 | US GAO Sets Sights on Scheduling |
| The U.S. GAO has now drafted a Schedule Assessment Guide (SAG); in 2009 they put out a GAO Cost Estimating There are big schedules and small schedules and long schedules and short schedules. GAO will use the SAG as they perform their job in reviewing programs undertaken by US departments and agencies.
They have listed ten best practices found in good schedules and will be expanding on each in the SAG with checklists. Here are the ten:
capturing all activities sequencing all activities assigning resources to all activities establishing durations for all activities schedule is traceable horizontally and vertically ensuring a valid critical path ensuring reasonable total float schedule risk analysis updating the schedule using logic and progress maintaining a baseline schedule
Want to review and comment on the exposure draft? Contact Karen Richey, director of the SAG project. You are sure to be aware of its availability when it's released -Partial content from: Ray Stratton, PMP, EVP EVM Newsletter #28 | |
Friday, December 30, 2011
Draft US GAO Schedule Assessment Guide (SAG)
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Reference Texts for preparing to take PMP exam
There are obviously numerous books one can use to prepare for taking the PMP exam. The two I have used the last several years for the classes I personally teach are:
PMP Exam Prep, Seventh Edition: Rita's Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam
by Rita Mulcahy (Author). This text version is the only one I have heard about that seems to reflect the latest "Scenario based" PMP exam (although I have not reviewed the 7th ed.). One might keep in mind that Rita passed away prior to this edition being released, so the value of the 7th ed. over the 6th may be questionable.
Some folks like to use more than one text, but IMHO if you have taken a Certificate PM program one text plus the PMBOK is sufficient. I would give Rita's 7th ed. a bit of an edge considering the new PMP exam version.
Achieve PMP Exam Success, 4th Edition: A Concise Study Guide for the Busy Project Manager
by Margaret Chu, Diane Altwies and Janice Preston. Mostly good, a few mistakes (check for the errata), some questions a bit too simple. No new edition reflecting the latest "Scenario based" PMP exam.PMP Exam Prep, Seventh Edition: Rita's Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam
by Rita Mulcahy (Author). This text version is the only one I have heard about that seems to reflect the latest "Scenario based" PMP exam (although I have not reviewed the 7th ed.). One might keep in mind that Rita passed away prior to this edition being released, so the value of the 7th ed. over the 6th may be questionable.
Some folks like to use more than one text, but IMHO if you have taken a Certificate PM program one text plus the PMBOK is sufficient. I would give Rita's 7th ed. a bit of an edge considering the new PMP exam version.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
From PMHub.net - First PMP Exam LL – new exam October 2011
Use the above link to read the first lesson learned for the new exam format I've seen from PMhub.net (good site to bookmark). Here is a partial excerpt below:
"PMP® Exam:
- As we are all made well aware, the Professional Responsibility domain has now been incorporated into the Process Areas, which eliminates the nice, obvious “do-the-right-thing” type of question. Means that now we need to think about the hard facts, as well as the soft logic that needs to be applied to the situation.
- My questions were very wordy and it took me the whole 4 hours to write the exam. I usually finish these types of tests in half the allocated time, but at the 2 hour mark, I was exactly at Question 100.
- Know your Input, T&T and Outputs! Not an option to think that logic will dictate if you have the processes memorised, which I first thought would be my approach – thank goodness I was advised otherwise.
- PTA did show up on my exam
- The majority of questions were not formula-type, which would have been nice, as I memorised all the formulas.
- All in all, it was a fair exam, in terms of content, but it was quite difficult, and I would recommend at least 2 months of study.
Catherine D’Amico-Maharaj, PMP®"
Friday, September 2, 2011
Congrats to Maddy Kerrigan - passed PMP
Hi Stu!!
Many thanks, yes I passed it and I must say it was all because of your great teaching style!!
Cheers,
Maddy
Many thanks, yes I passed it and I must say it was all because of your great teaching style!!
Cheers,
Maddy
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Congrats to Kim on passing the PMP
Stu,
Here is a summary of my approach to the test. I included some lessons learned in italics:
1. Assess your study need prior to signing up: I started studying BEFORE signing up for the test. This may not work to motivate everybody, but I had an external deadline to take the test by August 31. I did this to determine if I’d be ready.
