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PMP Certification  |  PMP Exam Prep  |  Project Management

Quality vs. Grade PMP Guide

The terms “quality” and “grade” are often used interchangeably. However, PMP certificate holders need to understand the difference between quality and grade for the PMP exam and project management work. These PMP concepts are closely related, so it can be challenging to grasp what is different about quality vs. grade. Your experts at Project Management Academy have put together this guide to help.

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PMP Exam Prep  |  Project Management

Difference Between Quality Assurance and Quality Control For the PMP® Exam

In project management, “quality” refers to meeting or exceeding the expectations you establish with your client. If your deliverables meet or exceed expectations, they are high quality. If they don’t, they are low quality.

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PMP Exam Prep  |  Project Management

Flowcharts for PMPs

A picture is worth a thousand words. The flowchart, a project management tool, exemplifies that saying with the power to quickly convey complex information using a diagram. A flowchart can not only convey interconnecting steps but be used in monitoring progress and periodic status reporting. When preparing for the Project Management Professional® (PMP) exam, project managers should know the Seven Management and Planning Tools, including the flowchart, by definition and application within the context of project work.

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PMP Exam Prep  |  Project Management

Cause and Effect Diagrams for PMPs

Project teams need to actively identify a problem and understand the root cause of the problem if they are to solve it. In the Project Management Professional ® (PMP) certification exam, the “cause and effect” diagram is a tool used to better understand the root of a problem.

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PMP Exam Prep  |  Project Management

Scatter Diagram Types

To understand the impact of a scatter diagram, it is important to know the correlation between the data sets has the most meaning. Also, knowing how the data correlates aids with determining the type of scatter diagram. When preparing for the PMP exam, project managers should know the three categories of scatter diagrams based on correlation:

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PMP Exam Prep  |  Project Management

Matrix Diagrams for Project Managers

A matrix diagram for the Project Management Professional® (PMP) holder is one of the Seven Quality Tools used for data collection and analysis. It is the arrangement of data in the matrix diagram that reveals “the strength of relationships between factors, causes, and objectives.” It is also an important concept that could be asked about on the PMP exam. Knowledge of the matrix diagram for the PMP exam encompasses (1) knowing how to use it on the job as a project manager and (2) understanding its value as a quality tool for the exam.

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PMP Certification  |  PMP Exam Prep

Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep

Project management is challenging because things don’t always go as planned. Changes to your project scope or deliverables can happen through gold plating or scope creep. Avoiding these will prevent delays, increased costs, and other project management issues.

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PMP Certification  |  PMP Exam Prep

What Is a Stakeholder Register

Ever use that old saying, “a lot is at stake” when speaking to the impact an event can have on others? Stake refers to something to gain or lose; a stake in a new business means you want it to be profitable. A stake in a game can be a bet on the final score. Within any project, there are Stakeholders; entities to which there is an impact depending on the outcome of the project. Whether you are a practicing Project Manager seeking to enhance your understanding of this important tool or a newer Project Manager prepping for your Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification exam, knowing who is a stakeholder and documenting key information in a register will benefit your work. Let’s dive in and see how to create a Stakeholder Register and explore it’s value.

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PMP Certification  |  PMP Exam Prep  |  Quality

Histograms and the PMP Certification

Project Managers know how clients will react when presented with large amounts of data in the form of a spreadsheets with hundreds (better yet, thousands!) of rows of numbers with no context or clear meaning; it will not be a reaction of gratitude. On the other hand, if that same large dataset is presented using data visualization and a quality tool, like a histogram, then the client will be able to see the connection to the project decision needed. Histograms are a statistical tool included in the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam as they are used by project managers to plan and manage quality.

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PMP Certification  |  PMP Exam Prep

PMP® Passing Score: What To Aim for in PMP Exam Practice Tests

The Project Management Professional (PMP)© certification is well-respected industry-wide as a credential proving project management expertise and experience. Its many benefits, including professional development and career advancement, make it a highly valued certification. However, the PMP certification is not easy to earn. The PMP exam is rigorous and challenging, which leaves many PMP exam applicants wondering: what is the PMP passing score?

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