PM Blazer™ – PMP® or CAPM® Exam Prep

Module 1 – Introduction

• Defines and explains key project management terms.
• Explains the relationship of project management to other management disciplines.
• Provides overview of framework approach, including the 10 Knowledge Areas.

Module 2 – Organizational Influences and Project Life Cycle

The goal is to establish that projects and project management operate in a larger organizational context than the project itself. Topics covered include:

• Project Phases and the Project Life Cycle
• Project vs. Operational Work
• Organizational Influences and Structures
• Environmental Factors Influencing Projects
• Project Stakeholders

Module 3 – Project Management Processes

• Establishes the concept of project management as a network of interlinked processes.
• Defines and explains the ways in which the processes are grouped and executed. Topics covered include:
  
  • Project Management Knowledge Areas
  • Project Management Processes
  • Process Groups
  • Process Interactions
  • Customizing Process Interactions
  • Mapping of Project Management Processes

Module 4 – Project Integration Management

• The goal of Project Integration Management is to ensure that the various elements of the project are properly coordinated.
• Processes: Develop Project Charter, Develop Project Management Plan, Direct and Manage Project Work, Monitor and Control Project Work, Perform Integrated Change Control, Close Project or Phase.

Module 5 – Project Scope Management

• The purpose of Project Scope Management is the definition and control of what work is necessary for successful completion of the project, and what work is not. The required work is the project scope, as opposed to the product scope, which consists of the features and functions of the final service or product.
• Processes: Plan Scope Management, Collect Requirements, Define Scope, Create WBS, Validate Scope, Control Scope.

Module 6 – Project Time Management

• The goal of project time management is to complete the project on or before a specific date. The processes usually take place at least once in every project and in one or more project life-cycle phase. Although some of these processes are often viewed as one, they are defined and explained separately.
• Processes: Plan Schedule Management, Define Activities, Sequence Activities, Estimate Activity Resources, Estimate Activity Durations, Develop Schedule, Control Schedule.

Module 7 – Project Cost Management

• The purpose of project cost management is to complete the project within budget constraints. While cost of resources is the focus, a broader, life-cycle costing view is examined. Care should also be given to the way different stakeholders measure project costs.
• Processes: Plan Cost Management, Estimate Costs, Determine Budget, Control Costs.

Module 8 – Project Quality Management

• The aim of project quality management is to ensure the project will satisfy the needs for which it was undertaken. Quality is the totality of characteristics of an entity that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. In order to fulfill these needs, they must be clearly stated through project scope management. Quality must be distinguished from grade.
• Processes: Plan Quality Management, Perform Quality Assurance, Control Quality.

Module 9 – Project Human Resource Management

• The purpose of project human resource management is the effective use of all project stakeholders in achieving the objective of the project. While skills such as leadership, team building, and motivation are applicable to both project management and an operational context, there are issues that are unique to the project environment.
• Processes: Plan Human Resource Management, Acquire Project Team, Develop Project Team, Manage Project Team.

Module 10 – Project Communications Management

• The goal of project communications management is the accurate and timely collection, dissemination, and storage of project information. Effective communication is key to effective management of the overall project. As in project human resource management, there is a broader body of knowledge in a non-project management specific context.
• Processes: Plan Communications Management, Manage Communications, Control Communications.

Module 11 – Project Risk Management

• The purpose of project risk management is to reduce the consequences of negative events and increase those of positive events. This is achieved through a series of processes that include identification, analysis, and response to risk.
• Processes: Plan Risk Management, Identify Risks, Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis, Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis, Plan Risk Responses, Control Risks.

Module 12 – Project Procurement Management

• The goal of project procurement management is to manage the purchase of goods and services from outside the performing organization. It describes the overall acquisition and contract management elements included in project procurement. This type of management is discussed from the point of view of the buyer when considering the buyer-seller relationship.
• Processes: Plan Procurement Management, Conduct Procurements, Control Procurements, Close Procurements.

Module 13 – Project Stakeholder Management

• The purpose of project stakeholder management is to manage the stakeholders involved in the project. This has developed as a key success criteria for managing projects. Stakeholder is a very broad term the covers those involved directly in the project (project team, sponsor, client, etc.) as well as those who are impacted by the project. Managing them involves identify who they are, analyzing and defining a management strategy.
• Processes: Identify Stakeholders, Plan Stakeholder Management, Manage Stakeholder Engagement, Control Stakeholder Engagement.

Module 14 – Wrap-Up and Sample Exam

In the final module of PM Blazer™, participants can view their knowledge in a broader context of project management practices. An overview of the Knowledge Areas refreshes and reinforces key issues learned throughout the program.

Exam-writing skills are almost as important for success as mastery of the material. In this module, participants learn valuable strategies for exam taking. A full 200 question practice exam is provided for further preparation. Being familiar with the format and type of questions on the PMP® exam will allow participants to walk into the exam prepared to succeed.

The sample exam replicates the PMI exam, participants are given 2 full 200 question sample exams (one paper based, one electronic) to complete as self-study. Once complete, the participants will have an overall score as well as a break down by knowledge area enabling them to identify the areas they need to focus additional study in preparation for the actual exam. Rational for the right answers are provided for select questions in both the knowledge area questions as well as the 200 sample questions giving participants insight into why an answer is correct. Follow-up study support is available from our instructors giving students the opportunity to review any questions or concepts that they are struggling with. Students are welcomed and encouraged to sign up for these additional support webinars as they prepare to take the exam, regardless of how long ago they attended the course.