4: Characteristics of Projects Project Management Process Flashcards
List all 5 characteristics of projects
Purpose, Life cycle, Interdependencies, Uniqueness, Conflict
Explain :Life cycle
follows a life cycle of tasks, i.e. conception, selection, planning, scheduling, control, termination, monitoring,
Which 3 factors is listed as project management process
Explain how project management process can be a challenge?
planning, scheduling, controlling]
Challenge because: more time could enhance performance or quality, but the deadline may not be met if more time is given and costs would be exceeded
Explain Interdependencies in characteristics of projects, what in particular must take note of.
projects involve many activities in specific sequences, and each activity is usually inter-dependent on the completion of others.
In specific sequence must take note of.
explain purpose:
Give an example of Purpose in characteristics of project.
what is an exception?
eg goal setting
exception is regular maintenance of aircraft)
How will conflict in project characteristics affect stakeholders?
many stakeholders with conflicting objectives – thus require many resources and much management attention
explain uniqueness in project characteristics
unique features in project require customised managerial attention but with common elements
explain planning process in project management process
Planning process begins with Statement of work and description of written objectives, agreed upon by all parties
Statement also contains tentative schedule and proposed budget.
Project scope is divided & subdivided into work packages
useful tool in planning
the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) :
Is a hierarchical tree or outline of tasks required to achieve objectives
WBS begins with the end objective.
It subdivides work into manageable components
benefit of WBS
WBS provides: The detailed project definition that helps
identify skills and responsibilities necessary to achieve the project goals, and provides a framework for budgeting
explain controlling in project management process
to monitor the project for progress at different intervals (called milestones).
Expenditure is also tracked against the budget proposed earlier
Thus, “Controlling” is to ensure all aspects of project are implemented according to the objectives, time and budget.
Schedule and plan will be revised if necessary to keep to the objectives
explain scheduling in project management process
Scheduling begins with time and cost estimates for each work activity
Scheduling also determines the precedence relationships between activities – ie what needs to be done first, before other activities can continue
Project schedule is displayed via a visual network diagram – with the start and finish dates
Allocation of resources is also planned at this stage:
Can influence project duration and cost
5 unexpected COST problem & explain PTC
scope of work increases
initial bids or estimates were too low
reporting was poor or untimely
budgeting was inadequate
difficulties require more resources
corrective control not exercised in time
5 unexpected time problem in PTC
delay owing to technical difficulties
initial time estimate were optimistic
task sequencing incorrect
required resources not avail when needed
unforeseen govt regulations
necessary preceeding tasks incomplete
5 unexpected performance problem in PTC
unexpected technical problem arise
insufficient resources arises
client require changes in specification
complications with functional areas
insurmountable technical issues
quality or reliability issues occur
