Quiz 1- CIS 3001

What types of technical experts (TEs) might an IT project need?

-Data base analysists -Network specialists -Engineers -Programmers -Graphic designers

What are the four categories for project failure? Give an example of each.

-People (Poorly defined roles) -Processes ( (Poor planning) -Technology (Imcompatible) -Organization (Lack of direction)

What are the attributes of a project?

-Time frame -Purpose -Ownership -Resources -Project Roles -Project manager -Project sponsor -Subject Matter Expert (SME) -Technical Expert (TE) - Etc.

What is a project?

A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

How does a project-management approach to managing projects improve the likelihood of project success?

Applying principles of project management will lead to success. The step by step activitities, processes, quality standards etc... The success of a project does not only depend on the team, but also on the overall process-infrastructures, team etc...

Why do people have a time frame?

Because projects are a temporary endeavor it must have a definite beginning and end

How does a socio-technical approach to managing projects improve the likelihood of project success?

Before an organization creates or develop a certain application for example, they must not only focus on technology, or developing the app. They must consider if the application will actually be useful to developers and users.

How does a value-driven approach to managing projects improve the likelihood of project success?

Before an organization fund or spend money for a certain project, the organization must make sure that the funding will add some value to the organization. Otherwise, what will be the point of funding and not having benefits in return.

Why does the sharing of experiences in the form or lessons learned lead to best practices for managing and developing new products, processes, or systems?

By utilizing such technologies as the WWW and intranets, organizations can share the knowledge, experiences gained, and lessons learned in previous projects with the entire organization. Documenting both the successes and failures, makes the most effective and efficient practices available in the form of organizational best practices.

What is progressive elaboration?

Details of project become clearer when more information are available.

What is a risk? Provide an example of a project risk

Internal risk: An employee who suddenly leaves the company. External risk: Dependencies on contractors.

Describe the EDP era. How were IT projects managed during this era?

It was characterized by the purchase of the first centralized minicomputer. It projects during this era was focused on automating various organizational transactions (general accounting, inventory management etc. )

How does a knowledge-management approach to managing projects improve the likelihood of project success?

Knowledge management is a systematic process for acquiring, creating, synthesizing, sharing, and using information, insights, and experiences to transform ideas into business value. In an information economy, knowledge and information are the currency which determine success. Being a wise steward of this valuable asset and attempting to leverage that currency makes sense. From the Standish Group quote "Out of knowledge you gain wisdom, and it is with wisdom that you can become truly successful"

What are some challenges that project managers and teams face when managing IT projects today?

Media talk and share stories about failed IT projects, and those failures usually go to lawsuits.

what is the role of a project sponsor?

Provides resources, making project related decisions, giving direction, publicly supporting the project when needed.

Why should the project manager and team understand the organization's culture, environment, politics, and structure?

So that potential issues that could impede the project can be recognized and handled appropriately

What is project management?

The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements.

What is the definition of a project manager?

The person assigned by the performing organization to lead the team that is responsible for achieving the project objectives.

What is globalization? What challenges did/does globalization present?

The rise of network infrastructure and lowering of political barriers. Project managers will have projects that are more dynamic and geographically dispersed.

What is meant by project tasks being interdependent? Provide an example of two interdependent tasks.

The work to deliver a product, service, or system requires many related tasks or activities. These tasks become interdependent when some tasks require the completion of other tasks. Often the delay of one task can affect other subsequent, dependent tasks. For example, a network cannot be installed until a server and other hardware is delivered.

Why does a project need subject matter experts? (SMEs)?

They need a person who can share their expertise in the subject.

Give example of resources that may be required for an IT project?

Time, money, people, facilities, and technologies.

Why should organizations manage their projects as a portfolio?

To accomplish competitive advantage

Why do projects need a purpose?

To set up expectations, defining the work to be done, setting direction for project team, and developing a schedule and budget.

Why are projects organizational investments?

When an organization builds or implements a new IT based product, service or solution, it commits time, money and resources to the project, with an expectation of receiving something in return.

Describe the network era. What challenges did the network era present?

When the internet started. It projects focused on creating IT infrastructure to support many business partners, customers, and vendors.

What is a program?

Where project activities are coordinated

What is an assumption? Provide an example of an assumption.

While estimating the project's budget, the project manager may make an assumption that this programmer's salary will be $75,000 a year. If this assumption is too low and the programmer is hired for more than $75,000 a year, then the project's budget will be higher than what the project manager estimated and the project may run the risk of being over budget.

What is a project portfolio?

a collection of diverse projects managed collectively to align with the organization's strategy and overall plan to achieve competitive advantage

What is a stakeholder?

a party that has an interest in a company and can either affect or be affected by the business.

What is the role of a project manager or leader?

ensure that all project processes, and processes associated with creation of products are in place and carried out efficiently and effectively.