My goal is to help YOU pass the PMP Exam. I am passionate about seeing people succeed. I work with people to help them accomplish their goals. With that in mind, I’ll be providing intensive PMP coaching over the next couple of months. I am looking for serious, dedicated individuals who want to get PMP certified by no later than Dec 2014. With that in mind, we would need to start consistent sessions no later than Oct 2014. Yes, its a serious commitment. Are you in? Continue reading
Simone M. Yarber PMP
Let’s get to PERFORMING!
In a group dynamic, especially a work group, we will go through ups and downs. Particularly as it relates to Group development… let’s discuss Tuckman’s stages of group development. The ‘Forming – Storming – Norming – Performing’ model. This topic has appeared on the PMP exam.
“This theory maintained that these phases are all necessary and inevitable in order for the team to grow, to face up to challenges, to tackle problems, to find solutions, to plan work, and to deliver results.” -Wikipedia
I find that in any group dynamic, especially a working group, that this occurs & in that order:
1st we’re forming & trying to make sense of things.. at this stage a lot may not seem clear.
2nd we’re storming… this stage is never fun, as we are still learning & it may see a bit frustrating & combative at this point.
3rd we’re norming… getting comfortable & thing are starting to make sense now. The air has been cleared.
4th we’re preforming. We feel much more confident at this point as things are making sense & we can preform the work with minimal issues.
Hey… let’s get to PERFORMING! But meanwhile, let’s learn as we form, storm, and norm! The time is now.
Color Code PMBOK with Highlighters
Here’s a really cool way to color code the PMBOK with highlighters for easy retention.You can also use this method on any other PMP study materials you own. It’s great for visual learners, like myself. I tried this with a PMP Study group & some other students I’ve trained & they found it very effective! Thought I’d share!
By the way, numerous PMP training companies use color codes. You can choose any set of colors to help with memory retention of the 5 process groups.
Below is an example. I like this because it fits with the standard highlighter set of colors.
EVM and Critical Path Video Explanation
EVM and Critical Path Video Explanation
Sir Ganttalot helps you prepare for the PMP exam by explaining Earned Value Management (EVM) & Critical Path.
He breaks it down to it’s simplest terms. This is a great video to share with those who are just learning it for the first time.
FYI: Each video is about <10 mins. Enjoy!
PMP Prep: Cost-effective options for getting the 35 Contact hours
35 Contact hours are required to take the PMP exam.
Here’s the most cost-effective options for getting the 35 Contact hours *I actually tried all of them and recommend them*(self-paced study)….
PMP Study Links (exams and study material)
Here’s some FREE PMP study materials online. (I used all of these sites.)
I put stars next the ones I used the most. I hope this helps!
Continue reading
The easiest way to learn ITTO’s
Here’s some suggestions on the easiest way to learn the ITTO’s:
It’s important to learn how the ITTO’s flow… making sense of what each process is doing as it relates to the ITTO’s. Think of it like cooking & the ingredients you need to make the final result. Know the ingredients needed & how they go together. Continue reading
What I did as I got closer to my PMP exam date…
My last 2 months was spent focusing on areas of difficulty for me. I focused on taking exams that helped me understand those areas. I took tons of exams! (I answered thousands of questions). I suggest getting in “Test Mode” during your last couple of months before the exam. Also, get in the habit of doing a “brain dump” for the exam of the processes & ALL of the formulas. They WILL show up on the exam. My exam was packed with those types of questions… I was very glad I memorized the cost formulas and “brain dumped” them before I started my exam. Continue reading
PMP Book Reviews by: Simone M. Yarber, PMP
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: (PMBOK Guide,4e)
by Project Management Institute
See this book on Amazon »
Simone M. Yarber has read this book
Recommended
Comment: “A must read if you’re in Project Management. Especially if you’re getting a certification – PMP or CAPM; you’re going to need this book for reference.”
I made an action PLAN before studying for the PMP exam.
It’s important to plan for success whenever you want to see positive results.
I started my PMP studies with an action plan in preparing for my PMP certification. I planned my studying hours on a weekly basis. I put it on my calendar and tried my best to stick to it. I tried my best to study at least 1-4hours daily. My studying process included reading, testing, watching videos, using flashcards and listening to audio. I planned the topics I’d cover and gave myself enough time to take a test at the end. This was key to retention of the information, for me.
My Top 3 Daily PMP Study Methods:
- Read for 1-4hours
- Take a Practice 15mins to 4hours (time spent depends on exam)
- Review Areas of Weakness
It's All About Progression. 