Track D:
Techniques, Tools and Trends

Unbiased look at PM tools

Highmark Inc. has experienced an evolution of project management tools throughout the last several years. Discussion will include the evolution of those tools and what the current recommended and support tools for project management are at Highmark. Tools to be discussed include Microsoft Word, Excel, MS Project, Project Server, P3, and Suretrak.

Highmark's internal project life cycle as it pertains to the tools will also be presented.

Cathy Warner, ISST Consultant, HIGHMARK

Techniques to Improve Project Problem Areas

I have found there are four basic types of problems in projects:We don't know what done looks like.We don't know what to do.We don't know how to do it. There is something blocking us.

I have found there that the root of these types of problems usually stems from a defect in one of the areas above. This session will cover Problem Solving, Decision Making, Conflict Resolution, Consensus Building, and Managing Expectations.

Michael Gordos, Project Manager, IS, TDS TELECOM

Alpha Project Managers: What the Top 2% Know that Everyone Else Does Not

To help all project managers understand the underlying reasons for the success of the world's top project managers (the "Alpha" group), and how to incorporate these strategies and best practices into their daily routines. The top 2% of the world's project managers ("The Alphas") outrank their peers in almost every measure. This presentation focuses on what they know that the other 98% do not.

Andy Crowe, Author of ALPHA PROJECT MANAGERS

Calculating ROI on the Intangible
Most corporate business units and IT departments will state that they want to focus on "Value Added" projects that contribute to the bottom line. In fact, all projects in a company's portfolio can be prioritized and initiated primarily based on the value they will add to the company. However, measured ROI is often not the fundamental criteria for project portfolio decisions.

Many business managers, IT managers, business analyst know how to calculate the ROI on tangible items ("This system will save us 2 minutes on every widget we produce"). However, many find it difficult to calculate the ROI on less directly measurable items ("I know this new CRM system will help us sell a bunch more widgets. But how many more?")

In this presentation we will cover:

• A brief review of the terms ROI and Value Added and the role of ROI in portfolio selection
• A discussion of the different kinds of ROI (Increased Revenue, Accelerated Revenue, Reduced Cost, Increased Odds of a Quantifiable Gain, etc.)
• Interviewing techniques for gathering the information for calculating ROI intangibles
• A simple mathematical process for calculating the value of both the readily measurable and the "intangible" ROI.
• This is a highly interactive event and attendees will be participating in some hands-on exercises.
  

Kevin Schneider, Sr. Project Manager, Compuware

End of Day

Day One Track Sessions

Track A:
Core Competencies

Track 1:
Core Competencies for a BA - The IIBA Body Of Knowledge

Track B:
Advancements in Project Management

Track C:
People Side & Leadership

Track 2:
The BA role within the Enterprise

Track D:
Techniques, Tools and Trends

Track 3:
Advancements, Techniques & Trends This Track will be Chaired by IRISE

Track E:
Enterprise

The Big Picture, Tying the Technical Side
and the Business Side Together