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CEU

Components of Learning

Posted on 12.01.16

learning_is_contentLearning is a lifelong activity.  An article in the newspaper relays information from recent studies documenting links between physical exercise, learning, and mental health in the elderly.  Lifelong learning bridges our knowledge and experience from the vast array of times and events in our lives.  Learning prepares us for the next step in our careers and in our lives.

For learning to be effective, it must contain and deliver three aspects:  content, access, and technology.  Professionals who gain certifications and credentials master these three perspectives of learning.  To maintain a professional certification, learning again engages through these three arenas so the candidate can earn PDHs or CEUs (professional development hours or continuing education units).

Content

You’ve probably heard that the volume of information and data doubles at an astounding rate – faster than ever in the history of mankind.  In just two years, they say, the amount of information ever created doubled from the beginning of time.  Consequently, for a busy professional, knowing where to find information, that is meaningful knowledge, can be a challenge.  Studies also show that knowledge retention decline precipitously if the information is not delivered when and how it is needed.

Today, anyone learning a new skill or refreshing basic competencies expects compelling content.  That content should be delivered so learners engage as many of their senses as possible.  This includes seeing (reading, viewing video), hearing (podcasts), and touching (writing, sketching).  As more senses are involved in the learning activity, the retention will increase.

All of our online courses at Simple-PDH.com include lessons to engage these different learning styles, such as reading, watching videos, listening to podcasts, and taking quizzes.  Online learning can be supplemented by face-to-face workshops where professional have opportunities to practice their skills in a non-threatening environment.  Often, busy professionals cannot find time during a typical workday to test new management theories.  An offsite training course provides the chance to apply knowledge in a risk-free environment with other like-minded individuals.

Access

Online learning has huge benefits for students and professionals.  Content is available 24/7 and is accessible in whatever format a candidate needs.  Learners can switch from a laptop to a cell phone and then to a tablet to complete an online learning module.  Having lessons available on digital devices, like smartphones, offers a quick reference in the field as well; thus supporting learning when and where knowledge is needed.

Maintaining professional certification is simple when the information is broken into small chunks.  A lot of people are too busy to book two hours per period for continuing education.  But, these same people can fill 10 minutes of waiting time with learning.  Online PDH courses break the content into small tasks on lessons, typically less than three (3) minutes each.

For candidates that require a deep dive into a new topic, labs and workshops offer access to knowledge and learning-engageexperiences shared in a classroom setting.  Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, known as “social learning,” is an effective way to increase knowledge retention.  We remember the stories we hear and share in the classroom.

Technology

Finally, learning has been irrevocably changed by technology.  Just 20 years ago, when I was in college, the professor wrote on a chalkboard and students took laborious notes in spiral binders.  Advanced technology at the time included overhead projectors.

Today, technology assists learning in many ways.  As indicated above, online learning delivers content to a candidate on his/her mobile device, transferring seamlessly between computer and classroom.  Technology allows us to access the different learning modalities – seeing, hearing, and touch – in order to improve knowledge retention.

Yet, technology can be a hindrance to learning.  We are easily distracted by ads and instant messaging while viewing internet content of any kind.  Our attention spans have shrunk as we expect to be entertained and we quickly make that decision within a couple of seconds of loading a new web page.  Consequently, technology can assist learning but it is not learning in and of itself.

Learning Components

If you want to learn a new capability or refresh an existing skill, you must consider three components to increase your knowledge.  First, the content must engage as many senses as possible.  Many subject matter experts possess great knowledge and experience in their trade but cannot adequately translate that information.  Candidates for professional certification should look for courses (online or face-to-face) that provide opportunities to see, hear, and interact with learning materials.  Particularly important to earning and maintaining professional credentials is an opportunity to practice the new skills.

Next, knowledge must be accessible.  At Simple-PDH, our online course materials are available on your laptop or mobile device.  Our classroom workshops provide reference material to check when you are back in the office facing a new situation.  And, we are available to answer questions and share our experiences from the School of Hard Knocks.

Finally, technology can enhance the learning experience but it is not a substitute for well-built lessons.  Our knowledge base is supplemented by carefully selected videos and podcasts to encourage multi-modal learner engagement.  While our online courses rely on technology as a primary means of delivering information, our labs and workshops still ask you to use pen and paper, role-playing, and active discussion among other simple exercises to cement new concepts into your behaviors as a manager.

Lifelong learning is an adventure.  We need to continue to learn to preserve our mental health as we age and to be successful on the job right now.  Learning new skills presents challenges to advance our careers and professional performance.  At Simple-PDH, learning is convenient and affordable.  It’s simple to study, learn, and earn!

information on project management certification.  At Simple-PDH.com, we want to make it convenient and affordable for you to study, learn, and earn your professional certification.

