Different Approaches Presented In A Project Management Course

There are at least six various approaches to management which may be presented in a project management course. The approach necessary for each project is dependent upon the time line, cost, and overall goals and objectives of the project.

The first approach is the traditional approach. This is a phased approach which presents a set of five steps to complete to finish a program and ensure success.

Next is the Critical Chain Project Management method, which emphasizes human and physical resources as a source of strength in finishing tasks. This approach seeks to raise the rate of program completion in an organization by maximizing man power.

Also popular, is the Extreme Project Management approach. Because of it’s extremity (yes, there is truth in the title), this method works best with large, one-time projects, and is not recommended for a group with consistent projects. This extremity can be mixed with principles rooted in human interaction management for best results.

Event chain methodology is also used to address project managing. Event chaining focuses on scheduling and time management. It allows for a small margin of error by expecting uncertainties and analyzing them.

Another method used in management courses is PRINCE2. A very structured approach to management, PRINCE2 allows the manager to easily track and organize plans, resources, contacts, and other stages of a current project. It’s also very explanatory, which is beneficial to beginners.

The last approach discussed is process-based management. This approach relies on existing processes, such as Capability Maturity Model Integration and Software Process Improvement and Capability Estimation. This method usually involves focusing on small tasks within a project rather than the project as a whole.

Any of these approaches, which are introduced in a typical project managing course, can be used successfully. It is important for the project manager to closely analyze the working styles of himself and his team before choosing the most effective approach.

The Best Way to Present Your Top Quality Candles

Finding and buying those top quality candles can be a bit of a task but when you do find smokeless candles, drip-less candles or candles that are both you want to show them at their best. The top combination must be crystal glass holders, especially for dinner candles, but there are alternatives.

Why go to the expense of buying crystal candlesticks or crystal candle holders when there are so many cheaper alternatives available? The answer very simply is that when you are prepared to pay that little more for quality candles, displaying them to their best in equally good quality candle holders is a must.

Large pillar candles can be displayed in a large holder but more often than not they are placed on a small plate. The safer method is to buy a made for purpose plate that has a central spike that pushes into the centre of the candle to hold it firmly in place.

Tealight holders are found in various colours with just as much variation in decoration. Candle lanterns are made specifically to take tea lights and the combination can look very effective. You may think all tealights are the same quality but you would be wrong. Look out for smokeless and drip-less types and you may find they also have longer burn times.

Dinner candles can be a simple shape such as the beeswax church and altar or the taper, tapered Venetian or Sherwood. A really classy combination is Sherwood dinner candles in crystal candelabra or substitute them for the smaller and elegant Venetians. Alternatively show the Sherwoods in glass candlesticks with simple styling such as a chunky crystal glass or Roman style, the faceted faces usually catch the light and create a very pleasing effect. Look for glass candlesticks being the same style but differing heights. Grouped together they can make a classy looking table centrepiece.

A crystal glass candelabra can be used either as a table centrepiece for a dinner party or used on a side table for everyday use supporting unlit candles. Crystal glass candlesticks with their clean lines add a touch of class to a room. Of course both styles make an excellent wedding present or Christmas present.

A Cover Letter is a Sales Presentation of You

A cover letter’s only objective is to compel the reader into contacting you. In some ways, it is also to introduce yourself and set the stage for the resume. Yet, if you can write a cover letter that compels the hiring manager to call you, then the resume simply becomes what it is meant to be; a documented list of past experiences and accumulated skills.

Let us look at this from a sales perspective. A sales presentation is essentially composed of four parts:

- Approach

- Presentation

- Proof

- Close

The cover letter is the presentation and the close. The resume becomes the proof that supports your presentation as laid out in the cover letter. The approach is simply what you do to get the hiring manager to read your offer.

If the presentation is solid, the proof is something buyer needs to reinforce his belief that he made a good buy. So, in that light, the resume becomes the afterthought in a sense. If you have written a cover letter that effectively convinces the hiring manager to call you, then the resume simply reaffirms that, “yes, I am doing the right thing in calling this person, why; look at how sterling the resume is!”

On the other hand, if the cover letter fails to impress or convince; all the hard work of putting together the resume may be for nothing. A person must already have a “buying” predisposition for the proof to work, otherwise all the testimonials and proofs will probably not be enough.

Most people are familiar with the features and benefits of a product and what the differences are. In short, features are what make a product unique and the benefits are “what’s in it for me.” Yet in making the presentation, it is not enough to simply state mostly the benefits or mostly the features.

A good sales presentation makes the connection between a feature that the buyer most cares for and the benefit to the buyer. It is the connection that you draw that sets the stage for the close. It is not enough to say, “I am proficient in sales management, having directed 6 sales representatives in achieving 106% of sales quota for 2000.” That is the feature, that is nice; but so what.

It is not enough to say, “I can generate an increase in sales for your company by building a team of aggressive sales representatives.” That is nice, that is a benefit to hiring you I suppose, but what makes me believe that? And do I have to go back to the previous statement and make my own connection?

The feature and benefit must flow to something like, “I can bring increased sales and revenue to your company; as I did for Wily E. Acme Inc., where I achieved 106% of sales quota for 2000,” or words to that effect. You state the benefit first, and then, bridge to the feature. In this case, you are the product and so the cover letter is your sales pitch of you.

As you write your presentation, as much as making the connection for the hiring manager is critical, even more critical is making the right connection between the feature she is looking for and the benefits she needs. And the answer to that riddle is in the job description and your research of the company. You should not send form letters, willy-nilly, to every job you are interested in.

Select the position and the company that is a match for you, and then, you must dissect the job description. Make a bullet point list of what they are looking for. Then make a list of your skills and qualifications. And as you did in grade school, draw a line between what they are looking for and what you have to offer.

Research the company and industry and attempt to pinpoint which of the bullet pointed items seem to be the most important.

Mirror the words and descriptions that you picked out of the job posting and description. Nearly every job posting is pretty exact in what they are looking for. So,give them what they want in the words they wrote it in. If you use a template to get the flow of ideas down first, fine; then tweak the letter to mirror what the company is looking for.

And of course, you must close the letter by asking for a decision, “I suggest getting together immediately to discuss the possibilities between us, you may call me at (000) 000-1234.”

In concept, I suggest you write the cover letter as though it was a sales presentation. As you write the letter, write it in terms of what the buyer is looking for and in the words the company uses. You letter will be far more compelling.