|
In this issue... |
|
 Hello ,
Happy Holidays! Thank you for taking time read another issue of the PM Exam tips newsletter.
Preparing for the PMP exams as we all know is a very daunting task so read on as we share more tips and tricks in passing the PMP Exam. We are also honored to receive an email from Anita Lutonsky - a PMP Exam passer wherein she shares her story towards PM exam success. Read more about it below..
Until Next Time,
Cornelius Fichtner, PMP
President, OSP International LLC
|
Recommended Study Materials
|
Executive Level PPM Workshop and Strategy Seminar
Conquering the Top 10 Risks that Threaten Success
Mr. Mark Price Perry
|
Mr. Bassam AlKharashi
|
Mr. Bassam Samman
|
If you're in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates or Qatar, start the year right by joining the Executive Level PPM Workshop and Strategy Seminar (Disclosure: Compensated Affiliate) this January 2012. Led by foremost PMO subject-matter expert Mark Price Perry, this session is geared towards providing highly interactive, hands-on learning and collaboration amongst attendees and Mr. Perry.
The Strategy Seminar sessions are conducted by local noted project management and strategy leaders Mr. Bassam AlKharashi, the CEO of ES Consulting and an associate of Leonardo Consulting in the Arab States, and Mr. Bassam Samman, PMP, PSP, EVP, a senior project management consultant and the co-founder of the Project Management Institute - Arabian Gulf Chapter.
The Executive Level PPM Workshop and Strategy Seminar is an interactive program that presents real-world case studies, sound advice and techniques for setting up a business driven Project Portfolio Management (PPM) organization and examines the obstacles that you might encounter along the way. It is designed to help you identify and conquer the following top 10 risks that can threaten your PPM success:
- PPM Risk #1: Shared Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives
- PPM Risk #2: Executive Level Support
- PPM Risk #3: Functional Champion
- PPM Risk #4: Big Bang vs. Incremental Adoption
- PPM Risk #5: The Effects of Changing Processes and Measures
- PPM Risk #6: Timeframe for Analysis and Decision Making
- PPM Risk #7: Quantifying Business Value
- PPM Risk #8: Ensuring Data Integrity
- PPM Risk #9: Tooling and Architecture
- PPM Risk #10: Sustaining Value
There's more! As participant, you will also receive a FREE copy of Mark Perry's book: Business Driven Project Portfolio Management. This is the book that highlights the concepts and practices discussed in this seminar.
For attending this highly interactive workshop by leaders in PPM field, you will earn 6 PDUs.
So join this fast paced workshop and the year 2012 may be a lot more successful for you! For more information on how to reserve your seats, click here!
For those in Singapore and Australia, prepare to meet Mr. Perry and your local project management leaders in February 2012.
Full Disclosure: Executive Level PPM Workshop and Strategy Seminar is an affiliate product. If you click and enroll in this course, we will earn a commission.
|
Would the Real PMP Exam Question Please Stand?
|
One of the most critical skills of a Project Management Professional (PMP) is the ability to cut through the jungle of "undergrowth" of extraneous details and identify the true challenges. The PMP certification exam may at first look as if it is full of confusing questions and immaterial detail but it's designed in such a way that it also tests this crucial area of judgment. If you can cut through the noise and identify the important facts, you'll do fine on the exam.
As you take the exam, you'll see some very difficult questions that are cluttered with facts and figures that aren't really pertinent to the actual question. The exam is very detail-oriented and demands your best reasoning skills. It is also vital to remember that the PMI way of thinking is the important thing here, even though you may have developed different techniques. Look at each question from the point of view of the "ideal" project environment described in the PMBOK Guide. You'll find it easier to cut through the inconsequential fluff and find the real question.
For instance, Acme Company has to choose between two projects. Each will cost $120,000 and take the same amount of time. The first one would reap immediate benefits, reducing costs of production $120,000 per year. The second would involve developing a new product and over 3 years could possibly net the company $360K. Are they both equally beneficial or is one more attractive than the other assuming the discount rate is 5% per year? The test then gives you a choice of the percentage of advantage one project has over the other. With an average of less than ninety seconds to answer each question, you'll have to be ready for the flurry of figures and red herrings thrown your way. So prepare by taking lots of sample tests. By taking online and other types of practice tests, you will soon be able to identify the real question and know the proper solution instead of being sidetracked and wasting valuable time.
You'll also be presented with scenarios that include team-building concepts. As an example, your two outside consultants are constantly at odds and the situation is slowing down your project, putting its objectives in jeopardy. The test will present you with choices from the stages of team development or group dynamics. You will have to pinpoint the solution according to the human resources management standards. If you're well versed in this management concept, you'll be able to move onto the next question quickly. If you're not familiar enough with that category, the choices will be confusing.
This is a very important reason why taking practice exams is so crucial to passing the PMP exam. By quickly eliminating all the unnecessary information and getting to the core of the problem in those test questions, you'll be able to pass the exam with a minimum of stress and a maximum score. You're also honing your critical thinking skills, which will improve your job performance and success rate.
