Month: July 2022

What are the top Project Management trends for 2018?

Project management has been a highly sought-after functional branch of industry in recent years. Project management is useful for launching new products or software. Project management is about completing projects within budget and time constraints. This is the key to its success. Industry’s bottom line and top line are affected by time and cost. These topics cover program management techniques and tools to manage these components.
Agile is a popular buzzword in project management. It helps us face today’s dynamic challenges. It is used to react to inevitable changes. It is a subject that has attracted the attention of academics, with various levels of PMP certifications. Professionals in project management have lucrative career options. We can’t ignore the flip side of the coin. Each year brings new challenges to the project management community. We’ve witnessed rapid industry changes over the past few years. Project management topics have been on the path to maturity.
Project Management
According to the definition of PMBoK (Project Management Body Of Knowledge), 6th Edition
“Project management is the application knowledge, skills, and techniques to project activities in order to meet project requirements.”
Trends in Project Management
What does Project Management Trend mean?
Over the years, the dynamics of project management have changed. It doesn’t matter if Industry 4.0, IoT (Internet of Things), or automation has changed. This new generation of evolution must be integrated into project management framework. Project Management trends can help us predict the future of project management. Understanding the current and future trends in project management can help you combat project management problems.
The Biggest Project Management Trends for 2018
Image Source: https://searchengineland.com/seo-trends-prepare-2017-263710
As we move from 2017 to 2018, I have attempted to identify the most important Project Management trends for 2018.
Here are the top 10 challenges facing project managers in 2018:
All organizations can shift to Enterprise PMO (Project Management Offices).

Use Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve productivity and decision-making.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a skill that project managers can use to improve their projects’ performance.

Wearable technology used to understand people

Combination of traditional and agile approaches as a hybrid.

Effective resource management

Remote project teams are becoming more cultured

Digitalization and real-time updates are essential.

Kanban Boards are a technique used in project management.

Cyber-security

These trends are universal regardless of industry or organizational context. These mega-trends are important and require attention from Project Management professionals. This is important to ensure that you are able to incorporate the necessary elements to meet future needs.
Let’s now discuss these trends in more detail:
1. Shift to structured Enterprise PMOs (Project Management Offices).
Recent trends have shown that most organizations are inclining to establish PMOs. Management expects this trend to continue in 2018. PMOs are a way to promote a culture of central focus in organizations. It bridges the gap between project goals and organizational top-level objectives. Enterprise PMO is becoming more popular in project management-oriented industries and businesses. EPMO enables you to connect business goals and strategies with individual project outcomes. It supports its effective implementation. EPMO provides tools for enterprise project management to the organization. PMO also provides support and tools for enterprise project management.

What are the job openings for PRINCE2 Qualified professionals?

More forward-thinking companies are realizing the importance of effective and systematic project management as a communication tool and an organizational tool. No matter if you’re new to project management or an experienced project manager, a PRINCE2 certification can help you grow your career and propel you to new heights.
What is PRINCE2?
PRINCE2 (Projects in a controlled Environment, version 2) can also be described as a structured project management method that includes advanced management, organization, and control of a project. It does not include basic activities such as scheduling. The methodology provides expert guidance on the actions that must be taken to manage a project. It also highlights and explains the reasons why the project should be run in a certain manner. PRINCE2 is about managing projects, not just getting the daily work done.
In addition, there are 7 principles in PRINCE2:
Justification of the end-to-end business

