10 Tips to Maximize Participation

by Susan K. Heidorn, CBAP, PMP, Watermark Learning

Have you ever led or facilitated a meeting where the participation was minimal, and you didn't know what to do about it? Well, here are 10 great ideas that you can use to help maximize participation during your next meeting.

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BA Toolkit: Top Models for Complete Requirements Analysis
Friday, June 19
Online Event — 1-2 pm (CDT)
Presented by: Richard Larson, CBAP, PMP
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This presentation covers the top models in a BA's “toolkit” for complete requirements analysis. After reviewing each of the models by category, a discussion then shows how to leverage the models using concurrent modeling techniques. Common scenarios of typical “patterns” will be addressed.

Fuzzy Boundaries: Do you Pre and Post?

by Richard Larson, CBAP, PMP

When defining or improving processes, it's essential to have clear and fixed boundaries for all processes. Otherwise, how do you know what steps to include? A process modeling truism is: process boundaries are usually (heck, let's say always) fuzzy in workers' minders until you document them. Since a process always transforms inputs to outputs, you can use inputs and outputs as one way to define the boundaries. Better yet, list the pre-conditions and post-conditions to get a better grasp of processes boundaries. A pre-condition specifies what is true for a process to begin, and a post-condition is what becomes true when the process is done.

For example a process to buy a new car might need a pre-condition of the old car breaking down, or it might begin when your lease is three months from expiration, or it might be when the old jalopy has 100,000 miles. A post-condition could be when an agreement with a car dealer is made, or after financing is complete, or it could be as late as when you take possession of the car. The pre- and post-conditions always clarify processing steps that take place in (and out) of the process, and are a huge benefit to defining the framework of any process. It's an easy way to find process overlaps and gaps, too. Don't define a process without them!

Microsoft® Project Q&A

by Jim Clayton, Microsoft Certified for Office Suite and MS Project

Q. I am not connected to Project Server. Using the client version on my computer, can I share project information with my Outlook calendar?

A. No directly, but you can export task and schedule information into Excel and then import the data into your version of Outlook. Using the Menu Bar, select “Save As.” Save as an Excel file in your desired location and with your desired name. Create a new map selecting task name as the data for exporting. Open Outlook and import your newly created Excel file into your calendar. Project task names will appear on your calendar.

CBAP® Application Update

Since our last ProjectBrief, we have learned that the IIBA® has changed their procedure and one of the 7 steps is now different for applying for the CBAP® exam. You will need to pay separately for the application and exam. The application can be paid online, but you will need to send IIBA® a check once your application is approved. Here is the updated step that has changed:

5. Your application requires a $125 USD fee for applying and it is non-refundable. There is also an exam fee of $325 USD (for members and $450 USD for non-members of IIBA®). The IIBA® will collect the application fee online when you apply. You will need to send a check later for the exam once your application has been accepted.

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Interesting Industry Stats

as of March 31, 2009

	PMI membership is 302,364—an overall increase of 14.3 percent for the year.
	Total Project Management Professionals (PMP®): 331,208
	Total Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®): 7,455
	Total Program Management Professionals (PgMP®): 237
	Total Scheduling Professionals (PMI-SP®): 146
	Total Risk Management Professionals (PMI-RMP®): 94
	Worldwide there are nearly 250 PMI® Chapters with total chapter membership totaling over 195,000

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Available 5/15

BA World Minneapolis
June 15-18, 2009
Watermark is a proud sponsor of BA World Minneapolis. While at BA World, be sure to attend these informative Watermark Learning sessions:

Monday June 15 Presentation:
BA Toolkit: Top Models for Complete Requirements Analysis

Tuesday June 16 Presentation:
Lesson Learned from Trying to Manage Stakeholders—Don't!

IIBA® New Jersey Chapter Meeting
(June 25, 2009—Iselin, NJ)
Watermark Learning Presentation:
Planning and Managing Requirements

“The class was by far, the most well-received training that we have ever had at our company—with the most active participation. The instructor was professional and her experience aided in making this a true learning experience for my staff.”

Jay A. Masci, PMP
Provaliant Retirement, LLC

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