http://pm411.org project management internet radio show, templates, and webtools Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:37:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 The pm411.org Project Management Podcast is dedicated to help you at your job as a Project Manager or Program Manager, regardless if you have years of experience, or if you are just starting on your journey in Project Management. pm411.org is a place where you can come to find the latest in PM tools, PM Templates, PM tips, and PMI (PMBOK) methodologies that have been found to help others. It is a place where discussions can be had with project managers from around the globe and in every industry where project management permeates in our Project Management discussion forums. It is a place where you can find the best Project Management links to other sites dedicated to our wonderful profession. Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no Ron Holohan, MBA PMP show@pm411.org show@pm411.org (Ron Holohan, MBA PMP) 2007-2012 Ron Holohan Project management internet radio show, discussion forum, methodology, templates, and webtools project, management, pm, prepcast, management, manager, pmi, pmp, team, management, schedule, budget http://pm411.org/wp-content/uploads/pm411logo_itunes.jpg http://pm411.org/category/pm-media/video/ http://pm411.org/2011/05/12/podcast-episode-074-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-7/ http://pm411.org/2011/05/12/podcast-episode-074-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-7/#comments Fri, 13 May 2011 04:28:47 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=2118 http://pm411.org/2011/05/12/podcast-episode-074-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-7/feed/ 5 bad multitasking,delay,durations,estimation,late,multi-switching,multi-tasking,multitasking,on-time,PM experiment,PM Video,presentation This is part 7, and the final part, of a video presentation I gave on The Schedule Killers last summer.  In Part 7, I discuss how you can defeat the "Schedule Killers" on your next project. - So now that we have covered the three Schedule Killers ... This is part 7, and the final part, of a video presentation I gave on The Schedule Killers last summer.  In Part 7, I discuss how you can defeat the "Schedule Killers" on your next project. So now that we have covered the three Schedule Killers ... Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no http://pm411.org/2011/04/05/podcast-episode-073-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-6/ http://pm411.org/2011/04/05/podcast-episode-073-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-6/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:52:27 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=2088 http://pm411.org/2011/04/05/podcast-episode-073-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-6/feed/ 4 bad multitasking,delay,durations,estimation,late,multi-switching,multi-tasking,multitasking,PM experiment,PM Video,presentation,ron holohan This is part 6 of a series of video presentation I gave on The Schedule Killers  last summer. - Do you think you can focus on more than one thing at a time? In this video, which I call The Holohan Multitasking Experiment, This is part 6 of a series of video presentation I gave on The Schedule Killers  last summer. Do you think you can focus on more than one thing at a time? In this video, which I call The Holohan Multitasking Experiment, I let you decide whether you can multitask or not.  In this simple experiment, you get to see which is easier and faster to do - adding two columns of numbers at the same time or adding one column before adding the second column. Although the same amount of work was done in both experiments, when I do this test during presentations, I find that it typically takes the audience 2 to 3 times longer when they try to add both columns of numbers at the same time than it does when they add the first column before starting the second column.  The audience also tends to make a lot more mistakes when they try to focus on adding two columns of numbers at the same time. This experiment demonstrates what happens when we try to switch quickly (called multi-switching) between multiple tasks on projects.  Teams should be encouraged to prioritize tasks. When resources are assigned to multiple tasks, their work should be leveled to allow them to focus on the highest priority task before moving on to the next one. Leave me a comment and let me know which experiment you thought was easier to do! Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no http://pm411.org/2011/03/21/podcast-episode-071-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-4/ http://pm411.org/2011/03/21/podcast-episode-071-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-4/#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2011 01:40:31 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=1876 http://pm411.org/2011/03/21/podcast-episode-071-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-4/feed/ 6 delay,durations,estimation,late,parkingson,parkinson's,parkinson's law,PM Video,presentation,procrastinating,procrastination,ron holohan We tend to hold on to work until the last minute before it is due. So, what does Parkinson's Law and the Ideal Gas Law have in common? Listen and find out! We tend to hold on to work until the last minute before it is due. So, what does Parkinson's Law and the Ideal Gas Law have in common? Listen and find out! Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no http://pm411.org/2011/01/30/podcast-episode-068-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-1/ http://pm411.org/2011/01/30/podcast-episode-068-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-1/#comments Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:46:23 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=1825 http://pm411.org/2011/01/30/podcast-episode-068-the-schedule-killers-presentation-part-1/feed/ 5 bad multitasking,delay,multitasking,parkinson's law,PM Video,presentation,ron holohan,schedule killers,student syndrome This is the introduction of a video presentation I gave on The Schedule Killers last summer. The other parts will be presented in the next few episodes. This is the introduction of a video presentation I gave on The Schedule Killers last summer. The other parts will be presented in the next few episodes. Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no http://pm411.org/2010/07/11/podcast-episode-061-tips-for-new-project-managers-2/ http://pm411.org/2010/07/11/podcast-episode-061-tips-for-new-project-managers-2/#comments Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:30:45 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=1564 http://pm411.org/2010/07/11/podcast-episode-061-tips-for-new-project-managers-2/feed/ 2 e-learning,josh nankivel,learning,networking,new pm,pmstudent,project manager Well, today we welcome back to the show Josh Nankivel who shares some tips on how to network with other more experienced project managers through a new tool he has created called pmStudent e-learning. Well, today we welcome back to the show Josh Nankivel who shares some tips on how to network with other more experienced project managers through a new tool he has created called pmStudent e-learning. Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no 24:37 http://pm411.org/2010/05/14/podcast-episode-059-the-pdu-podcast-with-cornelius-fichtner/ http://pm411.org/2010/05/14/podcast-episode-059-the-pdu-podcast-with-cornelius-fichtner/#comments Fri, 14 May 2010 05:32:39 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=1413 http://pm411.org/2010/05/14/podcast-episode-059-the-pdu-podcast-with-cornelius-fichtner/feed/ 3 cornelius fichtner,pdus Today I welcome back to the show Cornelius Fichtner of the world famous PM Podcast and the PM PrepCast to unveil a new product of his available through pm411.org, called The PDU Podcast. - You can earn 15 PDUs for free by simply listening to The pm411. Today I welcome back to the show Cornelius Fichtner of the world famous PM Podcast and the PM PrepCast to unveil a new product of his available through pm411.org, called The PDU Podcast. You can earn 15 PDUs for free by simply listening to The pm411.org Project Management Podcast episodes and then learning to claim your free PDUs here.  But what if you want to earn even more PDUs to fulfill the 60 PDU requirement?  Well, now we offer The PDU Podcast! Benefits of the PDU Podcast Earn PDUs Anywhere: With The PDU Podcast there is no need to go to a classroom. You don't even have to sit at your computer. Simply download the webinars to your iPod and play them wherever you are. Earn PDUs Automatically: Your PDU Podcast puts you on autopilot for your re-certification. New webinars arrive monthly. Automatically. ORDER NOW! Earn PDUs on Your Schedule: Work the webinars into your schedule and not the other way around. Play them when you have the time. Earn as many PDUs as you like: Cornelius is a PMI Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) and therefore the PDU Podcast offers "Category 3" PDUs. There is no limit to how many PDUs you can earn in this category. ORDER NOW! Learn from a Variety of Presenter: You'll receive presentations from a different presenter who is the expert on the topic at hand. Learn from their vast expertise and expand your own horizons. It's portable: Synchronize the webinars to your portable device and then play the webinars wherever your player goes. ORDER NOW! You can Relax: Never again worry about not having enough PDUs to maintain your PMP or PgMP certification. Your PDU Podcast delivers at least 1 PDU to you month after month. Reliably. Play. Earn PDUs. Repeat. Yes... It's as easy as that. ORDER NOW! What You can Expect Monthly, recorded PowerPoint style video webinars. (Watch our samples here...) Presentations from the experts in the