Chapter 3 (The keys)
Explain the differences between a Gantt chart and a PERT/CPM chart
A Gantt chart is a bar chart that represents a set of tasks A PERT/CPM is a chart that analyzes a large project as a series of individual tasks. PERT/CPM charts are considered to be more useful for scheduling, monitoring, and controlling the work.
Why is the critical path important? Why would a task be on the critical path?
A critical path is a series of tasks that would affect the completion date of the overall project, if one of these tasks are delayed.
Write a script for a one-minute explanation of basic project management concepts.
A project manager leads the project. They are usually experienced analyst or IT managers. Project planning includes the project objectives and the time and cost it will take to complete each one. Project scheduling includes making a timeline through charts which show tasks, task dependencies, and critical tasks. This also includes selecting the project team and assigning specific tasks. Project monitoring requires guiding, supervising, and coordinating the project and the team. Project reporting includes regular progress reports to management, users, and the project team itself.
What is a task? What is an event? What is a milestone?
A task is work done that is done with the use of company resources. An example would be conducting surveys or training users. Events and milestones are specific points that can be used to measure progress of the project. An example would be completing all planned interviews within a specific time period.
What are three main task patterns? Provide an example of each.
Dependent tasks are tasks that depend on one another. Multiple successor tasks are tasks that cannot be started until a specific task is done before them. Multiple Predecessor tasks is a task that cannot be started until multiple specific tasks before it are complete.
Why is it important to deliver effective project reports and communications?
Project reports give the opportunity to share information, discuss problems, and maybe even give suggestions.
What is risk management, and why is it important? Provide an example.
Risk management is the process of identifying, analyzing, anticipating, and monitoring risks. It is used to minimize the impact of risks on the project. An example would be using Microsoft Excel XY chart to display a risk matrix that shows risk probability and potential impact.
What is a common problem in calculating start and finish times? Provide an example
The problem with estimating start and finish times is the time and people are not interchangeable. Some jobs take a specific amount of time no matter how many people work on it. For example, conducting an interview will take the same amount of time if one person does it or if two people do it.
What specific information do you need to create a work breakdown structures?
We should understand the two primary charts which are Gantt charts and PERT/CPM charts.
