630 Exam 1
if one triple constraint is expanded then the others need to be __:
adjusted
define high end PM software tools
also called enterprise pm software, often licensed on a per user basis
Project Closing: Involves gaining SH and customer __ of final products and services. Even if projects are not completed, they should be formally closed in order to __ on what can be learned to improve future projects.
approval/acceptance reflect
Project Closing: Key outputs -Project a__ -Lessons l__ The above mentioned are examples of what? Most projects also include a final report and presentation to whom?
archives learned these are organizational process assets Sponsor and top management
In a Cost-Benefit Analysis, you compare expected costs to potential __. A benefit cost ratio of 1.5 means? -If CBA <1 then the benefits derived do not __ costs, but you still may pursue projects because it may be __ mandated/boss telling you etc.
benefits the revenue is 1.5 times the cost outweigh government
It is unacceptable to select a project without a sound __ case. It must fit the strategies of the business and add __ to the system(s) and processes
business value
Change control system Step 2. __ __ As early in project as possible. When potential for change emerges, people may get fearful of impact - give them facts rather than rumors so you're all on same page
communicate change
Describe each of these types of suggested skills for successful PMs -communication skills -organizational skills -team building skills -leadership skills -coping skills -technology skills
communication: listens, persuades organizational: plans, sets goals, analyzes team building" shows empathy, motivates, promotes espirit de corps leadership: sets examples, provides vision (big picture) delegates, positive, energetic -coping: flexible, creative, patient, persistent -technology: experience, project knowledge
Project Planning: Main outputs -A team __ -__ Statement -WBS -Project __ (Gantt chart) -List of prioritized __ (part of risk register)
contract scope schedule risks
PM Int Process Continued: 4.) Monitor and __ Project Work: Oversee project work to meet the performance objectives of the project 5.)Perform __ Change Control: Coordinate changes that affect the projects deliverables and org process assets 6.) Close the Project: Finalize all project activities and __close the project
control integrated formally
Many experts believe that underlying causes of many companies' problems are not the structure or staff, but the __
culture
is a set of shared assumptions, values, and behaviors that characterize the functioning of an organization.
culture
What are some goals of PMOs? -Collect, organize, and integrate project __ for the entire organization. -Develop and maintain __ for project documents. -Develop or coordinate __ in various project management topics. -Develop and provide a formal __ path for project managers. Provide project management __ services. -Provide a structure to __ project managers while they are acting in those roles or are between projects.
data templates training career consulting house
Project plans are unique and should be -d__ -f__ -Updated as __ occur
dynamic flexible changes
There are activities from __ knowledge area under the planning process group All __activities are a part of the Project Integration Management Knowledge area
each initiating
Change Control System: Step 3. __ __ What and how this change will be achieved. The more interactions you have, the more you learn how to guide team through change journey and how to lead
educate stakeholders
Organizational standards and guidelines help PMs be more __. Senior Mgmt can encourage: -Use of standard forms and __ for PM -The development and use of __ for writing project plans or providing status information -The creation of a __ __ __ or center of excellence
effective software guidelines PMO
effective PMs provide leadership by __: A __ focuses on long term goals and big picture objectives while inspiring people to reach those goals. A __ deals with the day-to-day details of meeting specific goals.
example leader manager PMs often take on both roles
project plans should first and foremost guide project __ by helping the PM lead the project team and assess status
execution
Project Planning: Main purpose of project planning is to guide __ -Every knowledge area includes __ info
execution planning
The majority of time and money in a project is spent in the __ phase. The application area of the project directly affects project execution because the products of the project are being __ during project execution.
execution produced
To close a project, you must __ all activities and transfer the completed or cancelled work to the appropriate people.
finalize
__ considerations are often an important aspect of the project selection process.
financial
advanced planning -- __ decisions
focused
Change Control System Step 1. __ __ __ __ plan of activities. Consider variety of activities appealing to various stakeholders. As part of this plan, ensure that you and SH clearly understand obj of change, what the change means to org and as well as your SH as individuals
formulate and plan change
Org Structures: __ These managers report to CEO
functional
define mid range PM software tools
handle multiple projects and users; cost $200-500 per user (most popular is Project 2003)
define low end PM software tools
handle single or smaller projects well; cost under $200 per user
This necessary PM skill includes product knowledge and knowing how to use project management tools and techniques.
