When is the PMP Exam Changing? 

The PMP Exam is changing from January 02, 2021.

NOTE: CITING THE SITUATION ARISEN AFTER THE CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) IMPACT, PMI.ORG HAS CHANGED THE PMP EXAM TO JANUARY 2, 2021

Important Dates to remember: 

1. December 31, 2020: Last day to take the Current Version of the PMP Exam 
2. January 2021: PMP Exam Change In Effect. It is the first day to take the New Version of the PMP Exam

Every 3 to 5 years, The Project Management Institute, Inc (PMI®) conducts research to understand how the Project Management Profession has progressed, the impact of emerging trends and how the responsibilities of project managers have changed.

The profession of project management is evolving and keeping that in mind, the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam is changing from 2nd January 2021. This will ensure up-to-date practices and equips project managers with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s modern project environments.

Project management professionals need more diverse skills and approaches than ever before. The Project Management Professional (PMP) exam is evolving just like the Project Management profession – and the new PMP exam will focus on three new domains:

Content that spans the value spectrum, including predictive, agile and hybrid approaches, will be included across the three exam domains.

The number of domains will be reduced from five to three.

The New PMP Exam Content Outline will focus on providing a better reflection of real-world work experiences and practices across the value delivery spectrum to ensure PMP certified professionals are equipped with the tools they need to deliver results. 

The new PMP Exam Content will cover both predictive (approximately 50%) and agile/hybrid (approximately 50%) approaches to project management.

Domains aligned to real-life practices. 

For more information on PMP Examination changes please email us at info@icertglobal.com or visit us at https://www.icertglobal.com.

As an Education Technology company, we are providing certification training courses to accelerate the careers of working professionals worldwide. We impart training through instructor-led classroom workshops, instructor-led live virtual training sessions, and self-paced e-learning courses. iCert Global has conducted training sessions in 108 countries across the globe and enabled thousands of working professionals to enhance the scope of their careers. We provide access to globally recognized certification training courses in Project Management, Quality Management, Business Analysis, IT Service Management, Agile and Scrum, Cyber Security, Data Science, and Emerging Technologies.

.

So who is a scrum master and what does a project manager do?

Scrum Master vs  Project Manager

Who is a Scrum Master ?
 
A scrum master is the facilitator who ensures that the scrum principles are adhered for an agile development team.
Scrum is a methodology that allows a team to self-organize and make changes quickly, in accordance with agile principles.
The scrum master manages the process for how information is exchanged.

What is Scrum Project Management?
Scrum project management is a methodology for managing software delivery that comes under the broader umbrella of agile project management. It provides a lightweight process framework that embraces iterative and incremental practices, helping organizations deliver working software more frequently.

Scrum Master  Roles and Responsibilities
The scrum master is the team role responsible for ensuring the team lives agile values and principles and follows the processes and practices that the team agreed they would use. The responsibilities of this role include: ... Ensuring a good relationship between the team and product owner as well as others outside the team.
They help educate the team in Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Kanban, and SAFe, ensuring that the agreed Agile process is being followed. ... The Scrum Master role is taken by a team member whose primary responsibility is assisting the self-organizing, self-managing team achieve its goals; a Scrum Master is a servant leader.

What is the role of the Project Manager?
Essentially, the project manager is accountable for the success or failure of a project. Typical responsibilities of a project manager include: Planning, Executing, and Closing Projects — defining the project, building its comprehensive work plan, and managing to the budget.

These are six must-have skills for project managers, Communication. Did you know that 90 percent of a project manager's time is spent communicating? ...
•    Leadership. ...
•    Team management. ...
•    Negotiation. ...
•    Personal organization. ...
•    Risk management.

 
•    Image Source: https://www.pmi.org
•    "A project manager’s competency includes following three skill sets:
•    o Leadership
•    o Technical project management
•    o Strategic & business management"
 
Scrum Master &  Project Manager: Are they similar?
It is cleat by now that the roles are important but are different. They have different approaches even though some part do overlap.  How are they similar? Lets have a look:
They both focus on team’s performance and ensure ways to increase team’s efficiency
Scrum Master involves with assistance and coaching while Project Manager involves with resolving conflicts and issues in the team
Both the roles aren’t empowered with decision-making authority.  Scrum Master helps the Product Owner in managing product backlog while a Project Manager will have to seek approval from cloent or other stakeholders.
Scrum Master and Project Manager require  skillset, experience and experience to excel
Scrum Master and Project Manager stress on the importance  of quality and strict adherence – quality of work
.
Scrum Master &  Project Manager: What are the differences?
The real difference is the difference between a Scrum Master and an Agile Project Manager. ... A scrum master does not manage risk by him or herself. A project manager will take on the risk management responsibility without asking the team. A Scrum Master has only allegiance to the team
A Scrum Master works in smaller scrum teams. They are responsible for the performance of their small scrum team. ... Project Manager prepares the work schedule for the team member and assigns responsibilities. While a Scrum Master coaches the team on scrum and motivates them.
 
Conclusion
We will understand Scrum Manager and Project Manager aren’t the same. From the perspective of scope, the Scrum Manager might be limited to sprint while the Project Manager scope extends all the way to handover.
Overall, Project Manager’s role is more of a Leadership role, While Scrum Master’s duties include more of facilitating and coaching role.


 

This day marks the SIXTH Anniversary of the iCertGlobal.

We, at iCertGlobal celebrate Six successful years greatly appreciate and value the hard work and success of our customers, employees, instructors, vendors, and well-wishers. We wish to thank them for being part of our company's success over the years.  

We have through the years with steadfast efforts strove towards in surpassing excellence and succeeded in scaling. 

Reflecting on our returns – from that humble start to the present state, we are humbled to note that today iCertGlobal has conducted more than 150+ courses engaging  1000 instructors, operating in  3 continents and 150 locations having  Headquartered in United States.

Signing off the sixth. Stepping on the seventh, iCertGlobal true to the spirit will light up a thousand lights. 

ITIL is updating! Version 3 to V4 | ITIL

So, ITIL is upgrading to V4

ITIL 4 is an evolution from ITIL v3, providing a practical and flexible transition that allows organizations 

to adopt the new ways of working required by  the modern digital world.

What’s different in ITIL 4

ITIL 4 reflects and introduces the modern methods of digital transformation like   DevOps, Agile and Lean IT.

The ITIL version 3 has a different lifecycle and credit system as compared to the newly launched version 

4. The ITIL 4 Foundation was successfully launched in the month of February 2019 as per Axelos release statement.

ITIL evolution

ITIL ® V1

            – Focus on systems Mgmt

            – Business support focus

 ITIL ® V2

            – Focus on processes Mgmt for IT Services

            – Business alignment focus

 ITIL ® V3

            – Focus on service lifecycle Mgmt with the help of processes

            – Business Integration focus

 ITIL ® V4

            – Focus Digital transformation & New ways of working

            – Integration & Coordination Focus

ITIL 3

ITIL Qualification Structure

 ITIL 4

ITIL V4 Certification

In case you are doing ITIL V3, do not worry as your learning will be still be valuable but just hold it a

 moment in pursuing further as ITIL 4 has a different pathway altogether. Remember, regardless of 

ITIL V3 or V4, the core remains the same as we start off with Foundation Module and end up in Masters. 

The modules in between changes. 

As per the Axelos in their official page have reported that ITIL 4 expands on previous versions and 

provides an end-to-end IT/digital operating model for the delivery and operation of tech-enabled 

products and services.

The Top 15 High Paying IT Certification Courses | Professional Certification

Fast track your career by enrolling in one of the top 15 courses identified as the “highest paying” certification courses. Professionals, professional certification and pat are closely connected and interrelated. 

According to the 15 Top Paying IT Certifications In 2019 listed in  forbes .com,  here there are some of the highest paid certification

•   Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect is the highest paying certification of 2019, paying an average salary of $139,529.

•   Certifications in virtualization and cloud computing pay an average salary of $127,494 this year, up from $112,955 in 2018, a 12.8% increase in just one year.

•   Five of the top 15 highest paying certifications of 2019 are for cybersecurity expertise, and they pay an average of $115,867.

•   Project Management Professional (PMP®) certifications increased in value by 18.6%, jumping from a median salary of $114,473 in 2018 to $135,798 in 2019.

Key insights on the 15 top paying IT certifications in 2019 include the following:

•   Average salary across all 15 certifications is $121,514 for 2019. Virtualization and cloud computing certifications pay an average salary of $127,494 in 2019, soaring over the median salary of $112,955 in 2018. 

•   The five cybersecurity certifications pay an average salary of $115,867.

•   Network certifications pay an average salary of $111,555. 

•  Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect, Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate and AWS Certified Developer – Associate all have salaries above the median of $121,514.

•  Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) – Server Infrastructure certification pays an average salary of $121,288, up from $100,656 in 2018. 

•  The two highest-paying AWS certifications in 2019 have an average salary of $131,605, $6K higher than $125,591 which is the average of the five highest-paying AWS certifications of 2018.  The following table provides a breakout of the top 15 IT certifications in 2019 according to  latest survey.

Here are some of the top fifteen courses that you can select in propelling in your professional growth.

1.Artificial Intelligence (AI)

2. PMP

3.Google Cloud Certified Professional

4.Certified Scrum Master

5. ITIL Foundation

6.Machine Learning

7.Robotic Process Automation or RPA

8. Blockchain

9. Internet of Things 

10. Data science 

11. Cyber Security

12. Edge Computing

13. Big Data Certifications

14. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

15. Networking

1. Artificial Intelligence

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasizes the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. Some of the activities computers with artificial intelligence are designed for include: Speech recognition. Learning. 

Who should take this Artificial intelligence (AI)?

Software analysts and developers.

Computer scientists and computer engineers.

Algorithm specialists.

Research scientists and engineering consultants.

Mechanical engineers and maintenance technicians.

Manufacturing and electrical engineers.

How much Salary can I Expect once I am a Certified Artificial intelligence (AI)?

According to Indeed.com, the average IT salary – the keyword is "artificial intelligence engineer" – in the San Francisco area ranges from approximately $134,135 per year for software engineer to $169,930 per year for machine learning engineer.

What are the Top Companies hiring Certified  Artificial intelligence (AI  )?