For those who are in the current class and plan on taking the exam, take the exam soon after finishing the class. That was my intention and I just now took it. Everybody is busy, but the longer you wait, the longer you will have to study. Start studying during the review class and be ready to take the test within a few weeks of finishing the class.
2. Start Slow: It was hard for me to get into studying again. Knowing this, I started small and set small goals such as spending the first week developing a study plan and gathering study materials. Every week I would increase my study sessions.
3. Make your schedule fit your studying: Know that you will only be studying temporarily. You'll be more consistent with your studying if you make your schedule fit around your studying.
4. Buy A Study Guide: Do a search for a PMP study guide and pick one that suites you. Mine had an online companion that was easier to learn from than the book because it was narrated and visual.
In retrospect, having a study guide while in the class and "studying" it while going through the class would have helped me understand the concepts earlier. I personally didn't touch the PMBOK during my studies (Mainly because I cannot find it) and it is much harder to read than a well written study guide. However, for those that struggle with the concepts, the PMBOK should be read to get a good foundation.
5. Quiz your reviews: My review was organized by Knowledge Areas. Each time I finished my review of a knowledge area, I would take quizzes on that area and made sure I understood anything I got wrong. To further challenge myself, I would quiz myself by process group or particular processes as well. Be aware that taking quizzes on a particular knowledge area, process, or process group is much easier than an all encompassing quiz or exam because you are aware of where you are in the material. During the real exam, you will have to sometimes figure out what knowledge area or process group you are being questioned on.
6. Do Assessment and Practice Exams: Once my review was over, I spent a few weeks focusing on doing exams only, both short ones and full ones. Make sure to schedule a few full length exams. It's extremely tough to take a 4 hour long test. Make sure to practice reviewing your problems when you are done with the test. This is important because a good review can raise your score because you will be much calmer knowing you at least answered all of the questions.
I should have gotten exams from more than 1 source. The main reason being is that small differences in grammar or use of terms can throw you off during the test. Knowing that the actual exam questions may look different allows you to focus on what is being asked.
7. Know and Memorize any Calculation Stu presented: Earned Value is a must, but know how to do a decision tree analysis, calculate pay back period based on IRR, etc.
I only studied Earned Value equations, however, Stu's class really focused on getting to the root of all of the formulas and calculations involved in the PMI processes. This helped me with those problems even though I had not studied them.
8. Know and Memorize the Processes: Learn the 42 processes and know what process group and knowledge area they belong in. The chart in PMBOK should be memorized and the EXACT wording should be learned. There are 517 inputs, tools & techniques, and outputs. I did not memorize these, but I wrote them down as I studied. This allowed me to at least see them and know that they existed. This is important because the PMP exam will throw PMI sounding terms at you that will seem like the right answer. You should at least know the major output of each process and get familiar with the inputs.
9. Know the structure of the test: Obviously, every question answered correctly will help your score, but keep in mind that all questions (except for the 25 experimental ones) are worth the same amount regardless of difficulty. With that said, know which process groups are emphasized on the test and make sure you are proficient in those areas. For example, most questions come from the executing and the planning process groups.
10. Study the PMI Code of Ethics: Study the code and make sure you do practice questions that focus on this area. These are not always common sense. Understanding this code will also help in understanding how to answer scenario based questions because it will help you think like PMI does.
11. Review the Reference Books Stu Provided: The PMP exam is much broader than the material covered in the PMBOK. Review at least the portions of the books that Stu assigned.
12. Take the Test When Ready: Knowing that I spent almost 500 dollars on the test was motivation enough to make sure I was ready. Take the test when you are ready by making sure you are doing well on your full length practice exams. Keep in mind that 61% is all that is needed to pass. I didn't feel comfortable until I consistently scored in the 90's on my practice exams for a number of reasons. The first being that you will be more calm and relaxed prior to taking the test and it shows that you understand the material. The second being that, depending on how many sources you get the practice tests from and who put them together, you may end up seeing some of the same questions over and over. Keep in mind that you may not do as well on the real exam as you do in your practice exams because of this.
