Managing Small Projects - The Critical Steps
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August 2010

PMI's Salary Survey Shows Increased Earning for Credential Holders

(from PMI.org)

Knowing your earning potential is an invaluable asset when you want to leverage opportunities in your current job, invest in skills to raise your marketability and plan the next phase of your career. It's also critical for organizations that are competing for top talent as the demand for project managers grows.

PMI's latest project management salary survey shows that despite the global recession, for 51 percent of respondents, salaries are increasing. The median salary across all countries, roles, and experience levels is $90,260.

PMP® Credential Status Has Positive Impact on Earnings
The survey showed that the Project Management Professional® (PMP®) credential has a positive impact on annual salary, a finding that varies by country.

In six major countries—Australia, France, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States—salaries are at least $10,000 greater for PMP® credential holders than for those who don't have the credential.

The cumulative difference in salary over a number of years can exceed $100,000. For instance, in the United States, the cumulative difference between the earnings of PMP® credential holders and those without the PMP® credential is more than $102,000 during the time period between their third year of experience in project management (when one can first get the credential) and their 15th year (when experience starts to have a greater impact).

Background on Survey
Created and conducted by PMI's market research team, the PMI Project Management Salary Survey—Sixth Edition measures salaries across eight major position description levels in 19 countries. The latest survey, conducted in 2009, reflects a greatly increased sample size for more accurate results, based on self-reported data from nearly 35,000 project management professionals around the world.

Represented countries include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Some of the information found in the survey includes:

• The country with the highest median salary ($116,625) is Australia
• Sizes of projects (in terms of number of team members and average project budget) positively correlate with annual salary
• Salary correlates with the number of years a respondent has worked within the profession. In some countries, the salary difference from least- to most-experienced practitioner is dramatic.

The full report of the salary survey features:

• Cross-tabulations of salary data by eight positions and 13 demographic variables
• Reported salary increases over the past year
• Expected salary increases for the next year
• Information on benefit packages, work environments and available global project management career paths

The salary survey country reports feature the same information as the full report for each of the countries listed above. Both the full report and the country reports are available for sale in PMI's Marketplace.

Resources for IIBA® and PMI® Chapters

We are launching a program to provide resources and support to IIBA® and PMI® chapters for the members. The problem all chapters face is making membershiprelevant and valuable, and to provide practical information for members. We can provide chapters with a number of resources of interest to Business Analysts andProject Managers.

• On the resources page of our website we publish articles, tips, templates, and in the near future, webinars on demand.
• We post frequently to our ProjectBrief™ Blog with incisive thoughts and ideas for project success.
• We can provide articles for inclusion in a newsletter or other emailing program.

Chapter members will immediately benefit from access to our continually growing body of information that will help them on the job. Please contact us for more information.

July 2010

Earn a Lifetime Watermark Learning Discount
Students who earned a Masters Certificate in Business Analysis or Project Management through our public classes receive a lifetime 20% discount on all future public classes through Watermark Learning. Just one more reason to pursue your Masters Certificate!

Watermark Learning Now Offering Classes Virtually!
We are excited to be offering our first-ever virtual class, and are leading off with CBAP® Preparation. Class begins July 26th. It's a convenient way to attend training, providing access to the class from anywhere. It also integrates into your schedule with 6 sessions, from 9 am to 12:30 pm (US-CDT) two days a week. The class will provide 21 CDUs to satisfy CBAP® certification requirements. We chose the time to maximize the availability of the class to our customers around the world. We'll experiment with this and other classes to find the optimal time for virtual training. Look for more virtual classes in various topics later this year!

IIBA® Announces New Certification
The IIBA® recently announced and will have a new certification for people who don’t meet the 7500 hour requirement for the CBAP® certification. It is called the “Certification of Competency in Business Analysis™” (CCBA™) and will launch in late 2010 with an exam ready by early 2011. You need 3750 hours to qualify and must pass a 150-question exam and other requirements. See the IIBA® CCBA™ web page for more details.

June 2010

Rich Larson Quoted in PM Network Magazine
Rich Larson, CBAP, PMP, principal of Watermark Learning, was quoted in PM Network magazine in an article on “influencing without authority.” This article discusses the importance of project managers to act as consultants to 'dig' for the why behind projects and how they can better position themselves to take a leadership role.
...Read Article

May 2010

Elizabeth Larson Earns Certified ScrumMaster Designation
Elizabeth Larson, Co-Principal and CEO of Watermark Learning, recently earned the designation of Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) through the Scrum Alliance. Besides being a key member of the management team, Elizabeth directs a number of courses, and teaches workshops, seminars, and training classes for Watermark Learning. Congratulations on this achievement, Elizabeth!