field who make their years of hands-on experience available to you. Challenging concepts that will help you grow as a project manager. Worksheets (with select webinars only) that allow you to apply what you learn on your projects the very next day. And most importantly: 20.5 Category 3 PDUs to maintain your PMP or PgMP certification! ORDER NOW! Monthly Webinars You receive your first webinar as soon as you subscribe. New webinars will arrive every 30 days. It doesn't matter when you sign up, you always start with the first one: No Presenter Topic Type PDUs 01 Steve Kaye Effective Meetings for Project Managers video 1.25 02 Margaret Meloni, PMP Dealing with Difficult People video 2.25 03 Thomas Cutting, PMP High Performing PMOs video 1.50 04 Diane Altwies, PMP Managing Teams in a Virtual World video 1.00 05 Jack Ferraro, PMP The Strategic Project Leader video 2.50 06 Jack Ferraro, PMP Build your Service-based Project Leadership Skills video 3.00 07 Gene Dutz Effective Teleconferencing video 2.00 08 Stan Levanduski, PMP Leadership Challenges of Complex Projects - Part 1 video 2.00 09 Stan Levanduski, PMP Leadership Challenges of Complex Projects - Part 2 video 2.00 10 Janice Preston, PMP Managing Stakeholder Expectations video 1.00 11 Mark Perry Effective Project Dashboarding video 1.00 12 Cornelius Fichtner The 4-week PMO video 1.00 That's 20.5 Category 3 PDUs in the first year alone. ORDER NOW! PDU Category You earn Category 3 PDUs from The PDU Podcast. We are a PMI Registered Education Provider (PMI R.E.P.) and there is no limit to how many category 3 PDUs you can earn from us and then claim in your renewal cycle. PDU Certificate You receive a "Confirmation Code" with each of your monthly webinar. Use this code on our Certificate Website to print your PDU Certificate. Then claim your Category 3 PDUs on the PMI CCRS website. Subscription Options Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no 19:28 http://pm411.org/2009/12/12/podcast-episode-051-is-the-wbs-just-bs/ http://pm411.org/2009/12/12/podcast-episode-051-is-the-wbs-just-bs/#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:53:57 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=842 http://pm411.org/2009/12/12/podcast-episode-051-is-the-wbs-just-bs/feed/ 2 Communication,josh nankivel,mindmapping,monitoring and controlling,planning,pmstudent,project lifecycle,training,wbs,wbs coach,work breakdown structure Get the pm411.org Project Management Podcast Newsletter delivered by email for free! - Your email address and personal information are confidential and will never be sold or rented. - Way back in Episode 004, Get the pm411.org Project Management Podcast Newsletter delivered by email for free! - Your email address and personal information are confidential and will never be sold or rented. Way back in Episode 004, I discussed one of the key building blocks of a successful project, known as the Work Breakdown Structure or WBS.  However, it is pretty evident that there is still a lot of confusion in Project Management on whether we truly need a WBS on our projects, how to structure a WBS, and how to use it throughout a project’s lifecycle.  In this episode I welcome back to the show pmstudent.com blogger and WBS expert Josh Nankivel as we dive deeper into the topic of the Work Breakdown Structure. Josh  has recently published a set of training tools called the WBS coach to help those of us that need to know how to create a WBS or those of us that just need a refresher on WBS development.  So is the WBS just…  BS?  Josh and I talk about why more PMs don’t use the WBS, we discuss whether it really helps in project planning, and finally we talk about the right and wrong ways of developing a WBS. So what the heck is a WBS? The WBS is a special kind of outline for your project.  It is deliverables-based, focused on project results, and usually includes a graphic hierarchy and a WBS dictionary.  Basically, it is a representation of your project scope. However, the WBS is not a task list, organizational chart, and it shouldn’t be time phased. Why should teams use Work Breakdown Structures? A lot of project managers don’t use a WBS as a tool on their project, or they see it as just another piece of paperwork.  But the WBS is the representation of scope on your project.  All deliverables, services, outcomes of your project should be covered by your project WBS. The WBS also provides clear definition of what the project will be producing.  It provides a common language and helps to structure reporting so that there is a common understanding with stakeholders.  It also provides a strong foundation for your project. The WBS also helps with clear change control.  The WBS provides traceability if anything changes to help team members and stakeholders understand how changes impact the project. Parts of the Work Breakdown Structure The “WBS Graphic” includes some kind visual hierarchy of the scope and how the deliverables are related.  