Kim Mizuno, Jr. PMP
Here is a summary of my approach to the test. I included some lessons learned in italics:
1. Assess your study need prior to signing up: I started studying BEFORE signing up for the test. This may not work to motivate everybody, but I had an external deadline to take the test by August 31. I did this to determine if I’d be ready.
For those who are in the current class and plan on taking the exam, take the exam soon after finishing the class. That was my intention and I just now took it. Everybody is busy, but the longer you wait, the longer you will have to study. Start studying during the review class and be ready to take the test within a few weeks of finishing the class.
2. Start Slow: It was hard for me to get into studying again. Knowing this, I started small and set small goals such as spending the first week developing a study plan and gathering study materials. Every week I would increase my study sessions.
3. Make your schedule fit your studying: Know that you will only be studying temporarily. You'll be more consistent with your studying if you make your schedule fit around your studying.
4. Buy A Study Guide: Do a search for a PMP study guide and pick one that suites you. Mine had an online companion that was easier to learn from than the book because it was narrated and visual.
In retrospect, having a study guide while in the class and "studying" it while going through the class would have helped me understand the concepts earlier. I personally didn't touch the PMBOK during my studies (Mainly because I cannot find it) and it is much harder to read than a well written study guide. However, for those that struggle with the concepts, the PMBOK should be read to get a good foundation.
5. Quiz your reviews: My review was organized by Knowledge Areas. Each time I finished my review of a knowledge area, I would take quizzes on that area and made sure I understood anything I got wrong. To further challenge myself, I would quiz myself by process group or particular processes as well. Be aware that taking quizzes on a particular knowledge area, process, or process group is much easier than an all encompassing quiz or exam because you are aware of where you are in the material. During the real exam, you will have to sometimes figure out what knowledge area or process group you are being questioned on.
6. Do Assessment and Practice Exams: Once my review was over, I spent a few weeks focusing on doing exams only, both short ones and full ones. Make sure to schedule a few full length exams. It's extremely tough to take a 4 hour long test. Make sure to practice reviewing your problems when you are done with the test. This is important because a good review can raise your score because you will be much calmer knowing you at least answered all of the questions.
I should have gotten exams from more than 1 source. The main reason being is that small differences in grammar or use of terms can throw you off during the test. Knowing that the actual exam questions may look different allows you to focus on what is being asked.
7. Know and Memorize any Calculation Stu presented: Earned Value is a must, but know how to do a decision tree analysis, calculate pay back period based on IRR, etc.
I only studied Earned Value equations, however, Stu's class really focused on getting to the root of all of the formulas and calculations involved in the PMI processes. This helped me with those problems even though I had not studied them.
8. Know and Memorize the Processes: Learn the 42 processes and know what process group and knowledge area they belong in. The chart in PMBOK should be memorized and the EXACT wording should be learned. There are 517 inputs, tools & techniques, and outputs. I did not memorize these, but I wrote them down as I studied. This allowed me to at least see them and know that they existed. This is important because the PMP exam will throw PMI sounding terms at you that will seem like the right answer. You should at least know the major output of each process and get familiar with the inputs.
9. Know the structure of the test: Obviously, every question answered correctly will help your score, but keep in mind that all questions (except for the 25 experimental ones) are worth the same amount regardless of difficulty. With that said, know which process groups are emphasized on the test and make sure you are proficient in those areas. For example, most questions come from the executing and the planning process groups.
10. Study the PMI Code of Ethics: Study the code and make sure you do practice questions that focus on this area. These are not always common sense. Understanding this code will also help in understanding how to answer scenario based questions because it will help you think like PMI does.
11. Review the Reference Books Stu Provided: The PMP exam is much broader than the material covered in the PMBOK. Review at least the portions of the books that Stu assigned.
12. Take the Test When Ready: Knowing that I spent almost 500 dollars on the test was motivation enough to make sure I was ready. Take the test when you are ready by making sure you are doing well on your full length practice exams. Keep in mind that 61% is all that is needed to pass. I didn't feel comfortable until I consistently scored in the 90's on my practice exams for a number of reasons. The first being that you will be more calm and relaxed prior to taking the test and it shows that you understand the material. The second being that, depending on how many sources you get the practice tests from and who put them together, you may end up seeing some of the same questions over and over. Keep in mind that you may not do as well on the real exam as you do in your practice exams because of this.
Kim Mizuno, Jr. PMP
Thursday, May 5, 2011
PMP Success!
CONGRATULATIONS to Murali, and many thanks for your kind note:
Professor Stu,
I passed the PMI PMP certification exam today - May 4 2011. I really want to express my gratitude to you in achieving the same.
I had the opportunity to attend 2 core courses that were taught by you at Southern California Edison – Rosemead - as part of UC Irvine Extension - Project Management Certificate Program -2009 - 2010
1. Procurement Management: Contracting, Subcontracting, Teaming
2. Project Risk Management
These are some of my experiences:
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Murali
Professor Stu,
I passed the PMI PMP certification exam today - May 4 2011. I really want to express my gratitude to you in achieving the same.
I had the opportunity to attend 2 core courses that were taught by you at Southern California Edison – Rosemead - as part of UC Irvine Extension - Project Management Certificate Program -2009 - 2010
1. Procurement Management: Contracting, Subcontracting, Teaming
2. Project Risk Management
These are some of my experiences:
- Since I had the PM Certification from UCI extn, I started preparing "sincerely" about 2 weeks prior to the exam spending on an average about 2 hours per day.
- Read PMBOK 4th. edition twice
- Read and re-read the UCI Extn course work
- Understood the ITTO's without memorizing them.
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Murali
Friday, April 1, 2011
Revised PMI PDU Reporting Structure for PMPs
The Project Management Institute (PMI) revised their Professional Development Unit (PDU) categories to its members that came into effect on March 1, 2011.
As of March 1, PMP's claiming PDUs need to claim the PDUs they earn according to this new structure. Some highlights of the new system are listed from the excellent pmhub.net summary (see link above)
The new category structure has been simplified; the number of categories has been reduced from 18 to 6. Categories are now indicated by letters rather than numbers; for example, the category for Enhancing the Project Management Profession is now Category E instead of Category 5.
The basic rule that one hour of activity is now worth one PDU (in-class sessions, volunteering, or attending PMI meetings, for example).
Categories include learning opportunities ( information sharing and collaboration over the Internet).
Certain categories have limits that require all credential holders to pursue some project management continuing education as part of their credential maintenance (You can't earn all of your PDUs by volunteering - you will need to earn at least some with continuing education.
The 3 year renewal cycle and number of PDUs required to maintain the credential remains at 60 PDUs for PMP certification holders.
The new structure has the following six categories:
For the following categories project managers can earn one PDU per one hour of class or study.
Category A: Courses offered by PMI's R.E.P.s or Chapters and Communities Category B: Continuing education Category C: Self-directed learning
Certification holders can earn a total of 45 PDUs in the combined Giving Back to the Profession categories.
Category D: Creating new project management knowledge (one PDU per one hour spent creating or delivering project management knowledge)
Category E: Volunteer service (one PDU per one hour of service)
Category F: Working as a professional in project management (PMPs can earn five PDUs for working six out of twelve months as a project manager).
The amount of PDUs you can earn for volunteering (at your local PMI chapter or at your favorite nonprofit or charity organization, has been increased from 20 to 45 total PDUs.
PMI's PDU table:
http://www.pmi.org/GLOBALS/~/media/Files/PDF/Certification/PDU%20CategStruct
ure_Final.ashx
As of March 1, PMP's claiming PDUs need to claim the PDUs they earn according to this new structure. Some highlights of the new system are listed from the excellent pmhub.net summary (see link above)
The new category structure has been simplified; the number of categories has been reduced from 18 to 6. Categories are now indicated by letters rather than numbers; for example, the category for Enhancing the Project Management Profession is now Category E instead of Category 5.
The basic rule that one hour of activity is now worth one PDU (in-class sessions, volunteering, or attending PMI meetings, for example).
Categories include learning opportunities ( information sharing and collaboration over the Internet).
Certain categories have limits that require all credential holders to pursue some project management continuing education as part of their credential maintenance (You can't earn all of your PDUs by volunteering - you will need to earn at least some with continuing education.
The 3 year renewal cycle and number of PDUs required to maintain the credential remains at 60 PDUs for PMP certification holders.