The Top 15 Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Talent 

1. Amazon

2. Nvidia

3. Microsoft

4. IBM

5. Accenture

6. Facebook

7. Intel

8. Samsung

9. Lenovo

10. Adobe

11. MoTek Technologies

12. Uber

13. PCO Innovation

14. Rakuten Marketing

15. Wells Fargo

What are the Top Industries Hiring Certified Artificial Intelligence?

E-commerce, Health and Power industries, Logistics, Mobility Solutions, Computer and computer related.

What's the Career Path to Become  Artificial intelligence (AI)   Professional?

6 Easy Steps To Get Started Learning Artificial Intelligence

STEP 1.) Learn Python & SQL

STEP 2.) Learn Machine Learning from some of the below courses.

STEP 3.) Learn basics of probability theory, statistics, and Maths.

STEP 4.) RECOMMENDED BOOKS to READ

STEP 5.) PRACTICE FEW EXERCISES

STEP 6.) Practice—Learn—Practice on your own, step by step you will slowly become AI programmer.

What's the Demand for Certified Artificial Intelligence Professionals by 2020?

With AI projected to create 2.3 million jobs by 2020, according to a Gartner report, it's safe to assume that machine learning will remain an in-demand skill for the foreseeable future.

Artificial intelligence (AI) skills dominated the list of the fastest-growing jobs in 2018—a trend that is expected only to grow in the future. Machines and algorithms are predicted to create 133 million new jobs by 2022, 

Where can I get trained for the Artificial Intelligence?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal. They offer one of the best courses on ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DEEP LEARNING CERTIFICATION, MACHINE LEARNING AND ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this Certified Artificial Intelligence?

Educational Requirements for Careers in Artificial Intelligence

•   Various level of math, including probability, statistics, algebra, calculus, logic and algorithms.

•   Bayesian networking or graphical modeling, including neural nets.

•   Physics, engineering and robotics.

•   Computer science, programming languages and coding.

How much does the Exam Cost?

Artificial Intelligence at Columbia University (Price: Content is FREE; Certificate Is $300) Machine Learning at Columbia University (Price: Content is FREE; Certificate Is $300)

Why do Companies Hire Artificial Intelligence Professionals?

The followings are the reasons companies hire Artificial Intelligence:

•   Encourage more creative artistic jobs

•   New customers means more jobs 

•   More data analysis

•   Encourage entrepreneurship

•   Programming.

Roles and responsibilities of Certified Artificial Intelligence professional

The roles and responsibilities of Artificial Intelligence are:

1. AI architect

This position focuses on individual business operations—along with the big picture—to determine where AI can be most successfully executed, the report said. The person in this role is responsible for measuring AI performance and maintaining AI sustainability.

2. AI product manager

Working alongside the AI architect, the AI product manager coordinates between business teams to make sure solutions are integrated correctly, according to the report. They also determine what organizational changes need to be made for optimal performance between employees and AI.

3. Data scientist

Data scientists have consistently appeared on top AI jobs lists, and these professionals typically earn an impressive salary. These employees are experts in analyzing data and gaining meaningful insights from the information for the business, said the report.

4. Software engineer

Scalable deployment is one of the biggest obstacles in AI adoption, according to the report. Software engineers are the ones working directly with data scientists to execute AI in a way that best works towards the company's goals. 

5. AI ethicist

AI brings about many ethical and social issues, especially in regards to bias and taking jobs away from human workers. AI ethicists are the designated representatives who establish AI plans that align with the company's codes of ethics and standards, the report noted. 

2. PMP

What is PMP?

Project Management Professional is an internationally recognized professional designation offered by the Project Management Institute

Who should take PMP?

Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General)

Project Manager, Construction.

Operations Manager.

Project Manager, Information Technology (IT)

Project Engineer.

Construction Project Manager.

Senior Project Manager, IT.

How much Salary can I Expect once I am a Certified PMP?

At the lower end, a travel services PMP project manager in 2017 can expect to make $83,000-$90,000, according to PayScale. In the financial and insurance industries, PMPs typically make between $114,000 and $144,000. Both salary ranges represent a 20-22 percent increase over non-PMP project manager salaries.

To provide an idea of how lucrative this field can be, take a look at these job titles and average salaries for these project management jobs, collected from a leading online job website:

Job Title                                               Average Salary

IT Project Manager                               $113,038

Senior Project Manager                          $111,691

Construction Project Manager                  $110,988

Technical Project Manager                       $113,276

Project Manager                                       $110,342

What are the Top Companies hiring PMP?

These five jobs for project management professionals pay the most. 

1. Pharmaceutical project management professional

Average U.S. salary: $131,833

Globally, the pharmaceutical industry is expected to breach $1.1 trillion in sales by 2022. So it’s no wonder that pharmaceutical project management professionals make more money, on average, than in any other industry.

The job: Pharmaceutical PMs work with doctors, researchers, and engineers to ensure that research and development stay on schedule and on budget. A successful project means overseeing the development of new medication for the treatment of diseases or other health problems.

Pros/cons: A pharmaceutical project manager can literally help find a cure for cancer and save millions of lives. Talk about a rewarding career! On the flip side, pharmaceutical PMPs will need an advanced healthcare degree or experience to approach top-tier salaries. Also, pharmaceutical research can move at a frustratingly slow pace to ensure compliance with necessary quality and safety regulations.

Top pharmaceutical companies:

1.   Roche

2.   Pfizer

3.   AbbVie

2. Resources project management professional

Average U.S. salary: $129,368

Resources project managers work in industries such as mining, petroleum, and agriculture that extract and grow natural resources.

The job: Resources PMs work with farmers, mining, and oil companies to make the process of extracting and growing natural resources as efficient as possible by eliminating waste and improving communication. A successful project means overseeing the procurement of natural resources for efficient delivery to end consumers.

Pros/cons: Resources project management offers plenty of opportunities to travel and be outdoors. Because of the specific processes related to each natural resource, background as an engineer in a given field (farming, mining, drilling) may be required to become a resources project manager.

Top resources companies:

1.   ExxonMobil (oil)

2.   BHP Billiton (mining)

3.   Cargill (agriculture)

3. Consulting project management professional

Average U.S. salary: $129,208

A consulting project management professional is different from a project management consultant—the first works as a project manager for a consulting company while the second works as a consultant who specializes in project management. We’re talking about the first of the two.

The job: A consulting project manager is the chameleon of the project management universe. The consulting PM could work with environmental engineers one month, and sales managers the next. A consulting project manager’s goal depends on the industry of the company they are working with on a case-to-case basis. In general, the goal is to furnish industry expertise and advanced knowledge to the client so that they can be successful in their project.

Pros/cons: A career as a consulting project manager is especially rewarding for someone who enjoys variety, as they will be asked to wear every hat from a construction helmet to a computer technician’s computer hat? However, that same unpredictability could be dizzying for someone who works best in a defined environment.

Top consulting firms:

1.   McKinsey & Company

2.   The Boston Consulting Group

3.   Bain & Company

4. Aerospace project management professional

Average U.S. salary: $121,923

If you were the kind of kid who built model airplanes and dreamed of flying, but became a project manager instead, a job as an aerospace project management professional might be what you’re looking for.

The job: Aerospace PMs work with engineers and designers to make sure that new aircraft is delivered on time and on budget. Focus areas include risk management and quality control. A successful project means overseeing proposals leading to the development of new aircraft and aerospace systems.

Pros/cons: An aerospace project manager gets to work with airplanes and some of the most advanced technology on the planet. Because aerospace projects have a lot of moving parts (like, a lot) there are lots of opportunities for something to go wrong if something is missed.

Top aerospace companies:

1.   Boeing

2.   Airbus

3.   Lockheed Martin

5. Engineering project management professional

Average U.S. salary: $121,769

Anyone who knows an engineer knows that they are some of the smartest people on the planet, but they can sometimes get caught up in the minutiae. An engineering project management professional is responsible for keeping the engineers focused.

The job: Engineering PMs work with, you guessed it, engineers. They also communicate with clients to make sure that the end product is what the client wants. A successful project means guiding the development of a product (often a complicated product) to completion within a specified timeline and budget.

Pros/cons: An engineering project manager has the satisfaction of seeing something very real, useful, and tangible at the end of their project—a large bridge, a new computer chip, or a satellite. On the other hand, the engineering PM must have extensive knowledge of the product they are overseeing, so experience as an engineer in that field is a prerequisite.

Top engineering companies:

1.   Google Inc.

2.   Microsoft

3.   Apple

What are the Top Industries Hiring Certified PMP?

E-commerce, EdTech, Engineering, IT, BFSI, Pharmaceuticals, Health and Power industries, Logistics, Mobility Solutions, Computer and computer related. PMP is applicable across all verticals and platform or domain independent.

What's the Career Path to Become PMP Professional?

PMP® CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

What's the Demand for Certified PMP Professionals by 2020?

The Project Management Institute (PMI) expects the future to be bright, with the global gross domestic product (GDP) in projectized industry anticipated to increase in the United States by $4.5 trillion by 2016.

Where can I get trained for PMP?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal. They offer one of the best courses on  PMP .

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this Certified PMP?

The criteria stipulated by PMI ®  clearly states the education background and number of hours of experience required in order to become eligible to apply for PMP ®  exam. 

How much does the Exam Cost?

The PMP Certification exam fee is 555 USD for the people who are not a member of PMI and for the members it is 405 USD. If you choose to become a PMI member at the time of your application, you will just have to pay 555 USD for the exam fee and the membership fee combined.

Why do Companies Hire PMP Professionals?

The followings are the reasons companies hire PMP:

•   Encourage more creative artistic jobs

•   New customers means more jobs 

•   More data analysis

•   Encourage entrepreneurship

•   Programming.

Roles and responsibilities of PMP

The roles and responsibilities of PMP can be explained with some examples:

•   Launching a new product for a pharmaceutical firm

•   Developing a new mobile application for a telecommunications company

•   Implementing an internet-based banking system for a financial institution

•   Standardizing testing procedures for an environmental organization

•   Rolling out a new brand for a global retailer

Project manager job descriptions will reflect the specific needs of the company, the project manager will generally plan, coordinate, implement and finalize projects according to the specifications and deadlines, all while keeping the project within budget.

Depending on the industry and specific initiative, project managers may put together teams of personnel from a number of departments, such as information technology, purchasing, product development, marketing or distribution.

Project management professionals oversee projects from the planning stage through implementation, testing and reporting. They typically choose and manage the project team members, and are ultimately responsible for the project’s success or failure, based on objectives set by project stakeholders. Success may depend on whether the project is completed within the financial budget allocated or the established time frame – or whether it is completed at all.

3. GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect

What is GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect?

A Professional Cloud Architect enables organizations to leverage Google Cloud technologies. With a thorough understanding of cloud architecture and Google Cloud Platform, this individual can design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable, highly available, and dynamic solutions to drive business objectives.

How much Salary can I Expect once I am a GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect?

The average pay for a Cloud Architect is $129,171 per year as per payscale.com

What are the Top Companies hiring GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect?

Cloud Platform Architect - Google

IBM - United States 3.9

Consult with clients on how to best design Cloud High Performance and High Throughput Computing in the Google Cloud Platform.

Estimated: $120,000 - $170,000 a year 10d

Cloud Systems Architect - Connected Aircraft

Honeywell - Atlanta, GA 3.8

Amazon, Google, or Microsoft). 25 Connected Aircraft Cloud Architecture. Join a team assessing and driving cloud enabled initiatives within Honeywell's.

Estimated: $110,000 - $160,000 a year

Google Cloud Architect

Arth Consulting - New York, NY +3 locations

Google Certified Professional – Cloud Architect or Azure, AWS equivalent preferred. Amazon, Google, or Microsoft).

Estimated: $130,000 - $180,000 a year 5d

Cloud Solutions Architect

Center For Internet Security - Remote 4.6

The Cloud Solutions Architect position will work closely with the Cloud Product Owner (PO). Develop and implement cloud migration strategies.

Estimated: $120,000 - $160,000 a year

Solutions Architect, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Google Cloud

Google - San Francisco, CA +2 locations4.3

Your relationships with customers are crucial in helping Google grow its Google Cloud business and in bringing our product portfolio into companies around the.

Estimated: $120,000 - $170,000 a year

Cloud Architect - AWS / Google Cloud

Slalom Consulting - Silicon Valley, CA 3.7

Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud. Be versed in Google Cloud Platform and/or Amazon Web Services cloud solution, architecture, related technologies and their.

Estimated: $120,000 - $160,000 a year

Google Cloud Infrastructure Architect

Neudesic LLC - United States +2 locations

We are currently seeking a Google Cloud Infrastructure Architect, to become a member of Neudesic’s Cloud Infrastructure Team.

Estimated: $120,000 - $170,000 a year

Cloud Integration Architect

Sierra-Cedar - Remote 4.0

Hands-on Public Cloud (IaaS) – One or more of AWS, Google, Azure, OCI, etc. Sierra-Cedar is seeking a bright and motivated Cloud Automation Architect.

Estimated: $130,000 - $160,000 a year 12d

Google Cloud Platform Architect

Nerdery - Chicago, IL +2 locations3.3

Experience with at least one cloud orchestration tool such as Terraform or Google Deployment Manager Templates.

Estimated: $140,000 - $180,000 a year

Partner Engagement Manager, Google Cloud

Google - New York, NY 4.3

Provide best practices and accelerated support for Google Cloud Platform and G Suite Solutions. Google Cloud helps millions of employees and organizations.

Estimated: $110,000 - $160,000 a year

Multi-Cloud Solutions Architect

World Wide Technology, Inc. - Remote 3.6

Mid-Level Industry Certifications such as AWS Associate Level, MCSA - Cloud Platform or Google Associate Cloud Engineer.

Estimated: $130,000 - $170,000 a year

What are the Top Industries Hiring GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect?

Telecommunication, Analytics, Pharmaceutical, Security, Networking

What's the Career Path to GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect?

Required Education. Individuals will need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related discipline to work as a cloud architect. 

Required Skills. Excellent technical abilities are the most vital asset for cloud architects. 

What's the Demand for GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect by 2020?

It’s estimated that by 2025 the datasphere will grow to an incredible 163ZB, that’s over a trillion gigabytes! With such an enormous amount of data being created it needs to be stored somewhere for people to access. In recent years, cloud computing has become a popular data storage solution for both personal and business use.

Unfold Labs, an innovative product and service company based in San Diego, predicts that ‘in 2018 at least half of IT spending will be cloud-based and that by 2020 roughly 60-70% of all software, services and technology will be cloud based.’

Where can I get trained for GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal.

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect?

Career Requirements

STEP 1.) Earn a Degree. Systems architects usually need a bachelor's degree or higher related to information technology, software engineering or computer science. 

STEP 2.) Consider Certification.

STEP 3.) Obtain Relevant Experience and Advance Your Career.

How much does the Exam Cost?

About this certification exam

This exam objectively measures an individual’s ability to demonstrate the critical job skills for the role. To earn this certification you must pass the Professional Cloud Architect exam. The format is multiple choice and multiple select. The exam has no prerequisites. This exam must be taken in-person at one of our testing center locations.

Locate a test center near you.

Length: 2 hours

Registration fee: USD $200

Language: English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese

Why do Companies Hire GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect?

According to CRN, Apple will pay Google between $400 and $600 million for access to the platform. In other words, Apple is spending big with a company typically thought of as its chief rival.

Now, if a company of Apple’s magnitude will pair up with a direct competitor to power its own services, it’s a pretty good sign that cloud adoption is growing at a breakneck pace. Which means: jobs in cloud computing are a hot prospect right now (they pay well too, with a median salary of $124,300)

You could still be a cloud computing analyst or engineer for a traditional organization. Banks, IT companies and automotive manufacturers, as well as the government and military, are looking to hire cloud specialists in roles like cloud computing analyst, cloud administrator, cloud architect and cloud engineers.

These positions often demand ability with specific programming languages like Python, Java and Ruby on Rails, as well as experience with different operating systems (specifically Linux), and a database querying language like SQL. A company may already be committed to a specific cloud provider, so your resume may need to show you already have experience working with Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform or another product in their vein.

Roles and responsibilities of GOOGLE CLOUD CERTIFIED Professional Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect is an IT specialist who is responsible for deploying overseeing a company's cloud computing strategy. This includes cloud adoption plans, cloud application design, and cloud management and monitoring. Cloud architects oversee application architecture and deployment in cloud environments.

4. Agile Certified Scrum Master

What is Agile Certified Scrum Master?

An Agile Scrum Master certification is a designation given to Scrum Masters who understands the agile project methodology and scrum practices.

Who should take this Certified Scrum Master?

The Agile Scrum Master Certification course is recommended for:

•   Project Managers

•   Team leaders

•   Scrum Team Managers

•   Scrum Masters 

•   Developers and Product Owners.

How much Salary can I Expect once I am a Certified Scrum Master?

The annual average salary of a Certified Agile Scrum Master salary is $86,305 per year.

What are the Top Companies hiring Certified Scrum Master?

Many companies all over the world are using Agile to react to change, develop collaboration, raise the quality bar and produce happier employees. Such companies include Banks, Data services, IT companies, Energy supply firms, Marketing firm, etc.

What are the Top Industries Hiring Certified Scrum Master?

The top industries hiring Agile Scrum Masters are the Tech industry, Finance industry, and banking industry.

What's the Career Path to Certified Scrum Master?

To become an agile scrum master, you must have:

•   3+ years of experience in implementing Scrum for organizations

•   Over 6 years of overall project management experience

•   Attend a Certified Scrum master training program

•   Take the exam, pass and get certified as an Agile Scrum Master.

What's the Demand for Certified Scrum Master by 2020?

The PMI® Talent Gap Report showed close to 16 million new project management jobs will be created by 2020 in 7 project-intensive industries. Since Agile Scrum Master is part of project management, there will a huge demand for Agile Scrum Master professionals with certification.

Where can I get trained for Certified Scrum Master?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal. It is a detailed course that teaches you how to:

•   Become skillful in Scrum applications

•   Organize daily Scrums, sprint planning and reviews

•   Produce different Scrum artifacts, spring and product backlog

•   Get the ultimate benefit from the Scrum methodology ntrol

•   Create and carry out projects on a JIRA cloud site.

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this Certified Scrum Master?

There is no requirement to take the Agile Scrum Master certification. It is designed for any professional who wants to undertake a career in management.

How much does the Exam Cost?

The cost of the Agile Scrum Master exam is included in the course fee.

Why do Companies Hire Certified Scrum Master?

Companies hire Agile Scrum Master professionals because:

•   Scrum masters improve customer satisfaction

•   They improve organizational processes to lessen time to market.

•   They ensure that better quality products are developed

•   They improve progress visibility

•   They improve team participation and ownership of tasks to establish a secure environment for teams to work.

Roles and responsibilities of Certified Scrum Master

The Agile Scrum Master takes care of development process and also serve the business, product owner, team, and individuals.

The roles and responsibilities include:

•   The scrum master creates a safe environment that encourages collaboration.

•   The scrum master helps in product planning and ensure that scrum techniques and practices are adhered to.

•   The scrum master guide, coach, support and help to get rid of any stumbling block that teams may face along the line.

•   The scrum master backs up individual efforts, solve any issues and get rid of problems that individuals may face

5. ITIL Foundation

What is ITIL Foundation?

ITIL, formerly an acronym for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is a set of detailed practices for IT service management (ITSM) that focuses on aligning IT services with the needs of business.

The Foundation level is the entry level certification which offers you a general awareness of the key elements, concepts and terminology used in the ITIL service lifecycle, including the links between lifecycle stages, the processes used and their contribution to service management practices.

Who should take this ITIL Foundation?

•   IT Managers/Support Teams

•   IT Architects, Planners and Consultants

•   System Administrators/Analysts

•   Operations Managers

•   Database Administrators

•   Service Delivery Professionals

•   Quality Analysts

•   Application Management Team/Development Team

•   Process Owners/Practitioners.

How much Salary can I Expect once I am a ITIL Foundation certified professional?

The average pay range for an ITIL Foundation varies modestly (up to $66,000) per year.

What are the Top Companies hiring ITIL Foundation certified professional?

Intel

McAfee

AT&T

Urbanpro.com

Computer Power Inc

HCL

British Telecom

Hitachi Consulting

American Express

Capgemini

What are the Top Industries Hiring ITIL Foundation certified professional?

The top industries include Telecommunication, BFSI, Service based industry, Operations, Manufacturing, computer and computer related, Analytics, any industry where service is a critical facet in running an opereation.

What's the Career Path to ITIL Foundation certified professional?

