Watermark Learning's ProjectBrief September 2008

by Elizabeth Larson, PMP, CBAP and Richard Larson, PMP, CBAP, Co-Principals, Watermark Learning, Inc.

In Part II, we looked at the framework for requirements management and how it fits into the project management framework. This article delves deeper into requirements planning.

You're Invited...

To attend a FREE Webinar:
CBAP^® Certification: From 'What is it?' to 'I Did It!'

When:
Tuesday, September 23, 2-3 pm (EDT)

Description:
CBAP^® certification is fast becoming the new designation among business analysts. If you want to learn more about CBAP^® certification, you won't want to miss this webinar.

Presented by:
Rich Larson, CBAP, PMP, President and Founder of Watermark Learning

Sign up now—space is limited!

Click here for more information and to register!

The value of a project risk identification exercise is often undermined by the failure to provide intellectual handles for identifying risk events. In this tip, we take a look at risk identification and provide insights to getting project team members to think more realistically about risk so that it can be measured and managed.

A common question among business analysts is: “I need to document data requirements for my project. How should I get started?” In this tip, we take a look at the best way to document data requirements for software projects.

CBAP™ Computer-Based Testing Is Here!

Computer-based testing for the CBAP™ exam is now available from IIBA™. For more information, please visit the IIBA™ website or contact us at Watermark Learning, and we'll give you the details.

Interesting Stats

Is there a Project Management, Business Analysis, or Influencing Skills 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.

IN THIS ISSUE! A Look at Requirements Planning

Industry Article I Don't Have Time to Manage Requirements—My Project is Late Already! Part III: A Further Look at Requirements Planning by Elizabeth Larson, PMP, CBAP and Richard Larson, PMP, CBAP, Co-Principals, Watermark Learning, Inc. In Part II, we looked at the framework for requirements management and how it fits into the project management framework. This article delves deeper into requirements planning. Read this article You're Invited... *To attend a FREE Webinar:* CBAP^® Certification: From 'What is it?' to 'I Did It!' *When:* Tuesday, September 23, 2-3 pm (EDT) *Description:* CBAP^® certification is fast becoming the new designation among business analysts. If you want to learn more about CBAP^® certification, you won't want to miss this webinar. *Presented by:* Rich Larson, CBAP, PMP, President and Founder of Watermark Learning Sign up now—space is limited! Click here for more information and to register! Project Management Tip Project Risk Identification—Get Real! by Andrea Brockmeier, PMP The value of a project risk identification exercise is often undermined by the failure to provide intellectual handles for identifying risk events. In this tip, we take a look at risk identification and provide insights to getting project team members to think more realistically about risk so that it can be measured and managed. Read this tip Business Analysis Tip Documenting Data Requirements by Richard Larson, PMP, CBAP A common question among business analysts is: “I need to document data requirements for my project. How should I get started?” In this tip, we take a look at the best way to document data requirements for software projects. Read this tip Industry News CBAP™ Computer-Based Testing Is Here! Computer-based testing for the CBAP™ exam is now available from IIBA™. For more information, please visit the IIBA™ website or contact us at Watermark Learning, and we'll give you the details. Interesting Stats as of July 31, 2008 PMI membership is 275,169—an overall increase of 12.2 percent for the year Total number of PMPs: 288,838 Total number of CAPMs: 5,471 Total number of PgMPs: 110 Worldwide, there are more than 251 PMI Chapters with total chapter membership totaling: 189,000 Is there a Project Management, Business Analysis, or Influencing Skills 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. PARTNERSHIPS
		CBAP™ Certification Preparation Sept. 16-18 (Chicago, IL) Oct. 28-30 (Bloomington, MN) Consulting Skills to Solve Business Problems Sept. 29-30 (Minneapolis, MN) Eliciting Business Requirements Oct. 13-14 (Chicago, IL) Estimating and Scheduling Projects Oct. 13-14 (Minneapolis, MN) Facilitation Skills Workshop Sept. 24-25 (Minneapolis, MN) Oct. 15-16 (Chicago, IL) Microsoft® Project for Project Managers Sept. 23-24 (St. Paul, MN) PMP® Certification Preparation Sept. 15-17 (Minneapolis, MN) Project Management Fundamentals Oct. 6-8 (Minneapolis, MN) Risk Management Oct. 15 (Minneapolis, MN) Software Testing for Business Analysts Oct. 1-2 (Minneapolis, MN) The Hard Truth About Soft Skills Oct. 21-23 (Minneapolis, MN) MORE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSES MORE BUSINESS ANALYSIS COURSES MORE INFLUENCING SKILLS COURSES

		PMI® Tampa Bay Chapter Meeting Sept. 15-16, 2008 - Tampa Bay, FL Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP of Watermark Learning will present: "I Don't Have Time to Manage Requirements-My Project is Late Already.” “Understanding the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP™) Designation” Webinar Sept. 16, 2008 - 8 p.m.- 9 p.m. EDT Presented by Michael Gladstone, CBAP, IIBA Vice President, Certification and Chief Information Officer. Agile Requirements Webinar Oct. 17, 2008, by Marsha Hughes Please contact Watermark Learning for more details. PMI® Global Congress North America Oct. 18-20, 2008 - Denver, CO Join your friends and associates in Denver, earn PDUs, and more! Come and learn at the over 150+ educational sessions. While you are there, be sure to check out Watermark Learning's Oct. 20th presentation by Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP: “I Don't Have Time to Manage Requirements - My Project is Late Already!” Exhibitor Showcase Oct. 19-21, stop by and visit Watermark Learning at the Expo- Booth #937. Project Summit & Business Analyst World Oct. 27-30, 2008 - Boston, MA This event is your opportunity to gain mission critical education, tools and techniques and best practices to support your projects, requirements and team. Watermark Learning will present two sessions on Use Cases: Use Case Tips and Tricks October 28 presentation by Watermark Learning CEO Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP. Use Case Essentials October 29 workshop by Watermark Learning CEO Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP. Business Process Modeling October 30 workshop by Watermark Learning Senior Instructor JoAnne Sabin, CBAP. Stop by the Watermark Learning booth at the Exhibitor Showcase, October 27-28.

		"This was an exceptionally well designed class—one of the best classes I have attended. Instructor was the best in the business. Excellent presentation style. Course exercises were very good—Nice to have company examples." —TM, Fallon Advertising READ MORE TESTIMONIALS

I Don't Have Time to Manage Requirements—My Project is Late Already!

CBAP™ Computer-Based Testing Is Here!

Interesting Stats