hard skills
Financial Consideration Methods: IRR -The __ the IRR the better -An IRR is the "__" discount rate that an investment yields -Mathematically, IRR = the DR that yields a NPV of $__ when applied to the CFs of an invst -IRR needs to be compared to hurdle rate, and even if it is acceptable you still need to eval __ factors
higher ture $0 qualitative
In general, the systems approach means to take a __ approach to solving complex problems
holistic
What are the ten characteristics of org culture: -Member i__ -Group e__ -People f__ - Unit i__ -C__ -Risk t__ -Reward c__ -Conflict t__ -Means-end o__ -Open systems f__
identify emphasis focus integration control tolerance criteria tolerance orientation focus
process for making changes: -Evaluate the i__ -Identify __ -Get the change request approved __ -Get customer __-in (if internal)
impact (esp. on trip constraint) options internally buy
In the middle phases of a project life cycle: -The certainty of completing a project __ -More __ are needed
increases Resources
Predictive Life Cycle Models: __ __ __ Provides for progressive development of operational software. This provides for less disruptive installations and gets people used to a system before they have to get used to the whole thing at once.
incremental build model
project planning and execution are intertwined and __ activities. PMs must solicit input from the team to develop __ plans
inseparable realistic
many people consider __ mgmt to be the key to overall project success
integration
when you divide up the project into pieces, but the pieces dont fit back together
integration risk
A balanced scorecard measures how a company organizes __ __ __(KPIs)
key performance indicators
Management reviews, also called phase exits or __ __, should occur after each phase to evaluate the project's progress, likely success, and continued compatibility with org __.
kill points goals
PMs must coordinate all of the other __ __ throughout a projects LC
knowledge areas
In the early phases of a Project Life Cycle: -Resource needs are usually at their __ -The level of __ is the highest -Project SH have greatest opportunity to __ project.
lowest uncertainty influence
Project Initiation: Key Outputs -Assigning project __ -Identifying key stake__ -completing a business __ -completing a project __and getting signatures on it
manager stakeholders case charter
some people argue that the pyramids were a project, or the great wall of china. most people consider which project to be the first project to use "modern" project management
manhattan project this 3 year $2 billion project had a separate project and technical manager
Org Structures: __ Middle ground between functional and project structures; personnel often report to two or more bosses. Structure can be weak, balanced or __ matrix.
matrix strong
change control system step 5: Put __ in place to assess change's __. May have to plan interim as tested and then again as stabilized. (ex. Of new machinery in a factory - people need to learn how to use it so not as effective right away)
measurements, effectiveness
What are the 3 important criteria for projects? -There is a __ for the project -There are __ available -There is a strong __ to make project succeed
need funds will
Change Control System Step 4: Examine __ or __ roles New roles need to be in place and working well for change to be effective. New roles can be opp for SH to transform feared change to one that inspires growth and way to contribute to org. can motivate SH but only if role is understood and planned appropriately otherwise there can be chaos and unfulfilled project objectives or disappointed SH
new or changed
this work done to sustain the business. This is routine work.
operations
many new managers try to change __ __ when other changes are needed
org structure
Projects cannot be run in isolation because they tie together. They must operate in a broad __ environment.
organizational
Elements of a PM Plan Introduction or __ of the project. Description of how the project is __. Management and technical __ used on the project. Work to be done, __, and budget information.
overview organized processes schedule
Financial Consideration Methods: Length of time to recover an investment
payback period
Monitoring project work includes collecting, measuring and disseminating __ info. Two important outputs of monitoring and controlling include -recommended __ actions -recommended __ actions
performance corrective preventative
Project Initiation: Initiating a project includes recognizing and starting a new project or project __. Some orgs use a pre-business phase while others include items such as developing a business __ as part of initiation.
phase case
PMs must lead by example to demonstrate the importance of creating and then following good project __ Org culture can help execution by -providing guidelines and __ -tracking __ based plans
plans templates performance
A series of actions directed toward a particular result PM can be viewed as a number of interlinked processes
process
program managers oversee __ and often act as bosses for __ __
programs project managers
Project Monitoring and Controlling: -Involves measuring __ toward project objectives, monitoring deviation from __, and taking corrective action to match progress with the plan. -Affects all other process groups and occurs during __ phases of project life cycle
progress, plan all
a project is developed using __ __:
progressive elaboration (investigation, planning, analysis, design, development, implementation, maintenance)
Org Structures: __ Program managers report to the CEO
project
Where is the project purpose outlined
project charter/scope statement
the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements.
project management
a document used to coordinate all project planning documents and help guide a project's execution and control. It integrates all of the other plans including baselines.
project management plan Plans created in other knowledge areas are subsidiary parts of the overall pmp
which other people do PMs work with the complete or meet project goals?
project sponsors project teams and other people involved in projects.