Achieve AXELOS-accredited ITIL® Foundation certification by following these steps:

STEP 1.) Appear for the ITIL Foundation exam after completing the training

STEP 2.) Score 65% on the exam [i.e. 26 out of 40 questions] in 60 minutes

STEP 3.) Earn two ITIL credits on successful completion of ITIL Foundation exam

What's the Demand for ITIL Foundation certified professional by 2020?

Businesswire predicted that the ITSM (IT service management) industry will increase from $4.4 billion in 2016 to $8.78 billion in 2021.

Where can I get trained for ITIL Foundation certified professional?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal. It is a detailed course that teaches using the IT Resources (IT Professionals, IT Infrastructure) in such a way that the customers get better service and the business gets profit out of it.

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this ITIL Foundation certified professional course?

There is no defined eligibility criterion for the ITIL Foundation exam. ITIL Foundation certification is in itself a prerequisite for other levels of ITIL certifications.

How much does the Exam Cost?

As of Dec'17, the costs for the exams for ITIL Foundation level is about $250 (about INR 15500/- or 210 EURO).

ITIL (foundation) certification costs

Country                                ITIL-F Certification exam fee

United States                          US $314

United Kingdom                      £269.00

Canada                                        US $314.00

Australia                                    AU $395

Why Companies Hire ITIL Foundation certified professional?

ITIL Foundation certified professional have a solid understanding in

•   IT service management best practices, concepts and principles

•   The purpose, aim, and scope of the service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations and continual service improvement

•   Application of lean principles and automation of standard tasks to enhance efficiency of ITSM processes.

•   Cost reduction by centralizing activities and teams using the right processes.

•   Using ITIL® services to meet the needs of your organizations.

Roles and responsibilities of ITIL Foundation certified professional

Increase your contribution to ITSM in your organization by: automating standard tasks; identifying alignment opportunities of IT services with the business; cost optimization; taking a customer-centric approach to ITSM; and more.

6. Machine Learning

What is Machine Learning?

Machine Learning is the learning in which machine can learn by its own without being explicitly programmed. It is an application of AI that provide system the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience.

A definition. Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides systems the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

The basics of machine learning:

Machine Learning algorithms can be classified into: Supervised Algorithms – Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Trees, Random Forest. Unsupervised Algorithms – K Means Clustering. Reinforcement Algorithm.

Who should take this Machine Learning?

•   Programmers, Developers, Architects, Technical Leads

•   Developers who want to be a ‘Machine Learning Engineer’

•   Analytics Managers leading a team of analysts

•   Business Analysts who want to understand Machine Learning (ML) Techniques

•   Business Analysts who want to understand Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques

•   Information Architects who want to gain expertise in Predictive Analytics

•   ‘Python’ professionals who want to design automatic predictive models

How much Salary can I Expect once I do Machine Learning?

The average pay for a Machine Learning Engineer is $42.50 per hour. The median Machine Learning Engineer has a base pay of $111,453. Salaries generally range from $76k to $153k as per payscale.com

What are the Top Companies hiring Machine Learning?

10.  Salesforce – Intelligent CRMs

9.   IBM – Better Healthcare

8.   HubSpot – Smarter Sales

7.   Baidu – The Future of Voice Search

6.   Edgecase – Improving Ecommerce Conversion Rates

5.   Google – Neural Networks and ‘Machines That Dream

4.   Twitter – Curated Timelines

3.   Facebook – Chatbot Army

2.   Pinterest – Improved Content Discovery

1.   Yelp – Image Curation at Scale

What are the Top Industries Hiring Machine Learning?

Telecom, Healthcare, Social Media, Analytics, Search Engines, neural Networks, e-Commerce

What's the Career Path to Machine Learning?

Here are the skills needed to begin and advance your machine learning career path:

•   Basic Skills. As a conglomeration of math, data science and software engineering, machine learning will require you to be proficient in all three fields. 

•   Programming Skills. 

•   ML Programming Languages.

What is the best language for machine learning?

Top 5 best Programming Languages for Artificial Intelligence

1.   Python. Python is considered to be in the first place in the list of all AI development languages due to the simplicity. 

2.   R. R is one of the most effective language and environment for analyzing and manipulating the data for statistical purposes. 

3.   Lisp. 

4.   Prolog. 

5.   Java

What's the Demand for Machine Learning by 2020?

Machine Learning focuses on the development of computer programs, and the primary aim is to allow computers to learn automatically without human intervention. Google says "Machine Learning is the future," and the future of Machine Learning is going to be very bright.

Where can I get trained for Machine Learning?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal, which offers Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Process Automation.

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this Machine Learning?

Prerequisites

•   Mastery of intro-level algebra. You should be comfortable with variables and coefficients, linear equations, graphs of functions, and histograms.

•   Proficiency in programming basics, and some experience coding in Python. Programming exercises in Machine Learning Crash Course are coded in Python using TensorFlow.

How much does the Exam Cost?

Machines Learning with Python will costs you less than $400.

Why Companies Hire Machine Learning?

Machine Learning Engineer responsibilities include: Designing and developing machine learning and deep learning systems. Running machine learning tests and experiments. Implementing appropriate ML algorithms.

Roles and responsibilities of Machine Learning

Machine Learning Engineer responsibilities include: Designing and developing machine learning and deep learning systems. Running machine learning tests and experiments. Implementing appropriate ML algorithms.

7. Robotic Process Automation

What is Robotic Process Automation or RPA?

Robotic process automation (RPA) is the application of technology that allows employees in a company to configure computer software or a “robot” to capture and interpret existing applications for processing a transaction, manipulating data, triggering responses and communicating with other digital systems.

Robotic process automation (or RPA) is an emerging form of business process automation technology based on the notion of software robots or artificial intelligence (AI) workers. These tools also automate interactions with the GUI, and often do so by repeating a set of demonstration actions performed by a user.

Who should take this Robotic Process Automation or RPA?

There are no such prerequisites to learn RPA. From freshers to experienced professional, this technology is open for all. To master the concept of RPA, you need to have basic understanding of:

•   Basic programming knowledge of using if/else and switch conditions

•   Logical thinking ability

How much Salary can I Expect once I do Robotic Process Automation or RPA?

Average Salary of Robotic Process Automation Specialist is $126,094 (Indeed.com salary data)

What are the Top Companies hiring Robotic Process Automation or RPA?

Leading Players involved in the development of Robotic Process Automation:

•   Automation Anywhere (U.S.)

•   UiPath (Romania)

•   Blue Prism (U.K.)

•   Celaton Ltd (U.K.)

•   IPSoft (U.S.)

•   Nice Systems Ltd. (Israel)

•   Pegasystems (U.S.)

•   Redwood Software (U.S.)

•   Verint (U.S.)

What's the Career Path to Machine Learning?

One of the most straightforward careers for an RPA expert is to become an RPA developer. With all the training and skills that one gain in their programs, this might be the best option for anyone. 

The job of an RPA Developer is to build systems that can help to get a complete Robotics process automation work. For any professional, this would be something that they have trained in for months. These types of jobs pay well but sure they are time-consuming too. The projects are lengthy but all things considered being an RPA developer pays off well.

What's the Demand for Robotic Process Automation or RPA by 2020?

According to Forrester wave Q1 2017 Report, RPA Market Will Reach $2.9 Billion By 2021

Where can I get trained for Robotic Process Automation or RPA?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal.

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this Robotic Process Automation or RPA?

Prerequisites.

There are no such prerequisites to learn RPA. You don’t need any knowledge of programming language to use it to implement RPA.

How much does the Exam Cost?

RPA certification training costs $300.

Why Companies Hire Robotic Process Automation or RPA?

Here, we list top-5 benefits of implementing RPA software for your company.

1.)   Reduced costs: By automating tasks, cost savings of nearly 30% can be achieved over the output of productivity. Software robots also cost less than a full time employee.

2.)   Better customer experience: Deploying RPA frees up your high-value resources for them to be put back on the front line defining your customer success.

3.)   Lower operational risk: By eliminating human errors such as tiredness or lack of knowledge, RPA reduces the rate of errors thereby providing a lower level of operational risk.

4.)   Improved internal processes: In order to leverage AI and RPA, companies are forced to define clear governance procedures. This in turn, allows for faster internal reporting, on-boarding and other internal activities.

5.)   Does not replace existing IT systems:  One of the biggest advantages of using a virtual workforce, or an RPA bot is that it does not require you to replace your existing systems. Instead, RPA can leverage your existing systems, the same way a human employee can.

Roles and responsibilities of Robotic Process Automation or RPA

An RPA approach to streamline internal processes, where people and technology play their part in synchrony, enables better insight into trends and opportunities for business. Robotics process automation (RPA) works best with rule-based, regular tasks that require manual inputs.

8. Blockchain

What is Blockchain?

A global network of computers uses blockchain technology to jointly manage the database that records Bitcoin transactions. That is, Bitcoin is managed by its network, and not any one central authority.

Who should take this Blockchain?

Software Developers, IT Professionals, Engineers, Analysts, Technical Leads

How much Salary can I Expect once I do Blockchain?

Average yearly salary for "Blockchain Developer" ranges from $85k for Application Developer to $115k for Sr. Software Engineer as per indeed.com

What are the Top Companies hiring Blockchain?

Dell, vmware, Cisco, Honeywell, wipro.

What are the Top Industries Hiring Blockchain?

Telecom, Healthcare, Social Media, Analytics, Search Engines, neural Networks, e-Commerce

What's the Career Path to Blockchain?

For a Blockchain Developer, technical skills in the distributed ledger technology form the backbone of their career. A good place to start is Solidity for the development of Smart Contracts, and JavaScript for the development of a website.

What's the Demand for Blockchain by 2020?

According to the World Economic Forum, 18% of the world's GDP will be on Blockchain related technologies by 2025

Where can I get trained for Blockchain?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal.com. 

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this Blockchain?

There are no prerequisites as such for this Blockchain Online Course. However, development experience on an object-oriented language, fundamentals of networking, and basic knowledge of command line & Linux would be advantageous. Further to brush up your skills, 

How much does the Exam Cost?

The exam cost is $299 and it tests participants based on 100 questions spread across topics such as technical understanding, monetary implications, practical use, and regulations of cryptocurrencies. If you wish to take the training for this certification before you take the test, then it will cost you $2,995.

Why Companies Hire Blockchain?

