During the last couple of months whilst we have been busy updating our PMP, CAPM and PMI-SP training materials to align with the new PMI examinations lots has been happening on the project controls world.
AIPM have re-launched the Project Controls Community of Practice
The aim of the PC-COP is to provide a direct link between all of the various specialist groups and the more general project management community and is planned as a free to join open forum. Currently centred in Melbourne, the plan is to expand nationally. To get on the mailing list and/or contribute email Mark.Ruffell-hazell[at]defence.gov.au
PMOz introduces more innovation and excitement
The PMOz conference in Melbourne on the 17th and 18th September is shaping up to be a really engaging and fun event – Offering the highest intensity of PDUs of any Australian conference this is a not to be missed opportunity, see: www.pmoz.com.au One of PMOz’s core themes is project controls.
Having said its ‘not to be missed’, unfortunately the dates clash with an ISO Committee meeting in Sweden where I will be representing Australia and working on the development of a proposed standard for Project, Program and Portfolio Governance.
Planning Planet Guild News:
PP now has an area on the site for Guild questions and weekly news updates The Guild of Project Controls (GPC) Forum – Chris Carson the Chief Editor brings us all up to date and occasionally, PP will also give updates some of which are pending… http://www.planningplanet.com/forums/guild-project-controls-gpc
The Guild Standards have so far received great reviews.
PRINCE2 & APM Group Qualifications
In what is likely to be the biggest shake-up in project management good practice in 13 years, the UK Cabinet Office is partially privatising its good practice guidance materials in a new joint venture with Axelos, a subsidiary of the UK based Capita group.
So far nothing has been announced regarding the existing international ‘ecosystem’ of training providers APMG has carefully cultivated since its inception 13 years ago. Currently / formerly APMG accredits the very successful PRINCE2, ITIL, MSP and Agile Project Management Practitioner examinations amongst many others. What impact the Capita behemoth have on these certifications is anyone’s guess.
Axelos’s stated strategy is to exploit “the relational aspect of play linking human activity with the activity of the world”, in other words, ‘gamifying’ learning so that it sinks into people’s brains faster. If they are focussed on “investing and developing new products and delivering new methods of learning” – who will be the examining body? Will APMG continue in that role? And what of the existing training providers?
Axelos is building towards becoming fully operational in January 2014 and will be in listening mode over the next few months, working alongside product users, trainers and examiners to gather together their invaluable expertise: “With thoughtful investment and innovative learning techniques, we are looking forward to developing this unique suite of management tools.” All I can say is watch this space……
Deltec buys Acumen
On the 15th July – Deltek, a leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for professional services firms and government contractors, announced that it had acquired Acumen. Acumen offers innovative project planning, analytics and risk management solutions that help companies develop achievable and profitable projects from start to finish. See more at: http://www.projectacumen.com/news-item/deltek-acquires-acumen/#sthash.IaM000bj.dpuf
Governance and Controls Symposium – Canberra
The 2014 Governance and Controls Symposium in Canberra is being hosted by the UNSW @ Canberra (formally ADFA). A range of international and local experts will be speaking. Lock in the dates: 6 – 7th May – more news in a couple of weeks time.
AACEi launches a new scheduling credential
The Certified Scheduling Technician certification program has been established to give less experienced professionals the opportunity to advance their scheduling skills, knowledge, and professional development; and be distinguished as a Certified Scheduling Technician (CST) prior to obtaining the prerequisite 8 years of relevant experience necessary to become certified as a PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional). The PSP is also offered by AACE International. We are investigating the viability of offering training for this credential. More later
That’s all for now…
Pat Weaver
Lynda Bourne
Aavssitedev's Blog