Review of PMP Exam eFlashcards

PMP® Exam eFlashCards™ is a relatively new PMP Exam Prep tool that was launched in Apr'09. On my request, the publishers had sent me a free evaluation copy for review, before the launch. Since then, the review had been on my to-do list. Finally, this week I managed to spend some time to review the tool. Before I move further, let me make a disclosure. I'm an affiliate of OSP International, the publisher of PMP® Exam eFlashCards™, and a percentage of amount from the sale of this tool would be used toward the maintenance of this site. However, as usual, I try to be as unbiased in my review as possible, and bring out the facts, features and limitations of the product clearly, so as to enable the PMP aspirants to make an informed decision.

I've tried to keep the review very simple. It has 4 parts - Product Facts, Pros, Cons and Conclusion. So let's get started.

Product Facts

• 1,750 PMP® Exam eFlashCards™
• Based on PMBOK Guide, 4th Edition standard
• Bonus Item 1: 167 ITTO eFlashCards
• Bonus Item 2: Demystifying the PMBOK Guide Email Course (10-day)
• Bonus Item 3: Access to Exam Discussion Forums
• For PMP as well as CAPM exam
• eFlashCards can be used on a computer or "any" modern device like iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, Treo and most "smart phones"
• One year unconditional money-back guarantee
• Author: Cornelius Fichtner, PMP
• Package format: ZIP file containing image (.png) files
• Package size: ~ 300 MB
• Price: $29.99

Perform Quality Control vs. Verify Scope

Most PMP aspirants get confused between Perform Quality Control and Verify Scope. If I had to list the top 5 most-confused topics for the PMP Exam, this topic would be on that list. This article aims to clear the confusion by bringing out on the key differences between the 2 processes and reinforcing the concepts with examples. I suggest that you refer to the PMBOK Guide, Fourth edition and a good PMP Exam Prep book or course material for a more comprehensive explanation of all the inputs, tools and techniques and outputs of these processes.

So, let's look at the 2 processes closely:

Secret Key to that Elusive Date with Prometric

Recently, a distressed PMP aspirant from Singapore wrote to me saying that she wants to take the PMP exam in near future but cannot find an available slot at the Prometric Test center. I could fully empathize with her. I had been in the same boat 2 years ago.

Before I move further with the story, let me give you some background. There's only one (yes, only one) Prometric Test center in entire Singapore. Usually the slots are booked 4-5 months in advance. The problem extends beyond just PMP and CAPM exams to all the exams administered by Prometric. The situation is quite desperate.

So, how do you find that elusive exam slot if you really want to take the exam in near future? Well, I have some good news for you. I'm going to share my proprietary (*winks*) technique to help you uncover those "hidden" slots.

A Dedicated Blog for PMP Certification Tips

I've created a new blog - PMP Certification Tips - for sharing links to useful resources related to PMP Certification. It's essentially a link-sharing blog where you can find links to sample exams, lessons learned, tools, tips, tutorials, re-certification PDU and tons of other resources.

The new blog will serve as a replacement for the "Daily Nuggets" section on this (main) blog. 234 links have been migrated from the "Daily Nuggets" section to the new blog.

PMP or CAPM: Which Certification is Right for Me?

Project Management Institute (PMI), Inc. offers two levels of certification - Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) - for project managers, depending upon their experience, education and training. So which certification is right for you?

In this article, I'll review both the certification programs in order to help aspiring candidates make the right decision.

PMP Exam ITTO Trainer

Remembering the Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs (ITTOs) is probably the most dreaded part of PMP Exam preparation. Whether one needs to memorize the ITTOs or understand is always open to debate. Regardless of the right approach, we all know that PMP exam does have 7-10 questions related to ITTOs. Therefore, it's advisable to do some practice on ITTO related questions for the exam.

I have got some good news for PMP aspirants. I came across a new free tool called ITTO Quiz® that helps you practice ITTOs related questions online. The tool has been developed by Primoz Frelih, PMP.

I did a quick review of the tool.

WOW ! I just realized this is my 100th post on this blog. Time to celebrate !!

Determination Precedes Termination

I came across this catchy tagline - Determination Precedes Termination - in a news articles recently. It immediately prompted me to write about Project Termination - a topic on the PMP Exam. So in this article, we'll review various reasons for Project Termination.

According to the PMBOK Guide, Fourth Edition, a project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. The temporary nature of projects indicates a definite beginning and end. The end is reached when a project's objectives have been achieved or when the project is terminated because its objectives will not or cannot be met, or when the need for the project no longer exists.

Which is the Best Conflict Resolution Technique?

Conflict management is one of the most challenging responsibilities for Project Managers. Their success depends a great deal on their ability to resolve conflicts. The PMBOK Guide Fourth Edition lists six different conflict resolution techniques:

• Withdrawing (or Avoiding)
• Smoothing (or Accommodating)
• Compromising
• Forcing
• Collaborating
• Confronting (or Problem Solving)

Point of Total Assumption (PTA) - Interesting Facts

In this article, we'll learn some interesting facts about Point of Total Assumption (PTA) by working through some numerical problems. Before you read further, I suggest you review the PTA Formula.


The formula for PTA is:

PTA = (Ceiling Price - Target Price) / BSR + Target Cost

Point of Total Assumption (PTA) Formula

In this post, we'll look at the formula for Point of Total Assumption (PTA). Before you read further, I suggest you read The Point Behind Point of Total Assumption in FPIF Contracts, if you haven't already done so.

There is an ancient Chinese proverb, which says -

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

I apply the same principle to the formulas for the PMP Exam. I say -

Memorize the formula and pass the exam. Understand the formula and pass the challenges of a real project.