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13/3/2010

WIT Luncheon

Dr. Lynda Bourne is the invited speaker and the 23 April 2010 Women are IT network (WIT) Lunch. Her topic is Why is stakeholder management so difficult? To see more or book into the event, download the event brochure.

12/3/2010

PMI Stocks Stakeholder Relationship Management book

The PMI Marketplace, the official bookshop of the Project Management Institute (PMI – USA) has selected Stakeholder Relationship Management: A Maturity Model for Organisational Implementation, for inclusion in its range of construction and building books and contracts.

To purchase from PMI see: http://www.pmi.org/Marketplace

To preview the book’s contents, visit our Book_Sales page.

21/2/2010

Lynda Bourne elected President, PMI Melbourne

Dr. Lynda Bourne has been elected President of the PMI Melbourne Chapter for the 2010 / 2011 year. To manage the potential conflict of interest between Lynda's role as Chapter President and the commercial relationship between PMI Melbourne and Mosaic for the delivery of classroom based training in Melbourne the following changes have been implemented:

Within Mosaic, Lynda has resigned from the position of Director of Training (this work is now undertaken by Patrick Weaver). Lynda's new role as Director of Professional Services focuses on executive coaching, mentoring and consulting with organisations particularly focused on OPM3 maturity assessments and process improvement. Lynda will still conduct training as an employee of Mosaic.
Within PMI Melbourne, management of the training portfolio and commercial arrangements between the Chapter and Mosaic will be managed by the Director of Professional Services (as now), reporting to the Vice President.

Lynda's primary commercial interest remains developing her stakeholder management business and marketing the Stakeholder Circle® range of tools.

15/2/2010

New 2 Day Scheduling Workshop

Mosaic's successful 'HOW TO: develop an effective schedule' workshop has been expanded to 2 full days. The initial workshops are for the Tonkin Academy in Brisbane and Melbourne [download the brochure]

We will continue to offer both 1 and 2 day versions of this workshop.

Click here for more information

8/2/2010

CIOB Stocks Stakeholder Relationship Management book

Construction Books Direct, the official bookshop of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB – UK) has selected Stakeholder Relationship Management: A Maturity Model for Organisational Implementation, for inclusion in its range of construction and building books and contracts.

To purchase in the UK see: http://www.constructionbooksdirect.com

To preview the book’s contents, visit our Book_Sales page.

29/12/2009

Construction Stakeholder Management

Wiley-Blackwell has published a new book on stakeholder management in the construction industry, edited by Ezekiel Chinyio from the University of Wolverhampton and Paul Olomolaiye from the University of the West of England. This book is designed to map the current state of stakeholder management in the construction industry with input from a range of well known academics and researchers.

Our chapter on Mapping Stakeholders can be previewed on our Interesting Books page with links through to the publisher’s web site.

28/11/2009

PMOZ 2010 Call for Papers

PMOZ will be held at the Brisbane convention Centre from 23rd to 26th August with a new format. Included in the registration fees:
Day 1 - Workshops - 3 hour presentations on a vast range of subjects
Day 2 & 3 - Traditional conference speaking program
Plus the conference dinner and a reinvigorated industry night

Day 4 will offer a limited number of paid full day workshops.

Download the Call for Papers postcard

To stay up to date watch this space or visit www.pmoz.com.au

10/10/2009

Planning and Scheduling Update

Mosaic's series of core scheduling papers for planning and scheduling has been expanded to include Schedule Float. This paper discusses the various calculations and definitions for float in both ADM and PDM networks, and highlights the importance of float in resource levelling and scheduling calculations.

The full range of papers are:
- A Guide to Scheduling Good Practice.
- Attributes of a Scheduler.
- Dynamic Scheduling.
- Links, Lags & Ladders.
- Schedule Float.
- Schedule Levels.

All of these papers are available for downloading free of charge by anyone interested in enhancing the practice of scheduling. [go to the scheduling papers]

20/9/2009

Thoughts on Agile

We have been in the middle of an interesting discussion over the role and value of Agile as a software development methodology and how it integrates with project management. Based on this discussion we have compiled our 'Thoughts on Agile' into a discussion paper.

