Project management 1

Identify and briefly discuss the two key dimensions of managing actual projects.

1. Technical 2. Sociocultural

Identify and briefly describe the six factors that are increasing the demand for project management.

1. compression of the product life cycle, 2. knowledge explosion, 3. triple bottom line, 4. corporate downsizing, 5. increased customer focus, 6. small projects represent big problems

The success of individual projects is typically measured by performance compared to three constraints usually placed on all projects. Identify and briefly describe those three constraints.

1. time 2. cost 3. performance

Identify and briefly discuss the two key areas where project management need to be integrated within the organization.

1. with the Strategic Plan 2. within the process of managing actual projects

What is meant by an "Integrated Project Management Process"?

All efforts are focused toward the strategic plan. Piece meal tools are no longer accepted.

Integration of all project processes and practices to improve Project Management is due to

Centralization Centralization entails integration of all project processes and practices to improve project management.

Since a construction company builds many buildings the projects after the first building do not fit the definition of a project. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE All projects are nonroutine and has some unique elements

The waste on failed projects and cost overruns is estimated in the neighborhood of

Over $150 Billion The need for elevating performance continues to challenge the project management profession. The waste on failed projects and cost overruns is estimated in the neighborhood of over $150 billion!

The __________, a professional organization for project managers, has grown from 93,000 in 2002 to more than 230,000 currently.

PMI The Project Management Institute (PMI), is a professional organization for project managers.

Compare and contrast the Product Life Cycle and the Project Life Cycle.

Product Life Cycle deals with the time it takes to develop a product and the time it remains in the marketplace. The Project Life Cycle is the stages that a new product goes through while being developed.

Because projects have a defined beginning and end, the ________ is frequently used to manage the transition of a project from start to completion.

Project Life Cycle The project life cycle typically passes sequentially through four stages: defining, planning, executing, and delivering.

In practice, the amount of work accomplished in each stage of the Project Life Cycle will vary greatly depending on the department or work group. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE In practice, the project life cycle is used by some project groups to depict the timing of major tasks over the life of the project.

A professional organization for project management specialists is the

The Project Management Institute (PMI), is a professional organization for project managers.

5. From among the following activities, which is the best example of a project? A. Processing insurance claims B. Producing automobiles C. Writing a term paper D. Completing a college degree E. All of these are good examples of projects

Writing a term paper

The final stage in the Project Life Cycle is the __________ stage.

closure Closure includes three activities: delivering the project product to the customer, redeploying project resources, and post-project review

Training the customer, reassigning staff, and releasing resources occurs in the ________ stage of the project life cycle.

closure Includes three activities: delivering the project product to the customer, redeploying project resources, and post-project review. Delivery of the project might include customer training and transferring documents.

The development of schedules, budgets, and identifying risks are common elements to the ________ stage of the project life cycle.

planning The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to determine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be.

A _________ is a series of coordinated, related; multiple projects that continue over extended time intended to achieve a goal.

program A program is a group of related projects designed to accomplish a common goal over an extended period of time.

Leadership, teamwork, and negotiation are examples of the _________ dimension of the project management process.

sociocultural See Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15.

One of the defining characteristics of a project is that it has a singular purpose, i.e., an established ________.

objective Projects have a defined objective—whether it is constructing a 12-story apartment complex by January 1 or releasing version 2.0 of a specific software package as quickly as possible.

Project managers are expected to ensure that appropriate trade-offs are made between the time, cost, and __________ requirements of the project.

performance Project managers are ultimately responsible for performance (frequently with too little authority). They must ensure that appropriate trade-offs are made between the time, cost, and performance requirements of the project.

Like most organizational effort, the major goal of a project is to __________.

satisfy a customer's need Like most organizational effort, the major goal of a project is to satisfy a customer's need.

On the project team, the Marketing manager is the primary, direct link with the customer. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE Project Managers are typically the direct link to the customer and must manage the tension between customer expectations and what is feasible and reasonable.

Because of the profitability motive, project management is nearly always limited to the private sector. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE Project management is not limited to the private sector. Project management is also a vehicle for doing good deeds and solving social problems.

A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a 33 percent loss in product revenue share. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a 33 percent loss in product revenue share. Speed, therefore, becomes a competitive advantage; more and more organizations are relying on cross-functional project teams to get new products and services to the market as quickly as possible.

Project management is becoming a standard way of doing business. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE Project management is no longer a special-need management. It is rapidly becoming a standard way of doing business.

