pnaybour

What is the Best Way to Take APMP

Feb 142013

The APMP exam is one of the more beneficial exams that you can take for a career in project management. It is also among the most rigorous and so you will want to study for it. By preparing for this exam you will increase your chances of passing and doing well on it. However you will need to not only prepare for it but also take it in order pass it. When taking this exam you will benefit by going with a certain approach to this exam and this will allow you to succeed. Among the things you will want to do when taking this exam include reading the questions carefully, answering them in the proper manner, following the instructions, answering questions completely and double checking your answers. With this approach you will be sure to get the most out of your experience and get a credential that can advance your career.

The first thing you will need to do when taking the APMP exam is to read questions carefully. During the exam the questions will be quite technical so it will help to read them over in detail and do your best to interpret them properly. By reading the questions carefully you will have a good chance at answering them properly and allowing yourself to perform better on this exam. Reading the question carefully will be one way to get the most out of your time taking the exam.

You will want to answer the questions in the proper manner as another way to take the exam. This is either writing down information or simply filling in a circle to represent a correct answer. If the exam is multiple choice and they want you to simply circle the letter that represents your answer then to that By answering questions in the proper manner you will have the means to get through the exam with ease.

As well as answering questions properly you will want to answer them completely as well. This means that you will need to put down an answer that is complete and thorough. This way you will make sure that you give an answer that exam administrators will understand and give you credit for. It is important to answer questions completely so that you improve your chances of better performance on the exam. By answering the questions completely you will have a better chance at getting more points on the exam and increase your chances of passing as well.

The next thing you will want to do when taking this exam is to follow the instructions for each part of it. This means that you will need to read over the instructions and make sure that you know how they want you to answer questions. Following the instructions will enable you to take the exam properly and enable you to get credit for the answers you put down. By following the instructions you will have an easier time getting through this exam and increasing your chances of success.

Lastly it will be very important to double check your answers. This is simply the process of going over your answers and making sure that they make sense and that you are satisfied with them. This is a very important exam and you want to make sure you do your absolute best. Double checking your answers gives you the ability to see if you made any errors and correct them if necessary. By going over and double checking your answers you will help improve your performance on the exam and also your chances of passing it.

This project management exam is one of the more demanding exams around when it comes to getting credentials for the information technology sector. By passing it you will have the ability to earn more money and get more out of your career. While this exam may be demanding you can still do well on it as long as you go with the right approach. Taking certain steps such as reading over questions carefully, double checking your answers, and following instructions will allow you to improve your chances of doing well on the exam and eventually passing it. Once you pass this exam you will then have a very good credential to help you with your career in information technology project management.

How to Select a Good Project Management Course

Blog Posts No Responses »

Nov 052012

Business is expanding each and every day, and individuals find themselves struggling to keep with the times when there is more and more to know. Managers are in the peculiar situation of not only needing to know how to do everyone’s work within a specific project, but being able to lead the tea to success. With that said, good quality management course are sometimes hard to come by. A good course needs only be informative and within budget, but offering valuable information outside of just the gritty details. It needs to deal in experience, and offer the proper learning environment.

When looking for a quality course, you need to understand these needs and requirements, and not only expect to marginally exceed the requirements, but absolutely extend far beyond them. Do not lower your standards. A proper course should be accredited and defended by the Association for Project Management and the Project Management Institution. If that wasn’t enough, the track record in the courses should be top-tier, as leaders leave the courses feeling confident, excited, and drive to succeed wonderfully.Quality training can accomplish a lot when done right. You may find yourself knowledgeable in certain key areas, but there is undoubtedly always room for improvement. Even the star managers can improve their style and approach in getting projects accomplished, and you want a course that is fine-tuned to the individual. One of the key aspects is earning respect, for without respect, it is hard to keep a dynamic team in place. Quality courses promote the idea of opening job opportunities, so never ignore this key aspect. As you search, keep a consistent focus on project management courses that never shy away from networking opportunities throughout every course.

The nitty gritty is in the details, and those are not ignored. Review courses that stress competence, and obtaining new skills. With key focuses on obtaining respect, learning skills, and expanding your career horizons, you are right in line in finding the perfect project management courses- ones which stress unparalleled success and efficiency.

How to select one depends largely on the courses up front nature. If a course leaders are unwilling to provide information, stay away. A quality course should always offer pre-course materials and resources for your review. This way you get a really strong grip on if the course is for you. Leaders want those who are truly interested, and not necessarily in need of your income to reach a membership quota. The location is key, look for a good venue that set the right learning environment. These may come across as insignificant arrangements, but without that personal touch, the course may just be all flair and no substance.