Learn from project management experience

Determining the project roles, responsibilities

Management through exceptions

Management at various levels

Concentrate on the products

To adapt to the business environment

PRINCE2 Certification Benefits
A PRINCE2 certification program gives managers the opportunity to sharpen their project management skills and gain a competitive edge over others. These include a steady approach to every project that leads to high outputs, meeting client needs effectively, and evaluating the progress of each project at regular intervals in order to make any necessary changes. Two core qualifications are required for certification, the PRINCE2 Practitioner or PRINCE2 Foundation.
Roles and responsibilities of PRINCE2-qualified professionals
Simply put, there is four levels to any PRINCE2 project role and responsibilities. These are:
1. Project board – This is an external team member responsible for assigning the project’s executive and delineating project tolerances. The project board – This board is responsible for providing direction and ensuring the success of a project. Project manager – This person is responsible for managing the daily project on an ongoing basis within the constraints set out by the project board. Team members – Responsible for delivering project products on time, at a specified cost, and at a certain quality level.
Potential job opportunities for PRINCE2-qualified professionals and candidates
With a PRINCE2 certification, you can make a global impact on job opportunities. This programme will give you the core competencies of project management, which will allow you to land a variety of project management jobs with well-known international brands. These skills will enable you to tackle and manage any project challenge head-on, confident in the direction you are heading. If you have worked as a project manager for some time, you will be considered an all-round professional. You will be able to apply for meaningful and growth-oriented job titles such as PRINCE2.
IT Project Manager

Senior Project Manager, IT

Service Delivery Manager

Software Development Project Manager

IT Program Manager

Technical Project Manager

Customer Project Manager

National Senior EQA Scheme Officer

Analyse of Project Management

Learn about the PMI-ACP Exam, and how to apply

The agile movement was created to help businesses adapt to unpredictable circumstances. It grew in the 1990’s and has been a viable alternative to traditional project management methods that were dominated by a rigid sequence, processes, and plans. Although the waterfall model was able to handle small projects with limited scope and few variables, it couldn’t cope with the changing demands of the IT industry. Agile development is based on the principles of lean development. This means that there is a greater emphasis on efficiency to increase value to the customer. Agile principles and practices are not only used for software development. Project managers in many industries and organizations use agile principles and practices to manage knowledge worker projects. The Agile Manifesto emphasizes the importance of: Individuals, interactions and processes over tools and processes
Working software over comprehensive documentation
Collaboration with customers in contract negotiation
After a plan has been implemented, you need to respond to changes

Scrum was created in order to provide greater flexibility and speed in product development. It was created as an Agile framework to complete complex projects in the late 1990’s. Scrum recognizes the possibility that customers can change project requirements at any time during product development. Therefore, Scrum focuses on increasing the team’s ability and responsiveness to new requirements. Who should invest in the PMI ACP Certification? Practitioners who work in organizations that use agile methods and practices should consider the PMI-ACP Certification. The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner certification will show your commitment to project management and demonstrate your knowledge. It will allow practitioners to show employers their proficiency in agile principles, practices and tools, while also allowing them to expand their professional capabilities. The PMI-ACP certification validates project managers’ knowledge of Agile principles and processes. This certification will be useful for companies that are interested in adopting the Agile methodology. Information about the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP Exam): The Project Management Institute (PMI) website is the best place to find out more about the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner. The PMI website must be the main source of information about all PMI certifications, including ACP. You can check whether your project management experience meets the PMI-ACP eligibility requirements on the PMI website section. The PMI ACP Handbook can also be downloaded and viewed from the PMI website. You can also register for free on the PMI site, which is also necessary if you decide to take the ACP exam. The PMI ACP Handbook pages 7-8 contains all the information you need about the PMI ACP certification, project management experience, and the prerequisites for the ACP exam. Eligibility requirements for PMI ACP: A minimum of 2,000 hours of general project experience in a team. These hours must have been earned in the last five years. This requirement will be satisfied by the Active PMP(r), or PgMP(r). You must have at least 12 months of experience in project management.
Agile Project Experience of 1500 hours spent working in agile teams or using agile methodologies. These hours must have been earned within the last three years. These hours must be earned within the last 3 years.

