Crisis management tips from an IT 'firefighter'.
Too often, in a crisis people spend precious time and energy trying to establish blame rather than focusing on fixing the problem. Communication tends to falter, and this fuels an "us versus them" mentality. Even though there may not seem to be time to document incremental progress, it is important not to skip this step. "Even if you don't yet have a diagnosis or a fix, organized, occasional updates reassure folks that someone's on the job, making them feel less frustrated and helpless,"... Read Full Article

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Government confirms end of default retirement age.
The Government has said that, according to plan, the default retirement age of 65 is to be phased out between 6 April and 1 October 2011.
As a consequence, employers will no longer be able to let employees go simply because they have reached the male state retirement age.
The change means that, from 6 April 2011, employers cannot issue any notifications for compulsory retirement using the DRA procedure. ... Read Full Article

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The Secrets Of Creating Your PMP Exam Brain Dump Sheet. There's no better catalyst for self realization than taking the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam. I'm kidding you, of course, but there is some truth in that the PMP exam day will illuminate that “you don't know what you don't know.”

The PMP Exam is a ‘closed' book exam. That means the only reference material you are allowed to carry into the testing facility has to be contained in your brain. But during your exam, your brain is going to be very busy interpreting the exam questions and trying to apply all of the knowledge, skills and principles you've accumulated in your studies and work experience... Read more

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Welcome to the first 2011 newsletter from PSS-Europe.

The New Year has started and it certainly feels like the older you get the faster time passes; we are already the best part of the way through January. On the bright side it may just be that the start of the year has been busy and I have not had time to stop and contemplate the passing of time.

One of the vital requirements in managing a large project is communication, it's a two way process and the communication plan needs to cover both the broadcast and receipt of information. Stakeholders need to be kept informed as to how the project as whole is progressing and in return stakeholders need to report on how they are progressing with the work stream they are responsible for. A lack of communication tends to lead to people taking polarised positions “you have not delivered what is required”, “you didn't specify clearly what was required”, which leads to an unproductive working relationship. Part of the communication with stakeholders needs to be an agreed schedule of activities leading up to delivery. Issues that are only raised at the point that should have been delivery lead to a lack of trust, leading to further polarisation.

In the event that this scenario starts to develop on a project one of the best ways to address it is a face to face meeting as this is a way to ensure dedicated time. E-mail can be misread, e-mail and telephone does allow observation of facial expression or body language (neither does video calling unless you have spent £100k's on a full immersion solution). Meeting in person means dedicated time to work on the issue and there will also be social interaction that will help establish common interests and underpin a better w orking relationship.

One of PSS-Europe's strengths is managing the relationships within projects and underpinning them with a structured approach. Working in conjunction with the PMO or providing mentoring PSS-Europe can support the implementation of process change, a major contribution when project recovery is required.

Like it or not, communication is the most important component within any project. The success of most projects, whether handled by a dedicated project team or a cross-departmental team, depends upon a set of crucial communication skills and techniques. Interestingly enough, all IT project and development managers that I interviewed agreed: Communication and human interaction make or break a project.

We sometimes forget that project communications refer to the specific behaviour and techniques used to motivate, lead, delegate, and report back to all stakeholders working on the project... Read more..

Liz Drysdale - Project Manager
Available immediately

Liz is a multi-skilled, energetic and highly capable manager with a demonstrable record of delivering quality, technical and business change projects and programmes to time and budget. Accomplished in building and maintaining effective relationships to ensure successful delivery, Liz is a confident and able manager who enjoys high level responsibility. Liz is self-motivated with an excellent ‘can-do' attitude with the ability to work alone, as part of a team and as a man manager.

More information on Liz's career.

To book Liz's time

Tom - 07789 994994 or E-Mail Project Services ___________________________________________________

Ajay Budhraja - Project Manager
Available immediately

A Well-organised and flexible individual, with over 5+ years' experience of working in IT focused environments gaining a great knowledge of key IT systems, Software and ability of understanding key architecture across organisations.

Working within Professional services across EMEA, highly customer focussed, and required key understanding and demonstration of internal products and customer network architecture. The Project Management role was highly involved in the presales and ongoing management of the customer post successful implementation.

More information on Ajay's career.

To book Ajay's time

Tom - 07789 994994 or E-Mail Project Services
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Tony Bessent - Senior Programme/Project Manager

A business-led IT Infrastructure Project Manager with a proven track record of success within competitive B2B, B2C, outsourced services, document management, telecoms, banking, financial services, CRM/ERP, technology, consultancy, public sector, corporate and commercial market sectors.

More information on Tony's career.

To book Tony's time
Tom - 07789 994994 or E-Mail Project Services

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Lawrence Richardson - Senior Consultant/Project Manager
Available immediately

Lawrence has substantial international experience of managing and delivering major projects and programmes of work primarily in the Telecoms Sector. Successfully working with management at all levels to determine appropriate business and technical strategies and manage the implementation.

Held senior roles as Programme Manager, Billing and Revenue Assurance Director and Project Manager/Consultant (contract and permanent). Over 20 years progressive experience, while still retaining a fresh and direct approach to new challenges. Able to quickly integrate into any organisation or sector and provide immediate value. Business focus is paramount and most projects have been sponsored by the Business other than IT or technical enablers. Effective Stakeholder management has been key factor in getting good results.

A significant contributor in establishing four separate start-up operations in Europe, USA and the Middle East .

More information on Lawrence's career.

To book Lawrence's time

Tom - 07789 994994 or E-Mail Project Services ___________________________________________________

According to Linkedin over 110 of the people receiving this newsletter have changed their employer in the last year.

The best recommendation is via word of mouth. If there is an opportunity to recommend a recruiter at your new employer please think of PSS-Europe.