 |
Pmp Pdus: is Inexpensive and More Convenient a Bad Thing?
Author: John Reiling  | Posted: 23-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 24 | Rating: (52)  (?) 
I have read a post where the author – ‘daver’ – asserts that there is a “troubling trend” as there
“There seems to be the wide array of potentially low-value education PDUs that can be earned from certified education providers. These vendors advertisements - found even in PMIs own internal PMP-oriented magazine - are breathless offers of “get your PDUs fast!”, “re-certify quick!”, and “recertification has never been easier!."
I have seen other concerns about the PMP certification mentioned in articles, blogs, and forums, but they have mainly been aimed at the ease of earning the PMP certification itself, asserting that it is too easy. “daver” goes on:
“But is the PMI really doing the right thing by allowing PMPs to recertify so readily with the PDUs that can be picked up at the corner from the guy with stolen watches on display in the other jacket lapel?“
Where is this coming from? What is the basis for his claim that people selling training to earn PDUs are the same guys we see on the corner selling stolen watches? It makes me wonder if this person is trying to create a buzz to sell PDUs at a higher price, and wants to downgrade those who have developed strong value propositions for holders of the PMP certification. I wonder if he is a PMP?
He goes on:
“The PMI recently published that there are over 242,000 certified PMPs (September 2007). If those PMPs are all actively practicing project management for 15 PDUs per three years, then those PMPs need to “buy” another 45 PDUs to complete their certification requirements.
So let’s do the math… This implies that 10.9 million PDU hours need to be “purchased” per three year cycle for these PMPs.
If we assume that half of those hours are satisfied internally by employers, then that leaves about 5.5million PDU hours to be obtained in the “marketplace”.
If the retail cost of 10 PDUs is roughly $350.00USD, then that implies a $1.9Billion marketplace need.
With that kind of money in a market space of easily reused content, it’s no wonder that there are a number of players out there who seem to be offering PDUs for sale rather than continuing education and self-improvement.”
He sounds bitter that someone is making money for their hard work! He does not seem to understand markets and marketing, and certainly does not have an understanding of this market, which he greatly simplifies. And what does he mean by "there are a number of players out there who seem to be offering PDUs for sale rather than continuing education and self-improvement"? Does he not understand that everyone providing training, including the PMI, is SELLING it? Is that a bad thing? Or is he saying that "continuing education and self-improvement" can only be done is there is no profit involved?
Is this crazy? This is outrageous and hilarious! Competition is good! The PMI is encouraging the marketplace to develop better and more efficient ways to advance their professional skills. The problem is that I see no evidence – certainly not from this author – that there has been a decline in the quality of the PDUs earned. I am all for the highest of quality standards, but I also believe in making it available in the most convenient, efficient, and cost effective manner to everyone who is willing to work for it.
PMPs are professionals, and they are people! They have lives, families, expenses, times constraints, budgets… I think it is great that there are options for these people to spend less money and time, and do it in more convenient ways, to earn their PDUs. Providers of services that come up with a better way are helping to SOLVE the problem. In my opinion, the author quoted – his post: “PMP PDUs: diminishing value sham or real professional development?” – is not being part of the solution, and really is not even effectively describing a problem!
____________________________
John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online
Lean Six Sigma Training Online
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/project-management-articles/pmp-pdus-is-inexpensive-and-more-convenient-a-bad-thing-313767.html
 About the Author:I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, where I went to Central Catholic High School. I excelled at football and basketball. I went to college at Princeton and earned a BS in Engineering. I then entered a career in industry, working in mining, manufacturing, metal fabricating, environmental services, and other related industries. Along the way I earned my MBA from Carnegie Mellon. After about 12 years I made a switch into the information technology field, and became a Lotus Notes developer. I gradually moved into project management consulting field, and have several web sites, including Project Management Training Online, Lean Six Sigma Training Online, and a growing authority site PMcrunch.com
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Project Management Articles
Applied Software Project Management Book Review
By: projectmanuk | 02/10/2008
If you're a software professional, you'll learn something practical from this great new book by Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene. Applied Software Project Management describes typical problems that software teams face, and importantly provide answers that can be applied painlessly on any project. This book is essential reading for any software professional.
