• Community Development Q&A
• Event Highlights - March 2007
• PMP Certification News
• Call for PMP Study Group Leaders
• Chapter Calendar - 2007

• Asia Pacific eLink Newsletter
• Membership-at-a-Glance
• Thank You to Chapter Sponsors
• The Last Word - BOD

The Community Development transformation Project was completed by PMI Global in 2006.  The result of the successfully completed Community Transformation Project (CTP) is an ongoing PMI initiative called "Community Development". The goal of 'Community Development' is to deliver member value and contribute to the growth of project management worldwide.

A variety of community models have been identified to accommodate members’ professional needs, reaching beyond geography to create an enhanced community experience. A performance management framework will be developed to align community performance to PMI’s strategic and operational plan, ensuring that member value is both clearly demonstrated and consistently delivered at all levels. With adaptable, flexible models in place, communities are able to flourish under the guidance of volunteer leaders and the participation of interested and involved members.

The following is a question that was asked recently about Community Development:

Q. What is the role of the community formation liaison in the new community formation process?

A. The community formation liaison replaces the sponsor role that was part of the previous chartering process. The community formation liaison assumes a leadership role in presenting the idea for a new community to the Global Operations Center (GOC). The liaison also works with the GOC and other stakeholders to ensure the framework is carried out, and that processes and procedures are followed.

It is important to note that, because of the responsibilities of the community formation liaison, this individual who fills the position must physically reside or work in the proposed area of formation in order to carry out their duties. This policy is outlined in further detail in the Ideation Phase Guide. If a formation team needs assistance identifying an appropriate individual for this position, the Component Mentors are available to for consultation.

Please check the FAQs on PMI's Community Development website for a complete listing of questions and answers.
http://www.pmi.org/info/GMC_CTP_Overview.asp?nav=0306

On 21 March, the Bangkok Chapter celebrated its 7th consecutive year in operation by hosting its Annual Open House and Vendor Showcase event. The Chapter was honored and privileged to have as the Keynote speaker, Professor Kanok Wongtrangan, Ph.D.  Dr. Kanok is the Chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Governor of Bangkok. Over 100 professionals from the region attended the event to hear a very interesting speech on the integration of project management into our daily lives and thinking.  Dr. Kanok provided the audience with key concepts related to the "challenges facing the project manager today" to help us when applying project management principles.  

Additional highlights of the event included the showcase of sponsor products and services (see 'sponsor thanks' below).  Michael Schweitzer provided a Chapter overview and announcements and there were plenty of lucky draw prizes to give-away.  Overall, this year's Open House was one of the most successful events in the Chapter's history.
 

During March there have been two new Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications awarded within the Bangkok Chapter.  Congratulations goes to Ngamtippan Chak, PMP of Bangkok and to Snunkreang Chindaporn, PMP also of Bangkok.  We look forward to welcome our newly certified members at our next monthly meeting. Well done!

Have you been thinking about certifying as a professional project manager?  Need help? Contact any of your PMP certified board members and they would be pleased to discuss planning ideas and resources which are available through the Chapter to assist you in achieving your goal of PMP certification. Board Members contact info can be viewed at the following link for  http://www.pmithai.org/Leadership.aspx

AFTER YOU ARE CERTIFIED...
Did you know that you can earn PDUs just by reading a project management related book?  It is true!  Checkout the CCR Program Handbook under 'GUIDE TO CATEGORY 2 ACTIVITIES' at the following link http://www.pmi.org/prod/groups/public/documents/info/pdc_pmpccr.asp.  This section of  the CCR describes how to obtain PDUs for Self-Directed Learning Activities.  Try it! It's easy. Contact Oyvind Huus, PMP, VP Membership with questions you have about tracking PDUs (telephone: +66 2 545-6103, email: ohuss@chevron.com).   
 

One of the conclusions resulting from our recent 'Events' Survey questionnaire was the fact that there are many PMI Bangkok members and project managers living in Bangkok whom are interested in participating in a PMP certification exam study group.  Since the survey data was gathered anonymously, we do not who the interested parties are.  Therefore, if interested parties would send us an email with a 'subject line' as follows: "I want to join the PMP study group", then we will ensure that you are included in all future communications regarding PMP certification exam study groups. 

By the way, when we have identified enough people who wish to form a study group, we will then need a few study group leaders to help present the prepared exam materials which are licensed from the Minnesota Chapter.  If you are willing to commit two consecutive weekends to helping a group of your colleagues in preparing for their PMP exam, then please contact Phil Eliades, PMP, VP Communications (telephone: +662 545 5702, email: peliades@chevron.com).
 

MONTHLY MEETINGS

CONTINUING EDUCATION

PLEASE NOTE: If you or any of your colleagues is willing to present a PM case study or a topic on project management practices at our Monthly Chapter Meeting in May, please contact Khun Yodchai, PMP Programs yodchai@project-solutions.net

For more regional project management news, check-out the PMI Asia Pacific e-Link Newsletter.  The letter is published monthly and covers a wide variety of topics which are of interest to project managers practicing  in the Asia Pacific Region.

Use the following URL link to view current and previous PDF versions of the eLink newsletters: http://www.pmi.org/info/AP_AsiaNews.asp

We again especially wish to thank our Annual Sponsors, Project Solutions International and Chevron Thailand E&P, Ltd., for continuing their support of the Chapter through their donations at the platinum and gold levels respectively. 

Annual ‘Platinum’ Sponsor	Annual ‘Gold’ Sponsor

Once more, we wish to recognize our Event Sponsors whom have donated generously in support of the Annual Open House and Vendor Showcase conducted in March 2007.  Be sure to check their respective websites at the links provided below.

Event Sponsors for the Annual Open House are (note the URL links with each logo):

  

 
If your company interested in partnering with a professional organization for project managers, please contact the Sponsor Relations representative, Joe Fincher, Director-at-Large (joseph@spoc-co.com) for further information.  Once again, many thanks to our 2007 annual sponsors and Open House event sponsors for their generous contribution of funds and resources.
 

Our 'last word' for this month, comes to us from our friends at www.pmexam.com.  If you a have a little spare time and wish to test you knowledge about the material covered in the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Exam, try this PMEXAM Crossword Puzzle: