Stakeholder identification, a new PMBOK® Guide project management process, is most important for establishing an early foundation toward subsequent planning, executing and monitoring and control of your project communication information and achieving project success. This process should be done early in the initiation phase of your project so that key outputs of a stakeholder register and stakeholder strategy will be used associatively in another Project Communications Management process which is Manage Stakeholder Expectations.

First, let’s review some basic facts to understanding stakeholder management:

• Stakeholders are those parties who may be positively or negatively impacted by the completion of the project
• Stakeholders stand to gain or lose through the success or failure of the project
• Stakeholders may possess different authority levels which will affect how they exert their influence over the project and its deliverables
• Stakeholders are affected by the outcome of the project

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In order to earn the PMI’s newest credential the PgMP® you must first pass three evaluations; 1) The application review, 2) The credential’s exam and 3) The multi-rater assessment or MRA. The MRA seems like a very straight-forward 360 exam, and by all accounts it is. I am writing this post just to call your attention to the MRA requirements.

The PgMP® application reads that “In order to comply with the Multi-rater Assessment, you must provide 12 reference contacts to review your competence as a program manager. Your contacts must include: one supervisor, four peers, four direct reports and three professional references of your choice.” What the application fails to mention, but which is clearly stated in the PgMP® Handbook is to make sure all of the raters will respond. This means that 12 responders are the minimum.

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The Project Management Institute (PMI®) has released a new Fourth Edition of the “Guide to Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®). A new version of the Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam, based upon the PMBOK® Guide – Fourth Edition, will be placed into use for credential exams taken on or after June 30th of 2009. PMI® indications are that there would be no changes to the exam eligibility criteria, the application process or the passing score for the PMP® Exam.

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The PgMP® Credentialing Process is a lengthy one that has a few opportunities for improvement by the Project Management Institute. Before even starting this arduous process understand that the application fee is a whopping $1,500 (USD). That in itself may be a reason why there were less than 150 PgMP®s world-wide more than a year after the PMI launched the credential. The following represents a digest version of the 57-page PgMP® Credential Handbook by the PMI available online here. The PMI makes the credential handbook available free to all and lists it as a required reading for the PgMP® credential.

About the PgMP® Credential

The PgMP® is a credential that recognizes demonstrated experience, skill, and performance in the oversight of multiple, related projects that are aligned with an organizational objective and strategic goal. Candidates for the PgMP® manage a program’s resources to ensure the ultimate success of the program and are responsible for modifying programs and making decisions that advance strategic and business objectives to ensure the ultimate success and acceptance of the program. Program managers define and initiate projects, assign project managers to manage cost, schedule, and performance of component projects and oversee multiple projects directed at achieving a strategic goal.

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The PMP® Credentialing Process is a lengthy exercise but well worth the effort once you gain the PMP® credential. The following represents a digest version of the 39-page PMP® Credential Handbook by the PMI available online here. The PMI makes the credential handbook available free to all and lists it as a required reading for the PMP® credential.About the PMP® Credential

The PMP was initiated in 1984 to recognize an individual’s demonstrated understanding of the knowledge and skills to lead and direct project teams and to deliver results within the constraints of schedule, budget, and resources. Candidates for the PMP® credential ensure that all of the aspects of the project plan are executed and that progress and variances are properly addressed and communicated. They are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project and not only lead and direct the project, but also oversee project team members.

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