Project Management: Chapter 5 - The Scope Strikes Back

Work Package (what it is)

The lowest level of the WBS. It is output-oriented

Project Scope Statement

The narrative description of the project scope, including major deliverables, project assumptions, project constraints, and a description of work, that provides a documented basis for making future project decisions and for confirming or developing a common understanding of project scope among the stakeholders.

Project Scope

The work that must be performed to deliver a product, service, or result with specified features and functions

Special Requirements

unique characteristics that should be considered during the creative development process

Responsibility Matrix (RAM)

(Linear responsibility chart) Summarizes the tasks to be accomplished and who is responsible for what on the project

Purpose Statement

A concise statement that explains "why" the project is being done

Charter

A document issued by the project initiator or sponsor that formally authorizes the existence of a project, and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.

Statement of Work

A narrative description of products, services, or results to be delivered by the project. Ultimate reference document for project Indicates customer requirements and "written expectations" Lists goals, constraints, and success criteria for the project

The project manager wants to make sure that he is proceeding in the right order as he moves to develop a clear scope for his project. During scope definition, what should he be doing? A. Involving stakeholders and verifying that they have all provided their input to the process B. Developing his WBS and OBS C. Moving as quickly as possible to the determination of scope reporting methods D. Identifying all necessary vendors for any outsourcing that must be done

A. It is critical that all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute their input to the project during the scope definition phase

What is the lowest level of decomposition in the Work Breakdown Structure called? A. Work package B. Deliverable C. Subdeliverable D. Project

A. The work package is the lowest level in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS)

Allows definition, owner assignment of work packages, budget assignment to departments

George has been assigned to be the new project manager for our project. He is eager to get off to a good start and wants to identify what activities he should first engage in. How would you advise him to start? A. Begin with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) B. Begin with a clear scope statement C. Begin with a problem statement and Statement of Work (SOW) D. Begin with clear work authorization

C. The project should initiate with a clear problem statement and understood SOW supporting it

A hospital expansion is being planned for a community. As part of the scope of this project, it will be necessary to close down the access routes into the emergency room for major remodeling; however, because this is the only hospital for trauma cases within 50 miles, it is not possible to completely shut down the emergency room. The project team will have to find a means to remodel the emergency room while allowing for continuous operations of the unit. This is an example of what? A. Negotiation points with the owner B. Constraints C. Initial assumptions D. Milestone development

B. The need to keep the emergency room open during the remodeling is an example of working around existing project constraints

All of the following define a work package EXCEPT: A. a work package has a deliverable result B. It may be considered by its owner as a project in itself C. A work package may include several milestones D. A work package can be created and addressed regardless of other organizational procedures of cultural considerations

D. A work package should fit organizational procedures and culture

Work Package (what it does)

Defines work (what) Identifies time to complete (how long) Identifies a time-phased budget to complete (cost) Identifies resources needed (how much) Identifies a single person responsible for units of work (who)

Acceptance Criteria

Describes how the buyer organization will determine if the work is acceptable

Costs & schedule estimates

Describes the costs estimates for the work to be done and the details on how estimates were developed.

Scope of Work

Describes the work to be done in details

Location of Work

Describes where the work will be performed

Scope

Everything about a project - work content as well as expected outcomes The sum of the products, services, and results to be provided by a project

Effective SOWs contain:

Introduction and background Technical description Timeline and milestones Client expectations

Deliverables

Lists specific deliverables, describe them in detail, and specify when they are due

The Project Charter includes

Project Vision, Stakeholders, Sponsor, Client, Scope (including deliverables, milestones, etc.), Issues, risk, Who will do the work, Cost, and Funding

Applicable Standards

Specifies any company or industry specific standards that are relevant to performing the work.

Period of Performance

Specifies when the work is expected to start and end, working hours, and related schedule information

The base document for any project is...

Statement of Work, it is written by the PM before the project starts

WBS (Work Breakdown Structure)

Structures a project into activities for: Detailed planning Cost estimates and budgeting Objectives linked to available resources Assign specific authority and responsibility