Ten years ago major universities offered only one or two classes in project management, primarily for engineers. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE Ten years ago major universities offered one or two classes in project management, primarily for engineers. Today, most universities offer multiple sections of project management classes, with the core group of engineers being supplemented by business students majoring in marketing, management information systems (MIS).

In the current trends, Project managers are typically required to manage many diverse systems such as; networks, bar charts, job costing, task forces, partnering and schedule, to manage projects. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE Project managers must shape a project culture that stimulates teamwork and high levels of personal motivation as well as a capacity to quickly identify and resolve problems that threaten project work. This dimension also involves managing the interface between the project and external environment. Project managers have to assuage and shape expectations of customers, sustain the political support of top management, negotiate with their functional counterparts, monitor subcontractors, and so on. Overall, the manager must build a cooperative social network among a divergent set of allies with different standards, commitments, and perspectives.

Because of the requirement for in-depth expertise, project management is generally restricted to specialists. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE Unlike their functional counterparts, project managers generally possess only rudimentary technical knowledge.

Project management is usually restricted to specialists. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE Unlike their functional counterparts, project managers generally possess only rudimentary technical knowledge.

Which of the following is the first step in developing a set of strategies designed to best meet the needs of customers? A. Market Research B. Define the Integrated Project Management System C. Environmental Analysis D. Project Selection E. All of the above are correct

Environmental Analysis Project management is critical both to development of customized products and services and to sustaining lucrative relationships with customers.

From 1994 to 2009 the trend for projects late or over budget was

Slightly better Failed projects also declined from 31 percent in 1994 to 18 percent in 2004. However, the CHAOS Summary 2009 report shows a small decrease in the numbers.

Which of the following is the number one characteristic that is looked for in management candidates? A. Overall intelligence B. Works well with others C. Experience D. Past successes E. Good references

The phrase "works well with others" has long been a staple on grade school report cards; now, in the IT world, it's the No. 1 criterion for management candidates.(See Research Highlight on page 16).

Describe what it means that a Project Manager must work with a diverse troupe of characters?

They are typically the direct link to the customer and must manage the tension between customer expectations and what is feasible and reasonable. Project managers provide direction, coordination, and integration to the project team, which is often made up of part-time participants loyal to their functional departments. They often must work with a cadre of outsiders—vendors, suppliers, subcontractors—who do not necessarily share their project allegiance.

In the __________ stage of the Project Life Cycle a major part of the project work, both physical and mental, takes place.

executing A major portion of the project work takes place—both physical and mental

Increased competition has placed a premium on customer satisfaction and the development of __________ products and services.

customized Customers want customized products and services that cater to their specific needs.

Identify the five major characteristics of a project

1. An established objective. 2. A defined life span with a beginning and an end. 3. Usually, the involvement of several departments and professionals. 4. Typically, doing something that has never been done before. 5. Specific time, cost, and performance requirements.

A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a loss of product revenue share of ___ percent. The waste on failed projects and cost overruns is estimated in the neighborhood of

33 A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a 33 percent loss in product revenue share.

Corporate downsizing has increased the trend toward A. Reducing the number of projects a company initiates B. Outsourcing significant segments of project work C. Using dedicated project teams D. Shorter project lead times E. Longer project lead times

Outsourcing significant segments of project work Companies outsource significant segments of project work, and project managers have to manage not only their own people but also their counterparts in different organizations.

In today's high-tech industries the product life cycle is averaging _________ years.

1 to 3 Today in high-tech industries the product life cycle is averaging 1 to 3 years. Only 30 years ago, life cycles of 10 to 15 years were not uncommon.

Identify and briefly describe the four stages of the Project Life Cycle

1. Defining stage: Specifications of the project are defined; project objectives are established; teams are formed; major responsibilities are assigned. 2. Planning stage: The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to deter- mine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will bene- fit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be. 3. Executing stage: A major portion of the project work takes place—both physical and mental. The physical product is produced (a bridge, a report, a software program). Time, cost, and specification measures are used for con- trol. Is the project on schedule, on budget, and meeting specifications? What are the forecasts of each of these measures? What revisions/changes are necessary? 4. Closing stage: Closing includes three activities: delivering the project product to the customer, redeploying project resources, and post-project review. Delivery of the project might include customer training and transferring documents. Rede- ployment usually involves releasing project equipment/materials to other projects and finding new assignments for team members. Post-project reviews include not only assessing performance but also capturing lessons learned.

Which of the following choices is not one of the stages of a project life cycle? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering

Conceptualizing

In which of the following stages is a major portion of the physical and mental project work performed? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering

Executing A major portion of the project work takes place—both physical and mental.

