ProjectBrief: Bulletproof Business Cases-Part 4

Last month our ongoing series on business cases covered what we call Solution Analysis: defining the Recommendation and Implementation steps. Now we explore the cost-benefit analysis elements of a bulletproof business case. Read on to find out what this involves.

Secrets from a Corporate Training Monster: How to get your Training Request Approved - Part 1

By Bob Prentiss, CBAP

Have you ever wondered why some people get to go to training and others don't? In the early stages of my corporate business analysis career I certainly did! I would ask and ask and it seemed that I never got to go and others did. It was confusing and it felt like I was not valued. Over time I realized that I was valued and that there were many, many factors being considered when training requests were granted. So over time I made every effort to figure out what those factors were so that I could not only get training for myself but for my colleagues and team too. I have been quite obsessed with training and education over the years, so much so Watermark Learning became my new home and the next part of my business analysis journey. So now it is time to share my secrets as a corporate training monster. So how does one get training requests approved?

Perfect your Project Management skills with these exciting classes!

Take all 3 classes for $2495.00 and save 33%.
Choose 3 or 4 days; pay $550.00 per day and save 27%.

Project Estimating, Planning & Control, Sept. 26-27
Project Risk Management, Sept. 28-29
Project Quality Management, Sept. 30

Decompose for Better Risk Identification

By Andrea Brockmeier, PMP, CSM

My last couple of ProjectBrief posts have pertained to risk management best practices. The first post was about the value of articulating risks as events, and my last blog was about including the consequence of risks in the register. This time, I want to remind people of a PM best practice that lends itself well to identifying risks. Read on to find out.

Watermark Learning
19th Birthday
Scholarships

In honor of our 19^th birthday this year, Watermark Learning is giving out 19 scholarship seats to our public classes the remainder of the year. Candidates must be currently in job transition and submit a short application. To get an application and enroll for consideration, please email your interest to marketinginfo@watermarklearning.com.

Congratulations to last month's recipients,

Linda Lamont and Pamela Rooke!

New Offerings

More Virtual Classes Announced

We are pleased to unveil four more classes that are available in a virtual environment over the Internet. Classes are held in 3.5 hour sessions, typically two or three per week. Find out what is available virtually.

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Business Process Management Program Announced

We are excited to announce our latest certificate program, the Certificate in Business Process Management. This focused program helps you become a knowledgeable and skilled practitioner in managing business processes. Read more about this program.

Industry News

Business Analysis Forum/Building Business

Capability Conference

We have one last full conference pass to give away before the event. Each pass is good for the main conference, excluding the tutorials and is a value of $1595. Congratulations to Francee Nachand-Crabtree, August's recipient. To register for the September give-a-way, you must be a Watermark Learning member and send your name and email address to info@WatermarkLearning.com by September 30, 2011.

Not a member, no problem! You can sign-up at www.WatermarkLearning.com. Membership not only entitles you to participate in periodic promotional give-a-ways and discounts, you will also have access to valuable articles and webinars only available to members.

As a Gold Sponsor to this event, Watermark Learning is also able to offer a special 15% Registration Discount Code that you can use this year. To receive your 15% discount, click here to register and enter WATBBC15 in the Promotional Code field.

We hope to see you at this event!

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IIBA to Offer CBAP Exam in Japanese

The IIBA has announced that it will translate the CBAP® exam into Japanese. It has already released the BABOK® Guide v2.0 in Portuguese earlier this year.

See the IIBA website for more information.

Influencing Without Authority

"The Influencing class was jam packed with great information and tools for relationship building and assessing your stakeholders. For me, this class is similar to when I took purchasing classes AFTER I had developed a new purchasing department and been in purchasing for many years. Last week I received the, SO THAT IS HOW ITS SUPPOSED TO WORK!, education and hope to implement it in my projects. Thanks very much."

-SM, Large Energy Industry Company

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