Creating a Project Schedule Flashcards
Four types of logical relationships
finish-to-start, start-to-start, start-to-finish, finish-to-finish
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A deliverables-oriented hierarchy that defines the work of the project and can be used on projects of any size or complexity.
Takes the major deliverables from the scope statement and decomposes them into smaller, more manageable components.
Includes all the work required to complete the project.
It’s the basis for time and cost estimates, and resource assignments
WBS Dictionary
a list of ever deliverable and each of their components contained in the WBS
Critical Path Method (CPM)
creates a schedule by determining float time
Float time
the difference between the early and late start dates, and the early and late finish dates
Duration Compression
a technique used to shorten a project schedule to meet a mandated completion date
Crashing
shortens task duration by adding more resources to the project
Fast tracking
where two tasks are started in parallel that were previously schedule to start sequentially
Milestones
mark major project events
Gantt Chart
One of the most common ways to display project schedules; displayed as bar charts that span the entire project timeline. May show milestones, deliverables, and all the tasks of a project, including their durations, start and end dates, and the resources assigned to each task
Sequencing
the process of identifying relationships between project activities and sequencing them in proper order
Dependencies
relationships between activities
Analogous estimating
also called “top-down estimating”, is a technique that uses actual durations from similar tasks on a previous project. It is typically the least accurate means of obtaining an estimate
Expert Judgment
an estimating technique where the people most familiar with the work determine the estimate. Most frequently used on Agile projects
Parametric Estimating
a quantitative estimating method that multiplies the quantity of work by the rate
Bottom-Up Estimating
an estimating technique that obtains individual estimates for each project activity and then adds them all to arrive at a total estimate for the work package. It is a good technique to use when you aren’t sure about the type or quantity of resources you’ll need for the project.
Project Management Plan
defines how the project is executed, how you’ll measure performance, and how it’s closed
Performance Measurement Baseline
consists of the scope, schedule, and cost baselines
Scope Baseline
includes the scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary. Is used throughout the remainder of documents and will also be used as a basis to determine the outcomes of change requests
Work Package Level
the lowest level of WBS where resources, time, and cost estimates are determined
Predecessor task
a task that exists on a path with another task and occurs before the task in question
Successor task
a task that exists on a common path with another task and occurs after the task in question
Network diagram
used to depict project activities and the interrelationships and dependencies among these activities
Resource leveling
Attempts to balance out the resource assignments to get tasks completed without overloading the individual. Can change the critical path and project end date
Resource smoothing
Accommodates resource availability by modifying activities within their float times without changing the critical path or project end date.
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
a chart that was created by the Navy as a way to manage the project and forecast the project schedule with a high degree of reliability. Uses three-point estimates known as the weighted average to calculate estimates for task duration. Weighted average consists of three estimates: optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely. Formula is: optimistic + pessimistic + (4 x most likely) / 6
Scope Management Plan
describes how the deliverables will be validated
Code of accounts identifier
a unique number assigned to each component of the WBS. It is documented in the WBS dictionary and is tied to the chart of accounts
WBS Levels
- Project name
- Major project deliverables, project phases, or subprojects
Velocity
used to determine how long it will take to complete the work of the iteration by measuring the speed the team progresses.