 

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

by Global NP Solutions, LLC

Cost Estimating

Posted on 07.28.16

doomed projectProduct, project, and engineering managers are faced with many tasks on any given day.  We must manage people, technologies, and the project itself.  Stakeholders need to be frequently updated on the status of the project including utilization of resources, progress toward deliverables, and tracking of the schedule and budget.

Yet, many project managers are appointed to the position based on a strong technical background or because they are effective in leading complex teams.  Most project managers have not been directly exposed to managing a budget or schedule.  Of course, the client and the sponsor measure success through meeting project goals, including the plan for on-time and on-budget delivery of project results.

Budget Skills for Project Managers

Project managers can learn how to prepare a budget in several ways.  Sometimes, senior management will assign a specific budget for the execution of given project work.  In this case, the project manager is doomed.  There needs to be significant input, give-and-take, and understanding of tasks and deliverables in order for an appropriate budget to be determined.  Frequently, senior executives will underestimate the required work – and cost- of a project because they are far removed from day-to-day operations.

In other, more favorable cases, the project manager will work with the assigned project team and sponsor to formulate a viable project budget.  While estimating project costs is iterative by definition, sponsors and clients will often hold the budget to the first number they hear.  Naturally, project managers are in a difficult position.  Project work is often not detailed enough in an early stage to give an accurate cost outlook but padding the number could cause the project to look too expensive and lead to its cancellation.

Learning about Cost Estimates

Many product and engineering managers have not been formally exposed to budgeting and accounting practices in their technical or educational background.  One way to gain skills in planning projects is to understand basic project management principles.  Project Management Professionals (PMP®) are certified by the Project Management Institute and learn industry-wide best practices in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.  Cost and schedule estimating tools and techniques are described as part of the detailed planning process.  Product and engineering managers will also learn flexible and agile methods for lean product development, including how to estimate the cost of a specific project while the work is still not fully determined.  Iterative and rolling wave planning are tools that can help a project manager optimize and balance detailed cost estimates for the near term with longer term forecasts.  PMP Boot Camps and New Product Development Professional Workshops will help project, product, and engineering managers learn these tools for the first time or provide a timely refresher to continue to build career skills.

For those that just need a refresher on cost estimating, Simple-PDH is offering a new, two-hour course on Cost Estimating.  We start with the basics of creating a plan that balances scope, schedule, and budget.  Specific types of cost estimates and types of costs (direct, variable, etc.) are described so you can immediately jump into the budgeting process.  The Project Cost Estimating course will earn two (2) Professional Development Hours (PDH, PDU, CEU) for you to maintain your PMP, Scrum, NPDP, PEM certification(s).

Learn More

To learn more about integrating cost estimating techniques into project and product management activities, please join us for a PMP Boot Camp or NPDP Workshop.  You may also be interested in the quick refresher course to earn PDUs or PDHs.  It’s quick and affordable.

Every course at www.simple-pdh.com includes study guides, videos, practice tests, and expert instruction.  It’s simple to study, earn, and learn!  Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

Time Blocking for Lifelong Learning

Posted on 07.21.16

All of us understand that the world is moving at an ever faster pace.  Knowledge, as measured by the number of wordTimeBlock_resize and pictures committed to the worldwide web is increasing exponentially.  Our jobs are becoming more complex and the demands on our time are increasing as well.

How do you manage to balance daily requirements with the ever-pressing need to continually learn and adapt to a changing environment?  One tried and true recommendation is to use time blocking.  Time blocking allows our brains to focus intently on one – and only one – activity at a time.  No multi-tasking allowed!

Time Blocking Basics

What is time blocking?  The simplest answer is to look at your calendar.  While our calendars are often filled with meetings, we can also use our calendars to block out periods of time to use for intensive, strategic thinking and “real work”.  Many studies show that people need about 15 minutes to “get into the zone” in order to generate focus and concentration for the task at hand.  So, for a one-hour task, you will want to schedule at least one hour and 15 minutes.  In fact, you may want to schedule a minimum of 1.5 hours in case the task is more complicated than your initial assessment as often occurs.

Eliminate Interruptions

Human beings are very poor at multi-tasking.  In reality, even computers are bad at multi-tasking; they are just very good at switching between tasks at an extraordinary rate.  Humans, however, need to have our brains rest between tasks so that we can create a plan of action and evaluate options.

Remember the “flight or fight” mechanism we learned about in high school?  When we are constantly switching tasks, our primeval brain is busy trying to assess the risk and hazard of each task.  Should we stay to fight or should we turn and run?  This assessment mechanism prevents us from actually concentrating on accomplishing the task.  However, once we have committed to an action – fight or flight – we can concentrate and focus on that specific activity.

In addition to conquering the myth of multi-tasking, we also must eliminate interruptions.  During intense periods of focused work, we need to have a quiet environment – free of interruptions – to focus on the task.  In most cases, this means turning off the audible notifications on cell phones and laptops, sending the office phone to voice mail, and closing the door to prevent drop-in visitors.

Note that “quite time” may not mean silent time.  Many people can “get into the zone” with soft music playing in the background or even in a public library where the constant buzz of voices offers a steady, but not disturbing, background.  I recently stayed at a hotel across the street from a popular bar and outdoor music venue.  The music definitely permeated the hotel’s walls.  They kindly placed a white noise generator next to the bed.  I selected “ocean” setting and the rolling of waves and squeals of seagulls covered the band’s loud music so I could concentrate on the computer tasks I need to complete and then drift off to sleep.

Lifelong Learning

online-learningWhile these tips to eliminate multi-tasking and to focus on the task work well for any task, time blocking is essential to lifelong learning.  Using time blocking, you can schedule an hour a day or a few hours per week to focus on building skills and gaining knowledge.  This time should be scheduled on your calendar so you can prevent interruptions and you should treat it as sacred.

For example, I spend an hour a day focused on learning.  Usually, I drink my morning coffee while I read emerging literature in the fields of product, project, and engineering management.  This time of day works well for me because I am most focused first thing in the morning and the rest of the world won’t be up and running for another hour or so.  My time is quiet, away from distractions and multi-tasking.  In fact, my reading area is in a separate place than my office computer to eliminate the dings and buzzes of email, text, and other day-to-day task notifications and reminders.

In studying for a professional certification like PMP® (Project Management Professional), SMC™ (Scrum Master Certification), NPDP (New Product Development Professional), or PEM (Professional Engineering Manager), you should set aside at least one hour per day for focused learning.  (It’s okay to take weekends off because you do need to spend time exercising, relaxing, and with your family.)  With our NPDP self-study classes, you can use that time to watch an instructional video, review the study guide, or take a practice test.  Most of the Professional Development (PDH) courses at www.simple-pdh.com are an hour in length but you may want to schedule 15 minutes more to “get into the zone” and fully concentrate on learning the material.  You will study, learn, and earn you PDHs quickly, affordably, and conveniently.

Put It Into Action

Time blocking is an effective method for learning and for accomplishing difficult tasks.  Start by scheduling a couple of hours per week to expand your knowledge in a new arena.  Our Disruptive Innovation course is just one hour for you to practice lifelong learning, time blocking, AND to earn professional development hours.  Call 281-280-8717 for a special 50% discount code.  For more information on online or customized face-to-face courses, please email us at [email protected]

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

Where to Find Continuing Education

Posted on 04.14.16

expensiveRecently I attended an international conference that was sponsored in the city where I live.  The topical conference was three and a half days long, but I only had time in my schedule to attend for one day.  Luckily, because I was a speaker, the $2,000 registration fee was waived.

I have to admit that I did not significantly benefit from the conference due to its highly technical nature.  Even the general sessions required a PhD to understand!  I will submit one hour of professional development (PDH) to maintain my professional credentials, but I didn’t actually learn anything.  In fact, I resented (to some extent) that I needed to make a day’s worth of work on top of my already busy schedule for nothing in return.

Moreover, I noticed more than half of the audience tapping away at laptops or cell phones during the keynote addresses.  Despite the fact that the lighting in the room was quite dim, some 200 tiny pools of blue light emanated from smartphones across the auditorium as conference attendees tried to get some work done during the endless, highly technical presentations that did not apply to their daily work.

Continuing Education is Important

Continuous learning is important – don’t get me wrong.  However, the environment of a large, expensive conference cannot deliver the right learning at the right time to time-stressed professionals.  A few heads popped up from their smartphones every half hour as a new keynote speaker was introduced along with a new topic and endless slide deck.  Yet, there is very little learning in just a half hour when presented to a broad audience and all the “good stuff” has been scrubbed by the presenter’s company lawyers to maintain confidentiality.

B2B-BoringIn one session I attended, a single speaker was so bad that half the audience walked out and never returned.  The cookies and coffee in the vendor area were a better draw.  Do you really want to invest thousands of dollars and hours of lost work to eat cookies in the hallway?

A Better Way

There is a better way.  Online learning allows you to customize your own professional development training to fit your needs.  Not only do you take the courses you need when you need them, but you can take the course at your own pace.

At Simple PDH, we understand how important continuing education is to stay at the top of your profession.  In fact, gaining knowledge of new concepts, theories, and best practices is the rationale behind Professional Development Hours (PDH) requirements of organizations like PDMA (Product Development and Management Association), PMI® (Project Management Institute), and ASEM (American Society of Engineering Management).  Yet, earning your professional development hours should not be a dull slog through a series of monotonous PowerPoint presentations at a boring conference where the cookies are more attractive than the talks.  Studying, learning, and earning PDHs should be easy, self-paced and simple!