Watermark Learning's Masters Certificate Program Approved by the Illinois Workforce Development System
Watermark Learning’s Masters Certificate in Business Analysis and “Mini” Masters Certificate in Business Analysis programs have been accepted on the IWDS (Illinois Workforce Development System) list of WIA Certified training programs for Illinois residents currently without a job.  For more information visit the consumer info button on http://iwds.cmcf.state.il.us/ and search for “Watermark Learning”.

Watermark Learning focuses on skill development that dislocated workers can reference immediately on resumes and interviews. Our project management, business analysis, and influencing skills courses give you the knowledge you need to solve real-world business problems.

We keep our classes small so that you get the one-on-one attention you need. We utilize a lecture / hands-on workshop approach, so you can immediately apply the concepts you've learned and replicate them in a real-world setting. All of our instructors are PMP® and/or CBAP® certified, assuring you will learn from experts who are at the top of their field and skilled at instruction.

Being unemployed presents particular networking challenges. Watermark Learning encourages and promotes peer-to-peer networking during and after classes to increase your chances to learn about possible job opportunities.

Both the Masters Certificate and Mini Masters programs provide CEUs from Auburn University and therefore qualify for federal funding as well. Contact Darcy McQuillan for more information.

IIBA® Minneapolis Chapter Completes Successful Professional Development Day
The very first IIBA® Minneapolis St. Paul Chapter Professional Development Day was a huge success! The event was sold out—selling 203 tickets. There were 182 actual attendees and 10 sponsors of which Watermark Learning is a very proud Heritage Sponsor (founding sponsor of the chapter) in 2010, our very own Bob Prentiss (Watermark's Client Solutions Director of Business Analysis and Past President/Executive Counsel for the IIBA® MSP Chapter) chaired the PDD committee that ran the event. The event featured Kathleen Barret, President of the IIBA® as the Keynote Speaker, Rich Larson presenting the Foolproof Plan for CBAP® Preparation and Elizabeth Larson was a key panelist in the afternoon on the Changing Face of Business Analysis. The IIBA® MSP has already secured the facility for next year and plans on doubling the size of the event in attendees and speakers. We look forward to seeing you there!

New Resource for Project Management Learning, Education, and Development
Project Management Institute (PMI®) has introduced a new online community resource for its members. The new community—which is free to PMI® members—provides a place for project practitioners to connect, share knowledge, and explore PM topics in greater detail. The community site offers tools such as discussion boards, shared documents, wikis, and blogs. Log into this resource at http://lead.vc.pmi.org.

April 2010
Watermark Learning Welcomes Bob Prentiss
Minneapolis, MN—Watermark Learning is pleased to welcome Robert Prentiss as our new Client Solutions Director of Business Analysis. Bob manages the Business Analysis curriculum and provides training and mentoring on business analysis with special focus on Business Analysis Fundamentals and BA Centers of Excellence. Previously, Bob managed the Claims Services Center of Excellence at Express Scripts—a Fortune 150 Pharmaceutical Benefits Management company. The Center of Excellence managed standards, tools, metrics, competency, governance and change management to help mature Business Analysis and Project Management practices. Bob has 14+ years experience in the field of Business Analysis and is CBAP® certified. Bob stays very involved in giving back to the Business Analysis community through mentoring and coaching Business Analysts, providing formal Business Analysis training, developing Business Analysis best practices, speaking at industry conferences on topics such as; CBAP® Certification, Centers of Excellence, Business Analyst Competency and Business Analysis careers. Bob has been involved with the IIBA MSP Chapter since its inception in 2005 wearing several hats on the board, and currently serving as the Past President and Executive Counsel. 

March 2010
Happy Anniversary Watermark Learning
On March 2nd, Watermark Learning celebrated our eighteenth year of project management and business analysis training. In these eighteen years, we have successfully developed, delivered and perfected our own sought-after training based on firsthand, real world experience. Watermark Learning has now taught over 35,000 students in more than 3,000 classes. We're proud of reaching this milestone, and thank our customers for their support over the years!

