PMcrunch

Basic project management teaches us that quality is defined by meeting requirements, but not exceeding them. If we deliver more than what the customer asked for, it is considered to be gold plating - a bad thing. The premise is that there is a balance as per the triple constraint among quality, cost and schedule, and that it is the job of the project manager to manage that balance. In these tough times, however, how can a project manager produce excellence and in essence exceed customer expectations without gold plating?

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On your project teams over time, there surely have been “pivotal performances”. Just like in a basketball game there was something that the winning team did throughout the game, that proved to be pivotal to the outcome of that game. There are things that each team member, and the team as a whole does throughout a project, that are pivotal to the projects success. The question is, how do you find those things, and how do you get your project team to turn in pivotal performances, routinely.

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Candidates for the PMP exam usually have some level of project management experience career; indeed, it is required in order to qualify to take the PMP exam. However there are many structures, terms and concepts that are part of the PMP exam that PMP candidates need to master. These are the things that you will learn and this is the growth you will experience that takes you beyond your project management experience base. Let’s take a look at some keys for a project plan to pass the PMP exam.

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Time Management and Prioritization go hand in hand. It is very difficult to think of one without the other. Let’s think about them separately for a moment and then see where they really fit together.

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In today’s fast-paced environment, human resources and talent management are of prime importance and concern in virtually all organizations.  The pace of change makes matching job skills with assignments very challenging.  Many organizations have responded with a "learning function" within the organization.  Let’s look at how this trend and how you can ensure the strong project […]

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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.

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Project Portfolio Management, like Investment Portfolio Management, is a balancing act that requires constant monitoring and adjustment over time. Whereas an individual may have the right balance of risk, return, income, growth and others represented in an investment portfolio, a project portfolio is similar in many ways. Risks, returns, resources required, and alignment with overall strategy are just a few of the factors that must be kept in balance over time.

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Time off is not just a luxury. It’s a responsibility of leadership for project managers and program managers. Especially in summer, where schedules tend to be a little lighter, it is easier to take some time off and connect with others who also are taking time off. Taking time off helps us personally, as well as our families and social relationships, but it is also a big gain for members of our project team, as everyone appreciates an organization that acknowledges and values time outside of work.

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I have encountered misunderstandings numerous times due to different concepts of the meaning of the word ‘plan’. There are various types of plans. In Project Plan Integration, we pull together various aspects of the project plan, which taken separately actually represent separate plans. One of those plans, the Configuration Management Plan, is one that I have encountered misunderstanding over.

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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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