PMcrunch

In our increasingly matrixed world, the job of the project manager does not always involve having complete control of project resources – requiring some unique skills.

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There is no better dose of reality, than the power of pushback.  It occurs in every walk of life and, utilized properly, can be our friend in the project management process.  It comes in most handy when dealing with uncertainty.  It also keeps us honest about our prospects.

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In the realm of project management certification, there is a transition occurring in the exam for the project management professional (PMP) certification exam. On January 1, 2009, the 4th edition of the PMBOK was officially published. Many people wonder, especially at this point in time, whether they should take the 3rd edition exam or wait to take the 4th edition exam.

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Project and program managers today are in a position of needing to grapple with many tough choices. We need to assess and re-assess our options and, in an almost tortuous way, develop a positive way ahead to communicate with our stakeholders. For us, the process of going through that struggle is important. But to our stakeholders, what is important is the positive way ahead that we have developed.

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Many people who consider getting into the project management profession are also considering other options, such as earning a degree perhaps in project management. There are also certificate programs where students earn a certificate in project management. The options for programs like this are many. Earning a certificate could include going to school full time, night school, or various online courses. Another option is simply to take some kind of training in the classroom, or online, or maybe in independent study groups, or some combination of those, and simply earn a certification like the PMP Certification.

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There are many ways to earn the 60 PDUs required to maintain PMP certification. Many PMPs consider this to be a challenge. However, with proper planning (remember, we are PMPs!), earning those PDUs can become a part of your regular professional life and can be a breeze. Here’s how.

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It can be very helpful for PMP candidates to have a PMP Mentor, or someone who is PMP certified and can assist on a moment’s notice when the student is stuck. A PMP mentor can provide a high level of comfort and assurance that a candidate is on the right path to passing the PMP certification exam.

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IT project management is a very wide-open field, and can readily refer to IT infrastructure project management or software application development or both. Opinons vary as to what appropriate training means for IT project management, including the depth and type of technical skills, the unique project management methodologies, and a great deal in between.

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Here is a quick compilation of non-affiliated (I hope) advice on preparing for the PMP. Advice on PMP prep abounds on the web, and I have tried to separate out the commercial pieces to provide information as unbiased as possible.

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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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