Preparing for the Exam with PMBOK Guide—Fifth Edition (Part 7): Quality Management

Following 20 years at a large Canadian telecommunications firm, Bruce established the project management consulting firm Solutions Management Inc (SMI). Since 1999, he has provided contract project/program management services, been a source for project management support personnel and created/delivered courses to over 7,000 participants in Canada, the United States and England.

  Career Development   Quality   Using PMI Standards  

Project Quality Management is the knowledge area many participants seem overwhelmed with. When I run a PMP bootcamp, I track sample question results by knowledge area. Without fail, the group average drops when Chapter 8 of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)—Fifth Edition is addressed.

When results like that happen consistently, I always question if I need to change my approach. In the last few months, I have delivered three bootcamps--and no matter what technique I use, marks still drop. The feedback I consistently receive is that participants simply need more time to read the study material that is provided. Without question, readers of this article need to expand their studies beyond the 28 pages in PMBOK Guide. Be sure to read about “gurus” such as Crosby, Ishikawa, Deming and Juran. As noted in previous articles, do your due diligence when looking for a PMP bootcamp. Ensure the training company material addresses the contribution these industry specialists have made to the corporate focus on quality. You can expect to see related questions on the exam.

This article will focus on the PMBOK Guide information. The analogy to personal fitness is perfect.

When an adult decides to improve their fitness level, they need to do some significant work before making the first step. What is the best approach: a home gym? A…

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