Watermark Learning Announces New Agile Methods Course
Minneapolis, MN—Agile processes have joined the mainstream of software development approaches according to a Forrester Research report released last month.  In response, Watermark Learning has created a new three day course which provides a solid foundation in agile methods. 

Developed for all project team members, including Business Analysts, Project Managers, Software Testers and Developers, Agile Fundamentals builds the students’ knowledge and skills in the agile approach to defining, estimating, and prioritizing requirements, as well as in planning releases and iterations. Using Scrum as a reference, attendees learn how to build a Product Backlog, estimate sprints, write user stories, use burndown charts, and complete reviews and retrospectives.

Co-Principal and CEO of Watermark Learning, Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP, says, “With more and more of our clients adopting agile methods, we felt it was important to respond to their needs with a hands-on, comprehensive course that offered practical and realistic case studies.”

An awareness of Agile and Business Analysis methods is helpful but not required for this class. This course can also be taught on-site for a project team.

Watermark Learning Releases CBAP® Online Study Exam
Minneapolis, MN—Watermark Learning, Inc. released their CBAP® Online Study Exam on February 15 of this year.  This three-in-one study aid has over 700 realistic exam questions and adapts with students as they progress in their studies.

“We are extremely pleased with the depth and breadth of the practice exam system we created to help CBAP® candidates,” said Watermark Learning President Richard Larson. “Our system has more features and flexibility than any other exam simulation on the market. And, our extensive question feedback and BABOK® references will help people better prepare and focus their valuable study time,” he added.

For students just beginning their preparations, a warm-up section helps ease anxiety, a common problem for many exam-takers.  The drill section allows the exam-taker to focus on one or more Knowledge Area of the BABO®K at a time, with detailed answers and BABOK® reference numbers provided for each question.  Once the student is ready, the exam simulator gives them a chance to take a full, realistic exam to see where their areas of weakness are. Simulation questions are randomized according to the CBAP® exam question blueprint provided by the IIBA® (International Institute of Business Analysis).

“The drill section is critical for me because I can learn one chapter at a time and then review. The drills motivate me to read the BABOK® chapters thoroughly,” said Kathy Longar, CBAP® Certification Candidate.

The CBAP® Online Study Exam is the newest addition in a suite of tools offered by Watermark Learning, which also includes a CBAP® Preparation course and a best-selling study guide.

Marsha Hughes Earns CSP Designation
Marsha Hughes, Watermark Learning’s Agile Instructor, has earned the advanced designation of Certified Scrum Practitioner (CSP). To become a CSP, a practitioner must be a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and have run a project using Scrum for at least one year. There are approximately 950 CSPs worldwide. Congratulations on this achievement, Marsha!

January 2010
Marsha Hughes to Join Core Team for the IIBA® Agile BABOK® Addendum
Marsha Hughes, Watermark Learning's lead Agile instructor, has been invited to join the core team involved in the IIBA® Agile BABOK® Addendum. Marsha will be part of a small team of people chosen to lead and be active in the development of an Agile Business analysis knowledgebase and contribute to an Agile addendum to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK®). The objective of this group will be to define how the business analysis tasks and techniques described in the BABOK® Guide apply under different agile methods, and to define the additional knowledge not described in the BABOK® Guide that is required to be effective when acting as an agile business analyst or product owner. Materials developed by this committee will eventually be incorporated into version 3.0 of the BABOK® Guide.

In addition to holding CBAP and PMP designations, Marsha is also a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and is the developer of Watermark Learning's new “Agile Fundamentals” course. Congratulations Marsha!

December 2009
Focus on Sharing: Year-End Donations
As we have for each of our 17 years in business, Watermark Learning will contribute 5% of its net profits to charities and non-profit organizations. Our entire staff is concerned with the world around us and feels strongly about giving to others in need. Not just at year-end, but all throughout the year.

Here is a list of the organizations our staff thought were most in need of help this year. We also invite you to consider supporting these organizations or others you feel concerned about. Happy holidays from our family to yours, and share the joy!

• Alzheimer's Association: Empowers and equips people affected by Alzheimer's disease and related disorders with expert information and resources.
• American Cancer Society: The leading organization for research into cancer prevention and treatment.
• Feeding America Food Bank: The largest charitable hunger-relief organization in the United States.
• Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps is a team of 3,700 professionals helping turn crisis into opportunity for millions around the world.
• Resource, Inc.: Provides high-quality, caring, and effective services in the areas of employment services, training and disability assistance, mental health services, and chemical health assistance.
• Salvation Army Heatshare Program: Provides emergency assistance with heating and utility bills on a year-round basis.
• The Soldier's Project: Provides free counseling and support to military service members and veterans who have served or who expect to serve in the Iraq and/or Afghanistan conflicts.