- Go to: a summary of key posts to various blogs

- Download: Thoughts on Agile

13/9/2009

Free PMP & CAPM Questions

To help prospective PMP and CAPM candidates asses their readiness for the PMI exams, Mosaic has launched 2 sets of free questions and made it’s PM final on-line exam simulator available as a standalone module (PM final is the last module in all of our PMP courses). To access these resources follow the links:

21/8/2009

New Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) System

PMI is replacing the existing system that manages data and processes for the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) with a new solution developed and maintained by PMI. The new System is designed to provide an easy-to-use graphical interface as the entry point for credential holders that will deliver a more seamless, improved customer experience.

The new CCR System will be implemented beginning 25 August 2009. It will handle all of the functionality that the current system manages in addition to introducing new efficiencies. These improvements will ensure that PMI keeps pace with the needs of the growing number of credential holders.

Credential holders will find it simpler and more efficient to:
- Select activities (courses/events)
- Report PDUs - View transcripts
- Maintain multiple credentials

The new CCR System is incorporated into PMI’s single sign-on technology enabling system users to log in only once to gain access to all PMI systems and avoid the inconvenience of responding to additional prompts and entering additional passwords.

The improvements are definitely needed, as at 31st July, PMI membership has exceeded 300,000 and there were over 370,000 current credential holders. The breakdown of statistics is:

- PMI membership: 306,111 – an overall increase of 11.2% for the year.
- Total Project Management Professionals (PMP)®:
- Total Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®:
- Total Program Management Professionals (PgMP)®:
- Total Scheduling Professionals (PMI-SP)®:
- Total Risk Management Professionals (PMI-RMP)®:

360,662
9,126
307
164
192

13/8/2009

RMIT University DPM receives GAC Accreditation

The RMIT University Doctor of Project Management (DPM) and Masters of Project Management (MPM) programs have received PMI Global Accreditation Centre (GAC) accreditation. Dr. Lynda Bourne was the first graduate from the RMIT DPM program and the first person world-wide to receive a professional Doctorate in project management.

To understand the benefits of teaching project management download the PMI Why Teach PM brochure.

26/7/2009

PMI Launches the PMI Agile Community of Practice

The Agile Community of Practice is dedicated to raising awareness of Agile practices and techniques among PMI’s members. Its focus will be on building an emerging knowledge base using wikis, blogs and discussion threads. Plus additional resources include articles, tools and techniques, links to Agile project management literature and more. During the launch, membership is free to PMI members.

For more on the interaction between PM and Agile see Dr. Lynda Bournes blogs at : The collaborative management paradigm inherent in Agile – a new frontier

For more information on the PMI SIG see: http://www.pmi.org/GetInvolved/Pages/PMI-Specific-Interest-Groups.aspx

12/7/2009

New Practice Standard for Project Risk Management

PMI Risk Standard

PMI Melbourne Chapter now hold stocks of the new Practice Standard for Project Risk Management from PMI. The standard covers risk management as it is applied to single projects and is consistent with other PMI standards. Written for project practitioners, this practice standard can be used to validate the risk management process being employed in a specific situation, project or organization.

Visit our 'Books' page for details and to order PMI standards for delivery in Australia. The standards are also available from the PMI Marketplace at www.pmi.org

[Click here to go to our 'Books' page]

1/7/2009

PM Final Question Bank Upgraded

PM Final was upgraded on July 1, 2009 to the latest 4th Edition question bank which now boasts more than 1,000 questions that have been completely updated to comply with PMBOK 4th Edition content. All exams created by students will automatically include 4th Edition content.

Click here for more on PM Final

17/6/2009

PMI® Publication Quizzes

PMI Publication Quizzes offer a convenient, affordable way to earn professional development units (PDUs) toward maintaining your credential(s). By purchasing a quiz bundle from PMI.org, you receive PMI-published articles and white papers with accompanying quizzes that test your learning.

If you obtain a quiz score of 70 percent or higher you will earn between one and two PDUs per quiz in Category 3.

