Category: Project Management

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How to create a project communication plan

Woman writing a project communication plan

Creating a clear communication plan can help you effectively collaborate with your team, client, and stakeholders. Like other tools that you’ll use for the duration of a project, this plan will set straightforward guidelines that everyone will follow to stay on the same page as they work on meeting goals.

What’s a Project Communication Plan?

This plan outlines the methods that will be used to share information (think: meetings, emails, phone calls, status reports, discussion boards, etc.). And it also covers when information will be shared, who will be sharing it, and who will be receiving it. Plus, it gives everyone the opportunity to provide critical feedback that can help ensure a project’s success. Continue reading How to create a project communication plan

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What Careers Require CAPM Certification?

Group of colleagues at a conference table discussing getting their CAPM certification

The CAPM certification is a great way to explore a career in project management.  Becoming a Certified Associate in Project Management can also help take your existing career in a different direction, allowing you to earn a higher salary and gain more recognition. If you’ve decided to get your CAPM certification, Rita Mulcahy’s CAPM exam prep book is an excellent tool to help you prepare and pass the exam on your first try. If you haven’t made up your mind, let’s cover the CAPM benefits and career options.

CAPM Jobs and Career Opportunities

  1. The Benefits of the CAPM
  2. The CAPM 2023
  3. What Types of Jobs Can You Get with a CAPM?
  4. How to Get Your CAPM Certification
  5. Level Up Your Project Management Skills

A Brief Look at the Benefits of the CAPM Certification

More and more opportunities are opening in the field of project management. In fact, by 2030, 2.3 million new project management professionals will be needed each year to meet demand. Therefore, you’ll want to differentiate yourself from other candidates who are also looking to fill these positions. Even if you have little to no experience as a project manager, preparing for this certification can give you the know-how and confidence to get your CAPM.  This certification will help you build the core project management skills and best practices to take a project from start to finish.

In addition, it’s also a great place to start if you’re already a project manager but you want to handle more complex projects and larger teams.  Becoming a CAPM is a wise move.

The CAPM 2023

PMI has announced that the CAPM will be changing. The upcoming exam change will align the work of entry level professionals on project teams to the new exam content.

The CAPM certification will test your understanding of predictive, adaptive, and business analysis principles skills across four domains in the Examination Content Outline. The 2023 exam change will be significant.  Almost 50% of new questions will cover agile and business analysis principles.

Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts Domain:

This domain represents 36% the questions on the CAPM exam.  Therefore, you’ll be expected to understand multiple project lifecycles, project planning tasks, project roles and responsibilities, and common ways to problem solve.

Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Domain:

This domain represents 17% of the CAPM certification exam. So, you’ll be tested on your understanding of when and how to use a predictive project approach including how to schedule and control plan-based projects.

Agile Frameworks and Methodologies Domain:

This domain represents 20% of exam questions. You will need to understand how and when to use an adaptive approach, what’s in an adaptive plan, planning project iterations, documenting project controls and managing tasks.

Business Analysis Frameworks Domain:

This domain represents 27% of exam questions.  You’ll need understand business analysis roles and responsibilities and how to conduct stakeholder communications, gather and validate requirements, define a product roadmap, and how to adapt business analysis process based on the type of method used for the project.

What Types of Jobs Can You Get with a CAPM?

With your CAPM certification, a variety of doors will open when you’re ready to start a new career or enhance an existing one.  In project management, you can consider pursuing positions like the following.  Keep in mind that these aren’t the only career paths that are possible with a CAPM.

CAPM Careers and Salaries

  • Junior project manager – you plan and organize projects, as well as direct and lead teams, for a company, but you’ll likely work under the direction of a senior project manager. Average Annual Salary: $72,200
  • Senior project manager – you use your previous experience and high-level skills to lead more than one project at once or lead more complex projects. Average Annual Salary: $104,400
  • Technical project manager – you work on various projects, ensuring they’re completed correctly, while also acting as an expert when it comes to technology needs and requirements. Average Annual Salary: $113,000
  • Associate project manager – you will likely assist higher level project managers and program managers, working on a variety of tasks to help complete large projects. Average Annual Salary: $67,000
  • Program manager – you come up with a strategy for a program, and you oversee multiple projects to ensure a business initiative is met. Average Annual Salary: $92,000
  • Project coordinator – you take care of smaller aspects of bigger projects while working under the direction of a project manager to help complete projects within budget and on deadline. Average Annual Salary: $55,000
  • IT Project coordinator – you compile project status reports, coordinate project schedules, and analyze systems requirements. Average Annual Salary: $68,000

In addition to the positions described above, individuals who have a CAPM certification might also be able to pursue jobs as consultants, PMO specialists, business analysts, and more.

