PMP : Lessons Learned

Though I am late in publishing the lessons learned but I think it is better late than never. I am sharing the lesson learned as part of my PMP preparations and  passing the exam. Hope it will be helpful to future aspirants.

so here you go ...

1. If you want to pass the exam first submit your application and make fee the payment. This one good thing which I did and it brought lot of focus to the studies. Once the money is spent by human nature we try to make sure it is not wasted and are not bogged down by student syndrome. 

2. Limit your resources of study to 2 or 3 with lots of practice questions. I limited my books to PMBOK 4,  Andy's & Rita's book. Studying from too many resources one may find difficulty to adapt to writer's style. Good idea would be to limit your resources, do the revision (according to me) 

3. Skip the concepts which you find difficult in first reading. Mark the imp terms or make small notes, is is helpful during revision and you do not have to read whole book again.

4. Try to practice as many questions from multiple sources and if possible keep a track of your performance so that you know which are the areas you have to work on.

5. Practice and try to  understand PMBOK Page 43, during my 35 contact hours training my Teacher told me that if someone wakes you up from the sleep and you cannot  spell the process means you are not ready for the exam ... this benchmark really helped me to know my preparations. ( i used to recall the processes on my way to office, or during breaks) There is no need to memorize it just logically understand it and it will be easy and moreover as pm professionals we would already be practicing them in our professional env. 

6. During the exam just think about the question you are answering do not think of the Exam outcome and remain focused to steadily answer all questions.

7. There are no extra marks to complete the exam early so take your time. Your timing of questions completed during practice sessions will help you during the exam. You just need to make sure you are in limit of the time when you practiced. ( sample - For me when I used to practice questions with the timer, i used complete 100 questions in 70 minutes,for 200 questions it was between 168 to 190 mins with avg accuracy of 78%. During the exam also i took 100 minutes for 120 questions and 200 were completed in 160 mins. Person can develop individual style during practice session.

8. Try to practice the questions or reading when there is disturbance. For me i used to do practice test or read when television was on. This little risk mitigation helped during the exam as one hour after the exam the AC in the center started making strange loud noise which was irritating which kept on for half an hour, but as i was accustomed and prepared to handle this noisy surrounding this made no difference. (it's just personal opinion and shall be practiced at your own risk)

9. Reach the center well in advance to acclimatize to the environment and if the center is in High traffic jam zone

10. Last but not least, if you yourself will not belief on yourself how will you make others believe. So Have FAITH in yourself and you will make it.

All the Best !!

Disclaimer : All the Lesson learned mentioned above are as per the project (read prepare and pass pmp exam) which I managed and learning's if any to be imbibed in future similar projects shall be at your own risk :)

Free PDU for PMP

Dear All,

Found this interesting link which publishes the list of FREE upcoming Webinars. Most of the Webinars are entitled for claiming 1 PDU under category A. I myself have attended two of these sessions and they are excellent from learning point of view and claiming free PDU's by attending these sessions in entirety.

These webinars are conducted in tie up with Boston University Corporate Education Center by "Corporate Education Group". As these webinars are pre-registered with PMI  you can easily claim PDU after successfully attending the session.

1. http://www.butrain.com/events/webinar.asp

[ Point 2, 3, 4 Updated on 12th August 2011]
2. https://roederconsulting.webex.com/mw0306ld/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=roederconsulting
(1 PDU for each webinar)

Free 5 PDU's
3.  https://forms.netsuite.com/app/site/crm/externalleadpage.nl?compid=297888&formid=6&h=6654a65e8158ba483be9&ck=PXjDPM55AQBgWXAW&vid=PXjDPLZ5AcC3zGMS&cktime=96718&redirect_count=1&did_javascript_redirect=T

4. http://www.pduotd.com/   (announcements for webinars for pdu's)

Happy Learning !!
Keep Visiting for more information !!

PMP Exam Practice

Today I am posting some of the resources freely available on internet to check you preparations/readiness for the PMP exam. These are sample questions from the publisher/owner of these material and can be used without any extra cost or registering yourself on there website.

The full set can be purchased from the website if you want to have the entire set for your preparations.