Give It a Try!

Why not try simple online learning to earn your PDHs?  To find out how easy it is to study, learn, and earn PDHs at Simple-PDH, join the Disruptive Innovation course now and earn 1 PDH for NPDP, PMP, or PEM renewal.  Save 50% through 31 May 2016 with the code “SPE2016”.  Upon completion of the one-hour course, you will earn one PDH applicable to maintaining your NPDP (New Product Development Professional), PMP® (Project Management Professional), or PEM (Professional Engineering Manager) certification renewal.  You have access to the course for 60 days and can take the practice and final tests as many times as you like.  Upon scoring a 70% or higher on the final quiz, you can download and print your completion certificate to verify earning the professional development hours (PDHs).

Whew!  A whole lot less hassle and expense than attending a boring conference.

If you’re not 100% sure of how online training works, please take an introductory course for FREE!  Learn more about NPDP certification by clicking here to register at no cost.  Or click on Registration in the upper right corner at www.Simple-PDH.com, then enroll in either of the Disruptive Innovation or NPDP Certification courses (see Courses in the top menu).

New courses are being added for PEM, PMP, and NPDP professional development every month, so check back often!  If you have questions about existing or upcoming PDH courses, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 281-280-8717.

 

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

The 3A’s of Professional Development

Posted on 03.31.16

Most professionals today are swamped.  We attend meetings, manage email, and do the work of our projects.  However, most professionals also maintain an obligation to continuous learning within our chosen professional field.  In fact, many of us are required to demonstrate continued education in order to maintain our professional credentials.

For example, PDMA (Product Development and Management Association) and PMI® (Project Management Institute) both require renewal of certifications every three (3) years showing 60 professional development hours (PDHs).  PMI specifies that of these PDHs, at least eight (8) hours must be attained in each of business and strategic management, leadership, and technical project management.  ASEM (American Society of Engineering Managers) requires 45 PDHs every three (3) years to maintain the Professional Engineering Manager (PEM) certification.

In a working world short on time, how can professionals get the job done and maintain their credentials?  That’s where the 3A’s of professional development come in:

  1. Accessible,
  2. Available, and
  3. Affordable

Accessible

One option for New Product Development Professionals (NPDP), Project Management Professionals (PMP®), and PEMs is to earn continuing educations units (CEU) online.  Online learning is accessible wherever there is an internet connection.  At Simple PDH, we make PDH courses accessible through a variety of formats.

First, courses include documentation and video/audio to make learning easy.  Students can download articles to read at their leisure or proceed through the course at one sitting.  Most PDH courses are designed for completion within just one or two hours.

Next, practice tests are available for users to test their knowledge on the topic before, during, and after studying course materials.  Practice tests help you prepare for the final exam.  Continuing education credits are awarded after the candidate achieves a passing score on the final test.

Finally, candidates can take the final exams as many times as necessary during the course registration period (typically 60 days).  Once a user obtains a passing score (typically 70%), s/he can download and print the completion certificate clearly indicating the course title, date, and number of PDHs earned.

Available

While we are just getting started in 2016, a wide variety of professional topics for PDH courses are coming available at Simple PDH.  Professional credential holders should routinely review foundational concepts as well as emerging topics.

For example, NPDPs should be well-versed in strategy and portfolio management.  PMPs must understand the triple constraint and earned value management.  (Our newest course, launching in April 2016, covers Project Cost Estimating, the triple constraint, and earned value management.)  Likewise, PEMs should be familiar with organizational design and quality systems.  Yet, all professionals benefit from emerging knowledge in the fields of open innovation and design thinking, for example.  (Look for courses on these topics later in 2016.)

Affordable

A big drag on maintaining a professional credential is the cost.  Most certifying bodies require a certification renewal fee in addition to demonstration of continued professional development.  Many of us cannot afford the time or money to attend large, multi-day conferences just to earn a few PDHs.  In other cases, even attending a full conference does not meet the minimum required PDHs for renewal of a professional credential.

Online learning is simple and affordable.  Most one-hour courses cost less than a meal at a local restaurant.  In addition, annual memberships offer discounted course rates in which you can bundle your own select group of courses to save more.  Corporate memberships are coming soon!

The 3A’s of Professional Development

You have worked hard to attain a professional certification like NPDP, PMP, and PEM.  It is our belief at Simple PDH that maintaining your certification should be accessible, available, and affordable.  With online courses you can study, learn, and earn your PDHs simply!

Try It Now!

