Parallel Project Training are proud to announce a new partnership with the Association for Project Management (APM) in producing a new APMP study guide, “APMP, The APM Project Management Qualification Study Guide”. The guide, co-authored by Parallel’s John Bolton and Paul Naybour, focuses on real-life examples and practical advice for project managers in a straightforward, […]
Some people attending project management training courses will be taking up (or will already have) a role in a project management office (PMO). Unfortunately some PMOs are viewed as an added layer of bureaucracy by project teams and yet, well run, they can add real value to complex projects. So if you are destined for […]
Hi Paul . Your views on my first attempt. Never been one for beating about the bush. Prefer short straight answers. is this enough or do I need to fluff them out ? A project is a unique transient endeavour Designed to bring about sweeping change A project has a defined start and finish A […]
Let’s face it, when you’re talking about project management, ‘fun’ is not a word you would expect to hear very often. And realistically, it’s probably not something you would expect to hear or experience in the job role itself. How many of your friends or colleagues use the word ‘fun’ when they talk about their […]
For project team members responsible for specific tasks or activities on a project then it is easy to get caught up in the fine details of those tasks. After all it is the fine detail that is important to complete each task well so the focus on the details is both necessary and understandable. As […]
Hi Paul, I wasn’t entirely sure where was best to post so do let me know for next time. Dec 5th is my resit (5th Edition) The comments across the board from my last paper on my failed questions were ‘insufficient explanation’. Here is my answer to: With reference to a known theory, describe a […]
We all know that the business landscape is changing rapidly – it seems that no sooner have we got to grips with a new technology or product than it is being replaced with a newer, better version. So organisations have to be able to respond quickly to changing circumstances, expectations and needs. And yet some […]
Are you fresh from a project management course? Are you feeling overwhelmed or excited about the huge range of skills you need to be good at your job? From anticipating problems, to excellent communication to controlling a budget and schedule and dealing with conflict. If you’ve just begun your career as a project manager, […]
Deciding which project management qualifications to aim for is a big concern to many new and experienced project managers. Which credentials are best? Which will help me progress in my career? If I choose the wrong one will that prevent me from getting a job in certain organisations? Whilst it is true that some organisations […]
Updated 29th November 2021 Influencing other people, convincing them your argument is right or selling them your idea is something all project managers must do at times. It might be to get you that dream project manager’s job in the first place or to ensure a project you have been assigned to has a chance […]
If you are planning on taking a project management qualification, congratulations! A well-recognised qualification is a great investment in your future career prospects as a project manager. So if you want the best chance of passing the exam here are a few quick tips: 1. Set aside adequate time Managing your time is a key […]
We often hear about major project disasters – projects that have over-run on budget or schedule, or both, with some, such as the Montreal Olympic Stadium, over budget by a staggering 1990% and the Sydney Opera House completed more than 9 years past it’s deadline. Of course some of these project “disasters” turn out to […]
List 5 characteristics or projects and describe how each is different from business-as-usual activities. Projects are described as unique, transient endeavours undertaken to achieve a desired outcome. They differ from business-as-usual activities in the following ways: 1. Unique nature A project is initiated by a sponsor in response to finding a resolution for a business […]
Someone was telling me recently about some new fitted wardrobes that had just been installed in their home (bear with me). They had been made by an excellent carpenter and the standard of joinery could not be faulted. Nevertheless there was a problem. The carpenter had decided it would be a good idea to add […]
Project Risk Management – 10 Golden Rules Make risk management part of your project Identify risks early in your project Communicate about risks Consider both threats and opportunities Clarify ownership issues Prioritise risks Analyse risks Plan and implement risk responses Register project risks Track Risks and Associated Tasks Thanks to the International Business Times […]
Risk management as part of the project management process focusses on identifying, mitigating and controlling risks that might negatively affect the outcome of the project. We inherently assume that risk is bad and if a risk occurs then the effect must be negative. But if we look at occupations or activities that are inherently risky […]
Most project management software can produce a PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) chart but what is it and how can a project manager use it to best effect? A PERT chart is simply a visual representation of a project’s schedule. It is a technique rather than a tool so, in theory could be done […]
Government ministers need project management training A critical Public Accounts Committee report published earlier this week on the work of the Major Projects Authority (MPA) says there are still deficiencies in the UK government’s ability to successful deliver major projects. The report notes that 2 MPs have attended half-day or full-day project management training courses […]