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Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep – New Upgraded Tenth Edition

Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep - New Upgraded Tenth Edition b

RMC Learning Solutions has combined its best-selling PMP® exam preparation book with our number-one exam simulation software to create a new upgraded PMP® exam preparation product that combines the best features of both to help you pass the PMP exam.

PMP® Exam Prep Upgraded

  1. What is the PMP Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded?
  2. How is the PMP Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded Different?
  3. Rita’s Exam Prep Reach
  4. The Ongoing Problem of Infringement

What is the PMP Exam Prep, Tenth Edition-Upgraded?

PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition — Upgraded  is FULLY updated to reflect PMI’s changes to the PMP® Examination Content Outline (2021).  It is intended for the current PMP® exam and will continue to be relevant throughout 2022.  This Upgraded Edition of our best-selling book now includes a license to the new PM FASTrack® – PMP® Exam Simulator – Version 10 Basic subscription.  PM FASTrack® Basic includes all the great features of our full online exam simulator.

Our book continues to offer the content and techniques you expect to help you pass the PMP® exam on our first try. You’ll find hundreds of sample questions and thought-provoking exercises along with critical time-saving tips. Rita’s Course in a BookTM will teach you Tricks of the Trade for passing the exam and help identify gaps in your knowledge with content developed exclusively by RMC. Busy project managers can optimize study time and focus on what matters to become certified.

How is the PMP Exam Prep, Tenth Edition-Upgraded Different?

Our prep book is now supplemented by our new exam simulator that gives you access to multiple focused tests.  These tests are designed to be taken after completing study of a specific topic from the book: Knowledge on a topic can be tested by answering the questions at the end of the chapter and taking the focused test in FASTrack®. After completing focused tests, the student then takes the full, 180-question exam simulation to determine whether they are ready for the exam.

The PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded contains the following features:

  • Exam Simulation digital access to exam prep questions from our 2200 + question database including:
    • 8 focused online exams with questions and answers
    • 1 complete 180-question PMP® exam simulation
  • Agile, hybrid agile and predictive project management content covered on the exam
  • Exclusive study techniques to help you focus on what you really need to know pass the exam

A straightforward approach to complex material and includes more than 400 exercises and practice questions in the book

Rita’s Exam Prep Reach

The philosophy behind all these products is to give learners multiple pathways to preparing for the PMP® exam. The method works and continues to be effective; however, we have come to realize that there are some students who may need more than just the book to prepare for the exam but do not wish to purchase the complete RMC system.  For these students we created the PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded.  Now, for the price of the book, students are given an added resource to help them to pass the PMP® exam.  It’s an exciting addition to our lineup of products for students who wanted something in between.

We also recognize that PMP® candidates are getting younger.  These students are more comfortable with online content and have come to expect some online learning as part of their test preparation experience.  PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition – Upgraded is designed for these students.

For more than 25 years, Rita Mulcahy’s® PMP® Exam Prep book has been helping project managers all over the world pass the PMP® exam.  To complement the book, RMC published its exam simulation software and then the Hot Topics flash cards, creating an integrated system (“The System”) to pass the PMP® exam.  The System was supplemented by an audio book.  These products are effective and (along with our PMP® Exam Prep eLearning course) provide a comprehensive approach to preparing for the PMP® exam for those students wishing to self-study for the exam.

The Ongoing Problem of Infringement

One of the problems of having the number-one best-selling PMP® Exam Prep book in the world is the fact that infringement and illegal copying is a comprehensive problem.  Our book is sold all over the world.  It is also illegally copied all over the world.  We see print copies that have typos, pages that stick together, duplicated paragraphs or they simply fall apart when opened.

We aim to bring a quality product to our students, so this is not acceptable to us. Currently the only way to purchase a genuine copy of Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition is to buy it directly from us or from the Amazon store (not a third-party seller on Amazon).

RMC Helps You Prepare for the PMP

Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition is still the premier exam preparation book in the industry.  This is borne-out by pass rates and feedback we receive from our students.  PM FASTrack® is still the best exam simulator in the industry.  It is continuously updated with new questions, including questions relating to concepts contained in PMBOK® Guide―Seventh Edition, and questions in PMI’s new question formats.

RMC’s PMP® Exam Prep System combines the power of our book, exam simulator and flashcards. Our PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition audiobook provides an alternative to the printed book to improve the convenience of your exam preparation experience. RMC’s PMP® exam prep virtual instructor-led classes and eLearning course still represent some of the best ways to prepare for and pass the PMP® exam.  And now, joining these products is our PMP® Exam Prep, Tenth Edition — Upgraded.