Many industry leaders have already achieved significant business benefits, including greater transparency, enhanced security, improved traceability, increased efficiency and speed of transactions, and reduced costs. Read how blockchain provides these benefits to learn more about using blockchain in your industry

Roles and responsibilities of Blockchain

Responsibilities may include developing and implementing items like accelerators and assets, assisting with an organization's infrastructure setups utilizing technologies like Ethereum, and ensuring applications are secure. Blockchain engineers may analyze code artifacts and provide training to junior personnel.

9. Internet of Things

What is Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of Things, commonly referred to as IoT, is the network of physical objects, devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items that's been integrated into the technology of modern electronics, software, sensors, and other “things” with network connectivity that enables them to collect and exchange data.

Who should take this Internet of Things (IoT)?

Software Developers, Engineers, Data Analysts, Big Data Professionals

How much Salary can I Expect once I do Internet of Things (IoT)?

Average salary of IoT Developer is $150k - Glassdoor.com

What are the Top Companies hiring Internet of Things (IoT)?

Dell, VMware, Cisco, Honeywell, 

What are the Top Industries Hiring Internet of Things (IoT)?

Sensing — IoT endpoints

Communicating — IoT communications

Securing — IoT security

Understanding — IoT data and analytics

Acting — IoT artificial intelligence (AI)

What's the Demand for Internet of Things (IoT) by 2020?

By 2020, we will have over 50 billion devices connected to the Internet of Things.

The IoT will have an economic impact of up to $11 trillion by 2025 – McKinsey Global Institute.

There will be 250 million IoT connected automobiles creating new advancements in transportation by 2020.

Where can I get trained for the Internet of Things (IoT)?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal.com. 

What are the eligibility requirements to take up this Internet of Things (IoT)?

There are no prerequisites for taking up this IoT training course.

IoT Certification Training on Azure demands an intermediate knowledge of the following:

Linux Fundamentals

Basic Python Programming

Working Knowledge of Azure IoT Hub and Azure Storage

How much does the Exam Cost?

The training cost works out to $400

Why Companies Hire Internet of Things (IoT)?

Internet of Things IoT for Businesses. Internet of things (IoT) is emerging as the next big revolution in the world of technology. A place where devices are smartly connected to communicate with each other. It can be anything; your smart phones, smart TVs, smart watches and smart homes.

Much of the IoT information will be stored in the cloud, so experts in providing cloud-based solutions will need to create storage big enough to host this volume of data, as well as enabling accessibility to facilitate a two-way process so that the provider of the data (you or me) is also able to consume the data. Hence, we will see an increase in SAN and server consultants.

Security professionals will be needed to guard against breaches in data protection, and to offer us some peace of mind that our data is not being accessed by those we would prefer not to access it.

Back-end developers will be required with skills in languages like NoSQL and, as we accumulate greater amounts of unstructured data in the form of sensory information, in developing non-relational databases.

Mobile app developers will have the opportunity to create apps that can harness data to provide live, up-to-date information that can inform our daily decision making.

Drones are set to be central to IoT, replacing sensors that would have been at rest on buildings, bridges or other infrastructure. Drones offer flexibility in information gathering due to their mobility. They have data collection and processing software, and GPS, built in for geo-processing. They are of huge benefit to organisations in the utility, transport, mining, mapping and energy sectors. They will require infrastructure to host data – usually in the cloud – which in turn will generate more work for the aforementioned storage and server consultants.

Roles and responsibilities of Internet of Things (IoT)

Dashboards play a big role in the internet of things. An IoT developer will be responsible for data processing, data storage, data preparation and dashboard development. A huge amount of data on countless different formats will be the standard in the world of an IoT developer.

Since Internet of Things involves communication between applications and physical devices, an IoT development team tends to be large, and different developers are assigned in different areas, among these software programming, hardware programming, security implementation, networking, and systems engineering.

10. Data science

What is Data science?

Data science is a field of Big Data geared toward providing meaningful information based on large amounts of complex data. Data science, or data-driven science, combines different fields of work in statistics and computation in order to interpret data for the purpose of decision making.

Who should take this Data science ?

Software Developers, Engineers, Data Analysts, Big Data Professionals

How much Salary can I Expect once I do Data science?

Despite a recent influx of early-career professionals, the median starting salary for a data scientist remains high at $95,000. Mid-level data scientist salary. The median salary for a mid-level data scientist is $128,750. If this data scientist is also in a managerial role, the median salary rises to $185,000.

What are the Top Companies hiring Data science ?

Angel Broking, Deloitte, HDFC, Ford Automotive, VM Ware, Exponentia, Clover Infotech, Value Direct, Virtusa, Credit Vidya, Guppy Media, Shzertech, Loginext, Persistent, L & T Finance, Whizminds, Mii app, K2 Analytics, Eclerx, Mobiliya, Emmfer, Suzlon, Infrasoft, Impact Analytics, IBM, Eigen Technologies, Intelenet, Pentation, Light app, Ixsight, Aangan NGO, Softcell, Nelsen etc.

What are the Top Industries Hiring Data science?

Make sure you don't overlook compact online Data Science courses that will provide exactly what you need to start your career in Data Science.

5 career options for graduates of Data Science.

Statistician. 

Business intelligence reporting professional. 

Data Analyst. 

Data Mining or Big Data Engineer. 

Program/Project Manager.

What's the Demand for Data science by 2020?

The number of Data Science and Analytics job listings is projected to grow by nearly 364,000 listings by 2020 - Forbes.

Where can I get trained for Data science?

You can get trained at iCertGlobal.com. 

What are the eligibility requirements to take up Data science?

The prerequisites to learn data science:

You will find many data scientists with a bachelor's degree in statistics and machine learning but it is not a requirement to learn data science. However, having familiarity with the basic concepts of Math and Statistics like Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability, etc. is important to learn data science.

Technical Skills: Computer Science

Python Coding. Python is the most common coding language I typically see required in data science roles, along with Java, Perl, or C/C++. 

Hadoop Platform. 

SQL Database/Coding. 

Apache Spark. 

Machine Learning and AI. 

Data Visualization. 

Unstructured data.

How much does the Exam Cost?

The training costs is around $300.

What is the career path to become a Data Scientist?

There are three general steps to becoming a data scientist:

1.)   Earn a bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, math, physics, or another related field.

2.)   Earn a master's degree in data or related field.

3.)   Gain experience in the field you intend to work in (ex: healthcare, physics, business).

Why Companies Hire Data science?

Data Science and Its Growing Importance – An interdisciplinary field, data science deals with processes and systems that are used to extract knowledge or insights from large amounts of data. With advancements of so much of data, many aspects of data science are gaining immense importance, especially big data.

Roles and responsibilities of Data science

A data scientist is someone who makes value out ofdata. Data scientist duties typically include creating various machine learning-based tools or processes within the company, such as recommendation engines or automated lead scoring systems. People within this role should also be able to perform statistical analysis.

When it comes to programming, here are the list of courses are that quite in demand that draws attractive pay too.

Programming:

Most popular programming languages certification:

•   Python

•   Java

•   C#

•   Swift

•   Scala

•   R

•   SAS

•   JavaScript

•   Typescript

We, at iCert Global offer you a wide array of courses and our Lead- Sales Consultants would be more than happy to clarify any concern you might have with regard to course offerings. We request you to spend time in checking our course catalog .  www.icertglobal.com 

Project Management is not just a skill well recognized, but also a profession much valued and demanded.  Also, only an adequately qualified professional can give justice to the critical responsibilities of a project manager. 

So, out of so many training programs available, why should anyone opt for PMP® ?  To answer this question, one needs to perform a detailed study of how the certification will sharpen your saw of knowledge and help you nurture skills required in this discipline.  This article is a result of one such detailed understanding of the training program.

Why PMP® ?

1.Global Existence :

PMP® Certification has no geographical restrictions and is recognized worldwide. This certification brings in concepts and standards that are not specific to any industry and so any professional aspiring a career in project management (who also fulfills the eligibility criteria discussed further in the article) can decide to invest time and money in this certification irrespective of which industry they are planning to get employed.

Further, according to the latest survey by Wikipedia, PMP® is considered as a global language spoken by more than 800,000 project management professionals. PMP® certified professionals use the same terminologies, concepts and methodologies in their work.  For this reason, it becomes very easy for professionals to change jobs without any further certifications or upgrades.

2. Win-win in employment :

Employers prefer giving job to PMP® certified professionals rather than non-certified professionals for following reasons:

a)      PMI’s certificate gives a reliable proof that the candidate applying for the project management position, possesses the required skills, experience and knowledge to handle different projects.

b)      PMP® certified professionals save time and cost to the company by application of most effective methodologies in the projects assigned to them.

c)       Also, you can deliver the best quality work when you have not just studied the methodologies but also learnt about the practical implications of the same.

Employees get the following benefits by getting certified in PMI’s PMP® training program:

a)  According to PMI’s Salary Survey PMP® certified project managers tend to get 23% higher salaries than other professionals having similar experience and exposure.

b)  Job seekers with PMP® certification are given preference over other competing candidates, while selecting them for hiring purposes.

c)  Not just does the chances of getting your dream job increases with the help of PMP Certification, but it also helps in opening doors to many other job opportunities as there are many multi-national companies who quotes PMP Certification as a mandate for any Project Manager working with them.

3.  Networking with other PMP® Certified Professionals :

After registering with PMI, you become a member of their professional group and you get an opportunity to exchange ideas, thoughts and experiences with other professionals within the same discipline.

There are also networking sessions / symposium  arranged by PMI on a regular basis, where every PMP® certified professional gets an opportunity to meet such elite group of other PMP®  certified professionals and build enriching professional relationships with them.

 4. PMBOK® – 6th Edition :

PMBOK® (Project Management Body of Knowledge) – Sixth Edition, released in September, 2017, is upgraded from its earlier version to include a lot of techniques, processes and terminologies that are in alignment with current industry needs and standards.  It has also removed outdated techniques for better execution of the processes.

Along with other changes like addition of notations and new sections in knowledge areas, a very crucial topic has been introduced in the sixth edition; i.e. introduction of agile methods along with other traditional project management ways.

So, PMBOK® – sixth edition is not only just an upgrades, but also one more important reason for enrolling  with PMP® training program at the earliest.

After considering the benefits of having the PMP® Certification, let’s find out who is eligible to get certified.

Who is eligible for PMP® Certification?

Following are the eligibility criteria for registering with PMP® training program.