To find out how easy it is to study, learn, and earn PDHs at Simple-PDH, join the Disruptive Innovation course now and earn 1 PDH for NPDP, PMP, or PEM renewal.  If you’re not 100% sure of how online training works, please take an introductory course for FREE!  Learn more about NPDP certification by clicking here to register at no cost.  Or click on Registration in the upper right corner at www.Simple-PDH.com, then enroll in either of the Disruptive Innovation or NPDP Certification courses (see Courses in the top menu).

New courses are being added for PEM, PMP, and NPDP professional development every month, so check back often!  If you have questions about existing or upcoming PDH courses, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 281-280-8717.

 

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

How Learning is Different Today

Posted on 03.17.16

social-learning-techNot so many years ago, education occurred in a classroom. Teachers prescribed textbooks for students to read and then lectured on the textbook as students diligently took notes. Homework assignments were written on notebook paper and duly graded with a red pen.

Learning is very much different today and is continually evolving to take advantage of changing lifestyles. For example, classroom education is declining among adults as more efficient methods of delivering education are available. Of course, technology plays a large part in this evolution of learning.

Technology in Learning

Today we carry a computer in our pocket. Smartphones give access to encyclopedic knowledge as well as “how to” and trivia. It is not impractical to view a YouTube video to learn woodworking skills as you step-by-step build new garden furniture.

Unfortunately, because of the availability of information, most people have lower retention rates. This is really the gap between knowledge and information. Watching a woodworking video gives me information on the skill to use a router but until I actually hold the router in my hands and apply it to a piece of wood, I do not have knowledge.

Professional Knowledge

Because learning is so different today and the required skills to be proficient at a job are growing, professional certifications are increasing. Certification demonstrates knowledge (not just information), skills, and experience in a chosen field of study. In many cases, professional certification is required for jobs above and beyond college degrees.

It is important to note that professional certifications are awarded based on demonstration of skills, knowledge, and experience. New Product Development Professionals (NPDP), for example, require skills in new product development and innovation demonstrated by an educational requirement (high school diploma or bachelor’s degree), experience in the field (five or more years of product development experience), and a passing score on a certification exam. Certification exams validate basic knowledge in the field of expertise. Project Management Professionals (PMP®) and Professional Engineering Managers (PEM) must meet similar requirements in certification.

Continued Education

A key criteria for professional certification is the continuing education requirement. Continued learning validates experience and skills in the field of study and encourages professionals to maintain knowledge of best practices and emerging trends. Most professional certification programs require continuing education.

Certification # Professional Development Hours (PDH) Renewal Period
NPDP 60 3 years
PMP* 60 3 years
PEM 45 3  years

*Includes 24 hours in Business Strategy, Technical Project Management, and Leadership

Earning Professional Development Hours (PDH)

professional developmentBecause learning is different today, so is maintaining a professional credential. In the past, certificate holders needed to attend expensive conferences out of town and away from the office. Many of the topics presented at a conference are not applicable to your business or background.

Today, learning is different. Online courses are short and affordable. You can select the topics that interest you. Instead of listening to someone drone on for hours in a lecture, online courses are interactive, engaging, and at your own pace. A typical course at Simple-PDH will offer learning with a downloadable article to read, various audio and video components, and a practice test. Final exams allow participants to download and print a certificate for their records to demonstrate earned PDHs to maintain certification.

Simple-PDH

Learning is different today. It is much more engaging, simple, and affordable. While many careers today require professional certification for advancement, we know that it is hard to maintain these credentials. At Simple-PDH, online courses make it easy to study, learn, and earn continuing education credits for your professional certification. It’s simple!

Try It Now!

To find out how easy it is to study, learn, and earn PDHs at Simple-PDH, join the Disruptive Innovation course now and earn 1 PDH for NPDP, PMP, or PEM renewal. If you’re not 100% sure of how online training works, please take an introductory course for FREE! Learn more about NPDP certification by clicking here to register at no cost. Or click on Registration in the upper right corner at www.Simple-PDH.com, then enroll in either of the Disruptive Innovation or NPDP Certification courses (see Courses in the top menu).

New courses are being added for PEM, PMP, and NPDP professional development every month, so check back often! If you have questions about existing or upcoming PDH courses, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 281-280-8717.

 

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

New Course Posted!

Posted on 03.03.16

Our goal at Simple PDH is to make learning easy. Maintaining credentials for professional certifications should not be difficult or expensive. At Simple-PDH.com, you study, learn, and earn – it’s simple!

We are also committed to delivering new content on a regular basis. Maintaining your professional certifications involves sustaining basic knowledge and refreshing the fundamentals as well as learning about new and emerging trends in industry.

