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Certification - Don't waste your time

Posted on 23rd May 2010 - Written by Ed Wallington

Originally posted in response to an Object Mentor blog: Certification - Don't waste your time.

A lot of interesting and lively debate - always the sign of a pertinent topic, and certification certainly is currently!

There are many posts and comments on this thread that I agree with. In particular re: the motivation for certification - in my view the route to certification is one that a person undertakes due to their interest in the topic and desire to learn in a structured and expandable way (with many certifications being hierarchical, e.g. APM, PRINCE2, PMI etc). This allows the individual to learn the basics, apply in the real world (i.e. not just theory) and then progress to the next stage in the learning process. I also agree that self-taught, rounded reading is essential - another demonstration that the learner is interested and passionate about their subject, and is willing to spend time improving their range of skills and understanding.

I also agree with comments re: gatekeepers to job vacancies etc, and the requirement to tick the box against job evaluation criteria - this is a fact of the modern world, we need to have a level of certification to satisfy recruiters. I think it also demonstrates to recruiters that the individual has taken the effort to undertake learning in a relevant field.

In my view we require certification, but not as just a piece of paper, but as an evidence based body of learning and knowledge, supported by practical experience.

Professionalism in Projects

Posted on 19th May 2010 - Written by Ed Wallington

Originally posted on How to Manage a Camel.

The Oxford English dictionary states that 'professional' is defined as:

  1. relating to or belonging to a profession;
  2. engaged in an activity as a paid occupation rather than as an amateur;
  3. worthy of or appropriate to a professional person; competent.

Belonging to a profession, ok, so we are managers, in the project management profession (be it projects, programmes, portfolios), that is straightforward, and we like to be paid for our efforts, so at least we aren't amateurs! Going well so far... but I am not sure this alone resolves what being a professional is all about. For me there is one core element - to be competent.

But what does being competent mean? I believe there are a number of individual fundamentals (in no particular order):

  • Knowledge - having a good grasp of the basic project management tools, techniques and how these are applied. May have a qualification, e.g. APM, PRINCE2 etc
  • Experience - demonstrate what you know and how you have used it. Learning from experience, a mistake is not always bad, it is a learning tool.
  • Leadership - having the ability to clearly define a requirement, energise the team and to lead them to project conclusion. Demonstrate ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, selling the project benefits, and bringing folk onboard to aid project success.
  • Integrity - demonstrate consistency in project approach and delivery, following standards and ethics.
  • Team work - working as a team, knowing your team, knowing when to engage (interfere?) and when to leave alone.
  • Delivery focused - ability to control a project within the bounds of budget, time and quality, controlling project scope and delivering the project. Do what you say you will by when you say you will do it.
  • Continuing education - intellectual capacity for ongoing continual professional development, and recognising the need for continual improvement and change. Through qualifications, progressions, reading, meetings, seminars, conferences, webinars etc.
  • Responsibility - recognising that the buck stops with you, taking control of the situation.

Combining APM, PMI and PRINCE2 into a holistic approach to project management?

Posted on 12th May 2010 - Written by Ed Wallington

Originally posted in response to a blog on How to Manage a Camel.

A very interesting post laying out valid arguments and pros/cons for each of the three core project management qualifications.

For me, there is a differential to be made between for example, the APM and PRINCE2. The APM BoK provides rounded project management tools, techniques and awareness; whereas PRINCE2 provides a project management process framework. As I have said in many a meeting and many a blog, the two approaches should not be viewed as independent and opposite, more that they are complimentary - as this post alludes to.

This blog provides a welcome impetus to the discussion over project management approaches, and opens the debate towards a single project management approach. I am yet to decide whether a single approach is appropriate (I change my view daily!) - but I am convinced that there is confusion amongst project management practioners and employers - and I think this is damaging to the profession. Why re-invent the wheel when there are tools/techniques/processes that can be readily utilised?

I do think businesses need to recognise that there are a number of project management approaches available to practioners. I have two key messages: (1) that these approaches are not in opposition to each other, they are complimentary; and (2) that the approaches do not have to be followed to the 'T' for every project, it is a case of mix and match as appropriate whilst maintaining a core/standardised approach throughout the business.

Small Business: Is Twitter Important?

Posted on 20th April 2010 - Written by Ed Wallington

Originally posted in response to a blog on Social Media Today.

Twitter, and other social media, allow business to communicate to a wide audience in real time and to see what others are saying, to guage views, comments etc. I see social media as an essential communication and marketing tool, with Twitter be one of the front runners at the moment. There is nothing better for a business, of whatever size, to be able to watch discussion on related products, services etc and see customers (and potential customers) views and feedback. In my opinion, businesses that actively use social media are at an advantage in this ever increasingly competitive market place and economic climate - it's the edge that counts!