There are several types of questions you'll be asked during the exam. There are scenario based questions, questions where you have to select the best course of action and fact-based questions testing your knowledge of the PMBOK Guide. You'll be asked to make calculations, interpret simple diagrams and select exceptions from four possible answers. There will be conceptual problems presented as well as short stories. It's important not to let the sheer volume of information in some of the questions overwhelm you; by quickly picking out the pertinent facts, you'll be able to get to the core of the problem and present the correct solution.
Remember that the purpose of these types of questions is to ascertain whether you're able to focus on the problem instead of being distracted by the peripherals. With this in mind, you can take the practice tests and become proficient at the thinking processes necessary for answering the questions correctly and doing your job efficiently.
|
|
The PMP Exam is a test of project management practices
|
|
 Most of the questions in the PMP exam revolve around real scenarios that will test how you understand the principles of project management. Do you have what it takes to be a Certified Project Manager?
|
|
Sample PMP Exam Question
|
 Sensitivity Analysis has strong similarities to which of the following?
A.) Probability Distributions
B.) Risk Identification
C.) Design of Experiments
D.) Statistical Sampling
Hint: Sensitivity Analysis is a risk analysis technique not a risk identification technique.
All our questions are updated to the latest PMBOK Guide standard.
Stop by at http://free.pm-exam-simulator.com and try the PMP Exam Simulator free for 3 days. We also offer 110 free questions at http://www.free-pm-exam-questions.com. We are a PMI Registered Education Provider.
|
|
|
Exam Tip: Be a planner and practice project management in the process |
 If you are preparing for the PMP or CAPM exam, you need
to have a study plan. As an experienced project manager you know the
value of a project plan. So practice what you preach as you prepare for
the exam. Be a planner, and apply good project management in the
process.
An example of a study plan for the PMP Certification is as follows:
- Go through the training in no more than 2-4 months.
Set a schedule, and stick to it. Review the appropriate section of the
PMBOK with every topic in the training.
- Purchase a PMP exam prep course and include it into
your plan. Print out study aids that are part of the particular training
module, especially if these cover topics that you find difficult. After
finishing the course, take simulated exams.
- Find out what your strengths and weaknesses are. This
will make you a little sharper and alert for information as you
continue the training. You can take another full PMP or CAPM exam
simulation every 2-4 weeks, and adjust your study plan based on results.
- In the last month leading to the exam, focus work
with the simulations on your trouble areas by using the flash cards and
other training materials. Aim for 80-90% scores during your simulated
tests as you get close to the actual exam. This will give you confidence
that you are ready to pass, and if the scores are lower, will give you
more impetus to work harder.
- Read books, online materials, free templates, listen
to podcasts, and any other materials that fit your learning style to see
things from different angles and approaches.
The
key really is to practice good project management and you will succeed.
Increase your chances of project management exam success with a plan. |
|
Answer
|
|
 The correct answer is C
Explanation: Don't get carried away by choice B. Sensitivity Analysis is a risk analysis technique not a risk identification technique. It is not a sampling technique or a distribution. In Design of Experiments one studies the effect of some process or intervention (the treatment) on some objects (the experimental units). In Sensitivity Analysis one looks at the effect of varying the inputs of a mathematical model on the output of the model itself. In both disciplines one strives to obtain information from the system with a minimum of physical or numerical experiments.
Reference: PMBOK Guide 4th Edition, pages 197, 298
|
|
Lessons Learned From Anita Lutonsky
|
Dear Cornelius and the OSP Team,
I passed my PMP exam on 12/16/2011 on my very first try - all thanks to the PMPrepcast series and the PM Exam Simulator!
I am a mother of 2 little girls ages 4 and 2. I also work full-time, so time is a precious commodity and time management a real challenge.
I wouldn't recommend my study strategy to everyone because my situation is different from everyone else's but the one thing I absolutely do want to emphasize is that these products WORK!
My total serious study time from start to test date was exactly 10 weeks. I took exhaustive notes from The PM Prepcast audio series which helped re-emphasize learning the contents of the PMBOK Guide. My learning style is auditory, visual and written so listening to the audio, seeing the slide presentation and taking down notes was perfect for me.
I also got Rita's PMP Exam Prep which is excellent in synthesizing all the main points plus you can't beat the tips and tricks of the trade sections as well as all the exercises.
Then I got the PM Exam Simulator which I truly believe is what gave me the confidence to face the exam on test day knowing I've practiced, practiced and practiced some more! I completed almost 1700 of the 1800 questions which is the best value for money considering all the other exam simulation products in the market.
I memorized the Table on page 43 in the PNMBOK Guide and most of the formulas. I did get the Formula packet and the formula pocket guide with the explanations of all the formulas was excellent. My focus was to review the areas where I was weak and I cross-referenced both the PMBOK Guide and my notes from The PM Prepcast.
To all those who are studying for the PMP Exam or are thinking about taking it, you might be thinking this is an impossible dream. Well, I am here to tell you that together with Cornelius and these products, your dream is absolutely possible!
Thank you so very much Cornelius and the OSP Team with all my heart and wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year!
Anita Lutonsky
For more success stories, click here..
|
|
|
|
