Joining a Project Management Learning Community

Probably more than most other desktop programs, Project requires you to be involved in a specific formal activity: project management. Project management can be an exciting mix of technical, organizational, and social challenges. The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the leading organization of professional project management. PMI focuses on setting project management standards, developing and offering educational programs, and certifying Project Management Professionals (PMPs) and Certified Associates in Project Management (CAPMs).

PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide 2000 Edition) describes generally accepted project management practices, knowledge areas, and terminology. In addition, PMI publishes the journals Project Management Journal and PM Network. You can learn more about PMI on the Web at www.pmi.org

Two Web sites or “portals” that might interest you are Project Connections and GanttHead. You can find these subscription-based sites at the following Web addresses:

• www.projectconnections.com

• www.gantthead.com

Both sites offer a wide variety of training, discussion forums, and industry-specific metrics and best practices for project management.