Predictive Life Cycle Models: __ __ Used for developing prototypes to clarify user requirements
prototyping model
"Other Methods" for selecting projects: Focus on something other than the #s -An invst effect on the __of products and services offered -An invst effect on __ that prod and svcs can be produced and given to cust -Other qualitative factors -Government __ -Pollution control/__ protection -Worker __ -Preferences of __ and mgmt Cost, quality and time must all be taken into consideration
quality time regulations environmental safety owners
Many organizations today have a new or __ interest in project management
renewed
Project Monitoring and Controlling: Key outputs -Performance ___ -Requested __ -Updates to various __
reports changes plans
In the final phase of a project life cycle -The focus is on ensuring that the project __ were met -the sponsor approves __ of the project
requirements completion
Top managers can help PMs: -Secure adequate __ -Get __ for unique project needs in a timely manner -Receive __ from people throughout the organization -Learn how to be better __
resources approval cooperation leaders
A project often involves uncertainty. This is akin to __: uncertain if we can finish project within budget, on time, competency of employees, natural disasters, global economy - this list is endless
risk
Financial Consideration Methods: Payback Period -Crude measure of investment __. How long will it take for cash inflow to = __ __ __? -What is equation?
risk initial cash outlay initial inv/inflows=PP time (where x's cross on graph)
What are the 15 PM Job Functions? -Define s__ of project -Identify s__, decision makers, and escalation procedures -Develop detailed t__ list(WBS) -Estimate time r__ -Develop initial project mgmt f__ c__ -Identify required resources and b__ -Evaluate project r__ -Identify and evaluate r__ -Prepare c__ plan -Identify inter__ -Identify and track critical m__ -Participate in project phase r__ -Secure needed r__ -Manage the c__ control process -Report project s__
scope stakeholders task requirements flow chart budget requirements risks contingency interdependencies milestones review resources change status
triple constraint
scope time cost PMs duty to balance these three often competing goals
what are the 10 knowledge areas of PM
scope time cost quality HR Communication Risk Procurement management project integration management stakeholder management
What is the document that is used to develop and confirm a common understanding of the project scope? It is an important tool for preventing scope creep A good practice is to develop a preliminary or __ scope statement during project initiation and a more __scope statement as the project progresses
scope statement initial detailed
Project Initiation: The main goal of project initiation is to formally __ and start off projects
select
Steps in identifying a weighted scoring model: -Identify criteria important to the project __ process -Assign __ (%) to each criterion so they add up to 100)% -Assign scores to each __ for each project -Multiply the scores by the weights to get total weighted scores (the higher the better)
selection weights criterion
This necessary PM skill includes being able to work with various types of people.
soft skills
PM int. is not the same thing as __ integration
software integration
A project should have a primary customer or __. This person/group usually provides the direction and funding for the project.
sponsor
These docs are important info about stakeholders that are often sensitive and kept private
stakeholder analysis Like maybe if Erik likes Mexican food you can take him to get some @Cole
these are the people involved in or affected by project activities.
stakeholders Stakeholders include: Project sponsor Project manager Project team Support staff Customers Users Suppliers Opponents to the project
Project managers must take time to identify, understand, and manage relationships with all project __. They must also understand __.
stakeholders expectations
__ __: Determine long term objectives, predict future trends and project the need for new products and services.
strategic planning
Which of the 4 frames is most often focused on? Why?
structural - most people understand what org charts are
4 frames of PM: __ Focuses on roles and responsibilities, coordination, and control. Organization charts help define this frame Ex?
structural frame Ex: should IT personnel be centralized in one department or distributed throughout the organization in various departments?