Therefore, we are pleased to announce our newest course – Disruptive Innovation. This course launched on 1 March 2016, and is suitable for professional development hours (PDH) in NPDP (New Product Development Professional), PMP® (Project Management Professional), and PEM (Professional Engineering Manager). Because disruptive innovation is a way to think about new product and service strategy, this course provides continuing education units (CEU) in the Project Management Institute’s (PMI®) Talent Triangle™ for Business and Strategic Management.

What You’ll Learn

Disruptive innovation, a term coined by Clayton Christensen of Harvard University nearly 20 years ago, is a strategic theory backed by empirical study. In this one-hour (1 PDH) course, you will learn:

  • Definition of disruptive innovation,
  • Definition of sustaining innovation,
  • Examples of disruptive and sustaining innovations,
  • How to apply disruptive innovation to your business, and
  • Challenges to theory and application.

In addition, you can download a one-page tip sheet / study guide. You will have access to the practice quiz and final quiz as many times as you need during the enrollment period. Upon achieving a 70% passing score on the final exam, you can download and print your completion certificate as evidence of professional development and continued education.

How Does It Work?

The course is fully online with short topics and lessons to review. To maintain integrity for the requirements of continuing education, each lesson is timed and you simply click the “Mark Complete” button as you finish studying each topic or lesson. You can pause the course at any time and come back later. Also, you can review completed lessons and topics as many times as you like during the enrollment period.

Moreover, the course includes short videos and self-assessments. In Disruptive Innovation, the printable self-assessment allows you to benchmark your firm’s strategy in new markets and with product development projects.

Once you’ve completed each topic in all six lessons, you will take the final exam. The final quiz consists of ten (10) multiple choice questions. Again, a score of 70% allows you to print and download your completion certificate to verify PDHs for NPDP, PMP (general or strategy), and PEM.

Is It Affordable?

Yes, Simple PDH is easy and affordable. Disruptive Innovation is available for a 60-day enrollment period for Keep-it-simpleUS$29.95. With our introductory coupon code (SPE2016), you will save 50% (good through 31 May 2016). Payment with a credit card or PayPal account is easy and secure.

Simple PDH

The theory of disruptive innovation is designed to cause change in the marketplace. This is a well-designed course for our launch as we intend to disrupt conventions of slow and expensive maintenance of professional certifications. With a clean and easy-to-use online technology base, you can study, learn, and earn simply!

Try It Now!

To find out how easy it is to study, learn, and earn PDHs at Simple-PDH, join the Disruptive Innovation course now. If you’re not 100% sure of how online training works, please take an introductory course for FREE! Learn more about NPDP certification by clicking here to register at no cost. Or click on Registration in the upper right corner at www.Simple-PDH.com, then enroll in either of the Disruptive Innovation or NPDP Certification courses (see Courses in the top menu).

New courses are being added for PEM, PMP, and NPDP professional development every month, so check back often! If you have questions about existing or upcoming PDH courses, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 281-280-8717.

 

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

Management is Learning

Posted on 02.18.16

What is Management?

Management is often defined as the process of organizing, coordinating, and controlling the activities of a business to achieve desired objectives. Managers deal with motivating and directing human resources within constraints of productivity and efficiency of costs, equipment, and industry needs. Effective managers combine technical knowledge with behavioral science to lead and direct teams in achieving broad organizational goals.

Continuous Learning

continuous-learningContinuous learning may be defined as a process of storing in one’s memory knowledge and acting on that knowledge to repeat successful activities and to avoid less successful responses in an effort to improve oneself and one’s organization. Human beings are designed for continuous learning as we engage in work and social situations, gaining knowledge of our own and others’ experiences. Continuous learning relies on memory to bring forth similar situations from the past to apply to a current challenge. In addition, continuous learning also relies on inherent logic to adapt prior results to like circumstances. In short, we may call this applied judgement.

Continuous Learning in Management

Manager do a tremendous amount of “learning on the job.” Much of this learning has to do with specific work activities and with the teams that the manager engages. Learning what motivates individual team members, for example, can lead to effective execution of group tasks and assignments.

However, managers must also stay abreast of their technical fields and of the business world in general. New technologies are causing an explosion of new data and information. Research in management and behavioral science creates new theories and knowledge almost daily.

Engineering, project, and product managers must absorb and apply new information at an astounding pace, all the while constantly directing, controlling, and motivating their teams. Managers rarely have the luxury of time spent away from the office in learning opportunities, such as face-to-face classrooms or industry conferences. Yet these opportunities for continuous learning offer managers the change to gather new knowledge and best practices. Even if a manager does get away to an expensive conference, s/he spends a good deal of the time addressing emails and phone calls back at the company.

Online Learning

At Simple-PDH, we understand the dilemma of managing and continuous learning. Many engineering, project, and online-learningproduct managers have worked hard to achieve internationally recognized certifications like PEM (Professional Engineering Manager), PMP® (Project Management Professional), and NPDP (New Product Development Professional). Yet, maintaining the credential requires documented continuous learning, as much as 20 professional development hours (PDH) each year.

