PMcrunch

Whenever you need to introduce a new service, which typically is intended to take the form of a process, you need to create a project. This is much like building a bridge, setting up a new bank brankch, or implementing an IT project. There is an idea for a project end state, and the project is getting to that end state. All of this is particularly applicable to IT projects.

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Using organizational charts in project-planning is very effective in a number of ways. One of the interesting things about organization charts is that they can benefit the project at various times in the lifecycle.

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The learning curve was “invented” many years ago. It refers to the competitive advantage derived from having learned a great deal about a product, service, market, or other competitive factors along the way. The learning curve can be a tremendous source of competitive advantage to organizations that have rode it upwards, especially when compared to those who have not yet accomplished that learning.

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By definition all projects must come to a close. This definitive ending to the project represents the end of the project management process, but that end also signifies a new beginning. Successful execution of the closing process within a project helps to ensure that the value of the project is realized.

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Program Management within an organization involves managing longer term initiatives that involve multiple projects. The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a Program Management Certification – the Program Management Professional (PgMP) – for experienced professionals who are interested in advancing their knowledge of program management and credentials for a continuing career in program management.

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I say, a resounding YES to the question “Is a political campaign a project?”. Why? Well, a political campaign has a distinctive beginning and end, and in between there is a lot of planning, a great deal of execution, and a great deal of monitoring and controlling. And of course there is a closing – usually with lots of lessons learned. Let us look a bit at these elements.

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Engineering analysis is often an input to overall project management. However, in larger organizations, or in consulting firms that service a multitude of customers, the engineering analysis is a project unto itself. This brings to the surface the question, “What is the process for these types of projects, and how does it map to the PMBOK?”

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Many PMs would benefit by earning another certification because of their industry or functional affiliation. For example, it may be career enhancing for a PM in the pharmaceutical or construction industry to earn another certification, to complement the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, directly related to their industry. Similarly, some PMPs might specialize in certain functional areas, like Human Resouces, Supply Chain Management, or financial projects. There are often certifications related to those, and you can earn PDUs to maintain your PMP certification while preparing for some of these other certifications.

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One of the keys to documenting project management experience for the PMI is to map it to project management processes and project management knowledge areas. This will awaken you to what you actually have done related to project management, and will also awaken you to things that you can do. It also has the benefit [...]

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