Moving to the subject of “Program Manager” seemed like a step in the right direction that would suit my objectives and management style. Though going through the very onerous process has been an eye opener into both PMI and the industry in general. There seems to be very little understanding of the roles on how to qualify the title of Program Manager and has made me question the validity of this offering as a business service. To be determined………

As I left the meeting, thoughts popped into my head that are not automatic concepts for me; protectionism, disloyalty, lack of Integrity. What I realized is that I need to reiterate what my company stands for and hence the company name; ICL “Integrity” “Competence” “Loyalty”. In reality, why would you hire a PM on an outsourcing basis? The risk for losing clients to these companies is higher than if you hired a contract worker to complete the task. That is where developing trust in the firm you are hiring for your outsourcing work is paramount. The flip side is the risk for the outsourcing firm is “poaching” valued employees. This needs to be a Win/Win for both the deliverer of services and the receiver. The bottom line is obvious; quality work that cannot be achieved in-house and where outsourcing is a viable, economical option. The key element is developing a trusting relationship with a firm that has “Integrity” , is “Competent” and “Loyal”.

“Guaranteed the most cost effective management tool to compliment your business portfolio”

I took about a week hiatus from studying and think that this is a good method of retaining the most information. It seems, at least for me, that when I “power study” I have more difficulty absorbing the information. When I ordered my online course at the beginning of January I really didn’t think it would take this long to complete the Audit process and book my exam. The online course, through IKompass, is time limited so there will end up being a gap between studying and actually writing the exam. I am alittle concerned about this and am questioning Ikompass about my options. Considering the cost and time commitment incurred so far I am discouraged about the process.

So one question to leave you with today: What do any of these issues have to do with being PgMP Credentialed? These issues may have more to do with being a Program Manager then you think, by testing the ability to manage through adversity!  Part 1 discussed being patient and Part 2 points to managing soft skills, important qualities in Project and Program Management.  The other point of this experience that others can gain some insight, would be to complete the Audit Process prior to commencing a study program.

So I am a little confused about the exam material. I ordered, as suggested on the PMI site, the Program Management Professional Examination Specification. It’s a 49 page booklet that doesn’t really follow the course I am taking from Ikompass, it tells you the Domains and “knowledge of” and “skills in” required for a Program Manager. I have not connected this to the Knowledge Groups, Process Groups, Processes, or Phases at this point. This “booklet” cost me $39 and two weeks to deliver via mail when it could have been made readily available in pdf format as an online download! “ Patience is a virtue” ! The PMBOK Guideline 4th edition and the Program Management Professional Credential Handbook is made available to all members so that was a starting point but I can’t seem to find the Program Management Standards 2nd edition which is supposed to be available in pdf for PMI members. Oh, I guess it took awhile before I could access the complimentary copy! Its now downloading….”Patience is a virtue”!

So on a good news front, I am about halfway through the Ikompass online course, which I am enjoying once you get past the instructors’ voice. I am able to work at my own pace, pause, scroll back and forth when my brain can’t absorb the content and complete reviews as needed. The simulation tests are great and I am now passing with over 80%. I think once I got use to reviewing the question carefully and reading ALL the answers carefully prior to answering the question I am doing much better. “Patience?”

So I started this process on January 5th, 2011 it is now the 21st and am hoping to write my exam by the end of February. “Patience is a Virtue”!

The time commitment must also be considered when deciding to pursue this accreditation. The application experience review questions need to be considered carefully and the terminology should reflect PMI Standards for Program Management. This process was 12hrs in total for me and I know of colleagues that had to resubmit the application. I ordered the Program Management Standards book and am still waiting for this resource material after two weeks. This can become an issue because I also ordered a course online that needs to be completed within 1 month.

With the audit process, I am still waiting for my documents to be returned from my peers, then mail (faxed or scanned copies are not accepted in this day and age!) this to PMI for approval which could take upwards of another two weeks. Once the audit process is complete the exam can be booked.

I am studying online with Ikompass, and have been through Chapters 1 thru 4 and failed the first simulation test miserably. I would recommend the support of group study, in class courses and online courses to compliment self study. There are numerous mentors and newsgroups that can provide insight to their experiences with the process as well as valuable resources.  This is a difficult exam and expensive so a time and effort commitment is warranted.