Careers That Require or Prefer CAPM Certification

  • Acquisition program analyst
  • Senior project management analyst
  • Management and program analyst
  • Project controls analyst
  • Senior project management consultant
  • Project consultant
  • Enterprise architect
  • Deputy project manager
  • IT project manager
  • Agile project manager
  • Support technical manager
  • Infrastructure project manager
  • Project controller
  • Program delivery coordinator

See? It really is worth it to put the time and effort in to get this credential on your resume!

How to Get Your CAPM Certification

To meet the CAPM requirements, you need:

  • a secondary degree, which could be a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent
  • complete 23 hours of project management education by the time you take the CAPM certification exam

The next step is to prepare to take the exam offered by PMI.  Check out our virtual exam prep courses offered by RMC Learning Solutions. It is one of the fastest ways to prepare for the exam have you interact with an instructor in real-time. For example, with the Live Online class, you get the full RMC CAPM Exam Prep system including Rita’s CAPM Exam Prep Book, FASTrack exam simulation software, and Hot Topics flashcards, as well as the workbook from the course and follow up support if you need it.RMC instructors will guide you through everything that you need to know to successfully pass the CAPM certification exam on your first try. Importantly, by learning what you need to know for this exam, you’ll also develop skills that will make you a more effective project manager.

If you want to prep online at your own pace, consider our CAPM eLearning course. Our popular self-study options including our CAPM Exam Prep book,  CAPM exam simulator or our CAPM Exam Prep System. 

Level Up Your Project Management Skills

Any certification in project management can help you go farther than you would without it. But if you aren’t quite ready for more advanced certifications, like the Project Management Professional (PMP), the CAPM certification the ideal place to start your journey.  Given the anticipated exam change, now is the perfect time to consider getting your CAPM certification. 

Check out RMC’s CAPM certification exam prep courses, practice exam simulation and self-study options to help you pass the CAPM on your first try!

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RMC Titles on Kindle, Nook, and Apple Books

Young woman reading an RMC title on iPad

RMC offers some of our most popular titles on your favorite digital book e-readers. Check out four of our latest and popular skills books on Kindle, Nook, and Apple.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

Project Management Fundamentals

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Agile
Fundamentals

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Beyond
Agile

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PM Crash
Course 

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Project Management Fundamentals eBook Example (Apple Book on iPad)

RMC Cloud Certification Prep Books

Several years ago, RMC began offering our exam prep books (PMP®, PMI-ACP®, PMI-PBA®, CAPM®) in a Cloud format, providing a convenience way to prepare for certification anytime or anywhere.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”]

PMP Exam Prep

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Also available in Spanish and Portuguese

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CAPM Exam Prep

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PMI-ACP Exam Prep

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PMI-PBA Exam Prep

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/166e18c94edefc24a33db15ecab54cc1/p/m/pmi-pba_book_cover.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pmi-pba-exam-prep-premier-edition-online-12-month” button_text=”12 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/pmi-pba-exam-prep-premier-edition-online-6-month” button_text=”6 Month” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”12px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px|5px|10px|5px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:100%;||padding-right: 2.4em!important;||padding-left: 2.4em!important;”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-25px|||||”]These books look just like the print book, but students can view the content on a computer screen. The Cloud book has a fixed layout (much like a PDF) where the user can bookmark pages, add notes, increase and decrease the screen size, and search the book using keywords.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://rmcls.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Project_Management_Fundamentals_Cloud_BookExample2.jpg” title_text=”Project_Management_Fundamentals_Cloud_BookExample2″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-25px|||||”]

Project Management Fundamentals Cloud Book Example

RMC Cloud Skills-based Titles

We have several skills-based books also available on our website in the Cloud platform on topics like Project Management Fundamentals and Risk Management.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://store.rmcls.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/7e37201e02b11a6a3fef27dca189de0e/p/m/pm_fundamentals_12month.jpg” title_text=”Upgraded_PMP_Exam_Prep_232x300″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”179px”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://store.rmcls.com/project-management-fundamentals-book-online-12-month” button_text=”Project Management Fundamentals” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0.9rem” button_bg_color=”#F28D09″ 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New eBooks Coming from RMC

RMC is working on additional eBooks of interest.

  • Risk Management, Tricks of the Trade for Project Managers by Rita Mulcahy
  • Stop Playing Games, A Project Manager’s Guide to Successfully Navigating Organizational Politics by Rick A. Morris
  • Managing the Gray Areas, Essential Insights for Leading People, Projects and Organizations by Jerry Manas
  • Project Branding, Using Marketing to Win the Hearts and Minds of Stakeholders by Peter Taylor
  • 100 Things Project Managers Should Do Before They Die by Rita Mulcahy

If you’re new to project management, or a seasoned pro, RMC has something for everyone, no matter your learning style. Check out what we have to offer.