Resource 1
http://www.headfirstlabs.com/PMP/pmp_exam/v2/quiz.html#

Resource 2
http://www.preparepm.com/mock1.html

Resource 3
http://www.edwel.com/courses/pmp-certification-exam-prep/pmp-exam-200-practice-questions

Resource 4
http://www.brainbok.com/#Quiz

Resource 5
http://www.mypmp.ie/

Resource 6
http://www.linkedin.com/answers/career-education/certification-licenses/CAR_CRT/151268-3054015?searchIdx=4&sik=1200579807219&goback=.asr_1_1200579807219

Resource 7
http://www.project-management-prepcast.com/index.php/freetry-it/sample-questions

Resource 8
http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htm

Resource 9
Purchase Andy Crowe's Book and you will get access to lots of sample questions for your practice for 7 day's time. You can further get the subscription extended (beyond 7 days) if you want by sending an e-mail and paying a small fees.

Hope this post will be helpful.

Don't forget to share your comments.

All the best  !!

Opportunity Cost

This is a very simple concept but i got confused many times before the exam. So i am

posting some inputs together with some examples.

Opportunity Cost concept is used when your are selecting a project to execute from a set of multiple projects available in an organization bucket.

Opportunity cost is the value of the next best choice that one gives up when making a decision. 

Below are few examples to remember this concept

Example 1
If you are to choose between Project A valued at Rs 20,000 and Project B valued at Rs. 50,000. 
- if you select Project A, the Opportunity cost would be Rs. 50,000
- if you select Project B, the Opportunity cost would be Rs. 20,000

Example 2
If you are to choose between Project A valued at Rs 20,000 and Project B valued at Rs. 50,000 and Project C valued at Rs 80,000 

- if you select Project A, the Opportunity cost would be Rs. 80,000
- if you select Project B, the Opportunity cost would be Rs. 80,000
- if you select Project C, the Opportunity cost would be Rs. 50,000

If you are making a choice between more then 2 projects, OC will be the next best cost missed not the sum of all the projects which are not chosen.

Example 3 (from life)
if you are planning to buy mutual funds from W, X, Y, Z company.
 - Mutual Fund W gives a benefit of Rs. 10,000
 - Mutual Fund X gives a benefit of  Rs. 20,000
 - Mutual Fund Y gives a benefit of Rs. 30,000
 - Mutual Fund Z gives a benefit of  Rs. 40,000

So what will be the Opportunity Cost, if you make different choices
 - if you select Mutual Fund W, the OC will be Rs 40,000
 - if you select Mutual Fund X,  the OC will be Rs 40,000
 - if you select Mutual Fund Y,  the OC will be Rs 40,000
 - if you select Mutual Fund Z,  the OC will be Rs 30,000

Hope this post is helpful. 

Memory Dump or Brain Dump

As we all know that if planning is done properly the execution will be perfect. So I will request to use first 10 - 15 minutes for the Memory Dump or Brain Dump of the concepts on the provided scratch paper.

What is Memory Dump?
 Jotting down the concepts formulas on the scratch paper before you begin your exam, which you feel may confuse you during the exam or points which you felt difficult and hard to remember.  All short notes which can be covered during 10 – 15 minutes of time can be part of dump.

Why Memory Dump or Brain Dump?
Once we start the exam, we are so engrossed in the questions that many a times it is hard to remember even simplest thing like for float it is LS – ES or ES – LS. Making a small note of points which you feel important just before your begin the exam will be very helpful while you are taking the exam. This practice I am following it since my school days and has always proved helpful for me.

Some Tips on what can go in Memory Dump
As PMP is a not a speed exam but application of concepts and learning’s and if you are not a very slow reader you will have ample time to complete the exam (including review).

-         formula’s for numerical
-         list of 42 process ( if possible, I wrote it down during my exam)
-         HR theory 2 words
-         Risk mitigation ways
-         Sigma values for 1, 2,3 ,6
-         Etc …

Have attached a sample memory dump which is from one of my practice sessions before the exam. Hope this post will be helpful. Please share your comments and keep visiting I will keep posting topics regularly.

 

Disclaimer :  The opinion expressed is author's personal opinion and which was felt helpful. If to be considered by anyone in future in any form shall be at his or her own risk :) 

Passed PMP

Summarizing my experience on the PMP exam below, hope it will be helpful to new aspirants

Though I was planning to take the exam from last one year but serious preparations started only after I sent my PMP application and made the fee payment and scheduled the exam for 24th Jan in October. The fee payment and scheduling the exam brought lots of seriousness and Discipline in my preparations.I prepared for 2.5 months and below are some inputs

