Friday, June 26, 2009

Effective PMP Exam Preparation Courses Online


By Jessica Parklanes Platinum Quality Author




As the date of your PMP exam draws near, the pressure starts to build up. But instead of letting that pressure consume you, you must use that instead as a trigger that fuels you to learn more about the things that will help you during the actual PMP certification exam. There are several PMP exam preparation tips and tricks that you can employ so you can land your dream project management job!

PMP Exam Preparation Online Courses

Today's modern setting, you can utilize the internet as a source of just about any type of information. So, it should not come as a surprise that there are several online PMP exam preparation courses available. They work the way any other types of preparation methods does, only it is done online. However, there are a few entailing benefits to opting for this method of PMP exam preparation.
Convenience

This is an apparent benefit. With the convenience of staying right at home, turning on your computer, logging online, and accessing the materials and modules you need for your study, it has provided a flexible means to acquire all the necessary training to prepare you for the PMP exam. This enables even those employed individuals to squeeze in their training for the PMP certification exam without giving up their job, and yet opening up more opportunities to advance one's career.

Comprehensive

Due to the advancements in the method used, most online PMP exam preparation courses are quite extensive in scope. In fact, there are a few training programs that are specifically catered for a specific area in project management, in case you want to make a concentrated approach. It works basically as a person-to-person or lecture type of discussion, but with an added benefit of gaining access to online database.

Cost-Efficient

Since you would have to stay at home, enrolling in an online PMP exam preparation course is more cost efficient because you have reduced the traveling costs, miscellaneous, and material purchases. Most of the modules and reading materials provided in an online course are downloadable, so there is no need to secure an actual copy of the book. And yet, the trainings for the PMP certification exam are just as intense and thorough as an actual PMP exam preparation course.

Software For PMP Exam Preparation

Tied up to your online courses in preparation for your PMP certification exam are software tools that will aid your learning. These software tools are available in different methods and forms, so you can choose one that suits your PMP exam preparation schedule best and your approach at learning.

*Training Manuals This is an important tool if you use software in preparation for your PMP exam. It includes a wide scope of project management topics including the nine basic knowledge areas concerned with project management, process inputs and outputs, tools and techniques, among others.

*Performance Analysis If you use PMP exam preparation software, you get the added benefit of having to monitor your progress. It utilizes tools provided within the training manual that assesses how much of it you have learned. It also specifies problem areas in your study, so you can focus on which you need to improve on.

*Sample Tests and Questions This one offers the same benefits as the one above since the main objective is to assess how much you already know and how much you still need to learn. This is also focused on a given area so you are aware what aspect of your project management knowledge needs to be improved.

Taking the PMP exam is no longer as troublesome as it used to be. With several PMP exam preparation tools available online, all the information you need is practically right at your fingertips.

The PMP certification exam is one of the most challenging certification boards in existence. We have a dedicated team at Threeo.com who wish to share insights into PMP exam preparation methods so you can pass your own PMP exam.

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Here's How You Can Ace Your PMP Exam


By Jessica Parklanes Platinum Quality Author




Interested in becoming a project management professional? If you are, then you must first take and pass your Project Management Professional or PMP exam. This is the only way that you can get certified as a professional in this particular field. There are several domains covered during the exam and educating yourself about them will take you a step further into your chosen career.

Like with any other types of test, the PMP exam requires you to meet a certain set of standards. Therefore, anyone wishing to take it must undergo certain preparation procedures and courses that will provide you with the information you need to end up certified.

Taking PMP Course

The main idea behind taking a PMP course is to provide one proper guidance into how to go about the exam. Engaging yourself in a PMP course will help produce the proper perspective needed so you can get a good understanding of the experience. Also, it opens you up to more diverse learning patterns so you are better armed during the exam proper.

After all, the aim of the exam is to certify that one has the proper knowledge and skills to become a professional in the field of project management. Therefore, try to gather as much information as you can with regards to the following essential domains covered in a PMP exam. They are as follows:

1. Project Initiation
2. Planning
3. Execution
4. Project Monitoring and Control
5. Closing
6. Professional and Social Responsibility

PMP Exam Preparation

Now that you know what you need to learn, the next step is to figure out how to prepare for the exam. The best approach for your preparation is to cover a wide range of related areas that will be included in the exam. Hence, you can distribute the focus of your study to include the following areas relevant to PMP:

*human resource management
*cost management
*risk management
*quality management
*time management
*integration management, etc

Also, try to look for resources to use in your study from various sources. This will enable you to reinforce the points you have covered and build up on that information. For your PMP exam preparation, look for resources that provide practice questions so you can anticipate what type of questions will appear in the exam and you can formulate the answers.

