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Location: Blogs John Webster - PM Down Under |
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| Posted by: John Webster |
6/30/2007 |
Is there a place for lower-level Project Management qualifications? How do we create a pathway to PMP?
I keep getting approached by people who need an introduction to Project Management. Typically they are already in the workforce, and may be skilled professionals in their own field.
More and more businesses are turning to project-based work practices in order to keep up with change. In an economy the size of New Zealand's the vast majority of business enterprises are micro-businesses (with fewer than 25 employees), and we don't have the luxury of becoming specialists in just one field. The job of managing a project is given to someone, usually a subject expert, who is already employed. These people don't want to commit to studying (or paying for) full PMP status. Even the CPMA is a step to far for people dipping their toes in the water...so, how do people get the knowledge they need to get started as a Project Manager? |
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Re: Qualifications |
By 311867 on
7/27/2007 |
| I will presume you are resourceful and already purchased or borrowed "Intro" to PM books. Sorting through varied approaches and methodologies can be daunting. Therefore I recommend reading "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 3rd Edition" from PMI. Establish an understanding of this world-wide standard, first. Then use the other reference materials to support or elaborate the PMI concepts. I'd be happy to take this offline to discuss further step by step advice: egprojects@gmail.com |
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Re: Qualifications |
By 56973 on
8/12/2007 |
Thanks for your perspective, John. Keep up the good work.
I think many people still do not know about the project management profession. Just explaining to them that 1/4 of the world's money (GNP) is spent on projects gives them some perspective on how important it is to have people who know how to manage them. Give them examples of projects, like building roads, buildings, new products, movies, etc., and they will get the idea. |
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Re: Qualifications |
By 885610 on
8/16/2007 |
Thanks 311867. I have developed and teach a degree course in Project Management, as well as a short non-assessed introductory course so I'm aware of the literature and education opportunities.
The people I'm thinking of are usually blue-collar workers promoted because of their ability, but definitely non-academic, often very busy, with full lives outside their jobs. With all the will in the world, I don't see them sitting down to read the "Guide". It IS a rather daunting document.
56973 - good idea (might include building bridges [project work] and ongoing maintenance - and how a lack of it seems to have created a major project in the USA).
What I'm trying to get at are your opinions on how to start people off -what are the most important things to know? I was commissioned to compress an outline of PMBOK into a 3 hour session, but the result was information overload - unsatisfactory, too much talking, not enough doing...
Which reminds me of the Chinese saying:
I hear and I forget
I see and I understand
I do and I remember
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Re: Qualifications |
By 259233 on
10/25/2007 |
Yes, there is a place for lower level PM skills, although I disagree that gaining those put someone on the path to a PMP. In fact, I would go so far as to say that emphasizing the attainment of the credential for anyone who has not chosen PM as a profession is counterproductive and dilutes the value of the credential.
For example, those that participate on projects (such as individual contributors and functional managers) absolutely need to understand the basics of project management. However, they by no means need to become experts, nor do they need to seek certification unless they wish to change their career path. Functional managers that lead projects in the absence of full-time project managers need a deeper understanding of project management tools and techniques, but it is doubtful that they will experience a positive ROI for an in depth study of PM theory.
The PMI Dallas Chapter offers a PM101 class specifically for these types of individuals; the focus is on providing them with a clear understanding of tools and techniques (including templates) that they can apply quickly in the workplace. For those that want to learn more tools and techniques, we offer an extended PM20X series that breaks each process group down further and provides more extensive tools, templates and techniques. While PMBOK-based, none of this information is designed to prepare them for certification.
Yes, we'd all love to think that projects should only be managed by PMPs. Reality clearly shows us that is not going to happen. However, we are not compromising our professional standards by showing those in other professions how to apply discipline to increase project and, therefore, business success. |
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Re: Qualifications |
By 885610 on
11/25/2007 |
A good point 259233! (Hell, I sound like Maxwell Smart!).
I've developed and delivered a short course that sounds a bit like your PM101 with some success. You've given me a better idea on how to pitch it to prospective participants (and their bosses). Thanks. |
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Re: Qualifications |
By acomplia on
8/18/2008 |
I think you worry too much on this subject but you posted a good question there !
acomplia |
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