The Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is a very structured, analytical outline of a somewhat abstract topic. Using it to manage projects is like trying to enjoy a play by reading the script. Although the relevant information is there, it is difficult to put into practice without external training. To that end, I … [Read more...]
The Role of the Project Team
In project management, the project team is the component of the project organizational chart that carries out the project's technical work. The project team reports to the project manager. For small projects, the project team and the project manager can be the same person. But this does not invalidate the presence of the separate roles. The main project … [Read more...]
How to Use a RACI Chart to Simplify Responsibilities
A RACI Chart (pronounced "racy") is a visual representation of the responsibilities of a project. RACI stands for Responsible - Accountable - Consulted - Informed. It is an excellent way to communicate what the responsibilities of each member of the project team are. In a RACI chart, each project task is assigned to each project member within the project … [Read more...]
The IPMA Project Excellence Model
The International Project Management Association (IPMA) provides an excellent standard for measuring project success. It's called the Project Excellence Model (PEM), and it establishes an analytical system of points for various categories. It is used in the selection of the IPMA Project Excellence Awards every year. It is documented within the Project … [Read more...]
16 Project Manager Certifications
Project management certification is one of the best ways to get ahead in your career. Certification gets you started on ladder to success, and the next rungs are promotions and salary increases. Although the first step is the most important, wise builders must make sure the ladder is positioned in the right place so that the destination is the right … [Read more...]
IPMA vs. PRINCE2: How to Decide Between Them
Project management certification can boost your job prospects, increase your salary, and get you a promotion. But it is important to choose the right certification, or you could end up spending alot of time and money only to be disappointed with the result. The International Project Management Association (IPMA) and PRINCE2 are two of the prominent certifications … [Read more...]
IPMA Certification: What You Need to Know
So you want to get certified as a project manager. The International Project Management Association (IPMA) maintains one of the three main project management certification schemes in the world. If IPMA is the route you wish to pursue, you must choose between four levels in the IPMA scheme: Level A (IPMA-A): Program manager, or a manager of multiple … [Read more...]
PRINCE2 vs. PMP: The Head-to-Head Analysis
PRINCE2 and PMP (Project Management Professional) are the two main certifications for project managers in the world today. Although the certification bodies, Axelos and the Project Management Institute (PMI), tend to play friendly with each other, they are competitors. In most areas of the world, project management certification is a choice between these … [Read more...]
The PRINCE2 Project Management Method
PRINCE2 is one of the world's most used project management methodologies, driving projects from infrastructure to I.T. Like the engine inside a car, it is the invisible, behind the component that ensures the project gets where it needs to go. But to get you to your destination it needs to be maintained and serviced, and project managers must maintain the method or … [Read more...]
What is a PRINCE2 Management Stage?
PRINCE2 is one of the world's main project management methodologies. In PRINCE2, projects are divided into management stages. These stages represent distinct components which are managed individually. But what exactly is a management stage, and how does it work? A Stage is a Phase Projects must be broken down into phases to be manageable. PRINCE2 … [Read more...]