We understand and we empathize with your dilemma. We also recognize the importance of continuous learning as a fundamental necessity to improve your skills as an engineering, project, or product manager. Online learning offers a simple option to study, learn, and earn continuing education credits (CEUs) and PDHs. Most courses are just one hour in length and allow you to print a completion certificate as proof to validate your continuing education to a credentialing body like ASEM (American Society of Engineering Managers), PMI® (Project Management Institute), or PDMA (Product Development and Management Association).

All courses come with a practice test accessible as many times as you need and a final test to demonstrate mastery of fundamental and new management skills.

Try It Now!

To find out how easy it is to study, learn, and earn PDHs at Simple-PDH, please take an introductory course for FREE! Learn more about NPDP certification by clicking here to register at no cost. Or click on Registration in the upper right corner at www.Simple-PDH.com, then enroll in the NPDP Certification course (see Courses in the top menu).

New courses are being added for PEM, PMP, and NPDP professional development every month, so check back often! If you have questions about existing or upcoming PDH courses, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 281-280-8717.

 

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

Practice your Profession

Posted on 02.04.16

JJ WattI saw a clip of a television show about JJ Watt’s trainer. JJ Watt is a star defensive end for the Houston Texan’s football team. He has won all sorts of awards and is at the top of his game.

Yet, the television show was about JJ Watt’s training and pursuit of continued improvement. Athletes all practice hard to get stronger and better at their sports. Tiger Woods practices his swing. Roger Federer practices his serve. And LeBron James practices shooting baskets.

Athletes practice learning new skills, and maintaining the fundamentals, in order to improve their capacity as professionals. We, as professional technical managers, must also practice our skills and learn new techniques. This is the reason why most professional associations require continuing education credits or professional development units to retain a professional credential.

Required PDHs

The Professional Engineering Manager (PEM) certification is awarded by the American Society of Engineering Managers (ASEM). In order to maintain the credential, PEMS must earn 45 professional development hours (PDH) every three (3) years. New Product Development Professionals (NPDP), certified by the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA), require 60 PDHs every three (3) years to maintain this elite credential. Finally, Project Management Professionals (PMP®), certified by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), also require 60 PDHs every three (3) years to maintain the credential.

In addition, beginning in December 2015, PMPs must earn 24 of the 60 PDHs in specific areas of education to match current needs of employers. Eight (8) PDHs must be earned in each area of the Talent Triangle™: Business and Strategic Management, Leadership, and Technical Project Management.

Benefits of Continuing Education

Only the most rigorous certification programs require continuing education. This is, in fact, a differentiating factor that candidates should look for when scoping credentialing opportunities. Continued education within a certification program has several advantages.

First, no industry or field of study stands still. There are new practices and emerging social trends that impact the way in which a professional does his/her work. Technology advancements, alone, have significantly changed the way that an engineering manager or project manage interacts with his/her team. Changes in technical communication have radically changed the way that a new product development manager gathers customer requirements for an innovation project.

Second, continuing education forces a candidate for recertification to revisit the fundamentals. Just like JJ Watt practices blocking and tackling, and LeBron James practices his jump shot, professionals need to practice our fundamental skills. Engineering and project managers need to practice communication and conflict management skills. New product development professional need to revisit the standard processes that have demonstrated success in launching new products and services.

Finally, continued education allows experienced professionals to give back to the professional community and to serve as mentors for newly certified professionals. In sharing our own experiences as engineering, product, and project professionals, we help the next generation to learn. In addition, as mentors, we save the company money and time in developing the work product as well as developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Benefits_of_Cont_Education

How to Earn PDHs

While the benefits of professional continuing education are many (best practices, fundamentals, and mentoring), we have to admit that we are also busy, busy professionals. JJ Watt’s job is to train and become a better football player. Our job is to make sure the projects we are assigned are moving forward, schedules are being met, and budgets are constrained within guidelines. We don’t all have the luxury of a high paid professional trainer like JJ Watt or LeBron James.

At Simple-PDH, we understand that professionals are busy. Even though you understand the value and benefits of continuing education, your boss cannot afford to let you go to a week-long conference just to maintain your professional certification. On top of the airfare, hotel, and expensive conference fees, you are away from your job for an extended time period. Who knows what disaster might strike the project while you are away?

Instead, you can earn your PDHs and continuing education credits (CEUs) simply online. Each online course is affordable and convenient. You study online materials, including downloadable course noes and articles. You learn emerging best practices while refreshing the fundamental skills required of your profession. Each course comes with a practice test that you can take as many times as you want during the registration period. The practice test helps you to learn and apply course materials to your own business situation.

