Unraveling the Confusion between Communication and Implementation When we ask Project Managers, IT folks, or Business Leaders about their change management or implementation plan for major initiatives of all kinds, we get this response a lot: “We’ve got it under control.” As we ask more questions, and peel back the layers of the onion, we learn that what they really mean is that they have a project website, an email campaign, and a big launch event planned. In short, they are confusing a communication plan and an implementation plan, which are in reality very different. [FULL STORY]   Use AIM to Support the Introduction of a PMO Drive Speed, Adoption and Return on Investment Many organizations are turning to a Program Management Office (PMO) structure as a way to improve resource management and efficiency. Like other business changes, the introduction of enterprise or portfolio project management brings with it both opportunity and risk. On the opportunity side of the equation, there is the chance to increase consistency, improve quality, reduce costs, improve productivity, and better prioritize how finite resources should be applied to the numerous projects and initiatives going on across the enterprise. On the risk side, organizations should recognize that this change will also cause business disruption and will require behavior change and adoption to be successful. Attending to the human side of this implementation through the application of the Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM) significantly increases the speed and potential for Return on Investment. [FULL STORY]

I’ve been through the Introduction to AIM program. Why should I invest in Accreditation?

Both the Introduction to AIM program and the Project Planning Workshop are intended to give you an overview of the principles, tactics, tools, and measurement diagnostics of the AIM methodology. If you really want to be able to use the methodology on projects and initiatives, you need additional knowledge that can only be gained through a combination of Accreditation and real-world project application, ideally under the guidance of an IMA consultant.

Accreditation is designed to increase your skills and knowledge to the Practitioner level.

Our project team will be using the methodology on a project. Do we all need to go through Accreditation?

We recommend Accreditation for the project leaders, business leaders, key team members, and critical change agents for your project. You need a critical mass of Accredited AIMers for maximum benefit. This investment will pay off on the project you are working on, and you will be able to apply your higher-level of capability on future projects.

What’s the value of onsite Accreditation versus the public Accreditation?

If you bring the Accreditation onsite (minimum of 10 participants) we can tailor the program to your specific project or projects, giving you greater benefit. You will also find that there is a “team-building” benefit to having intact team members attend the onsite Accreditation together.

April 2009