Course leaders should be accessible. Without contact numbers and those willing to help, the project management course may be a shot in the dark. Ongoing support is important in maximizing the courses benefits. You do not just want a presentation. A quality course has a follow-through, before AND after. With these standards set in place, you will avoid the truly terrible and mediocre courses, as the quality rises to the surface.

There are key attributes to keep in mind in a quality project management course. In learning, you desire to earn respect, develop new skills, and expand your job opportunities into new stratospheres. In searching for a proper course, never lose sight of what matters- experienced trainers, reliability on all levels, and a sensible location. Some companies provide top-tier training. It is just about knowing what to look for, and setting the proper and deserved standards of business.Parallel project Training deliver quality project management courses that make a real difference to your business.

Project Management as a Career With Prince2 Practitioner

Blog Posts No Responses »

Feb 092012

If you are looking for a possible new career move, you might want to consider the position of project management. No matter what industry you are looking at, there is generally a project manager on staff, in order to look after the staff, make sure everything is running smoothly, and that the task is on target, under budget and on time. Of course, you generally don’t just place any individual into this position, as they need proper training and experience. Thankfully, with a little help from the right training center, you not only are going to see your career take off, but additional job openings in the project manager sector is sure to follow.

In order to be considered a top flight project manager candidate, you need to receive the proper training necessary. APMP is one of the first training course you need to master. With APMP, you are able to join the official association of project management individuals. This is a must if you want to obtain such a position. Often times, it is one of the first aspects a company looks at to see if you are qualified for such a position. If you do not have your APMP, then most likely you are going to be skipped over for someone that does have such information listed on their resume. Having an APMP shows you have the basic knowledge on how to be a projector manager, how to run a company and how to manage a staff, regardless of the situation or circumstances.

The second step you need to take in order to properly train in order to have a career as a project manager is PRINCE2. This is a standard project manager training looked at by the private sector and the UK government. If you want to work for the government, you need to have this kind of training under your belt. Most candidates that don’t have PRINCE2 are never considered, unless their resume boasts of a significant amount of experience and knowledge in other fields. Of course, when it comes down to your career, you don’t want to take this kind of a chance. The more you are able to place on a resume in order to separate yourself from the competition the better, especially when it comes to the government. So obtain your PRINCE2 certification is vital, otherwise you might need to start looking for other positions.

Lastly, the final step of becoming an attractive project manager candidate is to obtain your PMP. Short for Project Management Professional, this is possibly the most important bit of training you can receive when looking to become a project manager. This is an industry standard throughout the country, so no matter where you look for a job and no matter what company you apply for, if this is not listed on your resume, you are almost certain to kiss this job goodbye, as someone else with the PMP listed is going to receive the position. Once you are officially part of this, you are going to not only see the number of job offers increase, but the quality of job is also going to increase, making it possible to almost pick whatever project manager job you desire, especially if you have all three of these qualifications.

From government to private sector positions, if you are looking to become a project manager, you need to have several certifications and training courses under your belt. With these three obtained, you are going to be able to receive a job just about anywhere you choose, as you instantly become a valuable asset.

What is Prince2?

Blog Posts No Responses »

Jan 182012

Were you aware that more than half of all business projects which are started are never finished? Among the projects that are completed, most could have been done sooner, to a higher degree of quality or at a lower cost. A well designed project management system helps managers use their time well and lead their team in the best possible way, by making sure that the project is planned and carried out using a proven system that yields results.

The acronym PRINCE stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments and is a project management method that helps you run a project efficiently and successfully. This system is both generic and flexible so that can be used for all types of projects. PRINCE2 was developed from the earlier version, PRINCE. This second version improves on the first one by having detailed input from users, project management specialist and a panel of 150 organisations from both the public and private sector. It’s the standard project management system used extensively by the UK government, in North America and around the world.

Why Use PRINCE2?
Using this project management system in your business or organization will save hours of time and a great deal of money on man-hours. Get projects done on time, at cost and deliver top quality results to your customers. You’ll be able to start projects with a clear vision on how you will get to the end result and how the inevitable problems are solved.

This system helps project managers organize the project in the areas of starting a project, initiating the project, directing the project, controlling a stage, managing the stage boundaries, delivering the project and closing the project. The system is generic in nature and can be tailored and scaled to fit the needs of your situation.

Benefits of Training
1. You’ll learn how to apply this management approach to your company and improve the quality and speed of the projects that you complete.
2. You’ll decrease your chances of being short listed since you’ll possess a valuable skill set that employers will look upon highly.
3. Increase your work efficiency so that you free up valuable time for other tasks. This method can even be applied in other areas of your life, not just in the office.

