Category: Project Management Professional (PMP)®

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Explaining the Kanban Methodology

Project manager using the kanban methodology of sticky notes to track project tasks

Kanban is one of the methods you can use as a project manager to organize tasks and track progress, as well as continually improve the way that you lead your teams on any size project. What exactly is the Kanban methodology, and what are the real benefits of implementing this tool into your workflow?

What is the Kanban Methodology?

  1. What Is Kanban?
  2. How Does Kanban Work?
  3. The Benefits of Using Kanban Boards

What Is Kanban?

Sometimes, it helps to see work illustrated in an easier-to-understand, visual format, like when you take data and plot them on a graph or chart. This is especially true when it comes to dealing with a lot of information, and when it comes to completing complex projects.

Kanban is a visual way to manage your team and the work that they do as they move through the various stages of a project.

Ultimately, by using Kanban, you can visualize your workflow, or process, as well as the work that you’re doing in each phase of the project. This allows you to recognize problems along the way so you can fix them quickly, stick to your budget, and stay on course towards meeting stakeholder and client expectations.

Fun fact: Kanban was developed by Toyota in the ‘40s.

How Does Kanban Work?

Kanban is straightforward and it’s really easy to start using it whenever you’re ready.

Put simply, you use Kanban boards (they could be physical or electronic boards) that feature cards, which describe tasks that need to be completed. The cards are placed in columns depicting your movement through a project from start to finish. When you complete a task, you move the corresponding card to the next column so you and your team can see exactly where work still needs to be done.

So, when you look at your Kanban board, you’ll be able to immediately see what tasks need to be completed, which ones are in progress, and which ones are already done. You can also determine who is working on each task, and who will take over later on as the task moves through the phases of the project.

A typical board might consist of a column for backlog, a column for new tasks that you need to do, another column for tasks that are in progress, and a final column for those tasks that are finished. But there’s flexibility here, so do what works for you.

One thing to remember, though, is to set a limit on the number of work tasks in progress, or WIP, tasks that are allowed (for example, no more than 5 work in progress tasks at a time). This can help ensure your team members won’t take on more than they can handle at any given point. And it can help the work move from one stage to another at a steady pace because team members won’t be able to take on new tasks until they complete what’s in progress first.

What happens if your team is unable to move items from “in progress” to the next phase? Well, you’ll be able to quickly realize that there’s a problem because the flow of work will be slowed as a result of this bottleneck. See how it can keep things moving along nicely?

The Benefits of Using Kanban Boards

  • You can start using the Kanban methodology right away because it’s easy to add it into your current project management process. Then, you can adapt it as you go in order to make it work even better for you and your team. In fact, Kanban encourages gradual changes that can help your team improve the way they function together.
  • With Kanban boards, you and your team can check in on progress at any time. You can all stay up-to-date on what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done to move a project forward. If you’re looking for an easier way to keep everyone on the same page, this could be it.
  • Because Kanban is a “pull system,” tasks can only be pulled when your team can actually work on them. This means Kanban can help with efficiency, and it can alert you to any problems or challenges that are preventing your team members from moving forward.
  • The Kanban system encourages collaboration because your team has to work together to keep tasks moving along nicely. It provides proof that they share responsibility, and that working together can help them do more. At the same time, it limits ineffective multitasking, especially because of the work in progress limit.
  • When you need to let your stakeholders know about your progress on a project, a Kanban board can showcase it simply and clearly, so you can communicate with them even more effectively.

Try Kanban for Your Next Project!

If you’re using Agile to break projects down into manageable stages that encourage continual improvement to ensure a stellar end result, you might love using the Kanban method as well. Quick and easy to implement, you can try it whenever you start working on your next big project.  Want to explore other agile techniques, consider RMC’s Agile Fundamentals eLearning Course.

If you are considering taking the PMP exam, Kanban is also a key tool you are likely to find on the test.  Find out more about the agile tools for the PMP exam.

Want to learn even more about how to become a more successful project manager? Check out the many online and in-person courses we offer, and contact us with questions anytime!

Sources:

https://www.atlassian.com/agile/kanban

https://getnave.com/blog/what-is-kanban-methodology/

https://www.projectmanager.com/kanban

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8dYLbJiTUE

https://zenkit.com/en/blog/kanban-explained-what-youve-always-wanted-to-know/

https://kanbanize.com/blog/how-to-use-kanban-for-project-management/

https://www.digite.com/kanban/what-is-kanban/

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How to Fill Out the PMP Application

Business woman at computer working on PMP application

Have you decided that you want to become a Project Management Professional (PMP) and acquired the necessary experience and education to become certified? Then it’s time to fill out the application to take the PMP exam that’s administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).  

Many people become overwhelmed by this application. But when you have a better idea of what’s on it, and how to fill it out properly, it will be less stressful.  

Below, we break down the two major sections on the PMP application: education and experience. These are the areas you want to home in on to ensure you fill them out completely and correctly. The rest of the application involves filling in basic details about yourself, such as your contact information.   

PMP Application Guide

  1. How Can I apply for the PMP exam? 
  2. How Do I Fill Out a PMP Application?
  3. Fill out the PMP Application with Confidence 

How Can I Apply for the PMP Exam?

First, you’ll need to have an account to access the PMP application on PMI’s website. Keep in mind that you’ll be required to fill it out and submit it online.  

The entire application process for the PMP exam begins the moment you open the application to start providing the necessary information. But you don’t need to finish it all in one sitting.  PMI saves it and gives you 90 days to get it done and send it in for approval.  

How long does it take for my PMP application to be approved?

Generally, it might take anywhere from 5 to 10 business days for PMI to contact you, but you might receive confirmation of acceptance sooner than this.  

Affecting how long it takes depends on whether the application is accepted, randomly selected for auditing, or it’s been rejected.  

If the application is audited, PMI will tell you why they need more information. If it’s accepted, you can pay the fee to book and take the exam.  Then you can begin your PMP exam prep.

Why would my application be rejected?

Your application may be rejected for several reasons. Here are some common examples:

  • Did not provide clear descriptions of the work you’ve done
  • Failed to prove that you’ve led projects in the past
  • Didn’t show that you completed the right number of training contact hours. 

Rest assured that you can reapply after being rejected. Just be sure to carefully read PMI’s reasons for rejecting the application and make appropriate to those reasons.  

How Do I Fill Out a PMP Application?

Filling out the application online is easy, but it’s critical that you have all the information you need on hand. That way, you can move through it efficiently.   

Remember, there are two paths you can take to qualify for the PMP exam: 

  • A four-year degree, 36 months of experience in leading projects, and 35 hours of project management training or get your CAPM certification.
  • Get a high school diploma or associate’s degree, have 60 months of experience in leading projects, and 35 hours of project management training or get your CAPM certification.  

How can I write my education in my PMP application?

This section should include information about your high school and college education, as well as the 35 contact hours you’ve completed specifically within the field of project management.  

Provide all the required details, without leaving anything out (i.e., when you received training, what program you were enrolled in, and the organization that taught you).  

How can I write my experience in my PMP application?

The other big section is the one that showcases your relevant experience. This one is trickier, so take your time. Also, consider searching for PMP application experience examples before you start so you have a better idea of what to expect.  

To prove that you’ve completed the required number of hours in the field and in a professional setting, make sure you add in all the relevant projects you need. 

Aim to show PMI that you accomplished a variety of tasks and use strategic keywords within each project’s description. For example, use appropriate knowledge area and/or agile terms, process group names, and appropriate constraint names. Just keep in mind that it should be experience you’ve gained within the last eight years.  

Every project you list must meet the definition of a project according to PMI. This includes the creation of something new, having a beginning date and end date, along with specific management of constraints like scope, schedule, cost, and resources.  

How would you describe projects for a PMP application?

Get ready for this because you’ll have to provide several details. For each project, you’ll need to give the following: 

  • The title of the project and its dates
  • Where you worked on the project and your job title  
  • The project’s budget
  • The methodology you used (e.g., agile, hybrid, waterfall)
  • The size of the team and the functional reporting area

In addition to giving details about your role and responsibilities while leading projects, you’ll also be asked to provide more details in the summary of each project, such as its objectives, deliverables, and final outcome.  

Plus, there are five process groups in PMBOK: Initiating the Project, Planning the Project, Executing the Project, Controlling & Monitoring the Project, and Closing the Project. Show that you completed a minimum of one task from every group.  

Final tip: keep project descriptions to around 500 words or less (but not less than 200 words.  

Fill Out the PMP Application with Confidence

At RMC, we’re here to support you as you work toward getting your PMP certification, feel free to contact us if you have questions about what it takes to get the right education, training, and experience in this area.    

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Why Take the PMP Exam?

Two women working together on a project using their computer

Why take the PMP exam? This is a common question many people ask as they weigh the pros and cons of the PMP® exam. What is the purpose, what will it do for you, and is it worth it? There’s no doubt that preparing to take the PMP® exam is a journey. And, if you let it, this journey can help you enhance your project management capabilities. 

As you prepare for this exam, you will improve your project management skills. The opportunity to expand your knowledge is one of the best reasons to get your PMP® certification.

Understanding is the Key to Passing the PMP Exam

The PMP® exam is an international exam designed to prove your knowledge and experience in applying the art and science of project management. It focuses on situations you might encounter in the real world, rather than just asking you to repeat data you have learned.

Therefore, to pass the PMP® exam, you cannot simply cram a lot of information into your brain and try to retain it just long enough to get through the four-hour testing period. Instead, you’ll take your knowledge to the next level. You’ll better understand the process of project management, and the value that process can bring to your daily work on projects.

Learn without Rote Memorization

RMC’s PMP® training classes and products bring you unique games, activities, exercises, and techniques designed specifically to increase both learning and knowledge retention. 

This approach not only gives you the knowledge you need to quickly prepare for the exam, but also the knowledge to become a better project manager—without rote memorization. 

Where’s the proof? RMC has heard from students who received a bonus, a raise, or both after they passed the exam. Other students have reported that they were offered a job when hundreds of other qualified candidates had applied, simply because they were PMP® certified!

Get PMP® Certification to Set Yourself Apart

In addition to the opportunity to improve yourself and your abilities, there can be financial incentives for passing this exam. A 2015 salary survey conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) found that PMP® certified project managers across all countries are paid, on average, 20% more than those without this certification.

The bottom line is this: having a PMP® certification can be the reason you get a job, keep your job, or are promoted. And, with RMC’s support,  you can get started today.