A project should __ pass through each section of the project phases in order to continue on to the next
successfully
Systems Thinking: problem solving approach
systems analysis
Systems Thinking: __ __:address business, technological, and organizational issues before making changes to your systems
systems management
Systems Thinking: View things as systems, which are interacting components that work within an environment to fulfill some purpose.
systems philosophy
Project management tools and __ assist project managers and their teams in various aspects of project management.
techniques
what is scope creep
the tendency of a project to keep getting bigger
As part of strategic planning, orgs should identify potential __, use realistic methods to __ projects to work on and __ project initiation by using a project charter.
threats, select, formally
"What the winners do" Companies that excel in project delivery capability: -Build an integrated project management __(use standard/advanced PM tools, lots of templates) -Grow competent project leaders, emphasizing business and __ skills -Develop streamlined, __ project delivery processes -Install a sound but comprehensive set of project performance __
toolbox soft consistent metrics
Several studies cite __ __ commitment as one of the key factors associated with project success.
top management
Financial Consideration Methods: NPV -Projects with positive NPV should be considered if financial __ is key criterion. -The __ the NPV the better -The higher a project's risk, the higher its __ rate
value higher discount
Predictive Life Cycle Models: __ __ Has well defined, linear stages of systems development and support
waterfall model shaped like an arrow
In a Gantt chart, the __ __ __ is shown to the left and each task's start and finish dates are shown on the right.
wbs
This is a project selection tool that provides a systematic process for selecting projects based on many criteria.the higher the weighted score, the better. This is a good way to evaluate multiple __ of a project.
weighted scoring model facets - pretty subjectively
unforeseen risks
white space risk (govt regulations, 9/11)``
Computer hardware, software, networks, and the use of interdisciplinary and global work teams have radically changed the __ __
work environment
What are the 9 advantages of using formal PM
Better control of financial, physical, and human resources. Improved customer relations. Shorter development times. Lower costs. Higher quality and increased reliability. Higher profit margins. Improved productivity. Better internal coordination. Higher worker morale (less stress)
What are the 3 basic org structures?
Functional Project Matrix
What are the project management process groups? -I__ -P__ -E__ -M__ and Controlling processes -C__ processes
Initiating Planning Executing Monitoring Closing
What are the two types of SLDC models?
Predictive Adaptive
What is a business case?
What benefits will derive from spending the time and money on this project over another
This is a project selection process methodology that converts an org's value drivers, (i.e. cust service, innovation, op efficiency, and fin. perf.) to a series of defined metrics. It views the org from __ different perspectives
balanced scorecard 4
the approved PM plan plus approved changes
baseline
Having a strong methodology can have broad range of __ for org
benefits
senior managers need to make sure projects continue to support current __ needs.
business
PM should be comfortable with __, understand the __ they work with (who to go to, standard op proc etc.), and __ teams to accomplish goals. they need both __ and soft skills
change organizations lead hard
A formal group of people responsible for approving or rejecting changes on a project
change control board
A formal, documented process that describes when and how official project docs and work may be changed. It describes who is authorized to make changes/how to make them
change control system
__ to the baselines are considered __. There is typically a change __ system
changes carefully control
Initially, project management(PM) was mainly used for very large, __ projects
complex
things planned are never completed
execution risk
Change Control boards provide __ for preparing change requests, evaluating change requests and managing __ of approved changes. They include SHs from entire org
guidelines implementation
SDLC is a framework for describing the phases involved in developing __ __
information systems
What you give up by selecting a project
opportunity cost (can be financial or something like customer service, response time, etc)
Many firms follow a __ process for selecting IT projects. Crucial to align IT projects with business __.
structured strategy
what is systems thinking
taking a holistic view of a project and understanding how it relates to the larger organization
specific tools and techniques used by PMs are
-Project charters, scope statements, and WBS (scope). -Gantt charts, network diagrams, critical path analyses, critical chain scheduling (time). -Cost estimates and earned value management (cost).
48 hour policy
A "48-hour policy" allows project team members to make a decision and have 48 hours to seek approval from top management. If the team decision cannot be implemented, management has 48 hours to reverse a decision; otherwise, the team's decision is approved.
What is a program?
A group of related projects managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually
when does a project end?
A project ends when its objectives have been reached, or the project has been terminated.
define project
A project is "a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result."* Instead of "temporary", we may think of a project as at least having an end date
SDLC Model: Projects are mission driven and component based, and use time-based cycles to meet target dates.
Adaptive Software Development life cycle
in the survey, which 2 skills were the top IT skills according to respondents
App development and PM
Need for org commitment to IT: -Having a __ at a high level in the org helps IT projects. It generally means the company thinks highly of IT since they invited one to the board. Assigning non-__ people to IT projects also encourages more commitment
CIO non-IT people
This type of software integrates information from multiple projects to show the status of active, approved, and future projects across an entire organization. It also provides links to more detailed information on each project.