Get Trained Today
Help your team run its next project smoothly and successfully by getting trained and accredited. Parallel Project Training offers the training that you need to become an accredited project manager. Don’t waste your time trying to learn all the details of this project management system by yourself when you can learn from someone who is experienced in using it and can show you how to maximize your results. You’ll receive all the training, using innovative active learning methods, that you need to apply and use this method in your company. When you are done you’ll be able to sit the exams to become a certified practitioner. Don’t delay, call us today!

Is PMP Certification compatible with PRINCE2

Blog Posts No Responses »

Jul 042011

PMP certification is the standard for professional project management from the project management institute in the USA and PRINCE2 defined project management method from the UK Office of Government commerce. Initially they seem to represent different standards and approach to project management courses from two very different perspectives. On close examination however the two standards have significant compatibility with could even be complementary.

PMP Certification

Based on the PMI guide to project management the PMI BoK Guide to the Body of Knowledge, the PMP is one of the most widely recognised project management qualifications. Its aim is to demonstrate overall competence to deliver challenging projects. To achieve the PMP then you need to show both that you have a knowledge of the project management but can also demonstrate significant project management experience. In terms of knowledge then you need to know the PMBoK in detail but also other areas of project management including ethics and quality management. The PM Bok itself defines at in a detailed level the stages and processes a project manager should follow. However much of the guidance is at a high level and lacks detail.

What is PRINCE2

PRINCE2 is a project management method. As with all methods it defines three key areas 1) Key roles and responsibilities of the management team including the Project Manager, Project Sponsor Senior User, Senior Supplier and the work package managers. Each role has a detailed explanation. . The detailed template required to run the project. And the management processes to be followed at each stage

So can PMP and Prince2 work hand-in-hand

PMP certification can deliver the competence required to deliver successful projects, while PRINCE2 provides the detailed processes, roles and responsibilities and template. We think that combining the two approaches would give project managers a powerful tool set to deliver project successfully.

Disadvantages of this approach

The disadvantage of this combined approach it that the project team have to reconcile the different terminology behind the two approaches. For example the slightly different approaches to the analysis of risk or the differences between a project brief and a project charter. However this seems a small barrier to overcome to real the benefits of a complete approach to project management training.

Parallel Project and Pearce Mayfield Continue to Develop Strategic relationship

Blog Posts No Responses »

Mar 112011

- Project Training businesses joint forces to offer a complete range of training courses -

Reading, UK, 11 February 2011 – Parallel Project Training, and Pearce Mayfield have formed a strategic alliance to offer clients a one stop shop for project management training. The two businesses are perfect partners because Parallel Project Training are leading innovators in training and certification from the Association for Project Management, whilst Pearce Mayfield are leaders in the range of qualifications from APMG International, including PRINCE2.

This alliance recognises that the two approaches to project management (APM and PRINCE2) are highly complementary. It is now widely accepted that PRINCE2 is a good at defining what needs to done to manage projects and the APM approach defines knowledge, skills and competences required to successful deliver projects. This was recognised in the OGC white paper on why any individual who has the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification, or any organization which employs PRINCE2 Practitioners, should consider the merits of the APMP qualification. In this paper the OGC says “The simplest way of thinking about bringing together APMP with PRINCE2 is that the APMP knowledge enables a PRINCE2 Practitioner to do the things that are not covered by the PRINCE2 manual.” The APM has also recognised the increasing importance of PRINCE2 and the way in which the two approaches can produce a more rounded and capable project manager. The common approach to project management has been well received by the broader project management community.

Both businesses will continue to trade separately but have agreed to work together on strategic projects and opportunities. More specifically PRINCE2 courses delivered by Pearce Mayfield are now available on the Parallel web site.

Paul Naybour, Business Development Director, commented, “We have worked with Pearce Mayfield on a number of projects over the years and as we had a number of clients who were seeking PRINCE2 based training they were the natural choice for a business partner. We looked for a partner who matched our values of outstanding project management leadership and quality, and we look forward to working with Pearce Mayfield on a number of future projects. ”

Patrick Mayfield, Chairman of Pearce Mayfield, said “Parallel Project Training have complementary set of products and services and first class account management skills. We are delighted to be able to offer our clients a wider range of training opportunities.