Filing PMP Exam Application

If you are interested in taking the exam, there are two ways you can file your application. First, you can visit the Project Management Institute website so you can access an online application. Or, you can secure a copy of the PMP Credential Handbook wherein a paper copy of the application form is supplied. Once you have the application form, the applicant must meet the requirements needed to gain eligibility for taking the PMP exam.

Nature of PMP Exam

PMP Exam are typically computer-based wherein the examiner must respond to multiple-choice questions. The exam must be completed within four hours of time alloted to take the exam.

If you take the exam online, you will be provided a printed out copy of your exam results shortly after the exam. Meanwhile, if you take a paper-based exam, the results will be sent after six or eight weeks.

Ready to take the PMP Exam? You can take your own PMP Course to boost your chances at acing the exam. Or, better yet find invaluable tips and ideas for your PMP Exam Preparation to finally get the certification you've been dreaming.

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PMP Certification - Steps Before and After Taking Your PMP Online Course


By Jessica Parklanes Platinum Quality Author

A PMP credential can open many doors of opportunities for you. It can lead to higher pay, more challenging work, and personal satisfaction if only you can attach those three all-important letters to your list of Bas, BSAs, MBAs, PhDs, and other acronyms representing your achievements. Your PMP online course is just a step, albeit a major one, in getting your PMP certification. Here are the steps.

Before PMP Online Course

You just do not purchase an online course at the drop of a hat. First, you have to read the Project Management Institute (PMI) Credentials Handbook, which is available online at the PMI site. You will spend approximately half an hour to read and understand the process involved in securing your PMP certification, which is time well spent considering that you will be enlightened on the basic guidelines of eligibility requirements and the application process.

Second, you have to make sure that you are eligible to take the PMP examination. The Credentials Handbook sets requirements on educational attainment, professional project management experience in terms of months acquired and hours logged, and a uniform 35 hours of Project Manager related training. The PMP online course from a PMI Registered Education Provider is counted as PM-related training. Since the number of hours logged runs in the 4,500-7,500 range, being a pack rat of your certifications is a huge help.

Third, you have to sign up for the PMP examination. You have to follow a timetable on when you will actually take the examination, instead of setting an ambiguous date. To accomplish this, you can sign up online via the PMU website as soon as possible.

Fourth, you have to read the definitive Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide (if that is a mouthful, try PMBOK Guide). If possible, read it twice thoroughly. It is definitive because most of the examination questions are from this guide alone! How does knowing 75% of the answers sound to you?

During PMP Online Course

First, you have to sign up for a PMP online course because the other 25% of the examination questions will be discussed. Though the PMBOK Guide is definitive, you will encounter vague concepts that need further translation into everyday situations.

Second, if you still have the time and the energy, you can attend PMP workshops. You will get additional examination tips, you can de-stress with fellow candidates and you can hobnob with your mentors.

Third, you have to put your mind into the course. You should read the training manuals, answer the sample questions, and monitor your progress. You have to study hard and study even harder when you see room for improvement. Indeed, there simply is no sense in wasting good money, be it corporate sponsorship or personal funds, when you can take full advantage of the opportunity for advancement.

After the PMP Online Course

There really is only one step in this area - take the exam! Your cold feet should not get in the way of the final step towards securing your PMP certification. All your studying and pouring of blood, sweat and tears in memorizing the PMBOK Guide and in acquiring work experience deserve self-confidence during the PMP examination itself.

When you have successfully passed the exam, you will realize that the long journey (eight years of experience, no less!) towards PMP certification was worth every penny and every step.

For the best PMP Exam Preparation http://threeo.ca/ course complete with a PMP Exam Training Software, visit ThreeO.ca! As a PMI Registered Education Provider, you are assured of only the most outstanding PMP Online Course http://threeo.ca/ available today.

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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Construction Estimating Software


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Construction estimating software is computer software designed for contractors to estimate construction costs for a specific project. A contractor will typically use estimating software to estimate his bid price for a project owner, which will ultimately become part of a resulting construction contract. Some architects and engineers may also use estimating softare, but usually only to provide a budgetary cost estimate to an owner prior to construction.


Contents

History

Traditional Estimating Methods

Contractors review a project's plans and specifications to produce a takeoff (a list of item and material quantities needed for the project). This is traditionally done by analyzing the project plans and, utilizing knowledge of required construction methods, producing an itemized list of the project requirements. Then, based on this list, a contractor will tabulate the various resources and costs for every aspect of construction. These resource costs include labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and any other related costs.