Managing Your Website Development ?eight Easy Steps to Project Management
By: projectmanuk | 02/10/2008
Managing your website development need not cause you sleepless nights providing you learn the secrets of successful project management. Perform the best practices in project management and give your project the best chance of success.
Project Management Success With the Top 7 Best Practices
By: projectmanuk | 02/10/2008
Whether planning your wedding, developing a new website or building your dream house by the sea you need to employ project management techniques to help you succeed. This article summarises 7 key project management best practices to help you achieve project success.
The Life-cycle- Cost Concept and How it Effects Us
By: PETER FREDERICK | 01/10/2008
Therefore, the new life-cycle-cost concept takes into account the total sum of a product’s cost factors, plus the on-going costs throughout its life-time as they are the true expenses. When calculated that way, responsible accounting will ensure business success.
What Prince2 Training Did for Me and My Workplace
By: Brian Kelly | 30/09/2008
PRINCE2 training is for everyone who is involved in project management. The training ensures that projects run efficiently and trained personnel feel more confident.
Project Management Best Practices
By: projectmanuk | 26/09/2008
As both an active project manager and a project management trainer, people often ask me what are the fundamental aspects to successful project management. Whilst there have been many great books written on the subject, I always summarise what I believe to be the best practices at the heart of good project management.
Real Estate Internships New York
By: webmaster444 | 24/09/2008
Internships in Real estate are the only way for students to get their feet in the door in what is as very competitive industry. An internship is an immensely useful tool for a student to both earn money and gain valuable experience that will help when the time comes to get a real job
The Phased Approach to Project Management Implementation
By: Thomas P. Stevens, PMP | 22/09/2008
If you are thinking about using a project management consulting company to assist your organization with implementing a Project Management Office (PMO), there are a couple of important factors that you should consider when choosing the right firm. According to PMAlliance, Inc., an Atlanta, Georgia-based project management consulting company, implementing a PMO can present significant challenges which can be met through a phased approach to implementation.
More from John Reiling
Is a Political Campaign a Project?
By: John Reiling | 15/05/2008 | Management
I say, a resounding “YES” to the question “Is a political campaign a project?”. Why? Well, a political campaign has a distinctive beginning and end, and in between there is a lot of planning, a great deal of execution, and a great deal of monitoring and controlling. And of course there is a closing – usually with lots of lessons learned. Let us look a bit at these elements and explore if a political campaign is a project.
Top 10 Benefits to Earning a Certification
By: John Reiling | 29/01/2008 | Project Management
Is it worth it for you to put in all of the work? Consider these benefits of earning a certification, and if you see the benefits for your situation, go for it!
Project Management Certifications Worldwide
By: John Reiling | 24/01/2008 | Project Management
There are a number of project management certifications available worldwide.
Virtual Project Management Group
By: John Reiling | 24/01/2008 | Careers
If you want to network directly with some other PMs, but would like to do so 'virtually' - from the comfort of your home, this group could be what you are looking for.
What are the Commonalities and Differences Between Prince2 and Pmbok?
By: John Reiling | 22/01/2008 | Project Management
As the most common standards in the world for the discipline of Project Management, what are the commonalities and differences between the Project Management Institute’s "Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK) and the British government's "Projects in Controlled Environments" (PRINCE2) ?
An 8 Point Plan for Passing the Pmp or Capm Exam
By: John Reiling | 08/01/2008 | Project Management
Any good Project Manager knows the importance of having a good plan. So, if you are preparing for the PMP or CAPM exam, wouldn't it be a great idea to build a plan? As in life, many procrastinate, can't find the time, and myriad other excuses, and do not get where they want to go - to pass the exam. Be a planner, and practice good project management in the process.
The 3 Different Types of Project Management Offices
By: John Reiling | 14/12/2007 | Project Management
There are 3 basic types of Project Management Office (PMO) organizations, varying in the degree of control and influence they have on projects within the organization. You will need to determine which type you need to establish in order to have an effective project office.
|
|
Business 
