1. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
“From Books to the PM Profession”
- Why does “PM Profession” chooses you...
Xavier D. Díaz-Díaz, MBA, PE, PMP, PgMP
Manager – Project Engineering
Pfizer – Global Manufacturing Barceloneta
29-April-2009
2da Cruzada Universitaria

2. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
From Books to the PM Profession
• Topics
– Projects & Project Management
– Project Management Methodology
– Traits of a Good Project Manager
– What is a Program?
– Why did the “PM Profession” choose me?
– Will the “PM Profession” choose you?
– Tips for any successful professional career
– Questions????

3. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
What is a Project?
• “PMBOK®
” Definition:
– A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken
to create a unique product or service
• “Project Management For Dummies®
” Definition:
Large or Small, a project must have the following:
– specific outcome (products/services)
– definitive start & end dates (project lifecycle)
– established budgets (funds, people, equipment,
facilities, information, etc.)

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Examples of Projects
• Construction of a building or facility
• Develop a new product or service
• Running a campaign for a political officer
• Having a Graduation Party for your Class!

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What is Project Management?
• Is the formal process of guiding a project from its
beginning, thru execution and closure. It includes the
planning, organizing and controlling processes.
• “Project Managers” need to balance the needs of the
“Triple” constraint Triangle
– Resources (funds, people, equipment, facilities, information,
etc.)
– Time (Start/End dates)
– Scope (end product attributes, quality, specs, etc.)

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The “Triple Constraint – Pyramid”
– In recent times the “Triangle” has been depicted as
a “Pyramid” adding “Quality” as a fourth
constraint.

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PM Methodology: Project Lifecycle Model

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Project Lifecycle Framework
• Initiating phase:
– Prepare high level scope/deliverables
– Gain alignment from key stakeholders
– Obtain approval & necessary funding
• Planning phase:
– Define/refine objectives
– Prepare Project Execution Plans (PEP)
– Gain final allocation of funding.

9. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
Project Lifecycle Framework
• Executing phase:
– Implement the PEP
– Coordinating people/resources to carry out PEP
– Typically the longest phase of a project.
• Monitoring & Controlling phase:
– Ensure project objectives are met
– Monitor/measure progress regularly
– Take corrective action to keep project on track
– Controlling has much overlap with other phases

10. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
Project Lifecycle Framework
• Closing Phase:
– Bring project to an orderly end
– Formalize & communicating the acceptance/conclusion
of a project
– Handing over to the ongoing accountable area
– Conduct Lessons Learned Review for future projects

11. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
Traits of a Good Project Manager
– Be a Team Leader
– Serve as Integrator of the Project Team
– Communicator
– Climate Creator
– Decision Maker
– Project Planner
– Conflict Manager
– Technical Director
– Coach/Mentor

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What is a Program?
A program is a group of related projects managed in a
coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available
from managing them individually.
Portfolio
Program Program Project
TasksProject Project
Task 1
Task 2

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Program Management Themes
• Areas of Focus:
– Program Governance
– Benefits Management
– Stakeholder Management
• Examples of Programs:
– Product Transfers between manufacturing plants
– New Boeing or AirBus airplane
– Change from Analog to Digital TV
– ‘Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe’ Mayagüez 2010

14. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
Why did the ‘PM Profession’ choose me?
• Career Opportunities:
– 1st
Project 1989 w/DuPont
– Continuous project experiences: J&J, Upjohn, Pfizer,
Merck, Syntex
– The ‘PM Profession’ always had a new project
opportunity around the corner!
• Professional Traits:
– Focus on details
– Deliver on commitments/high credibility
– Guide teams to achieve the customer vision
– Manage Change
– Create an inclusive environment
– Excellent negotiation skills

15. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
Will the ‘PM Profession’ choose you?
• Look at available entry level opportunities:
– Thru college employment referral office
– Career placement agencies / Internet
– Networking on associations like PMI, CIAPR, etc
• Examine your “Strengths & Weakness” (SWOT):
– Good Technical Skills
– Working under-pressure
– Like to be in the ‘field’, not in an office
– Use of PM Software (MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint)
– Good communicator, team player
– Good negotiation skills

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Tips for any successful professional career
• Get a work experience while in college
– COOP work
– Summer Practice course
– Other means outside college
• ‘Don’t talk without data’
– Always back-up your recommendations with solid data
– Fastest way to lose credibility
– Remember, PR is small and the industry talks

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Tips for any successful professional career
• ‘Don’t be afraid to ask questions’
– The worst question is the one you don’t ask
– However, be careful not to ask the same thing again
and again…
• ‘Do always the right thing’
– Truth was a tendency to surface always
– Take time to analyze the situation and facts faced before
acting
– Always follow procedures

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Tips for any successful professional career
• ‘Find a Mentor and be a sponge’
– Be patient – Can’t change the world immediately
– Shadow your mentor – learn from him
– Remember ‘Knowledge is Power’
• ‘Don’t be scared to take more responsibility’
– Trust in yourself
– You can ask for advice when in need

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Questions????Questions????

20. 2da Cruzada Universitaria
From Books to the PM Profession