RMC eBook Titles

Project Management Fundamentals Agile Fundamentals Beyond Agile PM Crash Course
Kindle Kindle Kindle Kindle
Nook Nook Nook Nook
Apple Apple Apple Apple

Skill Building Cloud Books Available from RMC Directly:

Other Cloud Certification Prep Books Available from RMC directly:

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The PMP Exam 2023

Woman gathering information about the PMP exam 2023 at her desk on her computer[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

In January 2021 the Project Management Institute (PMI) changed the Project Management Professional Exam.  As part of that change, it shifted away from changing the PMP exam every 4 to 5 years in favor of a continuous improvement model with more frequent exam content updates.  The benefit is to align project management trends and the work project managers perform today to the exam content to keep the certification relevant.

In 2023, the exam continues to align with the Examination Content Outline. In September, 2023 PMI/Pearson made a crucial change to the scoring timeline for certification exams. To enhance security measures, the evaluation process of exam results will now require additional time. Let’s take a closer look at this change and additional shifts of the PMP exam since 2021.

The Latest on the PMP Exam for 2023

  1. What’s New on the PMP for 2023?
  2. What Skills Does the PMP Cover?
  3. New PMP Exam Prep Materials for 2023
  4. PMP Exam Prep Training for 2023
  5. Keep Up on PMP Exam Updates

What’s New on the PMP for 2023?

There are several notable changes to cover.

  1. PMI/Pearson Exam Scoring will require additional time due to enhance security measures.  As a result, the release of post-exam pass/fail notice and detailed results analysis will be delayed by up to 5 days after completing the exam. You may receive a provisional notice of pass/fail upon completion of the exam.  The score in this provisional notice is still subject to review for verification and validation.  In this case the official final score report will typically be available within 48 hours, according to PMI/Pearson. This change reflects their commitment to maintaining the utmost integrity and accuracy throughout the certification process.
  2. The PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition will now be a reference to inform the development of the PMP exam topics. As such, we expect that students will be tested on content from the PMBOK® Guide 7.
  3. PMI’s Process Groups: A Practice Guide repurposes essential content from the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition, which was phased out in 2022. The Process Groups model is likely to become a resource for the PMP exam for predictive project management best practices and processes (e.g., process groups guidance, inputs, tools and techniques and outputs). Representing almost half of the exam, students preparing for the PMP will continue to need a strong knowledge of predictive methods.
  4. The way of doing project management is not process dependent. In fact, in many ways, it’s situational.  Depending on the project, the process that is applied can be tailored to accommodate each project. Today’s project manager must have a comprehensive understanding of agile and predictive project management. They need to know the processes of both and how and when they work best on a project-by-project basis.

In addition to understanding how the PMP is shifting, let’s review the project management skills covered on the exam.

What Skills Does the PMP Cover?

The PMP certification requires an understanding of the most important project leadership skills and practices across three domains as listed in the Examination Content Outline. You’ll be expected to apply this knowledge in the context of leading and managing predictive, agile and hybrid projects.

People Doman: The people domain represents 42% the questions on the PMP exam.  It covers leading projects teams and managing stakeholders with effective interpersonal skills including:

  • team building
  • removing roadblocks
  • conflict management

Process Domain: The process domain represents 50% of the PMP exam. You’ll be tested on the technical skills to integrate all facets of project planning and management to realize project benefits such as:

  • budgeting & scheduling
  • managing risk
  • project methods and practices

Business Improvement Domain: This domain represents 8% of exam questions.  You will need to understand the connection between the people and process within the business context. Domain topics include:

  • compliance
  • delivering value
  • organizational and business change

New PMP Exam Prep Materials for 2023

As the exam evolves, RMC is adapting our PMP prep materials to meet the needs of our students.

Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Book – All New 11th Edition

This book is vastly different from our previous editions. It is structured so that you can easily relate it to the Examination Content Outline (ECO).

Rita’s PMP® Exam Prep book is the ultimate one-source prep guide to help you pass the PMP the first time. In this Course in a Book™, we bring together the terminology and concepts used in the ECO, the PMBOK® Guide, and the Process Groups: A Practice Guide. We synthesize the concepts in a way that makes it easier to understand and prepare students for the exam. No other prep guide brings this level of knowledge while explaining things simply and clearly.

Rita’s Process Chart™ remains in this edition along with a new process chart: Rita’s Agile Process Chart™. These process charts break down what happens in each of the process groups when working on predictive and agile projects. These powerful tools help students gain knowledge and prepare them to answer questions on the exam.

PMP Self-Study Materials Updated for 2023

We have applied this same rigorous approach to our self-study materials. Our PMP Exam simulator has an extensive database of over 2,220 questions.  We offer a realistic exam environment with unlimited 180-question exams to test your knowledge. Our popular Hot Topics flashcards for the PMP are also fully aligned to the ECO and accessible from your phone and other mobile devices.  We’ve combined these products in our popular PMP Exam Prep System. If you prefer an instructor-guided study experience, RMC’s all-new live online training course is worth considering.

