APM -Understand project management and the operating environment Flashcards
Understand project management and the operating environment
Define the term ‘project’
ProjectA unique, transient endeavour undertaken to bring about change and to achieve planned objectives.
State the differences between a project and business as usual
Business-as-usual An organisation’s normal day-to-day operations. Also referred to as steady state.
‘Purpose’ - P Achieve objective then terminate, BAU Sustain the organisation to achieve its business purpose and goals.
‘Timescale’ - P Limited, temporary in nature, pre-defined start and end points, BAU Ongoing, no defined end point.
‘Outcome’ - P Unique product or service, BAU Repetitive, non-unique product, service or result.
‘People’ - P Temporary teams, formed across organisational boundaries to meet project needs. May not be aligned with organisational structure, BAU - Teams formed within organisational structure and aligned to suit functional demands.
‘Management’ - P Dedicated manager appointed for the duration of project only, may not have direct line authority over project teams, BAU Long term formal management direct line authority over functional unit personnel.
Define the term ‘project management’
Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget.
State the key purpose of ‘project management’
Projects bring about change and enable organisations to adapt, improve and grow. Project work represents intentional investment in development, enhancement and improvement
Define the term ‘programme’
Programme A unique, transient strategic endeavour undertaken to achieve beneficial change and incorporating a group of related projects and business-as-usual (steady-state) activities
Define the terms ‘programme management’
Programme managementThe coordinated management of projects and business-as-usual (steady- state) activities to achieve beneficial change. - e.g. Use capabilities or facilities created in a BAU manner
Define the term ‘portfolio’
Portfolio is a collection of projects and/or programmes used to structure and manage investments at an organisational or functional level to optimise strategic benefits or operational efficiency.
Define the term ‘portfolio management’
Portfolios are used to select, prioritise and control an organisations programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity to deliver. Their goal is to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance. To optimise strategic benefits or operational efficiency
Describe why PESTLE analysis might be used by a project manager
PESTLE A technique for analysing project context by considering political, economic, sociological, technical, legal and environmental factors.