1. Read PMBOK 4, at least 4 times, 2 serious readings and 2 just skimming the high level marked concepts. Every time i read I got more understanding and I feel it is the finest Book I have ever read & imbibed ...
2. Thoroughly understand the process on Page 43 of PMBOK, there is a PMIism that if someone wakes you up from sleep and ask you the process you should be able to tell them otherwise you are not ready for the exam. There is no need to memorize them just logically try to understand which i did and used to recall them while driving to office, just before bed or after waking up ..
3. Went through Rita's book twice (one thorough and one high level reading) and Andy Crowe's book just once along with Practice questions in both books.
4. 1.5 month before taking the exam I made a habit to take sample test regularly of 10, 50, 100 or many times 200 questions from the question bank which i got as part of 35 contact hours training or Rita's book, by purchasing Andy Crowe's book or this link http://pmp.groupsite.com/discussion/topic/show/37414
5. I maintained the score sheet to review my performance and I was consistently scoring between 72% - 90%. Taking exam just boost your confidence that you understand PMBOK process before you take the exam. I used to take the exam many times when television was on, just to simulate and be ready for a noisy situation during the exam (this little risk mitigation helped as One Hour after the exam the AC in the center started making lots of noise) but as I was accustomed this made no difference ...
6. Subscribed to pmprecast news letter which sends some very nice tips and questions daily..
7. Limited my resources to just PMBOK 4, Rita 6th edition and practice tests ... 
8. Lots of focus and discipline ...

Just before the exam 

1. 3 -4 days before the exam I confirmed my appointment with Prometric center, asked them directions, traffic conditions during day time near center ( as in Bangalore it is located between very busy place), parking space availability, what to bring in for identity etc ..
2. 3 days before the exam I just went through the highlighted points in PMBOK and Rita
3. Reviewed the formulas & concepts which i was planning to write during memory dump.
4. Tried to get some good sleep before the exam (which i could hardly get due to nervousness) 
5. I was scheduled for 2nd Half from 1 PM (it doesn't matter you take the exam in which shift it shall be totally as per your convenience). I left early and reached the center after driving for 1.5 hours around 11:30 AM .. then relaxed myself a bit
6. I entered the center at around 12:15, identity was verified and I have to submit all the items in the provided locker including mobile, watch, wallet, bag and even Jacket. Pockets have been emptied. Only thing allowed inside was the Passport. 
7. I was handed over the scratch paper with two pencils, made an entry in the exam hall. 
8. First 15 minutes is given to familiarize your self with the system, of which I used the 10 minutes to take the memory dump on the provided rest five minutes to know how to use the system. moment you complete the tutorial the exam will start. 
9. Took a deep breath and God's name and started the exam .... i was going through the questions steadily and completed the first 120 questions in 1 hour 40 minutes. Then took a 2 minutes break and then again completed remaining 60 questions and then again 2 min break. Then completed the exam and started reviewing the questions which i had marked. I completed the 200 questions in 2 hours 40 minutes, then reviewed the questions in another 20 minutes, marked questions were not more than 15. I had this habit of not reviewing all questions so as not to change the options which i practiced during the practice test session. (you can develop your own style during your practice sessions) 
10. Then finally I submitted the exam with my hands folded then the survey appeared which i finished in couple of seconds and then re-submitted for seeing the results. I just praying with hands folded and the those 2 - 3 seconds were appearing like hours. Finally I saw a page appeared with result as PASS  .. for first couple of seconds I could not understand the result and then realized that effort gone into preparations have paid off. I passed with "Proficient" rating and moderately Proficient in all the 6 process.  
11. During the exam lots of things were coming in mind but i tried to make sure that i remain focused. Did not try to take breaks more than 2 minutes so as not to loose tempo of the exam. It's a personal call depending on individual. (if required you can take more than 2 minutes)
12. Then Prometric guys gave me my pass letter in another 2 minutes .. 

Keep Visiting as I will be posting more on PMP and my leanings, topics which i found difficult, how I dealt with them and you can subscribe or follow the blog as well. 

Thank you for stopping by and reading 

All the Best !!

 

Regards, 

Hardesh Singh, PMP 

Disclaimer : All the Lesson learned mentioned above is as per the project (Read Passing PMP Exam) which I managed and learning's if any to be imbibed in future similar projects shall be at your own risk :)

How to Close Citibank Suvidha Account

It has been few months that I was brooding over whether to close my Citibank Suvidha Account. I have been using the account since last 5 years and was very happy with the online services but ever since the account got converted to non-salary account every single service over internet account was being charged.

The recent deduction of Rs 275 by Citibank towards Maintain Monthly Average Balance was a good trigger for me that I shall take any action.It has been a very tough decision for me as the Online services which Citibank gives are the best in the country. Believe me that in my last 5 years of service I had visited the branch only today for closing the account and I had called the Citibank phone line I guess not more than 10 times in 5 years.