Click here for more information

19/4/2009

PMI's 'Voices on Project Management' Blog

Mosaic's Dr. Lynda Bourne has joined the PMI 'Voices on Project Management' team of bloggers. Over 40 people commented on her post discussing the Agile software development methodology. Lynda is also a columnist for the PM Network magazine with a regular column 3 times a year focused on the Asia Pacific region.

See Lynda's 'Voices' posts

7/4/2009

Updated PMP and CAPM Training Courses Launched

Mosaic's new PMP and CAPM Mentored Email™ courses have been launched. Based on the PMBOK® Guide 4th Edition these courses are focused on:

PMP Exams scheduled on or after 1st July 2009
CAPM Exams scheduled on or after 1st August 2009

For more information on the courses see:

Our PMP Training home page
Our CAPM Training home page

22/2/2009

Project Management Community Bush Fire Response

The project management community have joined to act a single force to respond to the recent Victorian Bushfires. This comprises PMI Melbourne Chapter and AIPM Victoria working with Project Aid. Project Aid's vision is to provide Project Management assistance to Australian based relief organisations in delivering their outcomes following the Victorian Bush Fire Disaster.

This assistance encompasses the provision of voluntary project management experience and expertise in a professional and neutral manner utilizing resources of the Project Management community including project management support, knowledge, advice and access to skilled resources.

For more information and to volunteer see: http://www.projectaid.org.

13/2/2009

Communique No 2 for the ISO 215000: Guide to Project Management, standard

Read the latest developments in the creation of ISO 21500, as at Jan. 2009.

Download Communique´ #2

26/1/2009

PMI Launches 'PM Teach'

Aimed to encourage Universities and Colleges to teach accredited project management courses PM Teach makes a range of resources available to academic staff interested in developing a PM course and then have the course accredited by PMI.

A key component of the program is linking academic institutions with R.E.P.s that have the skills and knowledge to assist in curriculum development. Mosaic has joined this part of the program based on the work of Dr. Lynda Bourne at a range of institutions including RMIT University in Melbourne and The University of Sothern Queensland; both in Australia; and more recently the University of Maryland (UMUC).

For more on the program see: http://www.pmiteach.org/

22/1/2009

New PMI Standards Available

PMI New Standards

PMI Melbourne Chapter now hold stocks of the PMBOK® Guide 4th Edition and second editions of:
- The Standard for Portfolio Management
- The Standard for Program Management
- The OPM3 Knowledge Foundation

Visit our 'Books' page for details and to order standards for delivery in Australia. The standards are also available from the PMI Marketplace at www.pmi.org

[Click here to go to our 'Books' page]

7/1/2009

PM Final Exam Prep Tool

2008 was a record year for the PM Final on-line question bank. Globally, the number of new students increased an amazing 166% in 2008, and the total number of practice exams completed increased an even more impressive 213% over 2007.

Mosaic has used PM Final as a core part of its PMP courses and as a adjunct to is CAPM courses for several years and we're pleased to see others following our lead.

[Click here to see more on PM Final]

3/1/2009

Changes to our PMP and CAPM Training Courses for 2009

Mosaic’s Mentored Email™ courses for 2009 have been re-priced to manage the transition to the PMBOK® Guide 4th Edition.

From Jan 1st our PMP course will be priced at AU$1200 (plus GST for Australian residents) - approximately US$850*, and our CAPM course will be AU$900 (plus GST for Australian residents) - approximately US$650*.

These price changes are primarily to separate the 10% Australian GST component from our price structure. We are attracting an increasing number of clients from the USA, SE Asia and Europe and we do not have to pay GST tax on these sales.
The increase in the base price is to cover the costs associated with converting the courses from the current PMBOK® Guide 3rd Edition to the 4th Edition. Courses started in January and February will be based on our current 3rd Edition materials. Both courses will be available to trainees starting in March, April and May; their selection will depend on their planned exam date (the PMP exam changes on 1st July, CAPM on 1st August). After June we would anticipate only offering the new 4th Edition course.