PMP Exam Prep Training

The 11th Edition of RMC’s PMP Exam prep instructor-led course has been updated to reflect new and essential exam content from multiple sources.  In addition to original content, the class integrates diverse PMP resources.  The new course offers the latest prep tools and techniques including new case studies, exercises, and games, and access to both Rita’s Process Chart™ and the new Rita’s Agile Process Chart™. The class also includes exam simulation with a personalized assessment and a post-class study plan.

Our rich classroom experience is led by PMP-certified instructors focused on teaching practical techniques and test-taking strategies.  With proven training techniques, students gain the knowledge needed in a supportive learning environment to pass the exam on the first try.

Key aspects of our class remain the same. First, Rita’s learning method, which maximizes retention – not memorization. Second, we continue to present complex material in a straightforward approachable manner. Finally, our approach allows you to apply your learning to projects, long after exam.

Keep Up on PMP Exam Updates

It’s important to know how the PMP exam in evolving.

RMC is there to help keep you informed. That’s why we offer our free webinar,  Take the PMP Exam: What You Need to Know.  It’s intended to help stay up-to-date on the PMP exam and help you get your questions answered.

Sources:

https://rmcls.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf

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CAPM Costs and Requirements

Your CAPM certification journey includes knowing the CAPM certification costs and requirements. The CAPM is a globally recognized entry-level certification to help launch your career in project management.  It empowers professionals like you with the knowledge to work effectively with teams on any project in any industry.

CAPM Certification Costs and Requirements

  1. What is the CAPM Certification?
  2. CAPM Exam Costs
  3. CAPM Exam Certification Requirements
  4. More Ways to Earn CAPM Certification Hours
  5. How to Prepare for the CAPM Certification

What is CAPM Certification?

The CAPM exam demonstrates the competency and foundational skills in project management.  The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the CAPM certification for individuals who want to gain more responsibility or add project management skills to their current role.  In July 2023, the CAPM certification exam will change to integrate content across project management including agile and business analysis.

On 25 July, the new CAPM certification exam will be available and will better support customers in their career journey by going beyond the PMBOK® Guide to integrate content across project management including business analysis & agile.

The value of CAPM certification exam extends beyond validating project management best practices. Common principles and processes can also improve work from one project to the next.  It can also increase opportunities for new roles and responsibilities, improve leadership skills and enhance salary opportunities.

CAPM Exam Costs

PMI charges a fee to apply for the CAPM. You have 1-year to pass the examination and you may take the examination up to three times.  Following is a breakdown of costs:

  • $225 for PMI members
  • $300 for non-members

Other related fees associated with the CAPM exam include exam retakes, cancellation fees for scheduled exams, certification renewal and exam preparation materials and training.

Exam Retakes:  You will be charged for each exam retake.  PMI notes the discounted fee for an exam retake is subject to regional and membership pricing rules.

Exam Cancellation: If you reschedule or cancel your exam within 30 days of your scheduled appointment, you will be charged a fee of $70.

Certification Renewal: Every three years, your CAPM certification must be renewed. PMI members pay $60 and non-members pay $150 to renew the CAPM certification.  You are also required to complete 15 professional development units related to project management for learning, teaching others, or volunteering.  You can pay for an eLearning course or a bundle of classes to fulfill the 15 PDUs.

Exam Preparation:  For an additional fee, you can pay for CAPM exam prep materials or training courses. Prices vary depending on the type of preparation.  Self-study materials include a study guide which costs between $40 – $80, exam simulation costs about $150 and an on-demand eLearning course costs up to $600.

CAPM Exam Certification Requirements

To take the exam, you must meet the requirements as outlined by PMI.

  • A high school diploma, GED or global equivalent
  • 23 contact hours of project management education

Note: You can meet the 23 contact hours when you take a CAPM Exam prep instructor led class or a CAPM Exam prep eLearning course.  Both options provide materials and instruction to help you prepare for your exam while fulfilling the 23 contact hours of formal education to complete your certification application.  You need to complete your coursework hours at the time of your exam.

More Ways to Earn CAPM Certification Hours

According to the CAPM ECO, the 23 contact hours can include content from project management topics including: quality, scope, time, cost, resources, communications, risk, procurement and integration management.  When looking for courses, workshops, training sessions and self-study guides, look for a reputable education provider such as PMI Chapters and partners, training companies and employer programs.

How to Prepare for the CAPM Certification

You can take the current CAPM certification exam until July 24, 2023 using RMC current classes, materials, and eLearning courses. After that, you can count on RMC to provide you with the most current exam preparation materials. RMC has analyzed the Exam Content Outline and is updates to our Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep System and our Exam Prep Courses.

