PMcrunch

Though I have not heard it made official all indications are that we are in recession. This appears to be not just for the United States but for much, if not most, of the rest of the world. The cause of this recession, of course, is the credit crunch and all issues surrounding that. So the big question is, “What can project and program managers do to cope with this recession?” I have some thoughts, and for reference have tapped into ideas of Jack and Susie Welch.

[Read more →]

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.

[Read more →]

There are many posts in the forums and blogs on the topic of whether it is better to go for a PMP or MBA. I think there is great value in both, but I think they serve 2 different purposes. Having earned both a PMP and an MBA, I have some definite thoughts on this, but of course in the end it is a personal decision.

[Read more →]

The business analysis function is one that needs to be managed with care and the wisdom of experience. Business analysts handle requirements management, systems analysis, business analysis, requirements analysis, or consulting. The various activities around these functions take place throughout the project and require continuous monitoring, starting at a high level near the beginning of the project. This post explores key business analysis activities throughout the project lifecycle.

[Read more →]

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.

[Read more →]

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.

[Read more →]

Software as a Service (SaaS) has been gaining momentum slowly but surely for several years now. Many people are concerned that software as a service (SaaS) provides security and availability issues, and are concerned about putting their data on posted servers. This is of interest in the Project Management community, as SaaS is very appropriate for project management applications. Here’s a little perspective on that issue.

[Read more →]

There is an interesting aspect to the relationship between processes and projects. Where processes are what keep a business flowing on a day to day basis, projects are what puts new processes in place, re-shapes existing processes, or replaces a process. Processes have lifecycle; most processes have a finite life. Thus projects have a very definite place in the lifecycle of processes.

[Read more →]

You’ve heard the term white paper somewhere before but you don’t know what it is. It would surprise you to know that white paper, as simple as it sounds, has an effect on the very country you reside in. There are a lot of popular white papers written over the years – particularly in government policies that affect the lives of many people. Nowadays, white paper is being used commercially by businesses all over the world. The purpose is to give detailed information on certain problems that their product can solve.

[Read more →]

Outsourcing, in the project management world, starts with the Work Breakdown Schedule (WBS). After all, how would you know what to consider outsourcing without knowing what needs to be done, in detail?

[Read more →]