Project Management

The Master of Science in Project Management (M.S.P.M.), also known as Master in Project Management (M.P.M.) is a professional advanced degree in project management.

Candidates of M.P.M. programs are required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and significant work experience (12 years on average). Most programs require 36-42 graduate credits and a thesis or final project. While programs may vary, most curricula are designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to lead and manage effectively. Students normally engage in the study of concepts, methodologies and analytical techniques necessary for successful leadership of programs/projects within complex organizations.

Curricula typically focus on problem solving and decision-making using case studies, teaming exercises, hands-on applications, active participation, research and integrative exercises. Lecture and laboratory sessions require the application of critical thinking to problem solving within notional and actual situations.

Boston University in the United States and through its Brussels campus in Belgium offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Project Management that is recognized by the Project Management Institute and can be credited towards the CAPM credential as well as a Master of Science in Management degree. Norwegian Technical and Natural Science University (NTNU) conducts a Masters of Science Program in project Management which complies with EuroMPM program. University of Limerick in Ireland offers a Masters in Project Management (MPM). This could be considered an MBA with Project Management although there is more emphasis on the soft skills required to make the project manager a better leader. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Science Degree in Information Technology Project Management as well as three Specialized Certificates in IT Project Management. Harrisburg University’s program is a Registered Education Provider for the Project Management Institute and courses taken prepare students for the exam. The COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad offers a Masters Program in Project Management (MPM).The University of Aberdeen, Scotland, provides an MSc in Project Management as well.

There are also nearly twenty programs worldwide that are considered globally accredited by PMI. This distinction represents a thorough academic evaluation by PMI and is different than the Registered Education Provider designation. In theory, these programs truly are the best project management education providers in the world. Students who complete a PMI GAC degree program earn 1500 hours of project management experience toward sitting for the PMP exam . Several schools that offer GAC degree programs are University of Wisconsin-Platteville, University of Texas-Dallas (www.som.utdallas.edu), and University of Alaska-Anchorage.

Original article at Master in Project Management

PMP Exam Preparation Online Courses

2009-09-22T23:46:00.000-07:00

There are several online PMP exam preparation courses available. They work the way any other types of preparation methods does, only it is done online. However, there are a few entailing benefits to opting for this method of PMP exam preparation.

Convenience of PMP Exam Preparation Online Courses

This is an apparent benefit. With the convenience of staying right at home, turning on your computer, logging online, and accessing the materials and modules you need for your study, it has provided a flexible means to acquire all the necessary training to prepare you for the PMP exam. This enables even those employed individuals to squeeze in their training for the PMP certification exam without giving up their job, and yet opening up more opportunities to advance one’s career.

Comprehensive

Due to the advancements in the method used, most online PMP exam preparation courses are quite extensive in scope. In fact, there are a few training programs that are specifically catered for a specific area in project management, in case you want to make a concentrated approach. It works basically as a person-to-person or lecture type of discussion, but with an added benefit of gaining access to online database.

Cost-Efficient

Since you would have to stay at home, enrolling in an online PMP exam preparation course is more cost efficient because you have reduced the traveling costs, miscellaneous, and material purchases. Most of the modules and reading materials provided in an online course are downloadable, so there is no need to secure an actual copy of the book. And yet, the trainings for the PMP certification exam are just as intense and thorough as an actual PMP exam preparation course.

Software For PMP Exam Preparation

Tied up to your online courses in preparation for your PMP certification exam are software tools that will aid your learning. These software tools are available in different methods and forms, so you can choose one that suits your PMP exam preparation schedule best and your approach at learning.

*Training Manuals This is an important tool if you use software in preparation for your PMP exam. It includes a wide scope of project management topics including the nine basic knowledge areas concerned with project management, process inputs and outputs, tools and techniques, among others.

*Performance Analysis If you use PMP exam preparation software, you get the added benefit of having to monitor your progress. It utilizes tools provided within the training manual that assesses how much of it you have learned. It also specifies problem areas in your study, so you can focus on which you need to improve on.

*Sample Tests and Questions This one offers the same benefits as the one above since the main objective is to assess how much you already know and how much you still need to learn. This is also focused on a given area so you are aware what aspect of your project management knowledge needs to be improved.

Taking the PMP exam is no longer as troublesome as it used to be. With several PMP exam preparation tools available online, all the information you need is practically right at your fingertips.

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PMP Exam Preparation Online Courses

Is Project Management Your Career?

2009-09-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how a 100 story sky-scraper somehow rises magically from the ground? Or how a tiny cell phone can have so manyintriguing high-tech features?