How to earn PDUs to Retain your PMP

Everyone keeps talking about earning PDUs in order to maintain their Project Management Professional certification, also known as PMP certification. It is important to keep your PMP certification, as it takes a lot of effort, time, and hard work. Earning PDUs is one way to do this. Without them, certification could be suspended. Continue reading to learn more. What is a PDU in PMP and how do they work? PDUs are Professional Development Units. They are necessary for Project Management Professional certification. One PDU is equal to one hour of project management training. There are exceptions to this rule. PMP credential holders can claim their PDUs via PMP’s website. There are many ways to earn PDUs, with the most popular being through PMI PDU Online courses. Categories of PDUs PDUs can be classified into seven categories: Category A. Any PMP PDU within this category can also be earned through courses offered in communities and chapters by PMP. You can attend PMP events or courses offered by PMP representatives. If attending an event in person is impossible due to time constraints or work, you can always look to the webinars offered by PMP. Category B is for continuing education. There are many courses offered by universities. You should sign up for them to continue your learning journey. These do not include events organized by PMI. Any course that is not an internal course can count and you will be able to earn some PDUs for being a part. Category C includes self-directed learning. Any PMI PDU can be earned by reading books or watching videos related to PMP. You can also learn more about PMP by doing your own research. The most popular ways to learn about PMP are by listening to podcasts and having discussions with your project manager. To learn more and earn more PDUs, one can get mentored or coached by a coach. This category can earn around 30 PDUs. It is why it is important to take more initiative to learn about PMP. Category D is for creating new PM knowledge. You can do this by writing a PM book, or even blogging about it. This category requires that one share his or her knowledge about PMP with others. It is important to blog regularly and encourage positive interactions on the blog. You can give presentations to different groups and create different PM courses. These are just a few of the many ways to create new knowledge. This category can earn you 45 PDUs. This category includes Category E Volunteer service. Volunteers can be asked to volunteer at PMI-organized events. It is a good idea to get in touch and become an active member of local chapters. Giving training to others is a great way to earn some valuable PDUs. Category F is for professionals in the field Project Management. Being a project manager is a great way to consolidate your PMP experience. Although theoretical knowledge is helpful, it is the practical experience that establishes one’s credibility. You must take initiative and lead a project. This will not only boost your confidence but also help you retain your PMP certification. Earn PDU online, or follow any of the methods that pertain to the above-mentioned categories to keep your PMP certification. It is a continuous process that should not be stopped at any time. Way ahead: It is important to periodically check the number of PDUs. A spa requires 60 PDUs

Project management is not an easy job. Project Smart’s Adam Alami writes that projects are often an offshoot from crisis situations. They often start in situations that inherently prevent success. However, planning can help to avoid many problems. A project plan that everyone can refer to for guidance is the right kind. Your project is at high risk of falling apart if it is not well-designed. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Ambiguous business case

A cohesive business case ensures that everyone understands the reasons behind the project. This is essential for motivating your team. This provides clear guidelines for the project’s work. The project is more likely to fail if people don’t understand what is at stake. These are the questions you should ask when planning a project:
Who is the most likely to benefit from this project?
What strategic goal is the project aiming to achieve?

Undefined project scope

It is almost impossible to resolve all issues within an organization in one project. A clearly defined project scope will help you achieve your goals. Scope creep is a risk that a project can fall apart. This happens when expectations and priorities shift, causing a project’s size to balloon. This can cause confusion and strain on resources. Scope creep can negatively impact a project’s chances of success.
Inadequacy in risk identification

A successful project requires risk management. Teams should be thorough when planning their actions. Some risks are unavoidable. The right strategy will outline steps to minimize their impact. Many project teams fail in identifying risk. This could be due to carelessness or over-optimism. This is because they will be blindsided when unexpected events occur. This will cause projects to go berserk.
Poor estimations of budget and resources

2013 saw less than a third (33%) of all projects being completed on-time and within budget. This is in line with the other issues discussed here. Teams that aren’t clear on their goals will allocate resources poorly if they don’t know what they want. Your team will do more with less if projects don’t manage scope creep. Teams that don’t consider possible scenarios in their expenses are guilty of poor risk management. A clear, well-estimated budget helps keep a project on track.
Undefined roles

A plan that is clear and concise is the best kind of plan. People are more productive when they know what their responsibilities are. People will become confused if your project plan does not clearly assign roles. Do you remember the frustration you felt in school when you had to do all the work on a group project? This scenario is made more likely by unclear roles. In a successful project, confusion and frustration are not welcome.
This blog should have shown you how important planning is to project management success. Our e-learning program includes a lot of project planning. Managers can use our PMP and CAPM certifications to create detailed, actionable plans. Managers can be confident in their strategic vision by using a best-practice methodology. Click here to learn more about the PMP online course. Click here to learn more about the CAPM online course.

