Chapter 11 - Execution, Monitoring, Controlling Flashcards
What are the three stages of project execution?
- Detail design
- Production
- Implementation
Briefly describe the detail design stage of project execution
Specifications are converted to plans, sketches, drawings, etc. This stage makes use of a breakdown approach
Name and define the two main activities of the design stage
- Functional design: System components and relationships
- Physical design: Actual system
What are the three different approaches used when the scope does not clearly define the output requirements?
- Trial and error (evolutionary)
- Design-build-test
- Iterative design process
(Maybe discuss the differences between these)
What is Interaction Design (a process used during the detail design stage)?
- Retain control over design process
- So we don’t lose control over scope requirements
- Making sure the client get EXACTLY what they asked for
What is Controlling Design (a process used during the detail design stage)?
- Keeping record of all changes and design requirements
- Recording what the impact of these changes are on the plans, budget, schedule
- Communicating with stakeholders
What is the difference between end items and side items?
- End items are deliverables from the main contract
- Side items are necessary to deliver the end items
Name the activities involved in the production stage
- System fabrication
- Testing
- Planning for implementation
In system fabrication (which refers to actually doing the work), what are the responsibilities of the PM
- Monitoring and inspecting
- Documenting progress
- Comparing planned and actual
- Taking corrective actions
What are the main activities involved in planning for implementation?
- Installing of product
- Training the user
What important factors should be minded when planning for implementation and the activities involved
- Make sure the product reaches the user
- The user must be able to use and maintain the product
- The implementation of the product should cause minimal disruption of the organisation
Define monitoring and control
The process of keeping the project moving as outlined in the execution plan
What is Project Control?
Assessing progress against planned goals, and taking corrective action
Outline the process of control and monitor
- Set performance standard
- While executing, compare actual and planned progress
- Take corrective action to minimise variance
What are the three aspects of project monitoring?
- Track the project as a whole
- Assessing how the project is doing
- Forecasting
What is the difference between internal and external control?
Internal: Contractors, people producing the product
External: Control imposed from client, users or stakeholders
What does a control account consist of?
Work packages
What is work authorisation?
Work only starts after authorisation is given, and only stops after formal review and acceptance
What are the aims of scope control?
- Used where work and requirement changes
- Ensuring these changes are necessary
- Restrain changes as far as possible
- Manage the implementation of changes
What are the different levels of control?
- Scope
- Quality
- Schedule
- Procurement
- Cost
What is scope creep?
The tendency of a project scope to grow over time
What is quality control?
Managing the work to achieve desired requirements and adhere to specifications
What is schedule control?
Keeping the project on schedule
In schedule control, how does one protect the critical path?
Communicate the progress of preceding activities, and know what impact the current activity will have on both the preceding and succeeding activities
What is procurement control?
Controlling the output of the project by controlling supplies and suppliers
What is cost control?
- Tracing variances in expenditure vs budget
- Eliminate unauthorised and unecessary expenses
- Minimise and contain cost changes
