Chapter 1 - Introduction to Project Management

What is Project management

"the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements" (PMBOK® Guide, Fourth Edition, 2008, p. 6)

Project Attributes

A project: Has a unique purpose Is temporary Is developed using progressive elaboration Requires resources, often from various areas Should have a primary customer or sponsor The project sponsor usually provides the direction and funding for the project Involves uncertainty

9 Project Management Knowledge Areas

Knowledge areas describe the key competencies that project managers must develop 4 core knowledge areas lead to specific project objectives (scope, time, cost, and quality) 4 facilitating knowledge areas are the means through which the project objectives are achieved (human resources, communication, risk, and procurement management 1 knowledge area (project integration management) affects and is affected by all of the other knowledge areas All knowledge areas are important!

The Triple Constraint of Project Management

Successful project management means meeting all three goals (scope, time, and cost) - and satisfying the project's sponsor and customer!

Suggested Skills for Project Managers

The Project Management Body of Knowledge Application area knowledge, standards, and regulations General management knowledge and skills Soft skills or human relations skills

Project Stakeholders

are the people involved in or affected by project activities

Stakeholders include:

project sponsor project manager project team Support staff Customers Users Suppliers Opponents to the project

Project Managers Works with

project sponsors, the project team, and other people involved in a project to meet project goals

Project managers

strive to meet the triple constraint by balancing project scope, time, and cost goals