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.
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