Enterprise PM Software
Adaptive Life Cycle Models: __ __ (XP) Developers program in pairs and must write the tests for their own code. XP teams include developers, managers, and users.
Extreme Programming
4 frames of PM: __ Focuses on providing harmony between needs of the organization and needs of people. Mismatches exist between orgs and __. The org needs to resolve these potential problems. ex?
HR Frame individuals Ex: Unrealistic time schedules
what are the 4 categories in the project portfolio risk matrix
High Risk, High Payoff Low Risk, High Payoff High Risk, Low Payoff Low Risk, Low Payoff
Financial Consideration Methods: Unadjusted Rate of Return -Equation? - Refers to the fact that calculations are not adjusted for TVM. based on __ not cash flow measures
Increase in Future Avg NI / Initial Invst Cost income
Financial Consideration Methods: To calculate the expected net monetary gain or loss from a project by discounting all expected future cash inflows and outflows to the present point in time.
NPV
In a __ __ chart, each box is a project task from the WBS. Arrows show __ between tasks. The bolded tasks are on the critical path. If any task on the critical path takes longer to complete than planned, the whole project will slip unless something is done. These were first used in 1958 on the __ __ project before project management software was available.
Network Diagram dependencies Navy Polaris
Describe a PMO
Organizational group that coordinates the PM function throughout an org.
what is the business strategy of project portfolio management
Organizations group and manage projects as a portfolio of investments that contribute to the entire enterprise's success.
4 frames of PM: __ Assumes organizations are coalitions composed of varied individuals and interest groups. Conflict and power are key issues. Project managers need to be aware of politics and __
Political Frame Power
SDLC Model: The scope of the project can be clearly articulated and the schedule and cost can be predicted.
Predictive Life Cycle
PM Int. Process: 1.) Develop __ __: Work with SH to create the doc that formally authorizes the project 2.)Develop the __ __ plan: Coordinate all planning efforts to create a consistent, coherent document. 3.)Direct and manage __ __: Carry out the PM plan by performing activities included in it
Project Charter Project Management Plan Project Execution
What is a collection of project phases that defines: What work will be performed in each phase. What deliverables will be produced and when. Who is involved in each phase. How management will control and approve work produced in each phase.
Project life cycle
what are the typical size and length of projects?
Projects can be large or small and take a short or long time to complete.
Predictive Life Cycle Models: __ __ __ Used to produce systems quickly without sacrificing quality (uses prototyping and spiral/iterative development)
RAD
Project Execution: -Usually takes the most time and __ -PMs must use their __ skills to handle the many challenges -Many project sponsors and customers focus on __ related to providing the products, services, or results from desired project. -A __ report can keep the focus on completing major milestones
Resources Leadership deliverable milestone
rapid results initiatives: completing smaller project __ within shrunken time span __ oriented: measurables result rather than recommendations or analysis. this allows the project planner to test whether the activities in overall plan will add up together vertical: includes a little bit of several __ activities and people from those activities. This is beneficial because it allows us to find problems earlier than regular method fast: does not last longer than __ days this is beneficial because it fosters a sense of personal challenge and urgency
Result horizontal 100
Adaptive Life Cycle Models: __ Iterative development in which repetitions are referred to as sprints, which normally last thirty days. Teams often meet each day for a short meeting, called a scrum, to decide what to accomplish that day. Works best for object-oriented technology projects and require strong leadership to coordinate the work.
Scrum
Predictive Life Cycle Models: __ __ Shows that software is developed using an iterative or spiral approach rather than linearly. Same steps as in SDLC 620
Spiral Model
SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
What are the 4 frames of PM
Structural HR Political Symbolic
using the 4 frames of orgs can help you meet SH expectations and needs. What are the 4 frames
Structural Political HR Symbolic Senior execs are v important SHs
4 frames of PM: __ Focuses on symbols and meanings related to events. Ex?
Symbolic frame Org culture is important (dress, hours, etc.) Ex: Was it good or bad that the CEO came to the kickoff meeting of a new project
what are the 3 parts of the Systems Approach?
Systems philosophy Systems analysis Systems management
what 3 talents make up the PMI talent triangle?
Technical Project Management Leadership Strategic and Business Management
what is a deliverable
a product or service produced or provided as part of the project. Could be a webpage, software app or something manufactured. Also PM doc such as GANTT chart or charter