In which of the following stages are you more likely to find status reports, many changes, and the creation of forecasts? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering

Executing Time, cost, and specification measures are used for control.

A major portion of the project work, both physical and mental, takes place during the Production stage of the Project Life Cycle. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE A major portion of the project work, both physical and mental is done in the executing stage.

Because of its flexibility, project management is equally useful in ongoing, routine work as well as unique, one-time projects. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE A project is not routine, repetitive work! Ordinary daily work typically requires doing the same or similar work over and over, while a project is done only once; a new product or service exists when the project is completed.

The first stage in the Project Life Cycle is the Concept stage. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE The first stage is defining

Competing in a global market is influenced by I. Rapid change II. Innovation III. Time to market IV. Politics

I, II and III are true Competing in a global market influenced by rapid change, innovation, and time to market means organizations manage more and more projects.

Which of the following choices is not one of the driving forces behind the increasing demand for project management? A. Compression of the product life cycle B. Knowledge explosion C. Development of third world and closed economies D. More emphasis on the product and less on the customer E. Corporate downsizing

Increased customer attention has prompted the development of customized products and services.

The advent of project management has been most profound in

Information technology The impact of project management is most profound in the area of electronics industry, where the new folk heroes are young professionals whose Herculean efforts lead to the constant flow of new hardware and software products.

In which of the following stages is it determined what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, and what the budget will be? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering

Planning The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to determine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be.

Which of the following characteristics is not typical of a project manager? A. Managing a temporary activity B. Possesses in-depth technical knowledge C. Managing a non-repetitive activity D. Manages independently of the formal organization E. Provides a direct link to the customer

Possesses in-depth technical knowledge Increased competition has placed a premium on customer satisfaction. Customers no longer simply settle for generic products and services.

4. Which of the following activities is not considered a project? A. Developing a new software program B. Designing a space station C. Preparing the site for the Olympic Games D. Production of automobile tires E. Developing a new advertising program

Production of automobile tires A project is not routine, repetitive work! Ordinary daily work typically requires doing the same or similar work over and over, while a project is done only once; a new product or service exists when the project is completed.

A series of coordinated, related, multiple projects that continue over extended time intended to achieve a goal is known as a

Program A program is a group of related projects designed to accomplish a common goal over an extended period of time.

The ________ is a professional organization for project management specialists.

Project Management Institute (PMI) The Project Management Institute (PMI), is a professional organization for project managers.

Project management is ideally suited for a business environment requiring all of the following except A. Accountability B. Flexibility C. Innovation D. Speed E. Repeatability

Repeatability Competing in a global market influenced by rapid change, innovation, and time to market means organizations manage more and more projects.

Due to corporate downsizing significant segments of project work have been outsourced to other organizations. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE Corporate downsizing has also led to a change in the way organizations approach projects. Companies outsource significant segments of project work, and project managers have to manage not only their own people but also their counterparts in different organizations.

One of the defining characteristics of project management is that the projects are not confined to a single department but involve several departments and professionals. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE One of the major characteristics is the involvement of several departments and professionals.

What is the difference between a project and a program?

The terms are often used interchangeably in business, however, a program is considered to be a series of coordinated, related, and multiple projects that continue over extended time intended to achieve a goal.

A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a __________ percent loss in product revenue share.

thirty-three A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a 33 percent loss in product revenue share.

Which of the following is not typically the responsibility of a project manger? A. Meeting budget requirements B. Meeting schedule requirements C. Meeting performance specifications D. Coordinates the actions of the team members E. All of these are typical responsibilities

All of these are typical responsibilities They must ensure that appropriate trade-offs are made between the time, cost, and performance requirements of the project.

List typical characteristics of a project

An established objective A clear beginning and end Never been done before Have funding limits (if applicable) Consume human and nonhuman resources Be multifunctional (cut across several functional lines)

In which of the following stages are project objectives established, teams formed, and major responsibilities assigned? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering

Defining Specifications of the project are defined; Project objectives are established; Teams are formed; Major responsibilities are assigned.

Smaller projects in larger organizations tend not to need project management skills. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE Many small projects can eat up the people resources of a firm and represent hidden costs not measured in the accounting system. Organizations with many small projects going on concurrently face the most difficult project management problems.

One of the most significant driving forces behind the demand for project management is the ever increasing expansion of the product life cycle. TRUE/FALSE

FALSE One of the most significant driving forces behind the demand for project management is the shortening of the product life cycle.

