Tools
Open Source Project Management Software Saves Money
By Ray Myers, Jr., PMP Open source project management applications provide a cost effective alternative to expensive commercial applications. What does cost effective mean? How about free, in most cases. The open source applications can be downloaded, installed, tested, and used for commercial purposes without having to buy any licenses. That’s right, for free, and... »
Force Field Analysis
By: Ray Myers, Jr., PMP Force Field Analysis provides a useful framework to look at the driving and resisting forces of a decision or proposed change. To implement a change, it is helpful to understand these forces. Decisions are framed in terms of forces and factors. Forces that help achieve the desired change are called driving... »
Creative Dispute Solver
By: Ray Myers, Jr., PMP Here is a simple and creative dispute solver: Initiate a discussion between the parties Use appropriate timing Be private Choose a conducive environment Respect individual differences Empathize with all parties Separate facts from feelings Define central issue Agree on common solution Resolving a dispute isn’t easy. Patience and perseverance are essential ingredients. About the Author: Ray Myers, Jr. is a PMP... »
PMP Examination Question Distribution
The Project Management Institute’s handbook for the PMP credential provides some insight into how exam questions are distributed between the 5 project management processes. The following represents the percentage of questions in each process that are included in the exam: 11% Initiation 23% Planning 27% Executing 21% Monitoring and Controlling 9% Closing 9% Professional and Social Responsibility »
Problem Solving Tips
Here are a few thoughts on problem solving. Can you add to this list of tips? The right solution at the wrong time is just as unacceptable as the wrong solution at the right time Move slowly on non-reversible decisions Don’t make decisions that are not yours to make Choices are not always right or wrong Use paper Make notes Document... »
Problem Solving Phases
There are at least 3 phases of problem-solving. They are: Phase 1—Problem Definition Be specific Be brief Phase 2—Problem Solution Brainstorm solutions Evaluate cost and benefits Be willing to compromise Problem solving involves give and take Phase 3—Implementation Implement solution Evaluate results Adjust as required Key Points There is a time and place for problem solving Problem solving has an agenda Problem solving is a task Problem solving is not a... »
Primary Problem-Solving Skill
The pimary problem-solving skill can be summed in one word: Endurance. Footnote: problem solving takes time. »
What’s Your Decision Making Style?
Here are 10 decision making styles. Which one describes your style? Impulsive Decide now, think later Fatalistic Relies on fate Whatever will be, will be Compliant Goes along with others If it’s okay with you, it’s okay with me Delaying Delays thought and action I’ll think about it later Agonizing Spends too much time evaluating alternatives I can’t make up my mind Planning Rational approach balances between cognitive and emotional I’ll... »
Do It
Here’s a simple and straight line creativity process: D Define the problem O Open your mind and apply creative techniques I Identify the best solution T Transform »
PEST Analysis
By: Ray Myers, Jr., PMP A PEST analysis scans the external environment in the following terms: Political, Economic, Social, and Technological. It is a useful tool for understanding market influences on a business. Use PEST analysis for business and strategic planning, market planning, and product development. This analysis can be accomplished individually or in a group... »