Contact us today if you have further questions about the PMP® exam or to explore which exam prep option is best for you.

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Project Vision and Mission

Two Business colleagues standing around table discussing

Project managers are expected lead, engage, and empower their teams and stakeholders toward outcomes that deliver value to the organization and your customers. Defining a clear project vision and mission for the project gives direction and meaning to the team to deliver the project goals. This leads to greater accountability for the” why” and “how” of the project.

Establishing the mission and vision is key, whether you are executing a predictive or agile project or using a hybrid approach. Let’s define what’s in a vision and mission statement and how to craft one of your own.

Vision and Mission for Projects

  1. What is a Vision and Mission for Projects?
  2. Why is the Project Vision and Mission Important?
  3. Connecting Work and Achievement
  4. How Do You Create a Vision and Mission Statement?

What is a Vision and Mission for Projects?

Project Vision Statement – The Why Project Mission Statement – The What and The How
  • Communicates where the organization or customer want or need to be at the end of a project.
  • The vision helps state the expected benefits and the future state where the benefits will be realized.
  • Defines the problem we are trying to solve or the goal we wish to achieve. It includes the purpose, focus and the objectives for what we are trying to do.
  • The mission describes how the team will work to deliver the product, service, or result.  It focuses on the approach to achieve the objectives.

Why is the Project Vision and Mission Important?

The vision empowers the project team by answering “why.”  Team members are tired of just executing without a sense of the bigger picture.  They want to be a part of the solution, making a difference through their contributions.  Vision gives direction and meaning to the work.  It helps fosters growth and engagement in the effort.  It lends focus to the project and can lead to better ideas and fewer fire drills.

The mission confirms the benefits and value of the project. It answers the “what” and “how” question. The mission helps motivate your team to move forward, allowing each team member to own their work and decisions to support the common goal.  It provides the basis for performance metrics and evaluation. When the team understands the direction, it informs their analysis and decision-making. Mission also establishes a framework for work behaviors and responsibilities.

Connecting Work and Achievement

The communication of the project vision and mission is an ongoing part of the plan. The vision and mission need to be shared with project stakeholders. Regularly refer to them in meetings and other communications to maintain alignment and identify possible misunderstanding.  Link them to efforts, deliverables, and milestones through the project. Use them to inspire and motivate the team.

How Do You Create a Vision and Mission Statement for a Project?

Prepare the Team:

Set the stage by preparing them for what will happen and its value. The investment in the team’s knowledge inspires their commitment.

  • Define what the team will be doing, why and when?
  • Communicate how the vision and mission statements will be used.
  • What are known project objectives.
  • Prepare for resistance.
  • Understand the needs and of introverts and extroverts.

Create the Project Vision Statement:

Describe the desired future state of the project. It answers the “why” question. Your vision statement can be written out or it can be mapped out to give the team guidance and direction. Include the following key elements:

  • What are the final project goals? What are you trying to achieve through the project?
  • List examples in broad terms of what the future will look like. Ask what is the greater good you are trying to solve for? What is the need?
  • What are you organizing your efforts to change?
  • Imagine the risks if the project is unsuccessful.
  • Describe each example in terms of “I wish” or “Wouldn’t it be great if?”
  • Refine the statements that should stay in the vision.
  • Imagine it as reality and capture the data for strategy development.

Develop the Project Mission Statement:

Your vision needs a strategy! You need a summary of the purpose, the focus, and the aim that we are trying to achieve today. The mission statement answers the following:

  • What is the project?
  • Who are we doing this for?
  • What are the objectives?
  • What does it take to reach the objectives?

Review for the Mission for Changes:

The mission is likely to go through some changes during the project. Schedule a periodic evaluation informed by the following questions:

  • Do our efforts align with the vision and mission? (Are we off-track)
  • Do we still have a shared vision?
  • What have we learned?
  • What should be adjusted?

Learn More on this Topic

Developing a project vision and mission is a worthwhile exercise for project leaders.  Taking the time to do so can positively impact your team’s understanding of what you are trying to achieve and how the team will work to solve the need.  If you want to learn more about mission and vision, RMC offers a Strategic Business Management Best Practices eLearning course.  This course is worth a total of 33 PDUs (2 Technical, 4 Leadership and 27 Strategic).  We also cover this topic extensively in Rita’s PMP Exam Prep book which is a great project management reference guide

You can also listen to our webinar Empowering Your Project Team with Vision and Mission and earn 1 Free PDU.