There are many processes involved in these accomplishments, not the least of them being project management. Project management is a booming profession that is only going to get bigger in the years ahead. It offers excitement, challenge…and a good income. If it’s not a field you’ve considered, maybe it’s time you should.

What is s project management
In a nutshell, project management provides organizations with the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to plan and execute projects on time and on budget.
Most likely, you have already participated on different types of projects. Whether it’s participating in sports or the school play, organizing a prom, publishing a newspaper, or entering a science fair competition, you’re involved in project management.
Examples of projects in the business world include:
• Planning and implementing the Olympics
• Creating a Web application to support selling a company’s products and services
• Relocating portions of a business from one location to another.

Why consider project Management as a career
For one, it’s hot. In the 21st century, the demand for skilled project managers is at an all-time high as organizations and agencies continue to focus on higher productivity and greater customer satisfaction with minimum resources.

What is in it for you
Marketability and value. Said another way, your skills will be in heavy demand by companies and organizations worldwide in multiple industries. As a project manager you will:
• Earn an excellent salary ($) and benefit compensation
• Be highly skilled in the tools, techniques and processes (industry standards) used to effectively manage projects and produce expected results
• Work in a profession that offers seemingly limitless opportunities for growth and advancement
• Have ample opportunities for ongoing professional development.

What you can earn
While salary levels will naturally vary by industry, by level of experience and by the amount of formal education and/or certifications one has, compensation may begin at $30,000 (US) as an entry level project team member and go well into six figures as a project management executive.

Is Project Management a career for you
Annualized median salary (US) by years worked in project management*
3 years or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000
6 to 10 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85,000
21 years and over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000
*Information from PMI® Project Management Salary Survey-Third Edition

Exciting Career Opportunity in Project Management.
Opportunity knocks! Project management includes a broad range of industries including:
• Aerospace and Defense • Information Technology
• Automation • Systems Manufacturing
• Design, Procurement and Construction • New Product Development
• Education and Training • Risk Management
• Environmental Management • Urban Development
• Financial Services

Summary
Few fields of endeavor offer the excitement, challenge, diversity, sense of accomplishment and excellent income potential as project management. If you like working with people, honing your communications skills, having hands on involvement, managing projects from start to finish, you will be genuinely excited about the opportunities awaiting you in project management.

Project management activities

2009-09-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Project management is composed of several different types of activities such as:

* Analysis and design of objectives and events
* Planning the work according to the objectives
* Assessing and controlling risk (or Risk Management)
* Estimating resources
* Allocation of resources
* Organizing the work
* Acquiring human and material resources
* Assigning tasks
* Directing activities
* Controlling project execution
* Tracking and reporting progress (Management information system)
* Analyzing the results based on the facts achieved
* Defining the products of the project
* Forecasting future trends in the project
* Quality Management
* Issues management
* Issue solving
* Defect prevention
* Identifying, managing & controlling changes
* Project closure (and project debrief)
* Communicating to stakeholders

PMP Certificate

2009-09-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

A PMP® certificate is a Project Management Professional certificate that is issued by the Project Management Institute®. This certificate is a professional credential that is used by project managers all over the world to indicate their skills and education in project management. The PMP® certificate is widely used by information technology project managers, but has been in place for engineers, design teams, and architects for many years. All these roles require a significant amount of project management skills. These skills are typically after five to ten years of working experience.

There are two requirements to obtain a PMP® certificate, a combination of education and experience and successful completion of the PMP® examination. The requirements are based on the skill sets and career level that meets the program requirements. It is important to note that it is not possible to obtain a PMP® certificate early in your career. The level of experience required indicates that you would have to be in a position of responsibility for at least four years before you would be able to start accumulating the project management hours required.

The PMP® certificate requires either a post secondary degree or five years project management experience. People with a degree must have obtained three years project management experience to qualify for the exam. All experience must be documented, with reference letters and support from the supervisor or manager who can validate your role in the project.Both applicants are required to complete 35 hours of project management courses.

There are specific skills and tasks that must be included in this work experience in order for it to qualify toward the project management hours. The PMP certificate provides a very detailed list of their exact requirements and will reject any experience that does not meets these standards. Take the time to read these requirements with care.

The PMP exam is comprised of 400 multiple choice questions and is offered four times a year in multiple locations around the world. The exam is four hours long and is usually held in a large hall or auditorium. The application fee varies, but must be paid in advance to qualify for the exam.

In order to prepare for the PMP exam, there is a PMP exam preparation courses offered by a wide range of educational institutions and private schools. These courses are quite expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 US Dollars (USD). If you are going to take a preparation course, select one from a firm that offers a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you can retake the course for free. They are more motivated to ensure that you are prepared.

Original Source PMP Certificate