Finally, you earn PDHs by passing a final exam. Most final exams require a 70% passing score and then you can print your dated completion certificate. It’s really simple. Study. Learn. Earn.

Next Steps

To find out how easy it is to earn PDHs at Simple-PDH, please take an introductory course for FREE! Learn more about NPDP certification by clicking here to register. Or click on Registration in the upper right corner at www.Simple-PDH.com, then enroll in the NPDP Certification course (see Courses at the top menu).

If you have questions about upcoming PDH course, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 281-280-8717.

 

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

Maintaining Certification

Posted on 01.21.16

Professional certifications like NPDP (New Product Development Professional), PMP® (Project Management Professional), and PEM (Professional Engineering Manager), demonstrate experience, knowledge, and specific skills. The most rigorous certifications require continued learning to validate knowledge of best practices and emerging industry trends. Many accrediting bodies require a number of professional development hours (PDH) each period and may require particular categories of learning.

PDH Requirements

NPDP

npdp_certification_logoNew Product Development Professionals (NPDP) demonstrate mastery of skills in the field of innovation. As of first quarter 2016, the NPDP exam covers six key topic areas: strategy, portfolio management, NPD (new product development) processes, market research, teams and organizational structure, and innovation tools and metrics. You can learn more about the initial NPDP certification at www.globalnpsolutions.com/workshops/.

PDMA (Product Development and Management Association), the certifying body for NPDP, requires 60 PDH every three (3) years. For many of us, as busy product development professionals, this is challenging. Conferences are expensive and take us away from important day-to-day work. Email and meetings continue even when we are away from the office.

Simple-PDH offers an easy way to maintain your NPDP certification through online courses. Online PDH courses include appropriate documentation such as course reading notes, white papers, and tip sheets. Course materials are available with video and audio to make learning easy. Each course comes with a practice test and a final exam. Upon achieving a passing score on the final exam (typically 70%), you can download your completion certificate, clearly indicating the number of earned PDHs.

PMP

pmp_logoProject Management Professionals (PMP) demonstrate mastery of knowledge, skills, and practices in the field of project management. Currently, the fifth edition of the PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) covers five process groups and ten knowledge areas. Core knowledge areas include:

  • Scope,
  • Time,
  • Cost, and
  • Quality.

Supporting knowledge areas include:

  • Human Resources management,
  • Communication,
  • Risk management,
  • Procurement, and
  • Stakeholder management.

In addition, the knowledge area of project integration management pulls together project management plans and activities from all of the core and supporting functional areas.  Learn more about initial PMI certification at http://www.globalnpsolutions.com/workshops/pmp-certification-training/.

As the certifying body for PMPs, the PMI (Project Management Institute) requires 60 continued professional development hours (PDH) every three (3) years. Of these, at least eight (8) hours must be dedicated to each of the Talent Triangle™ arenas:

  • Business and Strategic Management,
  • Technical Project Management, and
  • Leadership.

At Simple-PDH, courses are clearly identified by the Talent Triangle for easy tracking of your continued education. Course completion certificates also plainly state the number of hours in each subject matter area. (Note that some course will have overlapping content and earned PDHs can count toward multiple categories on the Talent Triangle.)

PEM

asem-logoProfessional Engineering Managers (PEM) demonstrate experience and knowledge covering an Introduction to Engineering Management and ten (10) additional domains. Core domain knowledge includes:

  • Leadership and Organizational Management,
  • Strategic Planning,
  • Financial Resource Management, and
  • Project Management.

Supporting domains include:

  • Operations and Supply Chain Management;
  • Marketing and Sales Management for Engineering Organizations;
  • Management of Technology, Research, and Development;
  • Systems Engineering, and
  • Legal Issues in Engineering Management.

Underpinning all of the subject matter domains is the Professional Codes of Conduct and Ethics domain.

PEMS are required by ASEM (American Society of Engineering Managers) to maintain 45 PDHs over each three (3) year period. Simple-PDH offers course materials online to further your knowledge of engineering management and to help you become a better leader in your organization.

Upon completion of any course on the PEM PDH program, you can download and print your certificate, providing documentation for the PEM tracking form. Most courses are designed for a 1-hour continuing education credit (CEU); however many courses offer two or more PDHs.

Maintaining Your Credentials

It’s not easy to study for and pass a professional certification exam. Maintaining the pride in your accomplishment in your industrial field of study is demonstrated through continuing education. At Simple-PDH, we make it easy and affordable for you to earn your PDHs. Study course materials. Learn the newest best practices in management. Earn your professional development hours (PDH) and continuing education units (CEU). It’s all online, at your own pace. It’s simple.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 281-280-8717.

 

Study. Learn. Earn. Simple.

© Simple-PDH.com

A division of Global NP Solutions, LLC

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