Stay current on CAPM exam updates by attending our free webinar Taking The CAPM® Exam: What You Need to Know.

Sources:

CAPM Examination Content Outline[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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5 Strategies to Manage Project Communication  

Small team sitting in a conference room managing project communications.

How you manage project communication is one of, if not the most important aspects of project management. Poor communication has been cited as the biggest problem impacting projects. A great deal of a project manager’s time is spent communicating with management, the team, the customer, and other stakeholders. Proper project management requires a process to define, plan, manage, and control communication which makes it a top skill needed by everyone on projects. 

The project manager is key in establishing and maintaining an environment that allows the project team to communicate, according the PMBOK Guide, Seventh Edition,   Project managers set the tone for success by modeling behaviors such as transparency, respect, and positive disclosure and following a process to manage communications on their projects.  Following are 5 strategies you can use today to manage your project communications. management.

 

Strategies to Manage Project Communication

  1. Identify & Analyze Stakeholders  
  2. Plan Project Communications  
  3. Send & Receive Information to Manage Project Communication 
  4. Manage Stakeholder Engagement 
  5. Monitor & Control Communication 

Strategy 1: Identify and Analyze Stakeholders  

Start by identifying the people and organizations involved in or impacted by the project or the product being developed.  These individuals or entities can positively or negatively impact outcomes over the course of the project. This step is important to help manage project communication. You can read more about stakeholder identification here.  

Project managers must also understand all their stakeholders’ requirements and expectations their level of influence, extent, and length of their involvement, as well communication needs and preferences.  

Managing stakeholder expectations — the belief or mental image of the future — can differ by stakeholder.  That’s why project managers need to talk through all expectations, to make sure that everyone shares the same desired outcomes. This sets the stage for communication planning.  

Strategy 2: Plan Project Communications  

Armed with the information from our stakeholders, it’s time to start planning project communications. Planning is about considering the project’s overall communications approach. It begins by defining what actions deliver the desired outcomes such as: 

  • The right information gets to the appropriate stakeholder, is clear and understandable, and arrives in the appropriate format at the right time. 
  • Communications are measured and analyzed on a regular basis and changed as needed. 
  • Stakeholders understand what communication is expected of them and the communication they receive meets their needs on the project.

There are several benefits to having a communication plan in place including improved stakeholder engagement and a decrease in communication problems, conflict, and rework.  

As a result of planning communications, the project manager should have a document description of the communication needs of the stakeholders and a strategy to meet them. Plan components may include: 

  • What needs to be communicated, why and between whom?
  • What is the preferred method of communication?
  • Who is going to provide what information, the level of frequency and detail?
  • Who has access to what communications, who can impart information, and who can edit?
  • How to tailor communication based upon language and culture?

Once the plan is in place, we can determine how to send and receive information.  

Strategy 3: Send & Receive Information to Manage Project Communication 

The most basic communications only ensure the message has been delivered.  Excellent project communications require a more comprehensive approach that includes the sender, the receiver, and confirmation that the message is correctly understood.  Both the sender and the receiver are responsible for ensuring the message has been properly interpreted and understood.  

Reports, information radiators, and individual communications are the artifacts of project communications.  While these artifacts are updated on a regular basis, it is important to look at how each of these documents are part of and are influencing the project communication plan.  In addition to communication plan updates on project status, issues and issue resolutions, here are some other communication plan artifacts: 

  • Issue status or log
  • Project reports and presentations
  • Updated project records
  • Lessons learned documentation
  • Project document updates
  • Risk and stakeholder registers 

Strategy 4: Manage Stakeholder Engagement 

At this point, stakeholders have been identified and analyzed. You have planned and are using key artifacts that help you communicate with your stakeholders at the right time with the right information. Another strategy to manage project communications has to do with stakeholder engagement.  

The key is to establish and maintain a common understanding of the project, its objectives, constraints and how they all interact to deliver the desired value throughout the project. Each stakeholder’s needs have been planned so when changes are needed, the project manager is able to adjust and maintain high levels of engagement with each stakeholder.  

Strategy 5: Monitor & Control Communication 

While the project manager is effectively communicating on the project, they are at the same time monitoring communication to ensure information is getting to where it is needed, is clear and allows stakeholders to act as necessary. The key to monitoring and controlling our communication is to make sure that that the information being communicated is being understood, and that it’s being understood in the intended way. 

When monitoring and controlling communications, there are several ways to identify and measure compliance to the communication plan.  For example, you can review the data of the project’s status, known as work performance information. Work performance data includes: 

  • Performance
  • Metrics captured in various control processes
  • Changes, risks, and issues
  • Forecasts

Reviewing this information allows you to validate that the team is being productive and achieving the project goals.  Work performance information can be organized into project management plan updates or project document updates, each of which allow you to identify and communicate information that stakeholders need.   

