The PMI® Global Operations Center (GOC) sponsored Virtual Communities Project (VCP) Team was established earlier this year to define the desired member benefits of PMI virtual communities (SIGs and Colleges). The team has also looked into how to set up and maintain an acceptable level of benefits. The VCP proposed benefits include webinars, training, PMP® prep courses, symposiums, knowledge centers, etc. There will also now be specific parameters that virtual communities will be expected to reach and maintain. The three proposed virtual communities models are listed below:

Model 1
This model covers the existing SIG and College organizational structures. It will involve maintaining a high level of autonomy, governance as an independent corporation, and a PMI® GOC approved charter. These virtual communities will be governed by officers elected by members and will be supported by deputies, directors, and volunteer committees.

Model 2
This model involves moderate autonomy; a PMI appointed committee will administer the community. A PMI approved charter is required and services will be supported by the PMI® GOC infrastructure.

Model 3
This model involves low autonomy and a similar administration committee and charter as #2. This type of virtual community would primarily provide a place for collaboration and discussion rather than knowledge-gathering.

The A&D SIG, with the authorization of its membership, wishes to request an exception as defined by the VCP (Model 1). As part of this exception, the A&D SIG will need to demonstrate its alignment with the PMI® Strategic Plan and provide a Business and Operations Plan that defines how benefits and value will be delivered to the membership. Exceptions can be granted by the PMI® CEO according to authorizations and guidelines approved by the PMI® BoD. If the A&D SIG is granted such an exception, the existing governance structure, leadership, and the administrative controls will remain in the hands of YOUR elected SIG BoD. This does not mean that the A&D SIG BoD does not have a significant effort and responsibility to establish needed changes and improvements in benefits that will become available to all members. Also, please recognize the need for increased member participation and support to make these changes and to ensure the benefits and organizational changes are maintained.

The A&D BoD wishes to thank Judy Wilks for her involvement as our representative on the VCP.

Watch for more details as they become available.

10th Annual Rocky Mountain Project Management Symposium
11 April 2008 · Colorado Convention Center, Denver

Jim Lovell (Captain) and Gene Krantz (Flight Director) from Apollo 13 will present the keynote speech on “Failure is not an option"

• One-hour Aerospace Panel – Ball Aero, Boeing, LMCO, and NASA have been invited to participate
• One-hour breakout “What’s New with EVM at NASA” by the NASA EVM Program Executive
• One-hour breakout “A Major Space Exploration Program Case Study" by a NASA Prime Contractor
• Two-hour workshop “Teamwork & Communications – Replanning a NASA Troubled Project”
  

Download the brochure

To keep its initiatives on schedule and on budget, the US Open tennis tournament uses guidance from A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge( PMBOK® Guide) to document procedures and responsibilities for the event.

The US Open generates 83 percent of the revenue for the United States Tennis Association (USTA), a not-for-profit organization that holds this annual competition in Flushing, New York. So for USTA, it is crucial that planning and execution of the Open is smooth and predictable.

Using the PMBOK® Guide, Jeffrey Zonenshine, PMP, USTA director of information technology, developed a methodology that helps USTA accomplish this goal.

In a 55-page manual known as Plan to Win, Mr. Zonenshine adapted project management processes into tasks that are easy for USTA workers to communicate and track.

They use a one-page project charter that outlines simple and straightforward tasks project team members could complete to make their project a success.

Plan to Win also provides templates and hypothetical examples of each of the project phases.

USTA is a small organization that puts on a world-class event with the help of project management. The story was reported on 3 August in the online magazine, Baseline.

As a token of the A&D SIG's appreciation for your participation in the SIG, we would like to send you a lapel pin. We encourage all members to wear the pin at PMI® chapter and international events and to look for, and network with, other A&D SIG members wearing their pins. Show your pride in the A&D SIG!

Request an A&D SIG pin
Be sure to include your mailing address.

To maintain an active certification status, credential holders will be asked to show their commitment to project and program management as well as to their organization by expanding their professional knowledge through a Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program identical to the PMP CCR program. Classes for those with this new credential in which a credential holder can earn PDUs may also be offered by many of the same R.E.P.s who offer examination preparation.

PMI® Charleston Chapter to Host a Day With
Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt on 13 November 2007

Still relying on CPM or PERT to manage your projects? Have you ever wondered why we are using 50-year-old processes to manage today’s complex projects? Join PMI® Charleston for a day with Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt where he will talk about innovative, yet proven, approaches to managing projects!

View the brochure and register online

World Project Management Week 2007

The PMI® Melbourne Australia Chapter will be supporting the 4th annual World Project Management Week to be held from 12-16 November 2007 in Singapore. This year's theme is Project Management: Driving Growth; Creating Equality.

Keynote speakers will lead a program of over 40 session presenters. The conference will also feature 25 trade exhibits, a quality pre-conference workshop program and a number of interactive networking opportunities that are not to be missed.

Register online

19-20 November 2007 · Vienna, Austria

The PMI® Austria Chapter is proud to host its annual Project & Portfolio Management Symposium 2007. This two-day event brings together not only project managers from Austria, but neighboring countries as well. Last year, a total of 780 participants attended the Symposium and this year attendance is expected to exceed that number substantially.

The chapter invites you to visit the beautiful city of Vienna in November and partake in this extraordinary event. Learn more>

3rd Annual Seminar at Sea

27 March 2008 · Out of Galveston, TX

• Network with colleagues from other chapters
• Attend the informative seminars and earn up to 14 PDU's
• See the beautiful scenery, relax, and enjoy four wonderful days of sailing with 24-hour dining and nonstop entertainment

Download the brochure

Early-Bird Registration ends 30 November 2007

©2007 PMI Aerospace and Defense Specific Interest Group