Mathematical Modeling of IPMA 4-L-C Certification: Development of Process Improvement Model

Abstract

The paper focuses on the mathematical modeling of project manager certification according to the IPMA 4-L-C standard for project management, aiming to maximize the number of certified professionals across all four levels of certification. By analyzing existing processes and constraints that affect certification success, a mathematical model has been developed to identify key improvement points in this process, contributing to the objective function of increasing the number of certified professionals in project management. The model integrates multiple parameters and constraints, including candidate qualifications, years of experience, project complexity, programs, portfolios, candidate leadership positions, available training resources, evaluation process efficiency, and other relevant factors adopted by the International Project Management Association (IPMA). The goal of the paper is to present the mathematical model under these constraints, providing guidelines for optimizing this process to achieve the maximization of the objective function. The methodology includes steps such as analyzing current certification body processes, identifying key certification elements, formulating the mathematical model based on relevant factors and parameters, and proposing implications derived from the model. The application of this methodology can assist organizations and individuals in more efficient planning and resource management during the certification process, resulting in improved performance and achieving desired certification goals. The expected contribution is to clarify the complexity of the certification process for project managers across all four levels of 4-L-C (Four Level Certification) and provide concrete solutions for improving these procedures, which would further result in an increase in the number of qualified professionals in the field of project management according to the adopted international IPMA standards.