Project managers planning to get started with PMP® training, should possess the following:

Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent), and

7,500 hours leading and directing projects, and

35 hours of project management education

OR

Four-year degree

4,500 hours leading and directing projects

35 hours of project management education

Conclusion:

If you are a project manager and are aspiring to develop your career in this same discipline, investing into and developing your skills is the most appropriate and the quickest way to achieve your goals.  The best way to achieve this is to get certified from PMI for PMP training program.

According to a research, PMP® is a ‘gold standard’ in project management certifications.  It is also one of the most rated project management courses  in a popular question-answer cum discussion platform.

After so much of research on the effectiveness of PMP® training program, any minute further spent will be a minute less spent on the exciting and absolutely resourceful certification  journey of PMP.

Good Luck!

A recent article about IBM was titled the same as of this article. So, there is no claim about the ownership that rightfully belongs to IBM, but the message is clear and universal, and applicable to one and all.

Companies these days are trying to cut down the dependencies. What was once outsourced is now considered to be developed in-house.? Why do we outsource?

Why can’t we? These questions crop-up.

The cost aside, companies are concerned about the control and ownership.  It proves cost-effective to get things done outside and hence outsource. The realization has set in that exist an opportunity to hone skills within and companies are willing to invest in their workforce than scout elsewhere. It is to advance their own workforce in terms of skillset and also engage in emerging technologies that corporates are on the lookout for their own “data scientists and architects to be better equipped to work with us to build out these solutions .”

It is impossible to have everything in-house. Practically not possible.  Indispensable is a far cry, and hence companies are willing to settle for interdependencies. The eco-system is such that we need one another, but how much of a dependency is acceptable? It5 can be understood from the article that IBM, which is a technology powerhouse, is focused on ‘strategic imperatives - which is building new offerings in analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain

The question is: are you conversant with these technologies. Analytics, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain seem to be hitting high notes and the need and necessity for a professional certifications in these niche technologies will validate your competencies and vouch for your capabilities, to help your company grow or get into new service lines to maximize business and optimize resources.

iCertGlobal has a slew of professional certifications that covers a gamut of courses from project management to cyber security, to analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain. Please visit our website www.icertglobal.com to know more about our core offerings and the opportunities for you to make the most and advance your career.

Usually, Boss is used as a moniker about the one who lords around or tries to throw the weight by trying to herd. 

The Boss, in the titular role, doesn’t have to be bossy as mostly misunderstood. Our perception of ‘Boss’ is more about command and control. The Boss is synonymous with Leader. The line that does the round is that Boss ‘tells you what to do’, while the Leader ‘teaches you why and how to di it.’ This is still in theory.  Somehow that title of Boss is very unsettling. 

But just like different times calls for different actions, and sometimes different actors, a leader turns more as a boss in cracking the whip should the situation mandate. It is often confused being a Boss is bad, and the leader truly benevolent. It’s a very fine line between being a boss and leader. In fact the line blurs. How does one define autocratic leadership then?

There are many leadership styles: Autocratic, Democratic, Strategic, Transformational, Laissez-faire. The boss can follow any such leadership style or may be all but applicable to the audience 9read as employees).

Are all employees the same? 

The 80/20 is very much present as inferred from the performance – meaning, 80% of the workload is usually assigned to 20% of staff. Why? Because they are ‘the’ performers. Notice carefully and you will find it hard to dispute that the one who is hardworking and consistent on deliver is always assigned more work. Why? Because of the delivery. Company needs employees who are able, reliable and consistent in performance. Employees are always a mix and match . while some perform, some outperform and some don’t perform at all. Accordingly, the Boss has to adopt different leadership styles.

It will be very unfair to portray the boss in a poor light just because he/she is unfairly and unreasonably demanding. Some Boss scream “I want it and want it now” without realizing the magnitude of work or plainly pushing their luck. But it can go as far as possible. If shouting and screaming works, then work place will be a street fight so chaotic that your differentiating factor as a Leader will be your decibel level.

Command and Control

This IS required to the ones who need jumpstart. They can’t do it by themselves and some push to move forward. In the worst case, push becomes a shove. That’s where the ‘Command and Control’ is exercised. “if you don’t do it, then..” might sound as a threat but with some staff this works. Whipping works. These are poor in self-esteem, lack confidence and hang in there for survival. And they know well, that getting another job or alternatives is hard to come by and hence respond to the command. It is the fear of getting fired that somehow extracts the work. Hence, it is useful to such work force – usually new  joinee, entry-level ,  fresher or experienced hires who are yet to adapt to the new surroundings.

Democratic 

Leadership through consensus by winning confidence and gaining ‘buy-in’ of the team. This team is mature and self-starters. They don’t need someone to be behind their back to get the job done. Once delegated, they are on their own and ensure it is done with minimal intervention and supervision. Accountability is usually high, and the team takes pride in its performance. 

Laissez-faire

This is not commonly practices and usually associated with researches and their ilk. Such resources are very independent from the start and don’t need any intervention or monitoring, mostly, the engagement will be time-bound and hence the Boss will have very less scope with regard to delegation or follow-up.

So what kind of a Boss are you?

Brutal, demanding, ruthless, callous, difficult, tough, harsh and aggressive? Just look around and how many faces can your eyes meet and count. The Boss is responsible for the cycle of business with the feet on the pedal. At one stroke the boss has to face so many faces. Possible? That’s why that person is the Boss. And yes, it takes some aggression and ruthlessness to get the job done weighing in the 80/20 rule. ‘The one who shows mercy on others denies oneself’ – doesn’t mean callous in attitude. Though caring, they appear callous else the workforce becomes complacent. 

Agreed, some Bosses are obnoxious, petty-minded, self-centered and can’t think beyond business. But then, it’s unfair to stereotype the Boss in such fashion. Some bosses are gentle, willing with en ear to hear, and simply wonderful.  The Boss, too, is a human with family to tend and friends to catch up. It is just that they burn more hours and sacrifice so much so that can draw a salary.

Don’t bother. A boss is as much a leader with a different kind of flavor.

Do you agree? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment.

 "The India Education Awards is a celebration of excellence "

Awards are telling reminders – to let us know what we are and who we are. 

iCertGlobal Pvt Ltd was presented the India Education Awards -2018 in a star studded ceremony on      April 8, 2018 organized by Blindwink Solutions Private Limited. The India Education Awards 2018, conceived and initiated by Blindwink  is aimed at felicitating excellence, reputation and exemplary work in the Education Sector.

CEO Speak

“Awards are true inspirations that acknowledges to the world that we are worthy of recognition through our consistent results and outstanding contribution for all-round excellence in academic pursuits.  We accept it as an appreciation of our continual commitment and dedicated service in the realm of education.

“We take this moment to thank our people and patrons; our colleagues and clients; staff and stakeholders.  They are the ones to push the edge of the envelope, move the needle to beat projections and forecasts and continue to inspire us to strive to do better.  Their dedication and support has contributed to our success. Our heartfelt congratulations to the team, and sincere thanks to all those who made this possible” said Irfan Sharief, the CEO of the company.

Company Profile

iCertGlobal, is one of the leading professional certification training providers, offering several programs to corporate and consumers. Based out of Houston, Texas, US, and operations in UK, Australia, APAC and India, iCertGlobal has a global imprint across the globe.

iCertGlobal conducts professional trainings on varied and diverse list from Project Management, Service Management, Quality Management, Agile & Scrum and Niche technologies. They are active in both B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumers) models, and successfully trained more than 75,000 professionals with more than 3,000,000 quality hours of active training, spread across strategic locations like Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, India, Australia, UK and US.

Some of the recent headlines were so shocking that made stunned people all over the world. The links are presented for anyone who cares to read further and know for themselves. 

Industrial espionage goes a long way back to the mid-90s [remember the incident in Intel when one of the employees tried to sell sensitive documents to competitor].

How did Volkswagen dupe millions of car owners, flout stringent US norms? 

Apple hack exposes flaws in building apps behind 'Great Firewall'

Apple Removes 300 Infected Apps from App Store | WIRED 

Apple Targeted as Malware Infects China Mobile Apps - WSJ

In the digital era, the cybercrime is quite steep given the climbing numbers and catastrophic consequences. The links listed aren't of distant past but relatively new - some or still unveiling and some under investigation. What shocks the learned and layperson is when technology is no longer nascent why the threat should not be nipped in the bud? Nipped?! These bloopers don’t blossom from a bud – be it insider job or outsider, but come to light after shaking our faith and foundation.

The worst threat for now is the cyber threat and measures are mounted to step up cyber security despite which the crime rate scaling is both puzzling and perplexing. If there are breaches in security, the damage could be colossal, making it mandate in tying the loose ends. The best anti-virus is unable to prevent a malware from harming the programs; the best social engineering is not able to mitigate but only makes lives miserable. Ashley Madison hack’s ramification ruined personal life and which is an intrusion into privacy and revelation is damning both to the customers and commerce. When powerhouses like apple’s app store with a reputation of rigid and robust ‘firewall’ is no longer impregnable, anything can be infiltrated, and as endorsers or end-users we lost our insulation and immunity. 

Software is susceptible 

Every software is susceptible and hardware vulnerable? So where is the power of protection? Unfortunately there is no anti-dote ready that can anticipate attack and annihilate the assailant. Surely some minds are busy at ‘work-is-in-progress’ in chalking out a solution. A more complex encryption or safe vault or something very innovative and effective. When the shadow of the danger grows in size threat looms large. 

Disturbing as it gets for the very hand trusted was the one that gave it away. One can defend from outside but how to discern that ‘insider’. Even after closing all gaps, plugging holes, locking doors, securing and sanitizing, how does that slip happen and that too under our very nose? TECHNOLOGY.

Technology is always a double-edged sword. The insiders also use ‘Cloud’ facilities to make away with their goodies. Cloud services are proving to be almost indispensable. Line up the companies offering cloud capabilities and it will feature the heavyweights in the industry: Amazon, Microsoft, apple. So as a safety chute should we just shut down access to the services so that any possible ‘breach’ prevented? Or restrict access? The sanction of cloud services are strictly on need and merit and of course trust.

The vast majority of cloud services don’t encrypt data (as opposed to in transmission), only 15% support multi-factor authentication, and even fewer (6%) are ISO certified, says Sky high CEO Rajiv Gupta. (ISO 27001 was created in 2013 to ensure that security risks and threats to the business are assessed and managed, that physical security processes such as restricted access are enforced consistently, and that audits are conducted regularly.) [source : https://hbr.org/2015/09/what-do-you-do-when-employees-start-using-a-free-cloud-service]

Because it’s so difficult to monitor and regulate employees’ use of file-sharing sites and other cloud services, many CIOs grapple with the whole issue.