We believe our PMP and CAPM courses are still exceptionally good value. The materials are developed in-house by Mosaic’s experienced team of Dr. Lynda Bourne and Patrick Weaver. We develop the materials, administer the Mentored Email™ courses and importantly, provide the one-on-one mentoring to help trainees pass their PMI credential examination. We know the courses work, in 2008 only one trainee needed to ask for our free assistance to help them prepare to re-sit their examination.
You can see how the training works for yourself by registering for a course; you to receive Module 1 free of charge, and only pay the invoice for the course if you decide to continue.

For more on the PMP exam see: http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Training-PMP.html
For more on CAPM see: http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Training-CAPM.html
Details of our Mentored Email™ courses are at: http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Training-Mentored.html
And to register for one of the courses, go to: http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Training_Bookrequest_ME.html

*Based on current exchange rates, payments by VISA, MasterCard or funds transfer will attract different exchange rates.

31/12/2008

Stakeholder Blog

Stakeholder Management Pty Ltd and Dr. Lynda Bourne have launched the Stakeholder Blog as a forum for discussing issues associated with stakeholder management, the Stakeholder Circle and the SRMM maturity model. To read the blog, visit www.stakeholder-management.com/blog

19/10/2008

Time is NOT money,
a conversation with Keith Pickavance

5/10/2008

PMI-SP Credentials

PMI have officially awarded the PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP^SM) credential to its first class of PMI Scheduling Professionals. Mosaic's Patrick Weaver was one of the first 92 people accredited as a PMI-SP.

To help fellow schedulers obtain this significant credential, Mosaic has launched its updated 5-STEPS scheduling work shop (Oct. 2008) based on the PMI Practice Standard for Scheduling [see: 'How To' develop an effective Schedule (5-STEPS)] and will launch a PMI-SP^SM prep course mid 2009 based on the updated PMBOK [see: Advanced Project Scheduling for the PMI-SP credential].

Mosaic's 5-STEPS workshop will generate 6 Hrs of approved scheduling training. The PMI-SP course will generate an additional 24+ Hrs. In combination the two courses will offer 30 Hrs of approved training to meet the eligibility requirements for the PMI-SP credential.

5/10/2008

PMI Research Proves the Value of PM

Research sponsord by PMI has clearly demonstrated the link between implementing good project management practice and a solid ROI:
- Download the Research Overview
- To assess your organisations PM level visit our OPM3 Page
- To develop your PM career, visit our Career Framework page

26/6/2008, updated 9/10/2008, updated 3/1/2009

Updated PMI Standards and Credentials

PMI have released updates to their key standards. Some of the changes include:

PMBOK Guide®: Knowledge Areas updated. The number of processes decreased from 44 to 42. Two processes were deleted, two processes were added and 6 processes were reconfigured into 4 processes in the procurement Knowledge Area. [ see more ]
Portfolio Management: New Knowledge Areas including Portfolio Governance and Portfolio Risk Management
Program Management: 9 new Knowledge Areas including Financial and Stakeholder management and Program Governance and 47 new processes [ see more ]
OPM3®: Aligned with the new versions of the PMBOK, Program and Portfolio standards, Reduction in the overall number of Best Practices, Additional Categorization to simplify utilization and application and improved Self-Assessment Method (SAM) Questions.

Based on these changes, the PMI Credentials will begin to change in 2009:

CAPM Certifications - Exams taken prior to 31st July 2009 will be based on the current PMBOK® 3rd Edition, from the 1st August, the PMBOK® 4th Edition will be the basis for the exam.
PMP Certifications - Exams taken prior to 30th June 2009 will be based on the current PMBOK® 3rd Edition, from the 1st July, the PMBOK® 4th Edition will be the basis for the exam.
PgMP Certifications - Exams taken prior to 30th August 2009 will be based on the current PMBOK® 3rd Edition and the Standard for Program Management - First Edition from the 1st September, the PMBOK® 4th Edition and the Standard for Program Management - Second Edition will be the basis for the exam. Mosaic's courses will be developed to the new standards.
PMI-SP Certifications - Exams taken prior to 30th August 2009 will be based on the current PMBOK® 3rd Edition, from the 1st September, the PMBOK® 4thEdition will be the basis for the exam; the Practice Standard for Scheduling does not change. Mosaic's courses will be developed to the new standard.