We might look back at 2017 as a benchmark for project management. The 2017 Pulse of the Profession by PMI showed that organizations spent 20% less on projects in 2017 than they did in 2016. How can the industry capitalize on this success and address its weaknesses? Here are four trends you should be on the lookout for.
Accentuate soft skills

For a long time, emotional intelligence was overlooked. How long? This question was addressed in 1918 by A Study of Engineering Education. It lists the personal characteristics that engineers value on page 106. These were:
Common sense
Integrity
Resourcefulness
Initiative
Tact
Thoroughness
Accuracy
Efficiency
Understanding men

These qualities were universally recognized as being essential to professional engineers. However, the report points out that engineering schools tend to emphasize scientific knowledge and practice. 100 years ago, teachers encouraged many standards but not soft skills.
This sounds familiar? It seems like project management is also facing this problem. Although best practices have been developed, the human interaction aspect of project management is still considered an afterthought. This is a problem because project management is all about teamwork. This problem has been around for at least 100 years. Don’t expect a solution by 2018. However, we will likely see more companies working to improve emotional intelligence.
Mixed methods

PMI’s 2017 Pulse Of The Profession surveyed five percent of projects that used an agile approach. This is not surprising given the popularity of agile. Surprisingly, another fifth used a hybrid/blended approach. More companies are tailoring their methodologies to find the best fit.
This is what PMI and other standards organizations have been preaching for years. The PMBOK Guide is not designed to promote projects but rather improve them. The dogmatists have always outperformed project managers who adapt to the workplace. Managers will hopefully recognize the importance of blending. Change for the sake “hybrid” can lead to disruption in work environments that use PMBOK Guide terms or processes.
Investment in Project Management Offices, (PMOs),

In its 2017 Pulse of the Profession, PMI examined PMOs. Organizations with a PMO have seen a 10% increase in their productivity over the past 10 years. We are also seeing an increase in enterprise-wide project management office (EPMOs). Each year, the recognition of EPMOs and PMOs grows. Managers recognize the value of standardizing how they manage projects. These are the benefits that companies can reap from aligning their EPMO with company strategies, according to PMI.
38% more projects achieve their original goals and business intentions
33% fewer projects are deemed to be failures

EPMOs can codify terminology, documents, or processes. Although it might seem rigid, the opposite is often true. It’s actually easier to make changes to the PMBOK Guide if you have a complete view of how everyone works. EPMOs provide consistency. This can be stagnation or effective change. EPMOs can make the difference between adopting agile methods and trying to be agile half-heartedly.
More job openings

PMI projected that there would be 15.7 million new roles in project management by 2020. This projection was significantly increased in 2017. They now estimate that 11 countries will require 87.7 millions project managers by 2027. This is great news for both current and future project managers. However, the downside is that supply will be outstripping demand. They could lose $207.9 million in GDP if there is a shortage of talent.
Talent that is PMP-qualified and CAPM-qualified is in high demand already. The demand is expected to continue growing in 2018 and beyond. These skills are essential for rapidly developing economies like India and China. This is true even for superpowers like the US. The US’s healthcare industry saw a 17% increase in projects in 2017.

A lot of people can achieve their professional goals with project management certifications. More than 740,000 people have a Project Management Professional (PMP), certificate. Despite the growing popularity of PMP and the projected growth of the industry, some still consider certificates unnecessary. To a certain degree, their doubts are valid. It is understandable that they are hesitant to get certified in project management if it is already their job. This blog will explain why PMP certification is ideal for people who have high career goals.
Project management skills are in high demand.

