PMBOK & PMP
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is a collection of processes and knowledge areas generally accepted as best practice within the project management discipline. As an internationally recognised standard (IEEE Std 1490-2003) it provides the fundamentals of project management, irrespective of the type of project be it construction, software, engineering, automotive etc.
Project Management Models, Certifications and the Pyramids
All projects are really about change. Let's take my favorite project of all time: the pyramids of Egypt. Imagine a sweltering desert with miles of sand, snakes, and other scenes from an Indiana Jones film. Add a few million workers, some great plans, some scary mummies, and you've got the pyramids. All right, so my history is a little skewed, but I think you see my point. First it was nothing; then, after some planning and execution, there were the pyramids. What approach to project management do you think the pharaohs used? Does it matter?
Project Management Institute's PMP Qualification
Being the proud owner of my newly acquired PMP (Project Management Professional) title, I mentioned the qualification to an associate the other day and was met with an "oooooh, and...?." sort of look. I realised that until about a year ago, my reaction to the mention of PMP, as a professional title, was probably the same, simply because it had not been prominent in my profession. However, recently, and increasingly so, clients are beginning to require project managers to have formal project management qualifications of the caliber of PMP and PRINCE2. PMP is the certification for proficiency and competence in the discipline of Project Management, issued by the Project Management Institute based in the USA. PRINCE2 is the British counterpart.
Interest In Project Management Is On The Rise
Over the past ten years, the US-based Project Management Institute has grown from around 25,000 members to almost 250,000. This ten-fold increase represents a marked departure from the steady but slow growth of the organisation since its creation in 1969 and is a significant indication of an increased interest in project management.
PMP Exam Application
The PMI (Project Management Institute) has three levels of certification, starting with the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) which is the basic level and is intended as certification for project team members. The PMP (Project Management Professional) is the second highest level and regarded as one of the most valued credentials in project management. Anybody who has passed the PMP certification exam successfully and met the PMI's requirements for documenting their professional experience is entitled to use the abbreviation PMP after their name. A new certification, PgMP (Programme Management Professional) has been introduced by the PMI in late 2007 for Programme Managers.
An 8 Point Plan for Passing the PMP or CAPM Exam
Any good project manager knows the importance of having a good plan. So, if you are preparing for the PMP or CAPM exam, wouldn't it be a great idea to build a plan? As in life, many procrastinate, can't find the time, and myriad other excuses, and do not get where they want to go - to pass the exam. Be a planner, and practice good project management in the process.
PMP Exam Day Tips
You have devoted at least 4,500 hours to project work, you have sat through at least 35 hours worth of classroom training on project management, you have studied for hours and answered hundreds of practice questions, you have completed PMI's application for the PMP exam, you have paid the fee, you have received your acceptance letter, you have even scheduled your exam date. In short, you have a lot invested in this exam. Are you nervous?