Sources:

Current PMP Exam Content Outline

https://www.lytho.com/blog/the-case-for-a-project-mission-statement

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Project Life Cycle Vs. Development Life Cycle

If you’re new to project management or building your confidence at the mid-level, you’ve likely heard both terms: “Project Life Cycle” and “Development Life Cycle.” Sometimes they get used interchangeably, but make no mistake: these two concepts serve different purposes, involve different stakeholders, and guide different phases of work. Knowing the difference can help you better plan, execute, and communicate on your projects—especially when working across cross-functional teams.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what each life cycle involves, how they relate, and why understanding both is essential to successful delivery.

What Is the Project Life Cycle?

The Project Life Cycle (PLC) represents the high-level phases a project goes through from initiation to closure. Regardless of the industry or methodology used (Waterfall, Agile, hybrid), every project typically follows this structure:

  1. Initiation
  2. Planning
  3. Execution
  4. Monitoring & Controlling
  5. Closure

Let’s look at each stage briefly:

1. Initiation

This is where the project is formally started. It involves:

  • Defining the business need or opportunity
  • Conducting feasibility studies
  • Establishing high-level scope and objectives
  • Securing initial stakeholder approval and funding

Deliverables: Project Charter, Stakeholder Register

2. Planning

Here, the roadmap is built. Planning includes:

  • Defining scope, time, and cost baselines
  • Creating schedules and resource plans
  • Identifying risks and mitigation strategies
  • Establishing communication and quality plans

Deliverables: Project Management Plan, Risk Register, WBS, Gantt Charts

3. Execution

This is where work gets done according to the plan. Key elements:

  • Assigning tasks and managing teams
  • Tracking performance and deliverables
  • Managing stakeholder engagement

Deliverables: Status reports, issue logs, deliverables as per project scope

4. Monitoring & Controlling

This overlaps with execution and includes:

  • Tracking KPIs and progress
  • Managing changes to scope, budget, or timeline
  • Ensuring quality standards are met

Deliverables: Change Requests, Performance Metrics, Quality Reports

5. Closure

The project is wrapped up with:

  • Final deliverables handed off
  • Lessons learned captured
  • Contracts closed
  • Team and stakeholder debriefs

Deliverables: Final Project Report, Lessons Learned Document, Client Sign-off

Key Point: The Project Life Cycle is concerned with managing the project as a whole—not necessarily the specific technical process of building a product or system.

What Is the Development Life Cycle?

The Development Life Cycle (DLC) refers to the process used to design, build, test, and deliver the solution that the project exists to create. It often varies based on what you’re developing:

  • In software development, it’s called the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
  • In product development, it’s the Product Development Life Cycle
  • In construction, you might hear terms like design-build or engineering development cycles

For this blog, we’ll focus primarily on the SDLC model, as it’s the most common use case for project managers working in tech or digital environments.

Common SDLC Phases:

  1. Requirements Gathering & Analysis
  2. Design
  3. Development (or Implementation)
  4. Testing
  5. Deployment
  6. Maintenance

1. Requirements Gathering

This is where the technical team defines what the system needs to do. It involves:

  • Interviews with users and stakeholders
  • Reviewing business processes
  • Documenting functional and non-functional requirements

Deliverables: Requirements Specifications, User Stories

2. Design

The architecture of the system is developed here, including:

  • System models
  • Interface designs
  • Data architecture and technology stacks

Deliverables: Technical Design Documents, Wireframes, ER Diagrams

3. Development

This is the coding or building phase:

  • Developers write and integrate code
  • The design is turned into a working system or application

Deliverables: Source Code, Software Builds

4. Testing

Quality assurance happens here:

  • Functional, performance, and security testing
  • User acceptance testing (UAT)
  • Bug tracking and fixing

Deliverables: Test Plans, Bug Reports, QA Sign-off

5. Deployment

The product goes live:

  • Released to production
  • Go-live planning and stakeholder notifications

Deliverables: Deployment Guides, Release Notes

6. Maintenance

Post-deployment support:

  • Monitoring system performance
  • Handling updates and patches
  • Responding to user feedback and bug reports

Deliverables: Support Logs, Maintenance Reports

Key Point: The Development Life Cycle is focused on building the product or system itself.


So, How Do They Interact?

Here’s where many junior project managers get tripped up: thinking of PLC and DLC as parallel tracks. In reality, the development life cycle lives within the execution phase of the project life cycle.

For example:

  • During Project Planning, you may plan timelines that include each development phase.
  • During Project Execution, the team will follow the development life cycle to build the product.
  • Your Monitoring phase tracks how well the development work is progressing.

A well-managed project ensures that development milestones align with overall project goals, budget, and stakeholder expectations.