Learn More About How to Manage Project Communication 

If you’re interested in learning how to manage project communications, check out RMC’s eLearning course, Project Communications and Stakeholder Engagement shows you how to manage project communications and engage your stakeholders. You may also be interested in our Leading with Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Awareness eLearning course to elevate your leadership skills.  

Sources: 

https://rmcls.com/communications-management-plan-in-project-management/

https://www.teamgantt.com/blog/why-communication-is-important-in-project-management [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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How to Study for the PMP Exam: Best Study Tips to Help You Prepare

Woman at her desk preparing to study for the PMP exam.

Are you thinking about taking the PMP exam? Then it’s time to consider how you’ll prepare to pass the exam. The exam can be challenging.  The test lasts about 4 hours and consists of 180 situational style questions. To view some sample questions, see our PMP exam simulation free demo. It’s essential to understand – not memorize – the exam concepts to pass the PMP.

Here we share insights and tips informed by over 30 years of preparing students to pass the PMP on their first try!

How to Study for PMP Exam in 2023

  1. Use the Right PMP Exam Prep Resources
  2. Understand the PMP Exam Content Outline
  3. Know Your Study Style
  4. Determine How Much Time You Have to Prepare
  5. Choose your PMP Exam Prep Materials
  6. Use a PMP Exam Simulator
  7. Focus on Your Knowledge Gaps
  8. Test Again

Tip 1: Use the Right PMP Exam Prep Resources

When considering professional prep resources, look at how long the company has been providing PMP training. Longevity shows a commitment to the growth of the profession and the development of project managers.  RMC has shown this commitment since Rita Mulcahy published the PMP exam prep book in 1998.

Ask other certified project managers what they used to study.  As a professional training company RMC leverages its project management knowledge to develop quality materials that are aligned to the most current topics on the test. As a quality PMP training company, RMC has a proven prep method and a variety of teaching tools that fit your learning preferences.

Beware of free materials available on the internet that claim to help you study; you need to make sure these materials are based on the most current version of PMI® PMP Examination Content Outline (PMP-ECO). These providers may have good intentions, but they probably do not have the project management training expertise or up to date with the current exam information.

Tip 2: Understand the PMP Exam Content Outline

The PMP certification is based on the PMP-ECO.  It covers the content you will need to know for the PMP exam.  It is more important than ever to read and understand the ECO because it covers the domains and introduces adaptive approaches to project management and the PMP exam.

There are many resources that you can use to learn about the topics covered on the PMP exam. The current PMP exam includes content from the PMBOK® Guide 7th edition, Process Groups: A Practice Guide, Agile Practice Guide and more. These resources can aid your exam preparation. However, you shouldn’t have to read these resources cover to cover if your training company has done it for you. RMC’s materials bring together the terminology and concepts from these key resources. We synthesize the information in a way that makes it easier to understand and prepare for the exam.

Tip 3: Know Your Study Style

Begin by asking yourself if you prefer to study on your own or with others?  Do you like to create your own study plan and schedule, or would you prefer a guided approach? Do you learn best reading written materials, listening, and engaging in discussion, or working hands-on using case studies and exercises? Answering these questions will inform your PMP exam study timeline and influence how you choose to prepare.

Tip 4. Determine How Much Time You Have to Prepare

How long you have to study will depend on when you can schedule the PMP exam. If you only have a short period of time, consider an instructor-led class or an on demand, self-paced course.  Both options teach you everything you need to pass the exam. They usually include an exam simulation and other tools to enhance your learning.

Instructor-led courses are typically taught over consecutive days and students are expected to study up to 40 hours after class.  RMC’s Instructor-led classes offers a pass guarantee.   A self-paced eLearning course allows you to study at your own pace.

If you have several months to get ready, an on-demand PMP course or self-study materials are great options.  If you don’t have that much time to get ready, an instructor led course might be a better solution for you.

Tip 5: Choose your PMP Exam Prep Materials

An in-person class or eLearning course, usually includes an exam prep book with purchase. RMC recommends when you read the prep book for the first time you complete all the exercises in each chapter.

After you have read through your PMP exam prep book once or completed your prep course, you consider joining a study group. Working in a small group of no more than 3 to 4 individuals will shorten your study time and make studying more effective. You can find a study group through your local PMI chapter. Facebook and LinkedIn also have ways to connect with study groups.

Finally, consider supplementing your study options with practice tests and flashcards.  We go into further detail later, but as you think about your plan, know that both are invaluable tools that allow you to interact with the exam material in different ways.

Tip 6: Use a PMP Exam Simulator

When you are comfortable with the test material, it’s time to take a full exam simulation using an exam software, like PM FASTrack® Cloud.  Simulated exams allow you to get comfortable with the question types and exam timing.