There are a lot of tools that can create a WBS hierarchy – mindmaps, Visio, and even Microsoft Word. The “WBS Dictionary” goes into detail on each deliverable of the WBS.  The key to the WBS dictionary is to first define what is included and then create the details of what that deliverable is.  Many teams also create an “exclusions list” that specifies what is not included in the project scope in order to provide additional clarity to what the team is planning on delivering. “Deliverables” can be defined as anything that is results-oriented (e.g. a system, a sub-system, etc.) Josh differs from the PMI on the definition of “activities.”  Josh sees activities as a special kind of deliverable that are service-oriented (e.g. “project management,” “configuration management,” etc.) The “work package” is the lowest level of your WBS after decomposition.  You will later want to use your work packages to do activity definition, duration estimations, cost estimations, etc. “Control accounts” track your costs and progress on a particular piece of the WBS.  However, again, tasks are not part of the Work Breakdown Structure. So, why is there so much confusion around the WBS? One reason is because the WBS is typically understated in many PM textbooks and PM classes.  Whenever it is mentioned, it is usually just presented as a basic overview rather than providing details on how to create and manage a WBS.  Also, there is quite a bit of disagreement on how to create and use the WBS.  Unfortunately, Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no 50:01 http://pm411.org/2008/12/28/podcast-episode-040-mindmanager-pro-8-browser-features/ http://pm411.org/2008/12/28/podcast-episode-040-mindmanager-pro-8-browser-features/#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:55:18 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=381 http://pm411.org/2008/12/28/podcast-episode-040-mindmanager-pro-8-browser-features/feed/ 0 mindmanager,mindmapping,PM Video,software Today we continue our look at some of the new features of the latest version of Mindmanager Pro 8.0 mindmapping software from Mindjet.  In our second video in a series, we take a look at some of the new web integration features within Mindmanager Pro 8. Today we continue our look at some of the new features of the latest version of Mindmanager Pro 8.0 mindmapping software from Mindjet.  In our second video in a series, we take a look at some of the new web integration features within Mindmanager Pro 8.0. Project teams can now fully leverage the incredible information resources of the Internet by initiating Web searches right from a map. Real-time search results will appear whenever you view your map.  You can also build your own Web service to add information from your company's information systems. Also, in 8.0 you can view Web pages and Adobe PDF documents without leaving your map. You'll retain your train of thought by staying focused on work at hand. Check out the video below to see it at Youtube.com. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE2v62Paf5Y Free Giveaways! Finally, we have another special giveaway on the show today!  On December 31st, 2008 we will announce the name of 1 lucky winners that will receive a free downloadable copy of Mindmanager Pro 8.  Simply send an email with your name, email address, and home address to show@pm411.org with "Mindmanager Pro 8 Contest" as the subject line.  The first email we receive before December 31st, 2008 with these details will win a free downloadable copy of Mindmanager Pro 8.0 complements of Mindjet. Get the pm411.org Project Management Podcast Newslestter delivered by email for free! - Your email address and personal information are confidential and will never be sold or rented.   Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no http://pm411.org/2008/12/07/podcast-episode-039-new-task-features-in-mindmanager-pro-8/ http://pm411.org/2008/12/07/podcast-episode-039-new-task-features-in-mindmanager-pro-8/#comments Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:26:23 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/?p=374 http://pm411.org/2008/12/07/podcast-episode-039-new-task-features-in-mindmanager-pro-8/feed/ 0 mindmanager,mindmapping,PM Video,software Write a review of the pm411.org Podcast in iTunes! - Today we look at some of the new features of the latest version of Mindmanager Pro 8.0 mindmapping software from Mindjet.  In this episode we take a look at some of the great new schedule task feat... Write a review of the pm411.org Podcast in iTunes! Today we look at some of the new features of the latest version of Mindmanager Pro 8.0 mindmapping software from Mindjet.  In this episode we take a look at some of the great new schedule task features. Now you can get a quick overview plus ongoing progress on all project tasks—automatically. Visual cues and status indicators allow you to quickly determine the status of critical activities. View the ripple effect of any changes to a map and even run “what if” scenarios to see the resulting outcomes. With Mindmanager Pro 8.0 you can now develop your WBS as a mindmap and then easily automatically import it into Microsoft Project.  Check out the video below to find out more! httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg6EwLvE8pA In Episode 40, we look at some of the new integrated web features of Mindmanager Pro 8.0. Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no http://pm411.org/2008/03/23/the-front-fell-off/ http://pm411.org/2008/03/23/the-front-fell-off/#comments Sun, 23 Mar 2008 07:26:29 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/2008/03/23/the-front-fell-off/ http://pm411.org/2008/03/23/the-front-fell-off/feed/ 0 http://pm411.org/2008/01/20/podcast-episode-021-team-collaboration-with-central-desktop/ http://pm411.org/2008/01/20/podcast-episode-021-team-collaboration-with-central-desktop/#comments Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:26:22 +0000 Ron Holohan, MBA PMP http://pm411.org/2008/01/20/podcast-episode-021-team-collaboration-with-central-desktop/ http://pm411.org/2008/01/20/podcast-episode-021-team-collaboration-with-central-desktop/feed/ 2 In episode 022 we feature our first pm411.org Project Management video podcast.  The decision to use video as the medium for this episode is to be able to show you some of the great features of a free team collaborative web application from one of our... In episode 022 we feature our first pm411.org Project Management video podcast.  The decision to use video as the medium for this episode is to be able to show you some of the great features of a free team collaborative web application from one of our sponsors called Central Desktop.  It's the collaboration tool voted “Best of The Web” by Business Week.  Organize projects, share files and meet online.  And best of all, you can set up an account and use the tool for free! The tool is free for up to 5 team members, but if you do want to add 10 or more team members, pm411.org Project Management Podcast listeners get an additional 25% for plans with additional features and team members when they upgrade!  And if you do increase the number of team members, pricing starts at just $25/month for 10 members prior to the 25% pm411.org discount. Some of the advantages of Central Desktop over other collaboration software include:    Quick Setup - No Learning Curve Central Desktop was created for business teams, not the IT department. No Technical Knowledge or Programming Experience Required Setup Workspaces in Minutes, not Months Choose From Templates To Jumpstart Your Project or Intranet Familiar Word Processor Like Toolbar (WYSIWYG Editor) Encourage the Entire Team To Contribute Achieve High Adoption Rates Enterprise Grade Search Data At Your Fingertips Search A Single Repository for Files & Documents Full Text & Document Search (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, PDF, HTML, etc...) Searchable Conversation Threads Search Across Multiple Workspaces Simultaneously Access Workspaces From Anywhere (Office, On The Road, Home) Real-Time Collaboration Web Meetings & Audio Conferencing Single Sign-On Access Collaborate with Customers, Partners, Vendors - In Real-Time Encourage Ad-Hoc Team Collaboration Share Screens, Remote Presentations Integrated Free Audio Conferencing Outlook Calendar Integration Online Docs & Spreadsheets Track Revision History and Document Versions Store online docs & spreadsheets in a secure, password protected workspace environment Create, edit and share online spreadsheets in *real-time* Import and export online spreadsheets to and from Microsoft Excel Create more than 30 types of charts (bar charts, pie charts, etc.) Access more than 500 formulas and functions Team Accountability Get Everyone On The Same Page Version-Tracked Files & Document Revision History Document Library (Check-In /Check-Out) Workspace Audit Trails (Page Level Revision History) Track Project Status (Scorecards) Set User Permissions For Each Workspace (View Only, Modify, Add/Delete) Centralize Communication Get Out Of Your Inbox Foster Online Group Discussions View Workspace & Project Event Calendars Personlized Dashboard Overview of Workspaces, Reminders and Overdue Alerts Instant Messenger Presence Integration (Skype (Voice Supported Also), Yahoo, MSN Messenger, ICQ, AIM, Jabber) Subscribe to an Interactive Workspace Activity Digests via RSS/Atom Secure RSS Authentication Supported So, get started for free with Central Desktop today with no obligation!  You can start setting up your workspace today by clicking here or by going to http://www.pm411.org/centraldesktop . How about leaving us some comments on what you think about Central Desktop.  Get the pm411.org Project Management Podcast delivered by email for free!  - Your email address and personal information are confidential and will never be sold or rented. Ron Holohan, MBA PMP no