- ends -

About Parallel Project Training

Parallel Project Training was formed in October 2009 by John Bolton and Paul Naybour and is supported by a pool of associates, advisers and consultants. Paul’s background is in the management of rail and infrastructure projects, leading major training programmes for many of the key players in the rail and transportation sector. In addition to rail experience, John has a strong pedigree in major programmes in the software and services sectors along with significant involvement in the management and development of professional project managers. Both are very highly experienced project management professionals, each having over ten years experience as project management development professionals. Parallel Project Training is based in Reading and offers a highly innovative approach to project management training. The courses include APMP, planning, risk management, estimating, and project leadership and will lead to accreditation where available. They are delivered using a combination of printed study material, e-learning, podcasts and classroom workshops. Parallel offers exceptional value for money with their innovative approach to efficiency and reducing impact on the environment – offering more for less.

About Pearce Mayfield

pearcemayfield is a world class provider of Change, Programme and Project Management training. The principals Patrick Mayfield is one of four authors of MSP^® 2007 edition and John Edmonds is one of the authors of the PRINCE2® 2009 refresh. The team in pearcemayfield are also specialists in learning and development, with an inspirational approach in the way they design learning experiences which makes mastering skills in the subject areas both effective and enjoyable.They have been in operation since 1994 and have been extensively delivering public and in-house project management training since then. They have delivered training in the widely recognised project management method, PRINCE2 since 1999 after becoming an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) via the APM Group. Prior to this, the founder, Patrick Mayfield, was a member of the team that developed and launched PRINCE2. pearcemayfield has an extensive background in providing support for PRINCE2 and is one of the top suppliers of PRINCE2 and MSP training globally. All their trainers and consultants are of the highest standard and have a wealth of personal experience. pearcemayfield focus on the learner; crafting a training or coaching event from a learner-centric perspective, rather than delivering ‘death by PowerPoint’ and notes to match. Having established the company on clear operating values, they are able to provide clients with a consistently distinctive service across different training and support interventions.

APMP for Prince2 Practitioners Launced by Parallel Project Training from £981

Blog Posts No Responses »

Oct 202010

Parallel Project Training have launched APMP for Prince2 practitioners course. This will be supported by our APMP for Prince2 Practitioners study guide and the other components in the Parallel Learning System. These are Podcasts, e-learning, an online support forum and a three day workshop. The APMP is a very intensive programme and this blended approach will give the Prince2 Practitioners an ideal opportunity to develop a full understanding of the APM Body of Knowledge and structure of the APMP exam before the course starts.

For full details of the course visit APMP for Prince2 Practitioners

Parallel Project Training Launch a APMP for Prince2 Practitioner Study Guide

Blog Posts No Responses »

Sep 282010

We are very pleased that today we have been able to launch our new APMP for Prince2 study guide. Following the same format as our APMP study guide this hand on and practical book contains many practical exercises, quizzes, sample questions and mock exam papers. Ideal for any Prince2 practitioner who is looking to develop a wider range of qualifications.

APMP for PRINCE2; the Yin and Yang of Project Management.

Blog Posts No Responses »

Jun 252010

APMP for Prince2 two views of the same topic

What is the APMP for PRINCE2?

The APMP for PRINCE2 practitioners is a new qualification from the association for project management. It recognised the value of the prior learning in the PRINCE2 covers many of the gaps in the PRINCE2 method to develop a more complete and pragmatic project manager. Key areas included in the APMP for PRINCE2 qualification which are missing from PRINCE2 because it is a method not a body of knowledge. Some of these are fairly essential areas for most project managers. These most critically include:

Procurement of goods and services required to complete the project. This includes forms of contract, the main procurement options and typical forms of payment.

Resource and cost planning are recognised as vital areas for the completion of successful projects. Although not covered as part of PRINCE2 these are key areas that any project manager needs to fully understand to stand any chance of delivering a successful project.

Safety Management is critical to many projects. The APMP give PRINCE2 practitioners an understanding of the requirements for a systematic approach to understanding and managing health and safety risks.

Estimating including how confident the project manager can be with the estimates produced at the various stages of a project

Leadership and team development are critical areas covers by this new qualification but excluded from PRINCE2

Negotiation Skill are also a key requirements of project management which are not part of PRINCE2 development.

These topics are covered in the new qualification which leads to a more effective project manager.

Why do APMP for PRINCE2

PRINCE2 is recognised as being a best in class project management method. However there is increasing recognition that it does not fully equip project managers to deliver successful projects. Some critical skills are needed to complement PRINCE2 in order to have a fully rounded project manager. This new qualification which is a collaboration between the APM and OGC has been widely welcomed as a way of bringing the two approaches to project management development together in to a complete framework.

For a PRINCE2 Practitioner this new qualifications can give you the complementary skills you need to deliver successful projects within a PRINCE2 framework.

Many people are hoping that this is the first step in the road to more collaboration between the APM and OGC.

When will PRINCE2 for APMP be available?

The new qualification will be available from September 2010 from Parallel Project Training amongst other training providers.