The project management industry is experiencing an unprecedented growth rate that shows no signs of slowing down. According to the 2013 Project Management Institute report, Project Management Between 2010 and 2020, 15.7 million new roles in project management are predicted by 2020. Brazil, China and India are the countries with the greatest need for project managers. The report states that the demand is not met by the availability of project management skills. With more vacancies than qualified candidates, a PMP certification could make all the difference.
Higher salaries can be achieved by becoming PMP certified

Higher salaries are due to many factors, including the fact that PMP certificate holders earn higher salaries. It shows that the candidates have the necessary practical skills to manage and plan for high-level positions. It also shows that they have soft skills like communication and the ability delegate. PMP holders show a passion for the profession and a desire to rise in the ranks. According to PMI’s Earnings Power: Project Management Salary Survey Ninth Edition (2015), project managers in America find that being PMP certified increases their salary by up to 22%. Salary increases in South Africa can reach 47%, while India can reach 42%. You will be compensated for your contribution to the organization by becoming PMP certified.
The PMP certification opens up many networking opportunities

You will be part of a worldwide community of like-minded people by obtaining a PMP certification. These certified professionals, numbering in the thousands, share your desire for best practice. This means that they are likely to help you achieve your goals and share their knowledge. People at different levels of seniority will see in you someone who shares their values. PMI organizes a variety of valuable networking events. The Houston PMO Symposium will be held from 5th-8th November 2017. There are many other high-profile events that fall outside the scope of PMI. In our previous blog post, you can read more about the Dubai International Project Management Forum.

These 3 reasons are enough to convince you that PMP certification is a great time. Our globally accredited certification is for project managers who have high-demand work loads. With the help of the ILX Player App, you can become PMP-certified in as little as 35-40 hours. Even if you don’t have the required work experience, you may be an aspiring manager. We also offer Certified Associate in Project Management training. You can contact us to ask questions about our project management training.

21st Century Workforce: Are You Ready for Different Generations at Work
Have you ever thought about what it would be like working with people who could be your dad, your brother (12 years old), and your son (20 something) in the same workplace setting?
This is exactly what is happening at the 21st century workplace. There are four generations working together. This phenomenon must be anticipated and understood.
Generation can be defined as a group of people who share the same birth years, their age, and have similar tastes, attitudes, or experiences. They have different views, opinions, ways of thinking and talking.
You might also like: Every project has a marshmallow!
These divergent views and incompatible ideas about how the workplace should work have caused conflict in the business world. To effectively manage the generational divide, you need to understand the values and motivations of each generation.
Image Source:https://www.freepik.com
Who are the 4 generations?
Here are some interesting statistics about the generations discussed in “The Future of Work”, a 2015 publication from PWC.

About 14% of the workforce still consists of Baby Boomers. They are known for being work-focused, independent, goal-oriented and competitive. This group has been largely rewarded for fitting in and not being different.
They are the most influential and wealthy group in the US and are well-known for their delayed gratification: pleasure later, work first.

20% of the workforce is Gen X. They are entrepreneurial, seeking work/life balance, creativity, challenge and change.
This population was raised in a culture that valued individuality and stood out. They are loyal to people and not to companies.
Image Source:https://www.freepik.com

30% of the workforce is made up of millennials. They are achievement-oriented, striving for personal growth, meaningful work, and apparently like constant change. They are all about self-actualization. This generation was shaped by the relative truth of Truth. They have been exposed to new things, both good and bad, and Technology has grown up with them.
Cam Marston, Generational Insights, says that “Millennials grew-up protected, praised, and programmed” by their parents.
They consider themselves to be smart consumers after they have graduated from college. They are known for their ability to get instant gratification, want quick feedback and being optimistic.
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They were raised to see their grandparents and parents as equals. This can lead them to be quite outspoken with their gray-haired superiors. They are tech-savvy and also obsessed with connection, so don’t be surprised if they text you while you’re talking to them. They expect a prompt response. They will be impatient with bosses and older advisors.
Image Source:https://www.freepik.com

Gen Z will comprise 10% of the workforce. They are expected to value respect and responsibility as well as restraint. This generation was shaped by uncertainty and uncertainty. They believe that any goal is possible with hard work and sacrifice, and that diversity is normal. They grew up with technology. They are less trusting and more cautious.
Image Source:https://www.freepik.com
Are you prepared?
How can organizations prepare for future generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z.
They place personal growth at the top of their agenda. They want work to be meaningful and not just a means to an income or economic survival.
Cam Marston’s talk, “Leadership Lessons From the Wheelhouse”, he says that great managers can concentrate on doi

