Project manager or a seasoned technician was designated as the PM. In today’s world, where success and only success counts, organizations are rethinking on this strategy. In today’s challenging business environment, more and more organizations are in the process of building project management practices. It is amazing to see this paramount shift since every one and their brother wants their projects to be managed by experienced project managers (Guys who know how to deliver the promised stuff).This has given rise to a huge demand in certified project management professionals, who have substantial experience in project management and sound knowledge. As organizations diversify, integrate and interact with each other, the core project management profession has also developed its own standards and best practices. This initiative was led by the PMI, the result of which is the highly appreciated PMBOK guide, which is used as a base line by many practicing project managers. This has led to a scenario where a practicing PM or an aspiring one must have a sound understanding of processes and practices outlined in the guide to PMBOK. This coupled with good experience in project management will catapult a PM to an exotic commodity.
A PMP certification acts as an evidence or proof of competency as you strive to climb the corporate ladder.Though one might have years of project management experience, it is not always that one has followed the best practices.As you grow in your field of choice it is very important to learn new skills, tools and adhere to industry standards.Preparing for PMP exam itself will reinforce the best practices.
A PMP certification can open many doors. Perks involve getting better at what you do, recognition, pay rise, lateral career shifts, job satisfaction and more.A PMP certification demonstrates to the current and prospective employers as well as clients and colleagues that you have significant experience in your field and that you have formal education in Project management. In fact most of the companies today have mandatory requirements for PMP , for promotions and Project manager recruitment.
Highlights:
- More and more organizations are making PMP as a prerequisite for project manager recruitment
- Increasing list of clients would like their projects to be managed by PMP professionals.
- PMP certification is one of the most highly sought after, and are highly paid.
- The certification will distinguish yourself from those so-called “PM claimants”
- Will definitely help you improve the way you manage the projects.
- Will help you be more inline with the industry standard.