IN THIS ISSUE! Demystifying Use Case Modeling
Demystifying Use Case Modeling
by Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP and Richard Larson, CBAP, PMP Principals, Watermark Learning, Inc.
We all know how difficult it is to achieve project success without complete product requirements. Yet gathering complete requirements without exhausting the project schedule and budget remains elusive on many projects. In this article we will provide tips for gathering hidden requirements quickly.
Get the Most From Your Ground Rules
Ground rules (or operating norms) can help set the behavioral expectations of a group. Often conflict and frustration arise because people have different expectations of each other. Establishing acceptable group behavior can minimize some of the frustrations that occur because of behavioral issues in the group. To follow are several suggestions for making the most of your ground rules.
—Tip submitted by Susan K. Heidorn, PMP
Juggling Multiple Project Sponsors
by Andrea Brockmeier, PMP
How many sponsors should a project have? One, of course. You may have experienced the challenges of having more than one sponsor on a project and know first hand what it's like trying to reconcile differences of opinions regarding change requests and other inputs we need from that sponsor. This article provides useful tips on how to juggle multiple sponsors to ensure projects run smoothly.
—Tip submitted by Andrea Brockmeier, PMP
Watermark Learning: Platinum Sponsor of Upcoming BAW Symposium Series
Attention friends of Watermark Learning! Save up to $75 by entering the discount code: WML when you register.
Mark your calendars, June 16 & 17 for the Business Analyst World Symposium Series at the Doubletree Hotel - Park Place, Minneapolis.
Watermark Learning is pleased to be a Platinum Sponsor of the event. Be sure to join Watermark Learning's CEO Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP, who will present: I Don't Have Time to Manage Requirements—My Project is Late Already!, Monday, June 16th from 9:45-11 am.
Register for valuable prizes when you stop by our booth. And, check out our latest course offerings, including a CBAP™ Preparation Study Guide. See you there!
IIBA™ to Launch Computer-Based Testing for CBAP™ Exam
On September 1, 2008, the IIBA™ will be implementing computer-based testing (CBT) of the CBAP™ exam at dedicated test centers around the world. The exact locations of the dedicated test centers will be listed in the June 2008 IIBA™ newsletter and will be posted on their website under Certification. Applicants must submit their application package to the IIBA™ and be approved prior to registering for the exam. Be sure to indicate "CBT" beside the Exam Location when completing the application form. Questions regarding the CBAP™ exam should be directed to certification@theiiba.org.
Is there a Project Management or Business Analysis topic you'd like to learn more about? Please let us know! Drop us an email with a list of topics, and we'll consider it for an upcoming issue of The ProjectBrief.
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June
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Consulting Skills to Solve Business Problems
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11-12 (Minneapolis, MN)
Eliciting Business Requirements
August 11-12 (Minneapolis, MN
Facilitation Skills Workshop HOT!
June 11-12 (Phoenix, AZ)
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July 15-17 (Minneapolis, MN)
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MORE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSES
Business Analyst World
Symposium Series
June 16-17, 2008 - Minneapolis, MN
Gain mission-critical education, tools, techniques and best
practices to support your analysis projects and team. Watermark is
a Platinum Sponsor of this event and will be speaking at and leading
a panel discussion. Register
today.
IIBA
New Jersey Chapter Meeting
June 19, 2008 - Iselin, NJ
Richard Larson, PMP, CBAP, Co-Principal of Watermark Learning will present “Use
Case Tips and Tricks.” Rich will provide a brief overview of Use Cases
plus useful tips that will help enhance your Use Case knowledge
and practice.
PMI® Minnesota Breakfast Meeting
July 7, 2008 - St. Paul, MN
"I Don't Have Time to Manage Requirements: My Project is Late Already!"
PMI® Phoenix Chapter Meeting
July 17, 2008 - Phoenix, AZ
"I Don't Have Time to Manage Requirements: My Project is Late Already!"
This presentation focuses on a core set of processes for ensuring that the entire requirements process is managed, that requirements are gathered and documented, and that customers get a business solution that really works for them.
PMI® Minnesota Chapter Meeting
July 21, 2008 - Bloomington, MN
"Influencing Without Authority:
Rev up Your Internal Consulting Skills!"
Learn proven techniques for influencing sponsors and business clients using a repeatable consulting model. Consultants, whether internal or external, have little or no authority over a business and yet, need to be influential to be effective. A technique that everyone can learn and employ to be influential is to formulate and make recommendations that solve business problems.
"Probably the most useful training I've attended in 5+ years at my company. Had a lot of fun! Thank you! I liked the group exercises on scenarios and activity diagrams and the use case examples to use as a format."
—GMAC/RFC