So what are the defence mechanisms with regard to data security in cloud?

Data hashing is a technology that creates a hash, or specific code, to identify a given dataset. This allows the integrity of the data to be checked every time the data is used or accessed by a credential individual at the firm. Hashing would prevent data from being changed by an unauthorized third party.

Digital watermarks allow data to be tracked. While this approach does not protect the data, it does allow it to be linked back to the individual who placed it on a cloud or at an unsanctioned location, making that person potentially responsible for any consequences to the data’s misappropriation.

Researchers are attempting to create simple yet effective means of facilitating cross-cloud single-sign-on authentication, where a “foreign” cloud provider is required to gain trusted third-party status from the “home” cloud before being able to communicate with the user and the user’s applications.

Still the advice holds well that sensitive and critical data is guarded and under heavy security and scrutiny.

SalesForce recently introduced Salesforce Shield to protect its cloud apps assuring users that the encryption is by far the best and chances of breach is very slim. But can it be slammed down from slim to simply impossible?

We scratched the surface with regard to Data Defence with Cloud based survives. In the next post, let us look at ways to safeguard out data against any attack.

We welcome your thoughts about Data Security…..

image courtesy: https://destekhizmeti.com/bilgi-guvenligi-hizmetleri

It’s an interesting pointer that can be deliberated but never decided with a Boolean yes/no response. Waterfall is the conventional methodology and given Agile’s merits it’s too attractive to make an immediate shift but one should reason with the ramification by balancing the pros and cons as agile may not be an ideal fitment for every project. Accepted Agile has made great strides but has it replaced waterfall altogether is subjective if we are mindful of the consequences. We learn by experience and the takeaway in the form of teaching is to beware and be cautious of concerns.  Usually technical heads mull over the decision by studying requirements again and again to arrive at a conclusion. 

They are both project management methodologies and the applicability rest on many factors.  Just because waterfall has been around for long doesn’t make it indispensable and agile emerging much later is the most happening either. That’s why approach adopted should be strictly on merits. It’s a no-brainer the discussion about this subject would entail into PMP or PRINCE2 certification. 

Waterfall methodology is most easily identified with PMP certification program, while PRINCE2 follows Agile. Both these approaches are very different and hence the deliberation before deciding on picking the best suiting the needs. 

Waterfall is a typical plan – build – test –deliver stages, where the final version is envisioned in the planning phase rendering the requirement study and scope as very critical and any change addressed through change requirement and the customer gets to have a feel at the UAT stage only, when all is done and set to go. 

Agile is very modular, impleneted through scrum, wherein the client acts as one of the stakeholders and can know firsthand the output of a phase technically referred as ‘sprint’ and every requirement is detailed as a story card with scrummaster manning the post. The individual accountability is very high. The sprint demo can be shown to client for feedback and changes incorporated and hence its the process is iterative. This flexibility is not possible in waterfall methodology. 

Lets study the popular or most searched words using Google Trends, and though it’s a ballpark and not a scientific proposition, it does offer a perspective as to where the world is heading towards on a bird’s view.

The PMP certification seems to have picked up and peaked and gradually slides down with the forecast trending upwards, while Agile at one stage seems to have spiked over PMP and continued to ascent, and the forecast too is favorable. 

The certification aspect witnessed PMP on the rise and peaking only to slip down and forecast is forward, while Agile is steady with not much of growth nor stunted and the forecast is trending upwards.

The charts are based on ‘keyword’ search and need not necessarily endorse any claim not be evident of any outcome. Like stressed earlier they present a picture of the trends and such PMP is still quite popular, and Agile is holding on and growing.

So what do you think is the trend? Do let us know…

image courtesy: http://outmatch.com/top-trends-hr-get-agile-innovative-2017/ 

Who makes a good project manager? A technically sound, rich in experience with exceptional soft skills? 

How much of a value-add is thrown-in with the ‘technical’ tag. End of the day its Management - be it technical or non-technical. 

Management role is very dynamic wherein one should know where to reach and how to achieve the same. For anyone to be a successful Manager at senior level, build a team having right skill. It is important to note that empowering next-level managers decides the success of their Manager. 

Of course, the Manager needs to have big picture and good clarity on the vision to give the right direction to the next- level. Manager should have right people to execute the same vision and position at the right place. But how does one identify ‘right’? Call it acumen or something gained from experience or inner calling or instincts – or sum of all. Subjective as ‘right’ might be, it does prove critical for the success of the Manager in any organization. 

Know Self/Team: 

Any Manager should assess and evaluate his/her strength and team’s strength as well.  The clarity should be crystal clear for the Manager / team to achieve the mission/vision of the team. 

Know the gap (Self/Team): 

And it is imperative to know what the gap within the current team setup – be it technical, functional & behavioral. 

Fill the Gap:

Gap can be filled in multiple ways depending on the scope and width of the gap. Managers always should try to work on people’s strength and enhance/sharpen to bring the best more out from his/her team. That will help the team to be engaged fully. 

If the gap is on technical/functional aspect, team can undergo the required training if there is enough time for learning curve.  When the need to address gap is critical or urgent, it’s better to hire people with right skills. 

Find the ‘fitment’

When Manager decides to fill the gap by hiring new resources, the ability to assess about the new hire to deliver is a one of the key clincher. If not, nothing wrong in seeking the opinion of peers’ help to connect with the right fitment.  It’s very important that we choose the right people for any opening as most of the cases it’s the fitment that’s diagnosed as the pain point – and that too late in the project.Screening and selecting suitable candidates who are sound technically can cut out most of the spillage and increase the turnaround time. 

Technically sound professionals have an appreciable head-start as compared to the less informed as the learning curve isn’t that steeper and with a minimal time spent in training the crew can be inducted in the team and start contributing.  They are ‘the professional with practice’. 

We will discuss more about this topic in our next blog from the perspective of PMBOK® version 6.

image courtesy: www.pexels.com

Professional certification is no more an alternative; it’s the benchmark. Professional certification is no longer restricted to a domain; its across business. 

Professionals need certification today,

To be counted;
To stay competitive;
To possess intellectual capital;
To present credentials.

Be certified  to  expand career path.

Whatever be your chosen field, unless you excel and exceed expectations, your talent remain unharnessed. Certifications help you to amplify your skills and counts as key differentiator.

Topline is the Talent.

The HI-B visa creating a ruckus and protectionism playing it out in the front  with full force. the parity in the pay that reckoned to be lopsided, the crunch now will be on the talent as the metric has been set for ‘indispensable expertise’. Still, there exists a gap between the available with the desirable. The numbers simply don’t add up to it.

The question is “are you resourceful?”

As one of the leading online education service provider, we regularly conduct boot camps, workshops and training mainly to equip the professionals/participants in enriching their knowledge base, and boost confidence level in order to become capable . The grind is difficult. Its talent alone that takes you to the top of the heap. Remember, there is no shortage of resume, it’s the skill that suffers a shortage. The demand-supply is always skewed and very rarely have we witnessed the demand surpassing the supply. More often, vacancies remain vacant for want of the talent.

image courtesy: goo.gl/icM3KX 

This is a very common question heard in the corridors treaded too often by the Information Technology professionals, while other verticals and domains are following suit. And the answer is: Yes, you can.

Enroll for Project Management Professional (PMP) with a reputed education provider to earn 35 Contact Hours which is mandatory as prerequisite for taking up the PMP exam. You must possess the major prerequisite in terms of education and experience:  Secondary degree (High School) and 60 months spent  leading and directing project tasks [or] Four-year degree(Bachelor's) with 36 months unique, non-overlapping professional project management experience  leading and directing project tasks.

The 4-day program will enable you to become proficient with the Principles of Project Management, mainly the 47 project management processes and 10 knowledge areas – this will be the curriculum or syllabus. The trainer, at best, can take you through the topics by apportioning time required to spend on modules as careful analysis has defined the hours to be dedicated to a particular module and they greatly differ from one to another.

The basic training must be supplemented through self-study by diving deep into the 10 knowledge areas as detailed in   ‘PMBOK Guide- A guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge’ as key reference and the course materials provided by the education provider. It’s to be noted that PMBOK will be offered by the PMI (Project Management Institute). as part of your registration exam fees as a soft copy.

How the 4-day training can be taken is matter of choice and convenience, be it classroom or virtual classroom or e-Learning. End of the day, much depends about your competency and capability in cracking the PMP certification examination.  So far the answer is academic. Now from a practical perspective, your performance in the final exam boils down to the preparation. The better prepared you are, best are chances of making it big at the first attempt. Every institution’s bet is to equip their participants to pass PMP, and this is the differentiator for iCertGlobal to be one of the most sought after destination in preparing for professional certification.

We offer, in addition to the well-planned and well-structured schedule classroom or LVC {Live Virtual Classroom] training, other notables that prove to be the key ingredients to our immense success and popularity:

Exemplary course materials prepared by Industry experts who are PMP certified with hands-on experience in project management and training. Hence they bring tremendous inputs in terms of experience and expertise in carving out the course related resources like Books, Quiz, Practice Questionnaire, Case Studies, and real-time scenario analysis.

Exam Simulator with more than 6000 questions. The questions are created in the same complexity as it would be in the final PMP exam. The pattern and population of questions drawn for various modules will be of the same density as expected in the PMP exam.

Refreshing sessions are for those, on request, to brush up the lessons already learnt to brace for the final race.

Participants are encouraged to stay in touch and maintain contact through the 24x7 support to enhance improved communication. They can create as many opportunities at every turn to learn in as many forms to sharpen the skills in gaining the edge. A repository of resources is available for online access anytime, more as a supplementary link.

Moreover, we follow-up with every participant to sense their progress understand and offer services wherever struggle is detected or discovered.

Of course, the growing testimonies speak for itself!!

image:https://www.freeimages.com/photo/my-tools-1239864

We have moved past the times when experience was enough for an audience with the HR, if not an offer.  

Present times have a different kind of poser.  Experience needs to be backed up with a certification. There isn't much of a choice. Credential is a key differentiator.  This paper will discuss the prospects of PRINCE2® shaping up your profile as that consummate project management professional.