We recommend using a PMP exam simulator with a large database of questions to experience a variety of question types. This step will provide you with a baseline against which you can track your progress.  You’ll quickly discover what you know and where you need to study more.

Review each question you got wrong in the exam simulation. Write down the specific reason for each wrong answer, creating a list. Assess why the correct choice is correct and why the other answers are wrong. Again, look for trends in your understanding and add problem areas to the list. Refer to the chapters in your prep book to fill in your knowledge gaps and correct any errors.  This is an excellent time to take targeted exam simulations by specific topics to fill your gaps.

Skim the sections or chapters on which you did well to keep those fresh in your mind. If you are using flashcards, remove the concepts you understand so you are singularly focused on your knowledge gaps. RMC’s PMP exam prep flashcards include this filtering option.

Tip 7: Focus on Your Knowledge Gaps

A good PMP exam simulator will analyze your performance and help you identify where you need to concentrate your studies.

As part of your process, build in time to work on your knowledge gaps.

Tip 8: Test Again

Limit yourself to no more than two full PMP exam simulations before you take the actual exam. Don’t fall into the trap of memorizing versus understanding the answers.

If you don’t score over 70 percent the first time you take a full exam simulation, you need to identify your knowledge gaps and study those before taking another simulated exam.   Once you score over 75 percent, you should be ready to take the real exam.  Continue to use your list, flashcards, and other helpful materials to retain what you have learned leading up to the test.

Use These Study Tips to Help You Prepare

It all really boils down to time, resources, support, and practice. Set aside the time required to tackle the topics covered on the PMP exam and use the highest quality resources, such as RMC Exam Prep products.

Lastly, here are some things to consider about meeting the PMP requirements and details about the exam itself. If you have additional questions about the exam, consider attending one of RMC’s free webinars called Taking the PMP Exam: What you need to know.

Good luck!

Sources:

https://www.ais-cpa.com/how-to-increase-pmp-exam-score-and-pass-pmp-exam/

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How to Choose a Project Management Methodology?

Close up of two business people talking about project management methodologies

While attending an Agile conference, I heard a lot of discussion about the types of project management methodology from pure agile teams, waterfall teams, and a combination of the two. Several presenters stressed the importance of being a 100% dedicated agile team. They stated that the only way to be successful is to make sure your team or company follows the Scrum/Kanban/XP/etc. methodology in its purest form. Other presenters called out these statements as false and went on to discuss numerous examples of blended approaches that have worked at their company or with their clients.

How can an organization trying to understand agile figure out the best approach when so many experts in the field have different opinions?

Best Project Management Methodologies

  1. Project Structure
  2. What About a Blended Approach?
  3. Benefits of an Adaptive Approach
  4. Choose the Methodology that Works Best for your Organization
  5. Sharpen Your Agile and Hybrid Skills Sets

Project Structure

If we, as an organization, want our projects to be more successful in our customers’ eyes, we need to start asking the right questions.  How do we create a project structure that works for our current environment, team, and clientele? Is this a product we need to get to market faster? How can we get our stakeholders/customers more involved? What really defines success?

In today’s environment, many organizations are trying to figure out how to be more “agile” or adaptable. Many organizations are transitioning to the agile approach, kicking off agile pilots, and having great success. Wonderful! But just as many are failing. This is why I’m suggesting that we need to ask the right questions to determine what will be successful within our organizations. What really is the best approach for our environment, on a particular product or project?

What About a Blended Agile Approach?

It is possible to blend agile and traditional project management practices together in the right proportions to fit your project and environment. Blending some of the structure of traditional project management with the fluidity of agile can be quite liberating. I have seen this type of approach work in organizations where there’s resistance to agile among the leaders and mid-management. Leadership support is key when making any type of organizational transition.

Change is very scary to many individuals. It is easier for leaders to buy in to agile practices when the project team is asking, not to throw out all the current processes (which usually have been in place for ten or more years), but to blend the approaches in a way that means more value, quicker release to market, and more satisfied customers and employees.

Benefits of an Adaptive Approach

If you are interested in taking more of an iterative and adaptive approach to project management, consider the following key points:

  • Collaborate daily with your key stakeholders.  Communication is critical. Consistent collaboration with your key stakeholders can only make your project more successful. Increased visibility is never a bad thing, and it enhances your ability to succeed on the next three items.
  • Emphasize maximizing business value. How can we get to the market more quickly with a minimal viable product?
  • Reduce unnecessary documentation. Using an agile approach does not mean there’s no documentation, but there is less documentation than in traditional project management. Figure out what level of documentation is necessary to ensure your leaders, team members, and customers feel comfortable.
  • Be more adaptive to change. Customers tell us they know what they want, but they discover what they want when they experience it. Using an iterative approach makes us more adaptive to change requests, but also allows the customer to experience the product as the team is building it.