[See more on the changes to the PMI Standards]

PMI Standards Update Outreach Tool Now Available

“Which Edition Do I Study?” is an interactive web-based tool that allows the user to select:
1. the exam they are taking;
2. the date they plan on taking the exam and
3. receive a personalized study recommendation

To use the PMI web tool [ click here ]

18/6/2008

New PDU Requirements for PMPs

From August 2008, All current PMP credential holders will be assigned new PMP expiration dates that correspond with the anniversary date of the bestowal of their credential. To effect this change, all PMP credential holders will have months added to their renewal cycle based on the anniversary of earning their credential; no one will have time taken away. Currently, all PMP credential holders expire on 31 December of the third year after they earn the credential and every third year from that date forward.

The transition to the new system will becomes operational in late August, this is when PMP credential holders will see their new expiration dates when they log into PMI.org and the online certification system. Communications from PMI to PMP credential holders will continue through to October. The key communications are:

18 June–31 July - Eblast to all PMPs informing them of the upcoming change.

18 August–18 September – Eblast to all PMPs providing them with their new PMP expiration date.

18 August–October – Direct mail containing a new certificate with their new PMP expiration date and instructions on how it affects them.

For more detailed information on this change, view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on PMI.org. Click here to see more on earning PDUs

31/5/2008

Stakeholder Circle^® - New European Partner

The marketing of the Stakeholder Circle^® methodology and software in the German speaking areas of Europe will be significantly enhanced following the signing of a key partnership agreement with Tiba Managementberatung GmbH. Watch this space for breaking news.......

21/4/2008

New Project Management Courses

Program Management Professional (PgMP) Training and Support The new PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)™ credential will be unveiled at the upcoming PMI College of Scheduling Conference, 4 –7 May 2008. Eligible candidates for the credential can now apply online and schedule their examination for 30 May 2008 and beyond. Mosaic will be offering PgMP Training from Q4 2008.

[ See Mosaic's PgMP training page for details ]

Scheduling Professional Credential (PMI-SP) Training and Support Mosaic will be offering PMI-SP Training from 2009.

[ See Mosaic's PMI-SP training page for details ]

20/4/2008

Mosaic's Workshops Restructured

Introducing the 'How To' Series:

'How To' workshops focus on the practical skills needed to undertake key project management processes and incorporate practical information on templates, methodologies and tools. This series includes:

'How To' write a Project Charter
'How To' build a Risk Management Plan
'How To' develop a Communications Plan
'How To' 5-STEPS to develop an effective Schedule
'How To' use selected scheduling tools
'How To' implement Earned Value Business Management
'How To' lead effectively

[ View 'How To' Workshop details ]

For additional information call (03) 9696 8684 or
Email How_To@mosaicprojects.com.au

Introducing the Executive Series:

Executive workshops and briefings are designed for project and program managers, and the mangers of project and program managers. This series includes:

Advanced Project Management Master Class
Advanced Project Scheduling for the PMI-SP credential
OPM3 - Courses to introduce OPM3 into an organisation
Successful Project Sponsorship - The critical role of the SRO
Successful Stakeholder Management using the Stakeholder Circle
Whispering in the Zoo - The art of communicating effectively

[ View Workshop details ]

For additional information call (03) 9696 8684 or
Email Workshops@mosaicprojects.com.au

29/3/2008

Standards Australia, supported by a range of professional organisations including PMI and AIPM are collaborating on the development of a new ISO Standard for Project Management. Mosaic's Patrick Weaver is the member of the Australian committee responsible for convening the local 'Terminology Working Group'.

To join the Australian effort, email James Thomson at james.thomson@standards.org.au or call 02 9237 6119

Stakeholder engagement is seen by KPMG as a key requirement for the successful delivery of 'global projects'. Rigorous stakeholder analysis is recommended. The report says "the challenges of stakeholder management are by no means unique to global projects, but when overlayed with cultural requirements and geographical distances, they become acutely more complex.

