Basics and Terms

Question 1

What is a possible definition of a ‘project’? (4 points,

Answer 1

An undertaking that is defined by the uniqueness of it conditions. Conditions such as:
- The objective/goal
- Time, financial, personnel limitations
- Distinction from other projects
- A project specific organisation
It is not something routine

Question 2

What are typical ‘project characteristics’? (5 points

Answer 2

• Complex
• Innovative and unique
• Time limit
• Defined target
• Limited resource
• Often has other risks
• May have a project specific organisation

Question 3

What ‘types of projects’ do you know? (3 points,

Answer 3

1) Investment projects
a. Eg buying a new machine
2) Organisation projects
a. Introducing quality management or sorting an event
3) Research and development projects
a. Developing new project or analysing feasibility
4) IT projects

Question 4

What it the ‘magic triangle’? Why is the idea of the ‘magic triangle’ a useful model for project management? (3+1 points

Answer 4

It is a triangle which displays 3 major components of a project:
- Quality
- Time
- Costs
It is useful because it demonstrates that if you change one of the components it will affect the others. It allows us to show how interdependent the factors are.
Eg If over budget the PM will have to decide whether to complete the project with cheaper materials or go over budget to not compromise quality. Or by pushing the deadline to decrease costs.

Question 5

What is the difference between ‘project’, ‘a portfolio’ and a ‘program’? (3 points,

Answer 5

Project – individual endevour with a defined goal
Portfolio – several independent projects of the same type
Program – Several projects with the focus on a strategic goal

Question 6

What is a possible definition for ‘project management’? (3 points

Answer 6

The management, execution of tasks, organisation, techniques required to execute a project.
Can take planning, implementation, control, monitoring, communication of complex undertakings

Question 7

What are the ‘phases of project management’? What has to be done at each phase? (5+5 points

Answer 7

1) Initiation
a. Clarify the project
b. Clarify requirements
c. Feasibility study
d. Can be done by a project sketch
2) Definition
a. Determine the goals
b. Analyse the risks
c. Analyse the stakeholders
d. Define the organisation
3) Planning
a. Create work structure
b. Make an operating plan
c. Create a schedule
d. Determine the costs and resources
4) Implementation
a. Monitor progress
b. Create reports
c. Manage changes
5) Closing
a. Present results
b. Determine lessons learnt
c. Close

Question 8

What are possible ‘roles of a project manager’? Please provide one example for each (6+6 point,

Answer 8

1) Moderator
2) Organiser
3) Seller
4) Executive
5) Specialist
6) Conflict manager
!ADD IN AN EXAMPLE FOR EACH!

Question 9

What are the responsibilities of a ‘project manager’? (3 points,

Answer 9

• Results
• Budget
• Deadlines