The Project and Line Manager: Final Conflict

From the pmStudent community:

Get out your light sabers

by Thunderchild tm via Flickr (Creative Commons-licensed content for commercial use)

In a matrix organization, you are going to have at least two types of managers. Line (or functional) Managers and Project Managers. There are different types of organizational structures along a spectrum which companies can be highly projectized or highly functional. Along this continuum the project manager role and line manager roles change. Their roles are also highly dependent on the organizational culture. Read more »

Companies building Alaska natural gas pipeline prepare for open season

Sourced from the Canadian Press

CALGARY — Two companies planning to build a massive pipeline to transport natural gas from Alaska to southern markets are getting ready for the project’s next major step.

Calgary-based TransCanada Corp. (TSX:TRP) and Exxon Mobil Corp. of Irving, Texas (NYSE:XOM) said Friday they filed a plan to U.S. regulators for an open season, essentially an invitation for producers to commit to move their gas along a pipeline, which under one scenario would stretch more than 2,700 kilometres and cost up to US$41 billion.

The proposed pipeline would be the first to tie into natural gas fields on Alaska’s North Slope.

“The open season plan filing is an important step in the development of Alaska natural gas resources and we have worked diligently to advance the project,” stated TransCanada chief executive Hal Kvisle.

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Learning Tree Introduces New Course: Preparing for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Exam

Sourced from Sys-Con Media

Learning Tree International (NASDAQ NGM: LTRE) has announced the introduction of a new course entitled Preparing for the CAPM^®Exam. The Project Management Institute’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)^® credential signifies proficiency in fundamental project management knowledge and skills. Over three days, attendees will learn the terms and definitions of the PMBOK^® Guide and prepare for the exam. This course features extended class hours, providing attendees with the 23 contact hours/PDUs required to take the CAPM^® exam.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Decipher the processes and knowledge areas of the PMBOK^® Guide – Fourth Edition
• Identify significant steps of the project life cycle
• Master key terminology and definitions found in the PMBOK^® Guide
• Examine the PMBOK^® Guide tools and techniques essential for CAPM^® exam success
• Evaluate your exam preparedness and create a personalized plan for self-study

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February Survey: PMP Certification

Back in July 2009 I did an article entitled “Is PMP Certification Worth It?” and then a follow-up article a couple of days later entitled “Is PMP Certification Worth It? – My Analysis So Far.”  Those articles – specifically the first one, generated a lot of interest and feedback.  The first article alone received more than 100 comments just through PM Tips.

What I would like to do here is ask our readers to participate in a short survey.  It has to be short because I’ve set it up on my personal site so you can respond through a form online, but since I haven’t upgraded my site yet to a premium account, I’m limited in how long the survey can be.  But at least this way you won’t get bored.  And if it goes well, I’ll upgrade my account before I conduct another survey.

Please go to this URL to take the survey…..

http://www.bradegeland.com/feb-survey.html

I’m not asking for anyone’s name, email address, or other contact info, just your honest answers.  Here are the questions….

• Are you PMP certified?

• How long have you been certified?

• Did you pass on your first try?

• What is the PRIMARY reason you became certified (or will become certified if you are working on it or plan to)?

• Do you feel that the PMP certification has been or will be beneficial to your career?

Please route this in PM groups you belong to or post it on Twitter so that we can get maximum response.  If this goes well, I’ll plan on doing at least one new survey every month.

Remember – your survey responses go only to me at the email address below and I won’t share them individually with anyone.  I will however, share the overall results with our readers near the end of February.  So please try to respond by 2/20/10.

Thanks in advance for your participation!  If you have any questions or problems with the survey, email me at Brad.Egeland@pmtips.net.  Thanks!

CIBER Awarded Global SAP Implementation Contract With Navman Wireless

Sourced from PR News Wire.

CIBER, Inc. has been awarded a contract with Navman Wireless Holdings, LP. Navman Wireless, a global leader in the provision of vehicle and asset tracking solutions via GPS satellite technology, engaged CIBER to implement SAP® software solutions for financials, sales and product services, including the SAP ERP and SAP Customer Relationship Management (SAP CRM) applications. This global implementation will cover the majority of the company’s North American, European, New Zealand, Australian, and Asian operations.

The implementation of SAP solutions will better equip Navman Wireless to serve its more than 9,500 global clients, and continue to provide fleet management services, including two-way messaging and integrated satellite turn-by-turn navigation solutions, worldwide for a diverse variety of end-market and fleet-size customers. This project will standardize and streamline worldwide processes and provide real-time financial and operational information, as well as provide a framework and foundation for Navman’s future growth. For the SAP implementation, CIBER will be providing project management, technical set up, training and implementation support.

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