The Rise of Spreadsheets

With the advent of computers in business, contractors began using spreadsheet applications like VisiCalc, Lotus 1-2-3, and Microsoft Excel to duplicate the traditional tabular format, while automating redundant mathematical formulas.[1]

Database Applications Emerge

As more and more contractors came to rely on spreadsheets, and the formulas within the spreadsheets became more complex, spreadsheet errors became more frequent. These were typically formula errors and cell-reference errors. Hard-coded formulas in database applications were originally created to overcome these errors. As these applications became more and more popular over the years, additional features, such as saving data for reuse and construction-specific calculations, have become available.


Typical Software Features

  • Item or Activity List: All estimating software applications will include a main project window that outlines the various items or activities that will be required to complete the specified project. More advanced programs are capable of breaking an item up into subtasks, or sublevels. An outline view of all of the top-level and sub-level items provides a quick and easy way to view and navigate through the project.
  • Resource Costs: Resources consist of labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, trucking, and any other cost detail items. Labor and equipment costs are internal crew costs, whereas all other resource costs are received from vendors, such as material suppliers, subcontractors, and trucking companies. Labor costs are usually calculated from wages, benefits, burden, and workers compensation. Equipment costs are calculated from purchase price, taxes, fuel consumption, and other operating expenses.
  • Item or Activity Detail: The detail to each item includes all of the resources required to complete each activity, as well as their associated costs. Production rates will automatically determine required crew costs.
  • Calculations: Most estimating programs have built-in calculations ranging from simple length, area, and volume calculations to complex industry-specific calculations, such as electrical calculations, utility trench calculations, and earthwork cut and fill calculations.
  • Markups: Every program will allow for cost mark-ups ranging from flat overall mark-ups to resource-specific mark-ups, mark-ups for general administrative costs, and bonding costs.
  • Detailed Overhead: Indirect costs, such as permits, fees, and any other overall project costs can be spread to project items.
  • Closeout Window: Many estimating programs include a screen for manually adjusting bid prices from their calculated values.
  • Reporting: Project reports typically include proposals, detail reports, cost breakdown reports, and various charts and graphs.
  • Exporting: Most software programs can export project data to other applications, such as spreadsheets, accounting software, and project management software.
  • Job History: Storing past projects is a standard feature in most estimating programs.

References

  1. ^ Christofferson, Jay. "Estimating with Microsoft Excel," Brigham Young University.

External Links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction_Estimating_Software"

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Shop drawing


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



A shop drawing is a drawing or set of drawings produced by the contractor, supplier, manufacturer, subcontractor, or fabricator.[1] Shop drawings are typically required for pre-fabricated components. Examples of these include: elevators, structural steel, trusses, pre-cast, windows, appliances, cabinets, air handling units, and millwork. Also critical are the installation and coordination shop drawings of the MEP trades of Divisions 15 and 16 such as sheet metal ductwork, piping, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical. Shop drawings are not produced by architects and engineers under their contract with the owner. The shop drawing is the manufacturer’s or the contractor’s drawn version of information shown in the construction documents.[1] The shop drawing normally shows more detail than the construction documents. It is drawn to explain the fabrication and/or installation of the items to the manufacturer’s production crew or contractor's installation crews. The style of the shop drawing is usually very different from that of the architect’s drawing. The shop drawing’s primary emphasis is on the particular product or installation and excludes notation concerning other products and installations, unless integration with the subject product is necessary.[1]


Contents

Information required to be included in Shop Drawings

Comparison information for the architect and engineer

The shop drawings should include information for the architect and engineer to compare to the specifications and drawings. The shop drawing should address the appearance, performance, and prescriptive descriptions in the specifications and construction drawings.[2] The shop drawing often is more detailed than the information shown in the construction documents to give the architect and engineer the opportunity to review the fabricator’s version of the product, prior to fabrication. References to the construction documents, drawings, and specifications assist the architect and engineer in their review of the shop drawings. Attachment of manufacturer’s material specifications, “catalog cut sheets,” and other manufacturer’s information may be helpful to accompany these drawings. Because shop drawings facilitate the architect’s and engineer’s approval of the product, they should be as clear and complete as possible.[2]

Notes of changes or alterations from the construction documents

Notes concerning changes or differences from the original documents should be made on the shop drawing for the architect’s and engineer’s approval. Ultimately, they are responsible for changes in these drawings and should have the opportunity to analyze any modifications. A dialogue should occur between the fabricator and the architect and engineer about any areas needing clarification. Successful installations are the result of collaboration between the designer, fabricator, and contractor.[2]

