Michael Del MundoMicro-credentials Project Specialist| PMISalinas, Ca, United States
Hi Everyone!
My name is Michael Del Mundo and I am the Microcredentials Product Specialist at PMI.
We’re doing product discovery work for the creation of a new micro-credential course product. A micro-credential is an eLearning course bundled with a non-proctored online exam. After you complete the course and pass the exam, you will earn a digital badge that validates that you have upskilled in a specific subject and is achieved in a short period of time.
This is a temporary posting and will be open until 2/25/2022. I am reaching out to get as much feedback as we can before the thread closes!
1. What are the top industry trends in the market today? (Example: Machine Learning/AI, Cloud, 5G, etc.) 2. What are the industry challenges of that respective industry? And how does that apply to project managers? 3. How can a micro-credential course product solve the problems in that respective industry? 4. What features would you like to see and what would you like to learn from the micro-credential course product? 5. How would you like to see the micro-credential course product taught and presented? 6. If a micro-credentials course product was created to solve the industry challenges mentioned above, how much should the micro-credentials course cost?
Thanks in advance for your feedback! Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
1. In the government industry, AI and quantum computers are picking up steam.
2. The biggest challenges with disruptive technologies, other than simply staying abreast with them, is the pre-commercialization need to create your own platform and teams in order to do pilots and projects.
3. The course should raise product discovery awareness and provide tips, tricks and tools on developing environments that enable product discovery.
4. I want the course to "teach me how to fish". Don't tell me about products; tell me how I can discover and explore products.
5. Case studies in a self-paced learning environment
6. Consider having a free-of-charge introduction course. This would whet people's appetite to purchase a $75-$100 micro-credential course. (If the cost is too high, you will only attract people working for large enterprises. Self-employed or SMB professionals cannot afford both the down-time and large learning costs.) Saving Changes...
1. Medical/Health - Automation and AI
2. Challenge remains leadership support of PM Processes/ Training
3. Tailor to Health C-Suites and Execs - co-sponsor residency programs
4. Focus on planning and communication. I love the real world scenarios of the Agile Hybrid class - BUT did not like not being informed it was not exam driven information
5. Either real world scenarios or exam driven study
6. Of course less expensive for PMI members - maybe an added discount for multi-certified. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Michael
As someone who earned all PMI Micro-Credentials up to date, I believe PMI so far have addressed the latest industry trends from Organizational Transformation, Citizen Development, Agile Hybrid, Value Stream and industry specific ones for Construction.
The majority of above mentioned courses content is somehow technical so what I believe would be a good micro-credential is a course that covers top soft-skills.
That said, below are the answers to your questions:
1) While soft skills are acquired through experience rather than taught, yet, a course to show top soft skills and how each adds value to a professional would be of added value.
2) In terms of challenges, I noticed that many concentrate on improving their technical skills in project management without putting enough effort to improve their soft skills. Soft skills are as important as hard skills
3) A micro-credential to cover this topic would open the eyes of many, especially new practitioners, of the importance of soft skills.
4) Should include lots of case studies and statistics as it will help makes more sense to candidates and also add a few interactive exercises.
Hi, I agree with Stephane on his point #6, Jessica on her point #4, and Rami on soft skills. Mediation is one soft skill to consider.
Top trend in my product-oriented industry is supply chain shortages and interdependencies on overseas imports. Applies to all types of management, including the product shortages/outages for in-flight projects. And projects that never get off the ground due to supply chain concerns. The existing PM/Agile frameworks aren't very robust in the area of supply chain, so even an introductory/concept level micro-certification/material would be beneficial.
For any certification class/program, it's helpful for participants to start with a clear understanding of the end goal. ("Begin with the end in mind.") I'm currently taking AHPP, and it wasn't clear to me until about 50% of the way through the modules that the test was not based purely on the modules. Perhaps all micro-certification programs should start with samples of the test questions. This will help participants to choose the right study techniques and time allocation from the outset.
The current delivery method of AHPP (self-study, online course material with non-proctored exam) is a good model. It's optimal for members regardless of time zone, availability, etc. Nice job!
Something to consider adding: A special-access online discussion group for people once they pay and begin the course. It would build a sense of community around the micro-credential. People who are actively engaged in the program could post and help each other. And perhaps even enhance their professional networks.
You could market it as a benefit of the micro-credential. Saving Changes...
