• ISO standard for project management.
• Virtual Communities Project (VCP) Frequently Asked Question.
  
  PMI calls for volunteers—applications are due by Wednesday, 1 August for:
  • 2008 Leadership Institute Advisory Group volunteers.
  • 2008 Component Services Member Advisory Group (CS MAG) volunteers.

ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, has initiated a new project management standard under the title ISO/PC 236, Project Management. The first plenary meeting of the project committee to develop ISO/PC 236 is scheduled for late October.

Project management practitioners can participate as subject matter experts in the development of ISO/PC 236 through the process used by their country’s national standards body. Since ISO/PC 236 is not a PMI standard, participants would represent their country, not PMI.

Currently, 15 countries have agreed to participate through their national standards body. One country has agreed to be an observer.

Please inform your component members about ISO/PC 236 and encourage them to participate through their country’s process.

Component members that want to participate may need financial support to cover expenses. Your component can provide these funds with prior approval from PMI.

See the News section of the Component Leadership Online Community for more information from Steve Fahrenkrog, director of the PMI Knowledge Delivery Group. You’ll find contact information on participant countries and their national standards organization, plus guidance to request approval for your component to fund the expenses of members who wish to participate.

What is the difference between a virtual community and a chapter?

A chapter is geographically based, comprised of members that live within a certain geographical boundary. Chapter meetings are physical gatherings, as compared to teleconferences or online chats.

Virtual communities are comprised of members from all over the world that utilize technology to communicate with each other.

PMI virtual communities are defined by a common interest such as a particular project management discipline or issue.

Wednesday, 1 August is the deadline for applications to serve on the Leadership Institute Advisory Group (LIAG). As an LIAG advisor, your role would be to provide guidance, feedback and recommendations to the PMI Component & Community Relations department for the PMI Leadership Institute program in alignment with PMI’s strategic plan and operational objectives.

Benefits include the opportunity to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs), to network and grow professionally, to increase your experience in team-building and to enjoy life-long learning experiences.

The term of service is from 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2009. The appointment can be extended for one additional year, as determined by the PMI Component & Community Relations manager.

The average time commitment in this role is 4–6 hours per month.

The following qualifications are needed:

• Must be a PMI member in good standing.
• Must have served in good standing for three or more years in an elected leadership role with a PMI chapter, specific interest group (SIG) or college.
• Participation in at least three Leadership Institute Meetings
• Ability to provide neutral recommendations.
• Strong understanding of PMI’s goals, principles and strategic direction.
• Strong understanding of other PMI Member Advisory Groups as they
  relate to the LIAG.
• Strong presentation skills demonstrated through presentations at PMI Global Congresses, Leadership Institute Meetings and/or regional meetings.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills
• Previous experience working in a multi-cultural environment is a definite asset.
• Previous experience as a member of a virtual team.
• Graduation from the Leadership Institute Masters Classes is a plus.
• May not concurrently hold an elected or volunteer leadership position for any other PMI committee, component or project for the term served as an LIAG volunteer, if you are selected.
• May hold honorary positions related to past positions as chair/president of a component.
• Have no conflict of interest with PMI. See the conflict of interest questionnaire on PMI’s website.
• Sign Confidentiality Agreement, review C&CR Code of Conduct, and sign Conflict of Interest Statement upon acceptance of role.

LIAG volunteers are required to travel to attend the January orientation meeting and assigned Leadership Institute Meetings, and participate in monthly LIAG teleconferences.

PMI is seeking skilled, experienced and knowledgeable leaders for the 2008 Component Services Member Advisory Group (CS MAG) to serve a two-year term. PMI leaders who wish to be change agents and risk takers, and who are committed to life-long learning are encouraged to apply.

As a CSMAG team member you will provide advice and expertise to the PMI Component & Community Relations department on the programs, products and services that support PMI’s component community in alignment with the strategic objectives established by the PMI Board of Directors and operational objectives established by PMI Executive Management including the Component & Community Relations Department.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Must be a PMI member in good standing.
• Must have served in good standing for three or more years in an elected leadership role with a PMI chapter, SIG or college. 
• Strong understanding of PMI’s goals, principles and strategic direction.
• Strong understanding of other PMI Member Advisory Groups as they relate to the CSMAG.
• Previous experience as a member of a virtual team.
• Previous experience working in a multi-cultural environment is a definite asset.
• Strong presentation and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• May not concurrently hold an elected or volunteer leadership position for any other PMI committee, component or project during term.
• May hold honorary positions related to past positions as chair/president.
• Have no conflict of interest with PMI. See the conflict of interest questionnaire on PMI’s website.
• Sign Confidentiality Agreement, C&CR Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Statement upon acceptance of role.

The first step, if you are interested in participating as a PMI Component Services MAG member, is to register on the Volunteer Opportunities section of PMI's website. Please note that applications will be accepted until Wednesday, 1 August.

Contact Component & Community Process Supervisor Danielle Ritter for more information about the CS MAG role.

Friday Facts is a weekly report on PMI events and opportunities. Information contained herein may be reprinted in PMI component newsletters.

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