Diagram (text format):

Project Life Cycle:
[Initiation] → [Planning] → [Execution] -- [Development Life Cycle] --> [Monitoring] → [Closure]

Common Methodologies and Frameworks

Understanding life cycles also means recognizing the frameworks that structure them.

Project Management Frameworks:

  • PMBOK (Project Management Institute)
  • PRINCE2
  • Agile Project Management (AgilePM)

Development Frameworks:

  • Waterfall
  • Agile (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe)
  • DevOps

A Waterfall project might map development and project stages linearly, while an Agile team might iterate through development cycles within a broader project timeline.

Agile Note: In Agile, the concept of a linear “Project Life Cycle” can blur. Instead of one big initiation-planning-execution cycle, you may run sprints or releases that loop through mini life cycles of planning, developing, testing, and delivering.

Why This Matters to Junior and Mid-Level PMs

  1. Better Stakeholder Communication When you can distinguish between project stages and development stages, you can more clearly explain timelines and dependencies to both business and technical stakeholders.
  2. Improved Planning Accuracy Understanding the development life cycle helps you plan execution activities with greater precision, especially when working with engineering or IT teams.
  3. Smarter Risk Management Knowing how and when system design or testing fits into the broader project helps you anticipate delays, resource bottlenecks, and integration risks.
  4. Stronger Change Control Changes in requirements can impact development differently than project schedules. Understanding both life cycles helps you evaluate change impacts more thoroughly.
  5. Career Growth The ability to speak both “project” and “development” fluently sets you apart. It positions you as someone who can bridge business goals and technical delivery.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Two Worlds

The Project Life Cycle is your roadmap for managing the work. The Development Life Cycle is your blueprint for building the solution.

As a junior or mid-level project manager, you don’t need to be a developer or architect—but you do need to understand how their work fits into the bigger picture. The more comfortable you are with both life cycles, the more effective you’ll be in coordinating teams, meeting deadlines, and delivering results that matter.

Key Takeaways:

  • PLC = Managing the overall project
  • DLC = Building the solution within the project
  • Development activities live inside the Execution phase of a project
  • Aligning the two life cycles helps avoid surprises, rework, and miscommunication

Mastering the distinction doesn’t just improve your PM skills—it sharpens your leadership edge. Stay curious, stay clear, and always know which life cycle you’re in.

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What to Expect from Your RMC PMP Exam Prep Course

Two men working on their computer from their desk

When you’re ready to become a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), RMC will be there to help you with our proven PMP course. What’s it all about? Well, it’s geared towards preparing you for the challenging PMP certification exam so you can pass it on your first try.  What should you expect from this course? 

The Goal of RMC’s PMP Exam Course

Our PMP course is an accelerated program that’s packed with engaging material. It will allow you to prepare for the 200-question PMP exam that takes four hours to complete. We won’t lie, this is definitely an intense test, but we take a lot of the stress out of it.

How do we do that? By showing you exactly what you need to internalize in order to answer the multiple-choice questions with greater ease. It’s that simple.

Thanks to expert instruction and high-quality materials, you’ll be able to gain a greater understanding of complex project management topics in a shorter amount of time. Of course, it’s best if you also make the effort to study more on your own to reinforce what we teach you during the class. And taking practice exams is also a smart way to fully prepare yourself to pass the exam and become certified. The idea is to use our course as your foundation and guide.

What Makes Our PMP Exam Course Different?

There are a lot of study materials and courses out there, all geared towards helping you pass the PMP exam and advance your project management career. But our course is different.

We use a wide range of tools, such as case studies, games, and various exercises, to make it easier for you to actually understand and apply what you’re learning. This is not about merely memorizing facts. If you want to pass the PMP exam, you need to know how to apply concepts and processes in real-world situations. And we show you how to do just that by using the groundbreaking Rita Mulcahy method. 

Select Your Preferred Method of Learning

At RMC, we know that, when it comes to learning, you can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer a PMP exam prep course online and in person. Check out our virtual class schedule and our  live class schedule to see when a PMP course meets your needs. You’ll be able to receive expert guidance from an instructor in real-time. 

As an alternative, you can also purchase self-study materials and do it all on your own, or you can opt to take an eLearning course to follow your own schedule and work at your own pace. Discover what it takes to pass the PMP exam so you can take your career to new heights.  

Enroll Today and Get Your PMP Certification

A PMP certification, which is recognized all over the world, can open up opportunities for growth in the field of project management. But, first, you need to pass PMI’s tough exam. Take the stress out of learning what’s necessary to pass this test by using our proven, time tested PMP exam prep course. And get ready to take your exam confidence!