21 Project Management Buzzwords to Learn with a PMP Bootcamp

How important is project management for an organization? Some people view project management as a burden and a financial liability. However, it is essential to the success of the project team and clients. It’s all about creating a vision for your projects and keeping the team on the same page so that you can get things done.
An aspiring project manager must be able to communicate with your team members in the same language and stay current in their industry.
You might also like: Top-57 Project Management Interview Questions & Answers
Top 21 Project Management Terms to Learn in 2021
These are the 21 most important buzzwords you need to know by 2021.
1) Arrow Diagramming Method ADM
The Arrow Diagramming Method, a method for project management, is a schedule network diagramming technique. This method is used to ensure that tasks are completed on schedule and that resources are properly used.
Source: Workzone
How are arrows used in this technique?
The beginning of each activity is represented by the arrow’s base.
The pointy end signifies the end of a scheduled activity.
The time period is represented by the length of the arrow.
These activities are linked at different points, called nodes.

2) Scope Creep
No matter how complex or simple the project, it is crucial to define the scope in project management. Scope creep, or feature creep, in project management refers the way that project requirements tend to grow over time. A project that was originally intended to release one deliverable might end up releasing three.
Source: Medium
Scope creep can be caused by changing requirements of stakeholders, market trends, and evolving customer and customer needs. You can manage scope creep by closely monitoring the project’s status and comparing the work done to baseline requirements. Scope creep can also be managed by analyzing changes, their causes and severity.
3) Mission Critical
Mission critical in project management is a system, software, procedure, or process that if it fails, could cause the project to fail. Mission critical is essential for the success of a project. It must be able to support the processes and practices that are involved. A failure to provide mission critical services can lead to financial difficulties and disruptions. SaaS (software-as-a-service), a Distributed Controller System, a transactional system with high performance, a system to control equipment in hospitals, such as ultrasound devices, as well as a system that handles billing and accounting calls on the phone are all examples of mission critical.
4) Sprint
Source: Asana
A sprint is a time period during which a project management team completes a task. It is a repeatable cycle that is time-bound. It is used in software development to achieve agility and flexibility. Sprints allow a development team to adapt to changes. A complex project can be broken down into smaller tasks using sprints. They last less than a year and are enhanced with frequent feedback cycles. The faster feedback is delivered, the shorter the sprint.
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5) Process Improvement
Project management is, in a nutshell a combination simple and complex processes. These processes are essential in creating the final product that delivers on its promise. Process improvement refers to the process of identifying and improving processes in order to improve quality or meet customer needs. This is essential to reduce error and waste, and maximize productivity.
Process improvement

2016 PMO of the Year – A Winning Approach

The Project Management Institute, a non-profit professional organization, is based in the United States. They offer services to help you develop standards in a professional setting. PMI organizes seminars and conferences, and offers accreditation for project management. Each year, the PMI honors organizations who excel in project management. This award is the prestigious PMO Award of the Year.
A project management office, also known as a PMO, is a group of people or departments within an enterprise. They are responsible to maintain the PMI guidelines. The PMO adheres to industry standards. A PMO that has demonstrated exceptional skills in project management is awarded the PMO of Year. It recognizes the efforts made by a PMO to achieve organizational excellence through strategic initiatives.
Three companies will be shortlisted for the award, of which one winner is chosen. The award will be presented to one recipient. These three companies represent excellence in organizational governance, execution in management, and practices.
BC Hydro, an electric utility based in British Columbia (Canada) was the winner of the PMO of the Year 2016. The company was concerned about climate change and wanted to reduce its carbon footprint. It spent $25 billion Canadian dollars to improve its infrastructure to become carbon neutral. BC Hydro’s Project Management Office (PMO) centralized their project delivery process. To achieve outstanding project execution, they used PMI’s Organizational Project Management Maturity Model. They were able identify risks and reduce project failures.
BC Hydro’s PMO team ensured that PMI principles were followed throughout the governance process. They ensured that there was a clear vision for project delivery, keeping in mind the long-term benefits. They were able to win the award for 2016 because of their approach to project execution. Parker Aerospace and Entel were also finalists. BC Hydro won the award due to its strong governance and efficient project execution.
Source: pmi.org