Project Management Advisory: Writing An Acceptable Project Summary

Across all of my work with hundreds of aspiring PMPs, both Veteran (military Member, Veteran, or Retiree) and civilian alike, one theme remains constant; completing the PMP® exam is difficult for many of them.

In fact, because this problem is so common, Vets2PM offers PMP® exam help and audit defense as a complimentary service in our project manager development program. Also in fact, many times we provide this training at the request of local PMI chapters! We’re glad to do it. After all, it part of our professional charge to grow and advance the profession.

PMI guidance regarding what makes a sound, acceptable Project Summary has recently changed slightly though, so I wanted to update the field at large.

First, projects are temporary and unique. Organizations undertake them for many reasons, which are also unique. Examples include comply with this new law, or meet that new customer demand, enhance this business process to best practice, or harness that technological advance. PMI now wants to clearly see the project positioned as the temporary unique response to this unique situation.

Second, this first tweak produces a second tweak; PMI would like to see a clear project outcome meeting the need identified in the clear project objective; i.e. Here was the need, here’s what we did, and here’s how it turned out. Then we turned it over to the customer or operations.

Third, PMP® exam application authors need to clearly demonstrate which Process Group each project plan, document, or output came from. Examples are Developed accepted project Charter analyzing high-level constraints, assumptions, risks, and needs (IN); or Performed all quality assurance activities in accordance with quality management plan (EX).

Fourth, and finally, PMI wants to see more “I”, i.e. the Project Summary author leading and directing. This has always been the case, but autonomy was enough. Now however, PMI wants to see the PM actively and clearly engaged 'herding the cats'; i.e. producing the clearly labeled products, services, outcomes, and outputs through the team.

I am sure many other experts and lay people alike will add to this based on their anecdotes, training, experience, education, and the like. I can’t wait! After all, that was the intent, update the field by starting a conversation.

Cheers!

EAW

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Please 'Like' and ‘Share’ this post liberally if you are a transitioning military Service Member, Veteran, or Retiree; a military transition assistance professional; a Veteran Employment/Retraining Organization or Recruiter; or if you found it helpful. Additionally, please attend our weekly Missing TAP Class at www.vets2pm.com, and please email any questions or inquiries you may have to me at eric@vets2pm.com. I'm here to help, and I thank you! Warmest regards, Eric.

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Eric is a two-service, two-era Military Veteran; Co-Founder and CEO of Vets2PM; an experienced, credentialed project manager and mentor; and an entertaining instructor/public speaker on project management, PMI’s PMP® and CAPM® exams, and on project manager development. He helps Military Veterans become successful as PMs in the CIVDIV through inspiration, training, and translation.

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