The OPM3 TrainingSuite and OPM3 ProductSuite applications have now been updated. The update address known issues and introduce some new product features, including:
- New reporting options
- Additional Export Questions
- Improved Best Practice applications.

We are contributing to a new book edited by Dr Ezekiel Chinyio & Professor Paul Olomolaiye, from the University of Wolverhampton. Due for publication mid 2008 by Blackwell Publishing (UK): www.blackwellpublishing.com

Dr. Lynda Bourne and Patrick Weaver have been contracted to write 'Chapter 7 - Mapping Stakeholders' for this new industry text book.

Mosaic's principals, Dr. Lynda Bourne and Patrick Weaver are both presenting papers at the PMI Congress in Malta, May 2008. Whilst it is unlikely we will be exhibiting due to logistical difficulties, we should be relatively easy to find and will be happy to discuss the Stakeholder Circle® and/or our training courses.

For more on the PMI EMEA Congress see: http://congresses.pmi.org.

A new book with Dr. Lynda Bourne as a co-author for Chapter 3. This book is primarily focussed upon how project leaders can make and influence procurement decisions so as to realise a project that truly delivers value to its stakeholders. Organisations tend not to want to merely source products, equipment, people or systems rather they have a complex (often implicit) need for a bundle of resources that help them generate and deliver something that will be valued by those receiving the project product/service. Publication due late 2007.

Mosaic's sister company, Stakeholder Management Pty Ltd will be an exhibitor at the PMI Global Congress in Atlanta, in October.

The primary focus of the stand will be the Stakeholder Circle^® methodology and software, but we will be equally happy to discuss our PMP training and our other range of training and consultancy services. In Atlanta, visit us on stand #924.

After 17 years at the helm, founder and Manging Director of Primavera Australia, Gordon Comins has retired. The new owners bring together the national Primavera dealership and the WA and Qld sub-dealerships making for a stronger presence throughout Australia. We wish Gordon the joys of a well earned retirement and the new MD, Jim Fairchild every success.

The new PMI Practice Standard for Scheduling is now available from the PMI Melbourne Chapter for AU$60.50 (Australian clients only).

This standard is the first to provide practical guidance on the development and management of a project schedule and will form the basis of a new scheduling credential currently in planning by PMI.

PMI members can download a PDF version from the Members area of the website. Books are available from the PMI Melbourne Chapter, through Mosaic for $60.50 + $11.00 shipping. To order, email: Standards@mosaicprojects.com.au

And will for the basis for a full conference paper, Trends In Modern Project Management - Past Present & Future that will be presented at PMOZ in August (see: www.pmoz.com.au).

Thomson Prometric are upgrading the delivery of the PMP and CAPM examinations across Australia. To date the only locations where Computer Based Testing (CBT) has been available is Sydney and Melbourne. People in other locations had to either take a 'paper based' exam or fly. Paper based exams also required a 6 to 9 month lead time to organise and needed either the local PMI Chapter or a business to sponsor them.

The new CBT delivery planned for Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth will only require a month's lead time to organise and a committed group of 10 people. Once the exam has been set up, any other interested person will be able to book into the session.

These new arrangements will be progressively rolled out through the balance of 2007 and should result in a significant number of new test options for prospective PMP and CAPM exam candidates through the latter part of this year and into 2008.

Mosaic's Mentored Email™ clients around Australia will benefit from the additional examination options. Commercial clients and Canberra training course clients will generally be able to arrange for a CBT exam at the end of the 30 day period for using our PM Final on-line exam simulator.

Lynda Bourne was one of the two project management professionals invited by PMI to discuss the state of project management training and how useful it is in equipping professionals for roles in the workplace.

Continuing a 37-year tradition of advancing the careers of project management practitioners, PMI will introduce a new credential for individuals who manage programs later this year. Additional information will be released in July 2006 and the soon-to-be published specification for the new credential.