Information needed to fabricate the product

Dimensions, manufacturing conventions, and special fabrication instructions should be included on the shop drawing. It should be clear to fabrication personnel what will be manufactured from the shop drawings alone. The construction documents are rarely used as a reference in fabrication, with the fabricators relying on the shop drawing for all information.[2]

Indication of dimensions needing verification from the jobsite

Most jobsite dimensions, such as the dimensions between two surfaces on the jobsite, need to be verified. A dimension may be shown on the construction drawings, but the actual dimension may vary, from very small to large increments, depending on jobsite conditions. It is extremely important that the fabricated item arrive on the jobsite ready to be installed without field modification. Special care must be taken by the contractor to measure and verify dimensions. In new construction, plan dimensions usually are sufficient for ordering many fabricated items such as structural steel or precast concrete.[2]

In remodeling and renovation work, it is essential that field dimensions be verified prior to fabrication. Some fabricators, such as cabinet and casework suppliers, prefer not to rely on the contractor’s verification and will verify the dimensions with their own personnel.[2]

Placement or installation information

Some fabricators and manufacturers will provide symbols, data, or instructions concerning installation. This can include a list of other materials, such as fasteners or adhesives, appropriate but not included for the product.[2]

Samples

Some fabrications will require a sample submittal with the shop drawing, primarily for color and texture selection of finishes.[2]

Reviews

Because writing comments on eight to ten copies is a tedious process and an inefficient use of the architect and engineer's time, they will frequently specify other methods for distributing comments. Quick review is essential during the approval process.[3] Any method that facilitates this, while providing ample opportunity for comment and complete distribution, should be considered. Although a procedure may be specified in the contract drawings, most architects and engineers are open to suggestions and innovations that speed up the process.

Number of copies

Shop drawings are required, in various forms, depending upon the practice of the architect and engineer. A specific number of copies may be required by the specification. An example, distribution of the completed and corrected shop drawings may include the:

  • Owner—file or inspection copy
  • Architect—file copy
  • Architect—field copy or inspection copy
  • Consulting engineer—file copy
  • Consulting engineer—inspection copy
  • Contractor—file copy
  • Contractor—field copy
  • Supplier—original copy or one copy

Submittal of one or two copies of the shop drawing

Corrections are made by the architect and engineer, and the shop drawing is corrected by the supplier, then the appropriate number of copies is distributed. This method can be time consuming, as the shop drawing is not approved until the corrections are made on it.[3]

Submittal of a copy that can be reproduced

The architect and engineer make comments on the reproducible, then copies are distributed. This method facilitates the timely approval and distribution of the shop drawing. Review comments usually are obvious on the reproducible copy. When sepia copies are used, the reproduction of the sepia often is not as clear as a normal blue-line print.[3]

Compatible CAD software

When the supplier and designer have compatible CAD software, the review can be made from a CD or by email or FTP transfer. Comments can be made by the designer in a bold font or changes can be boxed for emphasis.[3]

Shop drawings in concrete reinforcing

Concrete reinforcing is one of the many items requiring specialized shop drawings for the fabrication of the material. Concrete reinforcing is custom-fabricated from 60-foot-long reinforcing bars.[4] The reinforcing bars are cut to length and bent to specific configurations. The shop drawing and the accompanying “cut sheet” lists the quantity, sizes, lengths, and shapes of the reinforcing bar.[4] This information is provided for review by the structural engineer to ensure that sufficient reinforcing is being supplied; fabrication of the bar by the supplier’s shop; an inventory list for the contractor, upon delivery the typical project has thousands of pieces of reinforcing steel that need to be organized for storage and installation; and placement by the ironworker. The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute(CRSI) has developed standard symbols, graphics, and formats for shop drawings and cut sheets that generally are used by reinforcing steel fabricators.[4] Each fabricator, has particular style for shop drawings and cut sheets, depending on the draftspeople and computer-aided drafting systems.


See also

References

  1. ^ a b c R Pietroforte (1997) (PDF). Construction Management & Economics. Taylor & Francis. http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/index/NK64AXLX9821K3M4.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h RM Crowder, W Hall, I Heath, R Bernard, D Gaskell (1996). A hypermedia maintenance information system. Computing & Control Engineering Journal. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=503166. Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
  3. ^ a b c d S Shahid, T Froese (1998) (PDF). Project Management Information Control Systems. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering. http://article.pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ppv/RPViewDoc?_handler_=HandleInitialGet&journal=cjce&volume=25&calyLang=fra&articleFile=l98-012.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
  4. ^ a b c VKR Kodur (1999). Performance-based fire resistance design of concrete-filled steel columns. Journal of Constructional Steel Research. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0143974X99000036. Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shop_drawing"
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