PRINCE2® is a major prerequisite for Project Management 

In UK, PRINCE2® (Projects in Controlled Environments) is considered de facto standard for IT project management. PRINCE2 doesn’t define project as temporary endeavor, rather as a project management method it delivers based on a business case. The progress of the project is measured and monitored through periodical review of the business case so as not to deviate from the business outcome, and thus the situation at the ground level is assessed and addressed with a greater control and clarity. PRINCE2 can be used for any kind of project cutting across culture and setting aside geographic barriers.  It is an effective process method, also easy to learn and the ease of use of framework makes it more favorable with newcomers to PRINCE2®. The merits of PRINCE2® are phenomenal that more companies consider as a major requisite in shortlisting and selection process.

PRINCE2® helps the Managing Project Management  

In PRINCE2 methodology, the decision making doesn’t rest with the project manager, rather the functional and financial authority is with the senior executive. The project manager will help in managing and administering he project by directing resources on behalf of the board  and primarily the reason why government sector prefer this program due to its standardized approach.

PRINCE2® improves employment opportunities. 

The mind has never been at such a premium and to those talented, corporate are just waiting to tap to make it a win-win. . It’s very mutual. But how does PRINCE2 can turn out to be an asset? Its world class and widely renowned and increasing number want to be certified, especially the PRINCE2 Practitioner. You can go global for opportunities and show you got it what it takes with your PRINCE2 credential.  Just check the stats at the top which is a clear indicator in the surge for the demand for qualified and PRINCE2® certified project managers. 

You can reach us at info@icertglobal to know more PRINCE2® certification program.

image courtesy: goo.gl/41ogs

There seems to be early burn-out in IT professionals.

Job pressure, peer pressure, management pressure – the stress is too much ‘burning the midnight oil’ used to be cited ion critical context. Today, it has become the order of the day. Procrastination or poor time management is the primary reason.

Working long hours isn’t productivity. In fact, it is to the contrary. Freeing up bandwidth to take up additional tasks makes a professional resourceful reflective of commitment and management.

Devotion to work should be willful otherwise its leaves one dissatisfied and disgruntled. Everything ought to be balanced – including work.

If you can’t get the work done in the given time, either the estimation is incorrect or the resource incompetent.’  People do tend to procrastinate.

The 40 hour week

 Any project manager with appreciable knowledge and experience will not estimate more than 8-hours in a day. Remember time is money and hence any inflation in your estimation will have an adverse implication on your cost estimation. So balancing the 40-hour and keeping the project within cost calls for a skilled and smart time management.

Performance and productivity

No matter how many hours you clock, its 4 hours spread across 8.  The body might be willing but the mind simply is not up to it. Exhaustion, fatigue leads to failure. Your ability to concentrate ebb s with passage of time. Sources from public domain cite that working fewer hours increase productivity and thereafter tend to wane.

Work-life balance

“I am too busy at work” is the usual refrain. You start before the kids awake and return after the fast asleep. Many professionals itinerary falls in to this pattern. Genuine cases of work chewing and even gobbling time is a possibility but that can’t become the norm. Its not family first or work at any cost. One has to strike a balance to do justice to both – stakeholder management.  And its important to attend on everyone, and if possible content.

 Work-life balance is not pitting work against family, as it is usually misunderstood. Work-life balance is giving your 100% wherever you are occupied – with family or work. 

image courtesy: goo.gl/8KkLyP

PMI (Project Management Institute) was expected to roll out the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition by the third quarter of 2017.  AND IT IS OUT. 

What are the changes in the Sixth Edition?

>> Approaches to Agile.

Every knowledge area will be inclusive of approaches to Agile, Iterative and Adaptive Environments’. This section will detail the integration of agile practices in project backgrounds.

 >> PMI Talent Triangle™.

PMI spells the details about the technical skills, business intelligence, and leadership considered the key skills for success. It is also known as Talent triangle. 

>> The size of the book.

The fifth edition PMBOK® Guide, has 13 chapters that spans 415 pages. The sixth edition is expected to be quarter the size of the 5th edition, which means it should be close to 84 pages and the number of chapters too have come down to 10. So, sixth edition should be 10 chapters with 84 pages in the draft version.

>> Inputs, Tools & Techniques, Outputs (ITTOs).

The sixth edition will not dwell deep into ITTOs, rather it will be covered at a high level.

>> Alignment with Process Groups.

The sixth edition will be divided based on the 5 process groups, and not the 10 knowledge areas. This is considered as a major change. The Role Delineation Study (RDS) conducted by PMI has presented its findings and proposed the changed to be aligned with process groups.

>> Combination of first three chapters.

In the sixth edition, the first three chapters  combined as one – the interpersonal skills of the project manager and organizational skills will be merged in to one.

>>Two processes are expected to be deleted.

The Close Procurement process and Estimate Activities Resources are more likely to be deleted.

>>Two knowledge areas to be renamed.

Time Management  and Human Resource Management to be renamed.  Time management will be renamed Schedule management, while Human Resource Management becomes Resource Management.

 >> Knowledge Areas to feature four section.

Every knowledge areas will have four new sections, namely, Key Concepts, Trends and Emerging Practices, Tailoring Considerations and Considerations for Agile/Adaptive Environments.

 >> An exclusive chapter on role of Project Manager.  

This chapter on Project Manager will cover the key concepts about core competencies, expertise, leadership skills expected in leading a project.

 Reference source: http://www.examspm.com/2016/07/16/pmbok-6th-edition-release-date-changes/

https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/about/current-projects

http://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-management-pmp/update

https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational-standards-exposure-draft

https://www.pmi.org/learning/training-development/talent-triangle

image courtesy: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards

What is the challenge today? To keep stakeholders interested and engaged. Stakeholders are wrongly read as customers. Employees too are stakeholders, and earn the respect as  any actor in the eco-system  eco-system.

Why is it so difficult to engage? That’s not much as an issue, rather keeping them engaged. It’s the attention span. For instance, observe the consumer behavior – a person visiting your website. More than 5 seconds, nothing on screen, the person fidgets, and 10 seconds later seeing nothing, the person moves on to something else. So, whatever drew the person to your place was whittled in that 10 seconds to feel withdrawn, and shutdown. You just blew away a prospect – blame the bandwidth, or the brainstorming that sat on the site design, nothing can be done to salvage the damage. 

If you want to dismiss it as ‘website issue’, then remind yourself of your beating to the personal branding. The site is your reflection. If you weren’t able to sustain the interest, how do you probably expect people to engage? Like that a letter starts with a single dot, which often is either ignored or overlooked, we miss out on the basics and begrudgingly admit after the deck is done.  Most companies do the product first and then look for customers. Apple did and succeeded. So, is that the template for achievement or tried model for accomplishment? Then its own iterations were based on the consumer behavior and customer response. You just can’t get everything right in your first attempt. Alright. But neither can you create something and then create a demand. It’s not reverse engineering. 

The ground reality.

The challenge today is all about expectations and engagement. Attrition or exodus of talent is the direct impact of engagement management. 

Why should I stay in this company? What must I do to find a fitment? Read it again and you will observe the difference in terms of perspective. 

The company questions your existence and you question the company’s prudence. Win-win alone can survive and sustain this eco-system.  So long one needs to survive and thrive, then it’s by challenging oneself. Keep raising the bar.

It takes two to tango. So validation in isolation wouldn’t be fair. How come an individual with an accomplished track record failed to deliver in the present organization? One cannot shine selectively, and that too when he nature of job demands excellences, yet we are witnessing burn-outs and drop-outs. So, an organization is as much accountable, just like the individual to meeting deadlines and delivery.

Sounds like a leaf pulled out of employee management?  Richard Branson quoted “take care you employees and they will take care of your business.”

image courtesy: goo.gl/6N3D3N 

Reputation management is critical to business interest. Customer experience is THE differentiator in moving the needles. Ensure the user experience in the superlative, lest your business interest would be superseded. Bad user experience is more than a frown. It can beat your bottom-line so hard to mark it purple and bleed crimson. You don’t need others to wreck your image: your action or inaction will do the damage, sometimes beyond repair.

Googled is an acceptable word today replacing ‘searched’. Adults to kids are aware and even decided that the search engine has an answer for every query posed. Remarkable, more than a search engine, it becomes kind of a genie ‘to fetch the answer at your beck and call’. It’s no more an illusion of the Alibaba ‘open sesame’. But every tidbit pooled as and served as ‘information’ – whether phony or perfect, anything on the net leaves a digital imprint. So it is imperative to be on your toes when it comes to customer service –regardless of the domain or industry as a customer is a customer. In as many languages possible. Period.

What rattles a service provider – it’s the review. For 100 positive reviews, it just takes one nasty one to make you feel so negative. Like a pin-prick to a blown-up balloon. Why? Is it because bade vibes spread fast and leaves distaste? From your personal experience, checks out how many time you have searched for ‘any negative comments’. Because we tend to believe others’ experience. Because we lend credibility to the bitter cry of wrong customer, without even validating the statement, assuming everything typed by an individual is true to the last letter. Because we are too lenient to offer ‘the customer’s experience the benefit of doubt’ rather than question the authenticity of the statement.

If one cares to notice, more than ever new business boom big with growing interest and alarming consumption of the internet that people’s lives are impacted by internet, Google and social media – which seem inevitable and indispensable. Gone is a single day without a shy at the social media and as consumers, our appetite is insatiable. Our hunger to know is fuelled all the more. Our thirst for knowledge is never quenched. It’s for the good? No one is competent to address that poser, but admittedly inadequate to come out with a convincing answer.

When business depends on the customer, then make sure the deal is fair, engagement positive and memories pleasant, else it will boomerang and knock you out of your senses. For the best brand out there, their best ambassador is the customer. The unofficial spokesperson. Any word spoken out of place from that spokesperson can erode your company’s credibility and cast you into infamy , We weigh in too much about the personal experience and too much reliance on anecdotes, which can be figment of imagination or statement of exaggeration or just someone settling scores. Words can be far from the truth, but who validates before your reputation is already in ruins. 

Modern economy is way much different as plastic money and e-wallets are highly innovative when it comes to transaction. It’s a huge leap from the barter system, but what happens if there is a shutdown of services, including the internet. And growing dependence on the internet also makes it vulnerable for cyber-attacks throwing the reputation on the line. The best adocates are the rocogntion and repuation, so protect and preserve it.

image courtesy: goo.gl/NtH2Dq