Group Event

Member Webex Meeting

Topic: Evolution of the Prehistoric Sticky Note

Presenter: Brandon Conrad from MatchWare Inc.

Webinar Abstract:  

Tired of sticky notes and whiteboard sessions? Mind Mapping is used in requirements gathering sessions and the construction of the WBS. Mind mapping has traditionally been presented as a tool for planning and organization, an effective way to develop, organize, and present multiple facets of the project plan. Primarily used for the construction of the WBS, advanced uses of this technique also simplify the complex process of communicating the project plan. When Mind Mapping is coupled with technology it simplifies the process and enhances communication. During this presentation, I will explain the mind mapping theory and how that theory can be applied to BAs and PMs. I will also demonstrate best practice techniques in mind mapping and how it relates to technology. Participants will learn how to simplify the project life cycle and improve communication of a project plan.

Presenter BIO: 

Brandon has a degree in Economics and Psychology from the University of Kansas. Brandon has worked for MatchWare since 2005 as a product manager. In his time there, he has focused on mind mapping software and how it relates to project management. Brandon has written articles and given presentations to multiple project management groups in the US and Europe about using mind mapping in project management. His articles have been published in multiple PMI publications. His presentations have been with various PMI chapters and at the PMI Global Congress in 2009.

Member Webex Meeting

Topic: Working Smarter: The Disciplined Agile Enterprise

Presenter: Scott Ambler from the Project Management Institute

Webinar Abstract:  

We live in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world.  If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is the need for our organizations to be resilient and flexible in the face of change.  We've seen many organizations struggle, and we’ve seen many organizations thrive?  What are the successful organizations doing that you’re not, and what do you need to do to become more effective?  

This session explores how you can learn to work smarter at the individual, team, and organizational levels based on the situation that you face, even as that situation evolves around you.  The Disciplined Agile (DA) tool kit provides contextualized and easy-to-navigate guidance for evolving your way of working (WoW) to improve your overall effectiveness. DA describes a robust, pragmatic, and comprehensive approach to business agility, teaching you how to respond swiftly and effectively to changing conditions.

Presenter BIO: 

Scott Ambler is the Vice President, Chief Scientist of Disciplined Agile at Project Management Institute. Scott leads the evolution of the Disciplined Agile (DA) tool kit and is an international keynote speaker.  Scott is the (co)-creator of the Disciplined Agile (DA) tool kit as well as the Agile Modeling (AM) and Agile Data (AD) methodologies.  He is the (co-)author of several books, including Choose Your WoW!, An Executive’s Guide to the Disciplined Agile Framework, Refactoring Databases, Agile Modeling, and The Object Primer 3^rd Edition.  Scott blogs regularly at ProjectManagement.com and he can be contacted via pmi.org.  

Member Webex Meeting

Topic: Embracing Agile: Falling in Love With Agile

Presenter: Alan Zucker from PM Essentials

Webinar Abstract:  

Agile has arrived. It is a widely accepted approach to developing software and is branching out into other domains and industries. As project managers, it is time for us to understand and embrace Agile.

In this presentation, Alan Zucker will share the secrets of Agile and why it is so alluring.  Like a good romance, Agile can brighten our day, lighten our load, and change our outlook. 

Agile customers are happier because they are involved. Agile projects are more likely to be successful. Agile creates empowered and committed teams. The teams deliver value incrementally and embrace change.  As with all change, becoming Agile can be difficult. But it is worth the effort.

Presenter BIO: 

Alan Zucker has over 25-years of experience leading project management organizations in Fortune 100 companies. He led a project management office with over 170 project professionals and led multi-million dollar strategic initiatives.

Alan’s Agile experience predates the Agile Manifesto. He played a leadership role in the Agile transformation of a leading financial services company. He is a Certified Scrum Professional and is experienced with the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), and Disciplined Agile.

In 2016, Alan founded Project Management Essentials to share his experience and enthusiasm with hundreds of project managers and agilests. Project Management Essentials provides customized project management, leadership, and agile training to clients across the United States. Clients have included Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the American Petroleum Association.

Alan is a thought leader who is often featured in the industry press and as a podcast guest. He publishes monthly articles on project management, agile, and leadership. He teaches agile project management at George Mason University and is also a seniorinstructor with Velociteach.

Alan has a master’s degree in economics from the University of Maryland, a master’s certificate in IT Project Management from the George Washington University. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Agile Professional (PMI-ACP) through the Project Management Institute.

Member Webex Meeting

Topic: If a project is a project, why are construction and IT Projects so different?

Presenter: Mohammad Alzarrad, PhD, PMP

Webinar Abstract:  

Understanding the factors that differentiate project types can help prepare a project manager for success, even in unfamiliar territory.  To illustrate this concept, this presentation will examine two project types (construction and IT projects) to identify some significant differences and a few similarities and how they result in different project management challenges.  The speaker will discuss tips and techniques to manage these challenges. 

Presenter BIO: 

Mohammad Alzarrad is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Marshall University. He graduated with dual bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Administration from the University of South Alabama. He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Construction Engineering and Management from The University of Alabama.

Before assuming his current position, he was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction at Bradley University. ​Prior to joining academia, Mohammad was a Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) manager at an engineering design firm in Chicago, where he managed multi-million projects (i.e., Wrigley Field restoration and expansion project).

Mohammad is a PMP©, and he teaches and practices project management daily.

Member Webex Meeting

Topic:: Focus With Roadmaps to Get Your Agile Transformation Out of the Ditch

Presenter: Mathew McConnell;

Consultant - Fusion Technology, LLC;

President - International Institute of Business Analysis, Pittsburgh Chapter

Webinar Abstract:  

Some agile teams get stuck in the weeds because it's more comfortable to focus on easily tasks than to take on audacious goals. If your goals don't seem to be getting closer with each sprint, it could be because you're lost in the wilderness and you need a map to find your way out.

Roadmaps are a powerful tool for focusing energy on solving the right problems. Unfortunately, they get lost in the shuffle between management and development teams. If you can create a good roadmap for your stakeholders up, down, and across your organization, it will focus everyone on making the right decisions to deliver big things.

Pro-tip: You don't have to be the boss to draft the roadmap.

In this talk, we'll cover:

• Why Product Roadmaps are important
• Who creates the roadmap (Hint: YOU)
• How to get started (or restarted) on a roadmap
• What belongs in your roadmap

Presenter BIO: 

Matt has spent 15 years helping teams deliver a range of technical public and private sector programs in supply chain, cybersecurity, retail, and ecommerce. Originally trained as a Business Analyst, Matt has applied the lessons of communicating software requirements to the broader problem of achieving business-IT clarity: sometimes as a Product Owner, sometimes as a Scrum Master, sometimes as a BA, sometimes as a PM, but always with an agile mentality.

Matt started off with a bachelor's in foreign language but found along the way that coaching business and IT to become cross-fluent with each other was far more fulfilling. Since that realization, he's earned an MS in Technical Management from the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins and maintains several certifications in business analysis, project management, and agile. Matt is active in the International Institute of Business Analysis, Project Management Institute, and other professional development organizations.Alan has a master’s degree in economics from the University of Maryland, a master’s certificate in IT Project Management from the George Washington University. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Agile Professional (PMI-ACP) through the Project Management Institute.