Zsofia TrollSenior Manager - Transfer Pricing| Transfer Pricing Specialists, S.L.Md, Spain
Thank you for the question. I agree with Rami and add Emotional Intelligence for team and project management as a micro credential topic I propose. The recent changes in economic, social and cultural terms have shed a more intense light on the importance of adaptation, creativity and “humane”-ity on the emotional side of management (throughout all industries) and I think this would be a great topic to cover in this format. Theories, case studies, interesting considerations and innovation success stories could raise attention, help develop new skills, and upgrade PMPs. The price could be USD 100-150 and the format should be a self-paced video series with tests and discussion forums. Saving Changes...
Hector HernandezEducator/Trainer| NoneWellington, Fl, United States
IoT or Internet of Things, is a hot topic across industries. Business Analytics is a cross industry topic area, PMs need to be aware of the tools etc i.e. Power BI.
Evert micro-credentialed course needs to have a component on ETHICS.
Thank you. Saving Changes...
Karolyn DavisIT Senior Manager Clinical Informatics| Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
1) Software enhancements and new implementations from an Informatics Perspective in post-acute care settings. I recognized this need several years ago when I started my position as an informatics nurse and pursued PMP certification on my own, but project management training in this position is increasingly essential with the rapid increase in technological advances that are affecting the delivery of health care.
2) Many post-acute care companies do not have a dedicated PM or Informatics Nurse to participate in these projects but typically have a member of their clinical team cover those responsibilities. The informatics nurse bridges the chasm between the I.T. Department and the end-user out at the bedside.
3) A micro-credential course product on the basics of project management would provide these clinical leaders with a project management perspective for managing these roll-outs and increase their success rate.
4) Ideally the course should be taught around a case-scenerio as that is the training method these clnical staff are most familiar with. They could be taught project management principles around the roll-out of a product enhancement and then build on that by applying it to the roll-out of a new/replacement product.
5) I would try to keep the course at 4 hours and charge no more than $500 or create two levels of credentials at 4 hours and $500 each; Novice & Expert. Saving Changes...
1. What are the top industry trends in the market today? (Example: Machine Learning/AI, Cloud, 5G, etc.)
Digital transformation for me.
2. What are the industry challenges of that respective industry? And how does that apply to project managers?
Leaders have to figure this out and guide teams on it, so on that basis, I wouldn't assume the course user is a lifelong project manager.
3. How can a micro-credential course product solve the problems in that respective industry?
Understanding scope and opportunities at high level. adapting from one-and-done projects to subscription models. Optimising processes for digital transformation.
4. What features would you like to see and what would you like to learn from the micro-credential course product? 5. How would you like to see the micro-credential course product taught and presented?
I have not yet done a PMI micro course, so no comment on these.
6. If a micro-credentials course product was created to solve the industry challenges mentioned above, how much should the micro-credentials course cost?
TBH, I'd like to see a nicer discount for PMI members :))) I'd suggest keeping it around the 150-400 Euro bracket? Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Adding to above responses, which are quite good --
Given the alignment of Emotional Intelligence between DA, transformations and modern workplaces in general - I'd love to see an EI in the workplace style offering
Many will encounter so many things that go beyond soft skills in this area before getting assigned their first project.
Additionally - like with the construction - I'd love to see:
A micro serving of risk; general compliance and regulation, and BA -- particularly in Agile environments.
I've been lucky to have mentors that not only worked with me on the technical skills related to these, but also the skills to constantly, respectfully, **professionally** push back without those messages being perceived as a personality flaw.
I feel particularly with agile (outside of dev groups), the desire to be positive may contribute to miscommunication in these areas or something for the specialist to handle, impact initial vision and scope, etc.
A mentor credential that's earned, not purchased. There's a lot of transformation, and mentoring skills between professionals is bidirectional and very different from coaching.
Some folks excel in this area, and in particular with PMBOK 7 changes; are increasingly valuable. Personally - I've helped the same folks who taught me proper Waterfall get a better grasp on Agile.
Harder to implement would be communication skills - like tailoring business writing by audience. It's listed in every job description, but not directly covered in the literature.
I've seen fantastic project managers torpedo themselves on this one.
Lastly - please consider a single evolving badge for related offerings that span a series - like organizational transformation. Many of us link them to places like linked in - and don't want it to look like NASCAR (or look like an Eagle Scout).
It's often valuable real estate without a lot of room or ways to customize the ordering; 3 is a lot and can potentially overshadow the certification badges. Saving Changes...
Community Champion
