busy....not lazy

So, I may seem to have been a bit of a flake lately on the blog front. However, I truly have been busy. So, I thought that maybe writing out the questions and then answers from books would help me study....but, actually, it probably is just more of a study tool for those just starting out regarding their PMP testing journey. I need to just focus on the PMBOK.

I have also been doing some simulation tests from Whizlabs. It seems that I pass this test. But, with really only around a 75%. That leaves a little wiggle room (of 30 questions). I want to get it up to around 80% before sitting to take the test (fortunately I've heard that the Whizlabs test is more difficult than the PMP exam) But, with the test coming up on Tuesday there seems to be a bit more studying to accomplish. So, I'm focusing on that--instead of the blog.

I did take the Mensa test today. I felt pretty good about the test. Everything seemed fine and dandy. But, when I got home I realized that perhaps I may have missed some questions on one section. It involved adding items together using a specific # of items. I added the items together just fine....but I forgot to go back and look at the # of items to see if they matched up. So, if a particular question had more than one answer....I may have written the wrong answer. *shrug* I'll find out the results in a couple of weeks. I'm certain to blog about it either way....and I just wish that this test could be used for the GMAT and/or GRE. I want to do a PhD program eventually, but I just don't have the time to study for those tests. An assessment of intelligence should really be good enough, don't you think?

Well. If you have any opinions on the matter...please, leave a comment.

More pics to come...first Project Management

Ok. So, I took a short break from my picture posting. I will likely start that back up either later today or tonight or tomorrow. In addition to that post I will be posting the August HBR Case Study.

Right now I've been approved to take the PMP Certification Exam. So, I've been studying the PMBOK. I have read and re-read the first few chapters....to push some of my efforts in a forward direction I figured I could put some of my notes and thoughts down to paper.

Chapter 1: Introduction - Notes and Thoughts

Good practice does not mean that the knowledge described should always be applied uniformly on all projects. (I completely agree. This is the concept of standardization. While it does improve optimization efforts...it doesn't mean that it is the ONLY way to approach a situation...or the best way across all instances)

The PMBOK is NOT comprehensive or all inclusive. It addresses only single projects and the project management processes generally recognized as good practice. (While the knowledge says it is for single projects..it doesn't mean that large scale programs can't use the knowledge in this guide to help create successful outcomes--I hope.)

1.2 Project Characteristics
Projects are temporary and unique. (well, duh. But sometimes program managers don't pass on the operational responsibilities created by projects to the operational team and these operational duties can stay in the project manager's or PMO's hands. Not good practice...but this can happen in small organizations.)

The presence of repetitive elements does not change the fundamental uniqueness of the project work. (doesn't change uniqueness...but doesn't help productivity)

Progressive elaboration means developing in steps, and continuing in increments. Scope will start out broadly and become more detailed as the project progresses.

Projects are different than operations because operations are ongoing and repetitive. Projects are a means of organizing activities that cannot be addressed within the organization's normal operational limits. (I think that this is an important characteristic of projects. They are meant to create new channels of operational revenue. As such, projects terminate as operational strategies change or are achieved)

Projects are authorized as a result of one or ore of the following strategic considerations:

• market demand


• customer request


• organizational need


• tchnological advances


• legal requirements

1.3 Project Management

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. Project management is accomplished through the application and integration of the project management processes of:

• initiating


• planning


• executing


• monitoring and controlling


• closing

Managing a project includes:

• Identifying requirements


• Establishing clear and achievable objectives


• Balancing the competing demands for quality,scope, time and cost


• Adapting the specifications, plans and approach the different concerns and expectations of the various stakeholders

The triple constraints are: project scope, time, and cost. Project quality is affected by balancing these three factors.

Five areas of expertise in Project Management:

1. The PMBOK (Chapters 2-12)


2. Application area knowledge, standards and regulations


3. Understanding the project environment


4. General management knowledge and skills


5. Interpersonal skills

Application area knowledge, standards and regulations include: functional departments and supporting disciplines; technical elements; management specialization; and industry groups

(One of the key things to understand is the difference between standards and regulations. Standards are concepts that are agreed upon by a group of experts. Regulations are rules that are enforced by a "governing" body.)

Project teams should consider the project in its cultural, social, international, political, and physical environment contexts.

A program is a group of related projects managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually. Program management is the centralied, coordinated management of a group of projects to ahievethe program's strategic objective and benefits. A Project Management Office (PMO) is an organizational unit to centralize and coordinate the management of projects under its domain. Projects aren't necessarily related.

So this was the first installment of my notes for my studing of the PMP. I hope you enjoyed this. If you get any benefits or are also studying for the PMP please let me know if my cursary notes and comments helped you at all to align your studies.

McKinsey Quarterly

Well, I thought I'd do a daily message. So, last night I went to the Kellstadt MBA Association's Third Thursday Event. I had a great time...and I really like the new location at Plymouth Bar & Grill. Met a number of people, including a former President of the association and future teacher of the Undergraduate version of Internet Marketing at DePaul, Adam Garcia.

Besides Thursday evening, I really didn't do too much today. I started studying the PMBOK (2004 Edition). Is there a newer one yet?

I was asked to be a part of the McKinsey Quarterly Executive Surveys. Very strange for a graduate student to be asked. How does one get asked about these things? I mean, I anticipate being an important executive someday...and I think I can definitely contribute to the business community immediately. I want to. *shrug*

If it has any value I may put it on my resume....since I am trying to enter the consulting field after this 2nd Masters at DePaul. Eventually I do want to teach some college classes and add back at a higher level than being a college track coach and a Graduate Assistant. But, I'm not terribly certain about PhDs. Those take a lot of effort...and even more time.

I've also started planning my summer trip. As it currently stands:
Visit my buddy Lubomir (Penn State PhD student) @ Penn State:

• July 18 - 21

Return for 1 day then off to Dayton, Ohio to visit friends and colleagues, maybe check in on my renters (don't get me started about my renters...arrgh):

• July 22- 29

Return for a few days....then off to Albaquerque, NM as I'm going to be a godfather!!!

• August 5 - 15

I will then head off to Las Vegas for a week and meet up with my cousin. I'm anticipating a lot of alcohol. A good amount of sunburning...and a ridiculously good time. I'm hoping that my friend Erin can meet up during the beginning of the trip there...

• August 16 - 22

Then I think I'll be able to ramp up on the job hunt...and get ready to be a Graduate Assistant again while finishing up my degree. What companies do you recommend? You can see my resume at: My Resume. And I'm thinking about:

• McKinsey & Co


• Bain & Co


• Deloitte


• Accenture


• A.T. Kearney


• BCG


• Booz & Co


• IBM Global Services

Any other suggestions....?