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Presentation synopsis: Execution: Do or Die

This presentation focuses on execution as a critical gap in the PMBOK.  Good planning is necessary, but not sufficient for a project to turn out well. Given a choice between a good plan and good execution, most would opt for good execution.

Good execution depends a lot, however, on having a good plan.  We pick up where the PMBOK leaves off by addressing several questions:

.   What do you do when things don't go according to plan?

.   How do you keep your project from deteriorating when schedules begin to slip, when costs begin to rise, and when work isn't up to specs?

.   What's wrong with our status meetings?

.   How come we have trouble getting the resources commitments we need?

.   In this session we will provide a half dozen strategies for the execution phase that will help you keep your project on track.

Gary Somma, MBA, MS ed., PMP

Mr. Somma has been an independent consultant in project management and, management development since 1975. He works with organizations to implement or improve their project management systems, with a primary focus on the design and
implementation of project management infrastructure for organizations. Gary's broad
perspective and special skills help clients identify and resolve organizational or cultural barriers that impede the success of projects.

Prior to his consulting practice, he worked for 10 years in industry, nine of which were in aerospace with General Electric in both manufacturing management and project management. Responsibilities included financial management of contract changes, and the development of a Program Direction Documentation System for a $100 M defense contract. His experience as a business manager for a large suburban school district adds to his perspective. He also has broad teaching experience as a member of adjunct faculty with 11 colleges and universities, including Penn State, where he currently teaches project management courses in the continuing education program. He holds a current appointment with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Hazard Mitigation cadre; with them he has served for eight Presidentially declared disasters.

In addition to his very active membership in the Project Management Institute, he is a member of the National Defense Industry Association.

He was VP Membership of the PMI-Delaware Valley Chapter from 1998 through 2000, and President Elect in 2004.  Currently he has taken a leadership role in the development of a Branch of the Chapter, centered in Dover, Delaware.

He holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master's in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. He
received his undergraduate degree in Business from LaSalle University.  He holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

His current volunteer activities include work with the Cheltenham Township Police Department.

As usual, everyone (including non-members) is welcome to attend this session.  There is no cost to attend.