What Are Leads, Lags and... Hammocks??

Published: Sun, 07/17/11

 
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In this issue...

Cornelius Fichtner, PMPHello !

This week we are excited to share with you a sneek peak to a series of 8 PMP Exam Prep videos I have created in which I will answer the 8 most important questions for you in daunting task of preparing for your PMP Exam. The 8 videos will be launched next week here in our newsletter.

In this newsletter you will also discover how leads, lags and hammocks are related to the PMP certification Exam so continue to read on.
 
We are also honored to feature Jessica Parklanes as our guest writer this week as she shares valuable "Tips and Tricks For an Effective PMP Exam Preparation to Ace Your Test".
 
Enjoy!

Until Next Time,
Cornelius Fichtner, PMP

President, OSP International LLC

Tips and Tricks For an Effective PMP Exam Preparation to Ace Your Test by Jessica Parklanes
There are plenty of strategies and techniques incorporated into a PMP exam preparation to help PMP certification exam takers ace their test. You need accurate, up-to-date information, discipline, determination, attitude and aptitude, as well as stress-coping methods to get the highest mark in your PMP exam.

Everyone is different and there are assorted PMP exam preparation techniques to help you pass. But not all of these strategies might work on you and it is essential that you find the most effective PMP exam preparation to aid you in your struggle. Here are some tips and tricks to help you out.

Tip # 1: Enroll In An Online Course

Time is your enemy when you are planning to take a PMP certification exam. You might not have enough time at your disposal to help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to pass the test. Many examinees today are now opting for online PMP courses to eliminate this disadvantage and get the most out of the program to increase their chances of getting their desired marks.

There are plenty of PMP training programs available on the Web and each has its own unique methodologies to help you ace your exam -- training manuals, information data bank, study groups, expert's advice, as well as tools and applications to help you in this endeavor.

Tip # 2: Mental Exercise

Discipline and determination are two important factors to consider if you want to pass your PMP exam. Even if you enrolled yourself in courses and training programs, as well as having access to quality information on the subject matter; these wouldn't do you much good if you don't have the drive to finish the course.

It is very important for an individual to help their mind cope with the course outline stated in their PMP exam preparation. If you think you are already at your limits, then try to find an outlet where you can freshen up your brain cells and rejuvenate your body to continue with your studies. Some practice Yoga, meditation, and visualization to help them set a goal in their minds and build up the necessary determination to get through the program.

While you're at it, you might want to look for a PMP exam preparation course that involves stress-coping strategies to avoid breakdown and depression when you're in the middle of the program or when you're already taking the exam.

Tip # 3: Address Your Physical Needs

Many think that spending more hours on their PMP exam preparation course can increase their chance of success. This might work for some but it would take a huge toll on your body that would be most cumbersome if you suddenly break down while taking the test, or when you're still in the process of finishing your training program.

Such is the case; it is best to pay attention to what your body needs in order to proceed with your training program effectively. Try to get the right amount of sleep, as well as eating the right kinds of food to maintain physical and mental health. It might also be a good idea to take some time off from your training program to relax and rejuvenate your body for more grueling tasks ahead.

An effective PMP exam preparation program helps increase your chance of passing your PMP certification exam. Online training programs ensures that you have all the information you need, as well as some tips and tricks to get the most out of it to ace your PMP exam easily.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Parklanes

How To Prepare For Your PMP Exams

Preparing for your PMP Exam can be a daunting task. That is why Cornelius Fichtner, PMP has created a series of 8 videos in which he answers the 8 most important questions for you.

Next week we will open the site for you to see the videos but for now here is a sneek peak:
http://bit.ly/pmpTeaser

Sample PMP Exam Question

You are the project manager of a project that is in its early phase. You need to estimate the duration of implementing the project. Based on your experience with similar past projects, you estimate a 6-month implementation time. What is this type of estimation technique called?

A. Three Point estimating
B. Bottom-up-estimating
C. WAG
D. Analogous

PMBOK Guide Terms Explained: Leads, Lags and... Hammocks??
The terms leads and lags are used to identify and control the timing of various activities within the project. It is important to accurately document leads and lags.

Lead Time: Let's assume a project has two pieces that need to be completed at the same time. Work package A will take 4 weeks to complete, but work package B only takes one week. B would show in the project plan as a finish to start (FS) with a one week lead.  This means the B work package component should start one week before A is scheduled to be completed.

Lag Time: Lag time can best be described as a planned or forced delay.  A great example of this is a construction project that involves pouring concrete. The project plan must include a lag time of 2 days for the concrete to dry before the next phase can begin.

Hammock Activity: Hammock activity is also frequently referred to as summary activity. These are activities that are roughly related and are reported as a single activity. Some times the relationship between the activities is clear, other times they may only be related because their completion leads to the same result. On a Gantt chart a hammock activity is usually displayed as a thick black bar above a grouping of lower level activities.

Solution

The correct answer is:D

All our questions are updated to the latest PMBOK Guide standard.

Stop by at http://www.pm-exam-simulator.com/ for more questions that you can practice on as if you are taking the real PMP Exam. 

We are a PMI Registered Education Provider.
                  

Lessons Learned
Passed the PMP exam today (July 11, 2011). Here are some of my tips/lessons learned:
  • Studied for approx 4 months. On avg, approx 1.5 hrs a day.
  • Did The PM Prepcast first, to gain insight. I made a point to take notes while listening/watching The PM Prepcast. This served 2 purposes; a) to force me to think about the content and b) provided me notes for review.
  • Once I completed The PM Prepcast, I reviewed my notes, the PMBOK and started taking some of the free tests available online.
  • Approx 3 months in, I subscribed to The PM Exam Simulator and began taking the sample exams. Although each exam was 200 questions (to simulate the real thing), between work obligations, kids etc, I did not have time to do 200 question stints. Instead, I did sets of 50's or 100's - doing about 3 or 4 tests a week. This was one of the best tools that I strongly recommend as it allowed me to see where I had gaps in my understanding. It also provides the answers and reference information which is great for research.
  • With approx 3 weeks left until the exam, I began memorizing the PMP formulas. I decided to purchase the PM Formulas to get them all in one place - was well worth the $19. Within a week I had them all memorized. I then did a brain dump at least 2x's a day of all the formulas. I did this until the day of the exam.
  • Within the last 2 weeks, I then memorized the 42 processes / process groups / knowledge ares. Had this memorized in 3 days and did at least 2 brain dumps daily until the day of the exam. THIS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
  • While studying over the past 4 months, I also amassed a number of web references and used them as study material to review.
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