"C" Terms & Definitions Flashcards
Cardinal scales
A ranking approach to identify the probability and impact by using a numerical value, from .01
(very low) to 1.0 (certain).
Cause-and-effect diagrams
Diagrams that show the relationship between variables within a process and how those
relationships may contribute to inadequate quality. The diagrams can help organize both the
process and team opinions, as well as generate discussion on finding a solution to ensure quality.
CARVER
An acronym to measure the goals and mission of the project with each letter meaning: Criticality,
Accessibility, Return, Vulnerability, Effect, and Recognizeability.
Ceremony
A meeting conducted during an Agile project that consists of daily stand-up, iteration planning,
iteration review, and iteration retrospective.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
A person who has slightly less project management experience than a PMP, but who has
qualified for and then passed the CAPM examination.
Change
To change requirements that increase value to the customer.
Change Control Board (CCB)
A committee that evaluates the worthiness of a proposed change and either approves or rejects
the proposed change.
* The change control system communicates the process for controlling changes to the project
deliverables. This system works with the configuration management system and seeks to control
and document proposals to change the project’s product.
Change Control System (CCS)
Documented in the scope management plan, this system defines how changes to the project
scope are managed and controlled.
Change log
- All changes that enter into a project are recorded in the change log. The characteristics of the
change, such as the time, cost, risk, and scope details, are also recorded.
Change management plan
This plan details the project procedures for entertaining change requests: how change requests
are managed, documented, approved, or declined.
* This subsidiary plan defines how changes will be allowed and managed within the project.
Charismatic leadership
The leader is motivating, has high-energy, and inspires the team through strong convictions
about what is possible and what the team can achieve. Positive thinking and a can-do mentality
are characteristics of a charismatic leader.
Charter
A document created during initiation that formally begins the project. The document includes
the project’s justification, a summary level budget, major milestones, critical success factors,
constraints, assumptions, and authorization to do it.
Checklist
- A simple approach to ensure that work is completed according to the quality policy.
Chicken
An individual involved but not committed to an agile project.
Choice of media
The best modality to use when communicating that is relevant to the information being
communicated.
Claims
These are disagreements between the buyer and the seller, usually centering on a change, who
did the change, and even whether a change has occurred. Claims are also called disputes and
appeals and are monitored and controlled through the project in accordance with the contract
terms.
Closure processes
This final process group of the project management life cycle is responsible for closing the
project phase or project. This is where project documentation is archived and project contracts
are also closed.
Coach
A team role that keeps the team focused on learning and the process.
Code of accounts
A numbering system for each item in the WBS. The PMBOK is a good example of a code of
accounts, as each chapter and its subheadings follow a logical numbering scheme. For example,
PMBOK 5.3.3.2 identifies an exact paragraph in the PMBOK.
Coercive power
- The project manager has the authority to discipline the project team members. This is also
known as penalty power.
Collaborate/Problem solving
This approach confronts the problem head-on and is the preferred method of conflict resolution.
Multiple viewpoints and perspectives contribute to the solution.
Collaboration
A method of cooperation among individuals to achieve a common goal.
Collective bargaining agreement constraints
Contracts and agreements with unions or other employee groups may serve as constraints on
the project.
Collective code ownership
The entire team together is responsible for 100% of the code.
Collocation
The entire team is physically present, working in one room.
Command & Control
Decisions created by higher up individuals in the organization and handed over to the team.
Commercial database
A cost-estimating approach that uses a database, typically software-driven, to create the cost
estimate for a project.
Common cause
An issue solved through trend analysis because the issue is systematic.
Communication
To share smooth and transparent information of needs.
Communication assumptions
Anything that the project management team believes to be true but hasn’t proven to be true. For
example, the project management team may assume that all of the project team can be reached
via cell phone, but parts of the world, as of this writing, don’t have a cell signal.
Communication barrier
Anything that prohibits communication from occurring.
Communication channels formula
N(N – 1)/2, where N represents the number of identified stakeholders. This formula reveals the
total number of communication channels within a project.
Communication constraints
Anything that limits the project management team’s options. When it comes to communication
constraints, geographical locales, incompatible communications software, and even limited
communications technology can constrain the project team.