Reason for closure

1. To maintain Rs 25000 monthly average balance in the account else the account holder is fined with penalty.

2. The online fund transfer has been charged from transaction 1 for Rs 5.5 for every transaction.

3. The monthly average balance amount was being increased from 10000 to 25000 which I feel is very difficult in today’s time.

Below is what can be done to close the account

1. Transfer all amount to your different account 1 day before the D-day
2. Take a copy or scan your debit card, 1st and last unused cheque leaf for your reference

3. Download the online statements of the account from internet account
4. Prepare two copies of your application, one for submission and one to be taken as acknowledgment.

On the D-Day:
1. Visit your Citibank branch and submit the application to the Citibank officer

2. Officer will ask you to tear the cheque leaves and destroy the debit card in your presence

3. You have to write the same on your application that “I have destroyed the debit card and unused cheque leaves in from of Citibank officer”

4. The destroyed debit card and cheque leaves will be returned

5. The Citibank officer will put a Citibank Timestamp seal on your duplicate application and you are done.

6. Citibank officer mentions the account will be closed in 3 working days, but I received the closure confirmation within 4 hours of application submission as sms and e-mail (pretty fast)
7. There are NO closure charges for closing of the account .

Other Methods

1. A written instruction mentioning your 10-digit account number, signed by the account holder(s).

2. The unused cheque leaves and ATM card broken into pieces.

The written application can be sent to following address

Method 2 - If sent by ordinary post:

Citibank N.A,

P O box No. 4830

Anna road post office

Chennai 600 002

Method 3 - If sent by courier:

Citibank N.A.

Mailroom

No.2, Club House Road, Chennai 600 002

Hope this article will be useful for many of you who are facing similar problems.

Disclaimer: - The process mentioned for closure is as per 17^th April 10. In case of doubt confirm with bank.

Transition

Below article I found when while browsing some of my old documents, which I wrote some where in April 2006. I was planned to publish it as a blog which never happened. I guess it’s better late than never and thought of publishing it this time.

**************** April 2006 ***********

Yesterday felt nostalgic after receiving emails from friends from all parts of the country. Each email either expressed emotions/anger/happiness regarding convocation ceremony for batch of 2005 MCA batch at IMT Ghaziabad.

Last night had a beautiful dream of me as part of Convocation ceremony 2500 KMS away in Ghaziabad. I had all fun with all my batch mates and juniors. I was about to receive my degree by none other that TCS big boss Mr. Ratan Tata that suddenly a “DING-DONG” “DING DONG” broke my sleep and I have to wake up leaving my sweet dream of Convocation ceremony.

Though I was not able to take my degree yet had this very good feeling of meeting old pals.While on my way to office on my bike had few thoughts which passed through my mind which I am putting here.

Most of them concerned to the mails I received yesterday stating that people have changed after college and have different priorities in life now they are no longer the same as they were during the college.

Till last year (2005) I knew that I had three transition phases in my life

1. First one was when I gave my board exams of class X. Had this sense of some achievement of being someone in life & have crossed one of the first major phases in life. Though transition from class X to class XII was bit tough at that tender age.
2. Second transition phase started when I was struggling or rather giving tough fight to life after class XII to get in one of the best engineering college so that I can also become one of the lucky ones who people say are successful.
3. Third transition was after graduation to get into professional college.
4. Then in early half of 2006 I came to know of the 4^th transition phase and that was life on job, when you are all alone and have come face to face with real life. "Life on job …" when you are on your own and you meet face to face with life … sometimes I want to runaway from it … but I guess escapism is no solution ..

During all first 3 phases I fought all my life to achieve what I am today … but today I realize this is not what I have been fighting all my life ……

Some of you may feel (even me notice) that people are changing around you and they are not the same as they were back in college … but what I say is we always try to see the person from our perspective, from the angle which suits us ..Unaware of the fact what problems personal/professional he may be facing in life ……

In my opinion we all have started settling in after and getting used to life we are leading rite now after around 1 year in the industry … just give everyone personal space / moral support in life so that he can successfully get over this 4th transition phase.

I guess I have written a lot … I know most of you might be abusing after reading all this crap … but just felt like sharing with you all … will love hear from all those who haven’t got the time to write …

So just go ahead and EXPRESS YOURSELF …

Will end this article with my favorite quote as I always say …

"Jo Dil Ko Aacha lage Wo Karo….

(Second line is implicit)"

To be continued ……