Choose the Methodology That Works for Your Organization

In conclusion, with proper planning, coaching, and training, organizations can choose a project management methodology that works best for their project teams, customers, and environment. At the conference, most presenters really stressed the importance of working with a qualified agile coach to help assess your organization’s maturity and determine the best approach for your project and environment. Waterfall, agile, and blended approaches all work!

Planning, coaching, and training for any type of project transition are the key to success with any methodology. We all need to drop our preconceived notions that one particular methodology is better than another. Find the one that will make your team and project more viable, productive, and collaborative.

Sharpen Your Agile and Hybrid Skill Set

Regardless of methodology, having a comprehensive understanding of agile and predictive approaches allows you to adapt based upon the project and your business environment.

If you want to run more projects using agile practices or a hybrid approach, RMC has options for you to discover.  RMC has many offerings including our Agile Fundamentals book, available in hard copy or in an online subscription format.  RMC also offers a self-directed Agile Fundamentals eLearning Course that teaches agile project development, practices, tools, and techniques. Our Hybrid Agile eLearning course teaches you what you need to know to combine predictive and agile approaches.

Sources:

https://www.teamwork.com/project-management-guide/project-management-methodologies/[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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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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Communications Management Plan in Project Management

Communication in business and in project management can be difficult, especially when you’re collaborating with virtual teams or working on global projects, but clear communication is a critical component to a project’s success.

Did you know that a project manager spends 90% of his or her time communicating? Indeed, most problems on projects relate, to some degree, to issues surrounding communications. Yet, our studies show that communication issues are the most preventable problems on projects.

What’s the secret to good communication? Communications must be planned, managed, and continuously monitored throughout the life of a project. This requires the development of a project management communication plan.

Project Management Communications Plan

  1. What is a Project Management Communications Plan?
  2. Create a Project Management Communications Plan
  3. Ideas to Consider in Your Communications Plan
  4. Set Your Plan In Motion

What Is a Project Management Communications Plan?

The Communications Plan is an easy tool to create that you can use to improve communications with everyone on your team, as well as with clients and stakeholders. It outlines the methods used to deliver important information relating to you’re working your project, from start to finish.

  • The goal of a project management communication plan is to establish guidelines that everyone who’s involved in the project will follow to share information with others.
  • A communication plan defines how often information will be shared, who will be responsible for sharing it and details on how information is to be delivered.
  • It’s best to create a new project management communications plan for each project you start. That’s because every project is unique, with its own timeline, deliverables, team, and budget, so the same communication plan won’t work on all projects.

Create a Project Management Communications Plan

A good project management communication plan, starts with stakeholder management. This includes the identification of stakeholders, their requirements and expectations.

You’ll also use the project management scope statement and the WBS (work breakdown structure) that have been created as part of the project. As you create your plan, ask questions like the following so you can move in the right direction:

  • Would it be better to communicate the information more formally in an email or a phone call?
  • Is this an issue that is best discussed in person or virtually?
  • Is the communication important enough to call a meeting, or is it fine to simply create a report?
  • How quickly and how often does the information need to be communicated?

A key aspect of planning communications is determining the optimal technology for communicating information. Agile emphasizes more face-to-face communication while more formal written communications are necessary when utilizing a predictive approach.

Ideas to Consider in Your Communication Plan

Communications should be efficient (providing only the information needed), effective (providing information in the right format at the right time) and add value to the project. When creating a project management communications plan, here are some questions to consider:

  • What needs to be communicated, and why?
  • What information do stakeholders need and when?
  • What is the best method for communicating: What reporting format does the sponsor require? What reporting format do you want from the project team? Who is responsible for sending information? You’ll also want to consider when and how often should information be sent?
  • How will you clearly delineate project roles and responsibilities?
  • What methods should the team use to bring problems or issues to your attention?
  • Where does the project fit into the organizational initiatives, portfolio, and programs?
  • How to communicate changes
  • How will factors such as location, culture, security, privacy, and language impact project communications?

Consider project risks, status, the project charter, stakeholder expectations, the project management plan, and WBS. And don’t forget to also consider problems, changes, and updates to components of the project management plan, as well as upcoming work and delays.

Set Your Plan in Motion

Remember that, in project management, good communication must be planned into the project and managed throughout. The methods and frequency of communication must meet the needs of your stakeholders.

In the end, what your plan looks like will depend on the needs of the project itself, as well as the people involved. Writing down your project management communications plan is wise, it can serve as a valuable reference throughout your project. The best part is that it doesn’t need to be too formal either, yet it will certainly help you and your team succeed.

All of these elements can be found in much more detail in Rita Mulcahy’s PMP® Exam Prep book, so definitely check it out if you want to learn more.

Sources:
A white paper by RMC Learning Solutions, “6 Essential Elements to Effective Project Management.”
https://www.teamgantt.com/blog/project-management-communication-plan