Which of the following statements is true? I. Project management is becoming a standard way of doing business II. Project management is increasingly contributing to achieving organizational strategies III. Project management is being used at a consistent percentage of a firm's efforts

I and II are true Project management is no longer a special-need management. It is rapidly becoming a standard way of doing business. The future promises an increase in the importance and the role of projects in contributing to the strategic direction of organizations.

The importance of project management has increased due to I. The movement of manufacturing operations out of the U.S II. Time to market III. The movement toward flatter and leaner organizations

I, II and III are true One of the most significant driving forces behind the demand for project management is the shortening of the product life cycle. In today's flatter and leaner organizations, where change is a constant, project management is replacing middle management as a way of ensuring that things get done. Corporate downsizing has also led to a change in the way organizations approach projects. Companies outsource significant segments of project work, and project managers have to manage not only their own people but also their counterparts in different organizations.

Which of the following constraints is/are typically found in managing projects? I. Time II. People III. Cost IV. Performance

I, III and IV Specific time, cost, and performance requirements bind projects

Integration of project management with the organization takes place with the I. Master budget II. Strategy plan III. Process of managing actual projects

II and II are correct Since projects are the modus operandi, strategic alignment of projects is of major importance to conserving and effective use of organization resources. Selection criteria need to ensure each project is prioritized and contributes to strategic goals.

"Project managers perform the same functions as other managers." Agree or Disagree and support your decision.

Many of the same basic management functions are performed by project managers; however, there are aspects of the project manager's job that make it unique.

Which of these is not part of the "sociocultural dimension" of project management? A. Negotiation B. Resource allocation C. Customer expectations D. Leadership E. Politics

See Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15.

Which of these is not part of the "technical dimension" of project management? A. WBS B. Budgets C. Problem solving D. Schedules E. Status reports

See Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15.

One of the characteristics that separate project management from other endeavors of the organization is that there are specific time, cost, and performance requirements. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE Major characteristics are specific time, cost, and performance requirements

The professional certification for project managers is a Project Management Professional (PMP). TRUE/FALSE

TRUE PMI provides certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP)—someone who has documented sufficient project experience, agreed to follow the PMI code of professional conduct, and demonstrated mastery of the field of project management by passing a comprehensive examination. (See Snapshot on Page 4).

Project management integration necessitates combining all of the major dimensions of project management under one umbrella. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE Project management integration necessitates combining all of the major dimensions of project management under one umbrella. Each dimension is connected in one seamless, integrated domain. Integration means applying a set of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to a collection of projects in order to move the organization toward its strategic goals.

The singular purpose of a project is often lacking in daily organizational life in which workers perform repetitive operations each day. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE This singular purpose is often lacking in daily organizational life in which workers perform repetitive operations each day.

Because of the significant loss in potential product revenue, "time to market" has become one of the most critical factors in developing new products. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE Time to market for new products with short life cycles has become increasingly important.

Unlike their functional counterparts, project managers generally possess only rudimentary technical knowledge to make trade-off decisions. TRUE/FALSE

TRUE Unlike their functional counterparts, project managers generally possess only rudimentary technical knowledge.

Two dimensions within the project management process are

Technical and sociocultural There are two dimensions within the actual execution of projects (see Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15).

Describe the connection between Project Management and an organization's Strategic Plan.

Today the emphasis is on an integrated project management process that focuses all project effort toward the strategic plan of the organization

The establishment of project goals, specifications, and responsibilities usually occurs in the ________ stage of the project life cycle.

defining Specifications of the project are defined; project objectives are established; teams are formed; major responsibilities are assigned.

The initial stage in the Project Life Cycle is the __________ stage.

defining Specifications of the project are defined; project objectives are established; teams are formed; major responsibilities are assigned.

The advent of many small projects has created the need for an organization that can support __________ management.

multiproject This climate has created a multiproject environment and a plethora of new problems. Sharing and prioritizing resources across a portfolio of projects is a major challenge for senior management.

The growth in ________ has increased the complexity of projects because projects typically include the latest advances.

new knowledge The growth in new knowledge has increased the complexity of projects because projects encompass the latest advances. Product complexity has increased the need to integrate divergent technologies. Project management has emerged as an important discipline for achieving this task.

In the _________ stage of the Project Life Cycle what will be accomplished by the project is determined along with the project's schedule and budget.

planning The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to determine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be.

In the __________ stage, it determined what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, and what the budget will be.

planning The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to determine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be.

In some organizations, selection and management of projects often fail to support the broad-based _________ of the organization

strategic plan Today, projects are the modus operandi for implementing strategy. Yet in some organizations, selection and management of projects often fail to support the strategic plan of the organization.

WBS, schedules, and budgets are examples of the _________ dimension of the project management process.

technical See Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15.