October 2009
Focus on Sharing: Mercy Corps
Did you notice the huge number of typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes that have hit southeast Asia this year? Indonesia in particular has been hit with several earthquakes this fall—the latest on Oct. 23rd—with numerous casualties, building damage, flooding, and other disruptions. The media didn't give them much attention, but luckily Mercy Corps did.

Mercy Corps is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing humanitarian aid and development assistance. Since their founding in 1979, they have donated nearly $2 billion (US dollars) in emergency and developmental aid to over 16 million people in over 40 countries. Other groups may donate more, but Mercy Corps is highly efficient in how they operate. They are consistently rated as one of Charity Navigator's “Four Star” charities of choice.

For these and many other reasons, Watermark Learning has donated a portion of its proceeds this fall to Mercy Corps. Each year we donate 5% of our net earnings to charitable organizations like Mercy Corps. If you'd like to read more about the awesome work that Mercy Corps. does, please visit their website.

Congratulations to Sandra Tschannen of Watermark Learning
for receiving the 2009 PACT Hall of Fame Award
PACT is the Minnesota Professional Association for Computer Training. Sandy has been an active member with the association for almost 20 years, serving 6 years on Board of Directors and as a Past President. Everyone at Watermark Learning is proud of her accomplishments and dedication to the training field. Way to go Sandy!

September 2009
Watermark Learning Serves the Dislocated Worker Community
Losing your job unexpectedly can be very stressful, but we're here to lend a hand. Watermark Learning is dedicated to serving dislocated workers with quality education programs. Read More

August 2009
Requirements Management Book Available Now
Our new Requirements Management, Part 1: Requirements Planning has been officially released. To purchase this guide, click on the title!

July 2009

Valuable Industry Articles Now Available
Watermark Learning is now featuring valuable industry articles covering a wide variety of topics affecting business analysts and project management professionals. Titles include: Eliciting Requirements, Industry Trends, Influencing Skills, Project Success, and so much more! To download full-length articles, all you need to do is register as a Watermark Learning Member. It's easy, fast, and free! Go to Industry Articles

June 2009

Watermark Learning is Now WIA Program Certified
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) reformed federal employment, training, adult education, and vocational rehabilitation programs by creating an integrated “one-stop” system of workforce investment and education services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth. The Workforce Investment Act provides the framework for a unique national workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet both the needs of the nation's businesses and the needs of job seekers and those who want to further their careers. View our page on the iSEEK website. (Internet Explorer 8.0 Note: Click ‘Compatibility View’ to view page optimally).

Watermark's CBAP® Application article picked up by Modern Analyst.com
Watermark Learning's CBAP® Certification: 7 Steps for Managing the Application Process is featured on Modern Analyst.
Read the Article

April 2009
IIBA® Announces Release of BABOK® Guide 2.0
The IIBA® recently announced that the 2.0 version of its Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK®) is available as of March 31, 209. It is truly a milestone in the practice of business analysis and a significant step from the previous 1.6 version. Watermark Learning principals Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP and Richard Larson, CBAP, PMP both contributed to this release as a Knowledge Area lead contributor and head of the BABOK® review committee, respectively.

IIBA® members will be able to review free PDF versions of the new BABOK® and non-members can purchase it for only $29.95. Visit the IIBA® website for more details. The CBAP® exam will be updated this summer to test candidates based on the new version.

TIP: Anyone currently studying for the exam should apply now and take the exam before August 1, 2009. The exam is being re-written to address the new version, and any studying you have done may not apply to the new release.

April 23, 2009 - Appleton WI
2009 PMI Northeast Wisconsin Professional Development Day
While at this event, come visit Watermark Learning at our booth.
April 23 Presentation - Why Strategic Projects Fail: How to Avoid Becoming a Statistic by Watermark Learning Senior Instructor, Stevie Peterson, PMP
Learn More

March, 2009
IIBA® Sponsorships
Watermark Learning is proud to announce that it is a Premier Sponsor of two IIBA® Chapters: Minneapolis St. Paul Chapter of IIBA® and Chicagoland Chapter of IIBA®.