The new structure has the following six categories:
For the following categories project managers can earn one PDU per one hour of class or study.
Category A: Courses offered by PMI's R.E.P.s or Chapters and Communities Category B: Continuing education Category C: Self-directed learning
Certification holders can earn a total of 45 PDUs in the combined Giving Back to the Profession categories.
Category D: Creating new project management knowledge (one PDU per one hour spent creating or delivering project management knowledge)
Category E: Volunteer service (one PDU per one hour of service)
Category F: Working as a professional in project management (PMPs can earn five PDUs for working six out of twelve months as a project manager).
The amount of PDUs you can earn for volunteering (at your local PMI chapter or at your favorite nonprofit or charity organization, has been increased from 20 to 45 total PDUs.
PMI's PDU table:
http://www.pmi.org/GLOBALS/~/media/Files/PDF/Certification/PDU%20CategStruct
ure_Final.ashx
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Successfully passed the PMP certification exam
Joel Sanchez at Parker Aerospace recently passed the PMP exam; he attended one of our 2010 PMP prep classes.
- Congrats Joel! Any Lessons Learned to pass on?
- Congrats Joel! Any Lessons Learned to pass on?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Successfully passed the PMP certification exam - LL
Stu,
Just to let you know that I have successfully passed the PMP certification exam. Thank you for your help in the matter.
I can share the following LL which are pretty basic and have probably been mentioned before. I did not have any surprise in the test.
1- There is plenty of time to finish the exam and review it
2- Pay attention to the wording: if the question asks for "which process" look for a process in the list of answers, same for input, output, etc. (most of the times, there is only one item that meets the requirement)
3- I personally believe you don't need to memorize all the ITTOs. You just need to be able to recognize them and point on which process they belong
4- You have to know your acronyms (CPFF, NPV, etc.)
5- You might have to do some algebra with the EV formula (it's quite basic)
6- You should have an idea on the sequence for the different processes (for example, that you should define the activities prior to creating the schedule)
7- You should know what the different QA/QC tools are and what they are used for as well as the difference betwen QA and QC
8- Don't neglect the Profesional responsibility section
9- Learn the correct terminology
10- Finally, I did not spend hundreds of hours studying. I don't think that I have an particularly superhuman memory. I think that you just need to be disciplined and plan your study time so that the data stay fresh in your memory. A little bit everyday with more intensive sessions every few days probably work best in my humble opinion.
Best Regards,
Michel Loignon
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Free PMP Practice Exams
There are a number of free PMP practice exams which can be an excellent supplement to taking a PMP prep course and/or studying a PMP prep book. IMHO, for those of you who are very disciplined, just using the numerous free resources available on the internet (pmhub.net is one of my favorites) and diligent, robust studying will enable one to pass the PMP exam. For others (I count myself among them) taking a prep course/Certificate program and lots of practice tests is better, or best - all of the above.
Free PMP Exam Questions (PMBOK 4th edition):
Oliver Lehmann 75 questions
http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htm
Oliver Lehmann 175 questions
http://www.oliverlehmann.com/contents/free-downloads/175_PMP_Sample_Question
s.pdf
PM ABC 100 PMP Exam Questions
http://www.pm-abc.com/Free_Simulated_Test.asp (bottom of page)
HeadFirst Free 200 PMP Exam
http://www.headfirstlabs.com/PMP/pmp_exam/v2/quiz.html
PM Study FREE 200 QUESTION SIMULATED PMP/CAPM TEST
http://www.pmstudy.com/freeresources/freeSimulatedTest.asp
Free PMP Exam Questions (PMBOK 4th edition):
Oliver Lehmann 75 questions
http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htm
Oliver Lehmann 175 questions
http://www.oliverlehmann.com/contents/free-downloads/175_PMP_Sample_Question
s.pdf
PM ABC 100 PMP Exam Questions
http://www.pm-abc.com/Free_Simulated_Test.asp (bottom of page)
HeadFirst Free 200 PMP Exam
http://www.headfirstlabs.com/PMP/pmp_exam/v2/quiz.html
PM Study FREE 200 QUESTION SIMULATED PMP/CAPM TEST
http://www.pmstudy.com/freeresources/freeSimulatedTest.asp
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