Sunday, May 25, 2008

Common types of Conflict in a Team

Causes of Conflict include:
  • Competition between team members
  • Differences in objective, values and perceptions
  • Disagreements about role requirements, work activities and individual approaches
  • Communication breakdowns

Team Building Activity (in PMP)

For a better team development, it is recommended to hold:

Team Building Activities
  • Milestone parties
  • Outdoor activities, eg. work trips, basketball match, soccer match, etc
  • Creating WBS
  • Planning the project by getting everyone involved in some way.

Co-location
  • is the placing of most or all key team members int he same physical location
  • make communication easier, enhance team performance and team spirit

A reward and recognition System
  • is a formal system used to reinforce performance or behavior
  • is to motivate the team to perform well and to achieve and maintain the desired

Best Practice for Team Development

The best practice for team development include:
  • Hold team building activities from project initiating through project closing
  • Gain training for team members where needed
  • Create and give recognitions and rewards
  • Place team members in the same location
  • Assess team member performance

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Stages in Developing a Project Team (in PMP)

The Stages in developing a project team include:

  • Forming
    During this stage, conversations tend to be polite and noncommittal. In addition, team meetings tend to be confusing as the team tries to figure out who is in charge.

  • Storming
    Team members begin to assert themselves and control issues emerge. Personality differences begin to arise. Conflicts result as team members differ on the way they want to do the project work.

  • Norming
    The team begins to work productively without worrying about personal acceptance. There are still conflicts but they tend to be focused on process issues rather than personality differences. The team begins on mutual dependence and trust.

  • Performing
    The team is working at optimum productivity. It is collaborating easily, communicating freely and solving its own conflict problems. Team members feel safe in reporting problems, trusting their fellow team members to help them create the best solution for the team as a whole.

Introduction to Developing a Project Team

For Developing a project team, Project Manager use team development:
  • to enhance the performance of the project and the project eam in an effort.
  • to increase the likelihood of meeting project objectives.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

PMP Certification - Introduction to Acquire Project Team

When Acquire a Project team, the following areas are involved:

Acquiring project team members involves deciding in advance:
  • when and what competencies are required.
  • where they will come from.
  • what the relevant costs are for each.

Project Manager needs to:

  • figure out the best way to form teams.
  • ensure that there is a good and effective communication.
  • ensure roles and responsbilities are clearly defined.

What is Expectancy Theory

Expectany Theory is:

  • Employees who believe their efforts will lead to effective performance and who expectg to be rewarded for their accomplishments remian productive as rewards meet their expectation.

McGregor & Ouchi Theories (X, Y, Z)

McGregor belives that all workers fit into one of two groups: X and Y.
  • Theory X:
    Manger who accept this thory believe that people need to be watched every minute. People ar incapable, avoid responsiblility and avoid work whenenver possible.
  • Theory Y:
    Manager who accept this theory believe that people are willing to work without supervision and want to achieve. People can direct their own efforts.

Ouchi believes workers and management cooperate for the good fo the organisation. Everyone Wins!

  • Theory Z:
    Workers are motivated by a sense of commitment, opportunity and advancement.

Suggested Study Materials

  • PMP-Preparation Recommended Books
  • PMP Exam Prep, Fifth Edition: Rita's Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam
  • A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Third Edition (PMBOK Guides)
  • The PMP Exam: How to Pass On Your First Try (Test Prep series)