PMP - 01 Project Life Cycle

Describe an organic or simple organizational structure

An organic or simple organizational structure is people working side-by-side. There is little to no project manager authority.

Describe a functional organizational structure

An organizational structure in which staff is grouped by areas of specialization and the project manager has limited authority to assign work and apply resources.

Describe a project-oriented (composite-hybrid) organizational structure

An organizational structure that arrange work groups by network structure with nodes at points of contact with other people. The organization may have full-time staff from different functional departments that could work on projects and in operations. The organization may also have dedicated project managers, project staff and a PMO

Who is the project sponsor?

A person or group who provides resources and support for the project, program, or portfolio and is accountable for enabling success. The sponsor is responsible for creating the business case and executing the project charter to authorize the project. While the sponsor is typically the primary escalation path for the PM, the PM should seek to resolve issues with the team before escalating in most scenarios.

What is a stakeholder?

An individual, group, or organization that may affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project, program, or portfolio. The term "stakeholder" is a very generic term and is widely applied. The project manager and project team are considered stakeholders. A "key" stakeholder is one with decision-making authority or the ability to make change/disruption within the project. Stakeholders may be supporters or resistors (HINT: you will always have resistors! Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer!).

Describe a matrix organizational stucture

Any organizational structure in which the project manager shares responsibility with the functional managers for assigning priorities and for directing the work of persons assigned to the project. A matrix organization that is closer to a functional organization is a "weak matrix". A matrix organization that is closer to a project-oriented organization is a "strong matrix". In a weak matrix organization, the PM is more of a coordinator or expeditor. In a strong matrix organization, the PM has considerable authority and power.

How do projects differ from operations?

Projects are temporary initiatives creating a unique output, whereas operations are ongoing. Changes in operations may be the focus of a project. Ongoing operations are outside of the scope of a project.

What is a project life cycle?

The series of phases that a project passes through from its start to its completion. Project life cycles vary by industry, organization, and/or project. Phases may be overlapping. Project life cycles may be predictive (plan-driven), iterative/incremental, or adaptive (change-driven/agile).

What is a product life cycle?

The series of phases that represent the evolution of a product, from concept through delivery, growth, maturity, and to retirement. All products go through the same lifecycle with sequential, non-overlapping phases. A product lifecycle encompasses multiple project lifecycles.