January 2, 2009
CBAP® Certification Study Guide
Watermark Learning is pleased to announce its acclaimed CBAP® Certification Study Guide is now available for purchase through Amazon.com. For more information on CBAP Certification Prep, including training, see our CBAP section.

December 11, 2008
Webinars To Offer Strategies For Project Success
Watermark Learning is now offering free webinars designed to elevate your career and reinvigorate your organization! Featuring Watermark Learning principals Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP, and Richard Larson, CBAP, PMP, webinar topics cover relevant topics in project management, business analysis and skill development. For webinar topics, dates, and registration information, visit our Events page.

November 17, 2008
Gather Requirements on Multicultural Projects
Learn tips and techniques for bridging cultural gaps on multicultural projects. If you work with virtual teams in geographically dispersed areas, you won't want to miss it! Check out Elizabeth Larson & Richard Larson’s contribution in the book “Managing Multicultural Teams” published by The Icfai University Press.

November 10, 2008
Need A Quick & Easy Way To Create A Project Plan?
Watermark Learning's "How To Create a Clear Project Plan in Six Easy Steps" may be just what you're looking for.  View the steps in chapter 7 of the University of Houston's book, IT Project Management Readings.

November 3, 2008
Business Analysis Fundamentals Course Launched By Watermark Learning
Whether you are new to business analysis, or are experienced and want a more formal approach, it’s essential to know and practice the “fundamentals.”  To help ensure business analysis professionals new and old alike are equipped to face the day to day challenges of the practice, Watermark Learning is proud to announce the launch of its latest course Business Analysis Fundamentals.  Register today and prepare for BA success!

October 15, 2008
Watermark Learning Launches Developing Agile Requirements Workshop
Gathering and documenting user stories in an agile project is a critical skill in today's business environment.  Watermark Learning is proud to offer class attendees the opportunity to succeed in this area with the launch of its newest workshop, Developing Agile Requirements Through User Stories.  Attendees will learn and apply in hands-on activities, how to identify stakeholders, define the project’s vision, model user roles and personas, write user stories and tests, identify appropriate requirements gathering techniques, and use user stories to plan releases and iterations.  Register for this exciting workshop today.

September 22, 2008
Watermark Learning To Offer Discount to Project Summit Business Analyst World Conferences in Boston & Chicago
Watermark Learning is proud to offer its corporate discount to attendees of Project Summit Business Analyst World Boston October 27th-30th and Project Summit Business Analyst World Chicago November 10th-13th!  In Boston, Principal Elizabeth Larson, PMP, CBAP will be presenting "I Don't Have Time to Manage Requirements - My Project Is Late Already!" and "Use Case Tips & Tricks" while Principal Richard Larson will be presenting "Use Case Tips & Tricks" in Chicago.  Enter discount code WATE when registering at either of the links above and stay up to date on announcements like these by registering for Watermark Learning's The ProjectBrief.

September 15, 2008
Prepare To Elevate Your Career Through CBAP™ Certification With Watermark Learning's Latest Study Guide!
Watermark Learning is pleased to announce the release of its exclusive new study guide, "CBAP® Certification Study Guide." Used in Watermark Learning's acclaimed “CBAP® Certification Preparation” class, this guide is now available for an introductory price of only $110.00, including shipping!  Once we start offering it on Amazon.com, the price will increase to $149.00. Request CBAP® Certification Study Guide now, and help ensure you are prepared to pass the challenging CBAP™ exam.

September 1, 2008
Business Analyst Times To Publish Three Part Series by Watermark Learning
"I Don’t Have Time to Manage Requirements; My Project is Late Already!" the latest article by Watermark Learning Principals Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP and Richard Larson, CBAP, PMP, is now available as a three part series to subscribers of Business Analyst Times! Stay up to date on business analysis articles and announcements like these by registering for Watermark Learning's The ProjectBrief.

August 13, 2008
Agile Requirements Course Now Available!
Watermark Learning is pleased to announce the offering of its newest course: Developing Agile Requirements with User Stories. Developed and delivered by certified ScrumMaster and PMP, Marsha Hughes, this course provides the skills needed to gather and document effective user stories. User stories are crucial to the success of any agile project. Whether you are new to agile development, or want to advance your requirements skills, this course has something valuable to offer. To learn more about this course or to register, view the course outline or call 800-646-9362, x208.