Part 2:  Study for the exam and complete lots of simulation tests

The program was defined through undesirable outcomes in previous years and a “lessons learned” approach which required an overall review of each of  the project performance in key areas;  safety, schedule and finance.  In the course of achieving required results of the program I understood business constraints such as market saturation and determined the processes required to achieve results based on available resources. Improvement of the process is a continuous operation. We implemented a process to change the predetermined scope of a project, sometimes based on geographical location. We often were required to react to changes in strategy and changes in the environment for a specific project based on known variables but maintained the programs’ monitoring and reporting processes which allowed the client to be continually informed of any specific project changes.  This allowed for systematically applying learning and knowledge to the program.  

The program consisted of establishing credible team members to deliver each project successfully and report consistently on each key factor.  I managed the team using an evaluation process with predetermined criteria to minimize risk to the project delivery.  I also, developed a reporting schedule for the client for each of the projects, so that a seamless project model was delivered across the program.  The consistency of the delivery of each project established confidence in our client and the volume of business increased by 100% within the first 3 years of the program implementation.  Program management included management of projects which, together, improved the performance of the organization and the program’s success was measured in terms of benefits to the client. I was continuously assessing the performance; researched and developed new capabilities and applied knowledge to the program. The proven success of the program gained the trust of my subordinates.

I assessed the assignments through three key areas;  location and complexity of the project, client representative and coordination of strengths, current workloads.  The ability of the Project Manager to coordinate a project out of their jurisdiction was a factor due to the potential uniqueness of the market.  The experience the project manager has in a specific environment due to potential obstacles factored into the assignment.  The client representative, through a program of pre-qualified resources, can complicate the assignment through pre-disposed judgment of the project manager and personalities need to be considered as well as the complementary strengths of each individual. Scheduling and work-load needs to be addressed through careful planning of assignments.  Through a program this resourcing issue becomes quite sophisticated and is one of the many benefits to initiating a program for clients.  

Finance – Project budgets were established, monitored over the project duration, incremental reporting methods were implemented for the project portfolio of the program

Communication – Meetings were established both within the organization and followed with the client on a weekly basis to report on both individual project status and program issues

Cross-cultural awareness – presentations to individual stakeholders in each level of government were organized in order to update and educate the various stakeholder (sometimes conflicting mandates) on project status and environmental issues being address

Negotiation – stakeholders were interviewed and options were presented to determine precise criteria for the decision process.  Consultants were hired to provide visual presentation materials in order for stakeholders to comprehend the magnitude of the decision on the final result.  Precise information provided the tools for informed decisions

My program was implemented to deliver a capability to change both current and future project delivery methods and success was measured on the program being utilized by the client. Three key areas were addressed to monitor the success of the program;  aggregate budget, similar project schedule and incident/accident reporting.  A standard cost management program and procurement process was implemented across the program.  A prequalification and training program was introduced to maximize the Zero incident reporting results. The program was verified and validated to ensure adherence to standards and alignment with the vision.  I ensured that there were regular reviews, there was accountability and that management of projects, stakeholders and suppliers were in place.  The regular monitoring of the individual project status and individual management performance allowed for corrective action if required such as added resources.

Yet another view is that a program management is nothing more than a large, complex project, where the integration aspect of project management is more important than in smaller projects. Integration management is a key feature of the Project Management Institute‘s approach to project management. In practice it is not clear that there is such a clear-cut distinction. Projects (or programs) vary from small and simple to large and complex, what needs to be a managed as a program in one culture or organization may be managed as a project in another.

Project Management Solutions are designed to serve your business managing projects from inception to completion based on a philosophy that each company is its own entity and requires varied solutions; outsourcing  is guaranteed the most cost effective management tool to compliment your business portfolio.

“If the goal of visionaries is to make a quantum leap forward, the goal of pragmatists is to make a percentage improvement-incremental, measurable, predictable progress,”  quote by Geoffrey Moore, Business Consultant, in the difference between Early Adopters (people who originate trends) and Early Majority (people who take up trends).

Now some of us can influence how businesses can impact change. I challenge each of my network collegues to apply their “clean living” or “green living” and think of your way to implement into business. As a contractor; apply a recycle program to each project as a standard (not because of a contract requirement). As a designer, architect, or engineer; incorporate an innovation, product, or standard into your work. As a Real Estate Advisor or Developer promote your willingness to affect change to your clients.

There will be a “tipping point” in our society that will change our lives and generations to follow. It will either tip to artificial existence; air, water, heat and cool…. “the bubble”,  or a reversal of the damage sustained on this planet and healing so that we will live a clean, natural, healthier, and happier lives.