Everything Flashcards
Explain 3 characteristics of a matrix organisation structure when used by an organisation to deliver a change initiative
- Dual identities (PM also has functional role)
- Works better with BAU for the change as there is some level of oversight into the functional side of business
- Resources are drawn from BAU
- Authority flows sideways between functional and PM
Explain 2 characteristics of a functional organisation structure when used by an organisation to deliver a change initiative
- Usually smaller projects, functional manager manages project within department
- No dedicated project team, done within BAU team
- Authority flows downwards from functional manager
Explain three differences between the following types of organisational structure:
- Functional
- Project
- Matrix
Functional authority flows downwards from functional manager, matrix flows sideways, project it flows downwards from PM
Functional resources drawn from BAU, matrix resources drawn from BAU but partly dedicated to the project- 2 direct reporting or more, project has dedicated resource for the project
Dedicated to the project (matrix and functional doesn’t have dedicated team)
Explain 2 considerations when using an organisation breakdown structure to create a responsibility assignment matrix.
- Cost of the resources that have been assigned
- If the individuals within the structure have the knowledge and experience
- Whether context has been considered in assigning responsibilities
Explain 3 steps in the creation of a responsibility assignment matrix. In each step explain who might get involved.
First step is to identify organisational breakdown structure in the business. This will include PM, sponsor, stakeholders (if project structure)
Second step is to identify work breakdown structure. This may involve the project team, subject matter experts. All required to complete scope. Moscow + RACI
Third step is to assign roles and responsibilities for each activity, to the people within the structure, this may involve steering group, sponsor, key stakeholders, and PM.
Select 2 phases of the project lifecycle and describe a specific activity the project manager would perform in each of the 2 phases.
Concept – help sponsor complete risk assessment, PESTLE and other options for business case
Definition – PM creates PMP using business case
Deployment – tracks progression of the project through reviews and reports to sponsor.
Transition – helps transfer and handover to BAU. Ensures quality control has been completed. If extended, may follow to adoption and termination
Explain 3 key differences between responsibilities of a sponsor and project manager in the Deployment phase.
Sponsor ensures governance is being adhered to, PM ensures team are following processes to assist with this, complying with regulation
PM does day-to-day running of project ensuring project team are completing WBS whereas the sponsor doesn’t get involved in the day-to-day, only the oversight.
The sponsor focuses on the goal of making sure that the project remains a viable business option throughout the deployment phase, whereas the PM is focused on ensuring the project meets the deliverables to the time cost and quality restraints.
Sponsor is a part of steering group, PM works more with project team
Explain 2 differences between the responsibilities of the project manager and the project sponsor throughout the project.
PM has a tactical focus and works on making sure deliverables are met to time cost and quality restraints, in accordance to PMP (which they make in the definition phase). They work with the project team day to day to motivate and delegate to ensure the activities in WBS are completed.
The sponsor however has a strategic role, and works to make sure aligns to strategy of business, looking at other investments in the organisation. Owns business case.
Select 3 of the project roles below and describe their responsibilities throughout the project:
- Users
- Project team members
- Project steering group
- Product Owner
Users – last interaction with the intended outputs (deliverables), helps define acceptance criteria, helps deliverables to be handed over. Responsible for partaking in gathering requirements and accepting deliverables when given to BAU. Provide feedback to product owner and PM for lessons learnt.
Project team members – complete the activities outlined in work breakdown structure. Work and report to project manager. Escalate issues if they arise. May communicate with stakeholders if they are outlined to do so in communications plan.
Project steering group – helps sponsor manage governance. Helps with escalations of issues. Help assess project at reviews.
Product owner – The product owner is focused on working with the users, and represents the making, functionality, and realisation of the products. They aren’t necessarily the end user, but work with them to ensure the requirements and acceptance criteria are acceptable, establishing scope. They also follow the product through, past the delivery to ensure any upgrades are supported.
Describe 5 functions/ services a central project management office may provide
- assist with admin (like risk analysis)
- allocating resources
- clear line of reporting
- help with documentation
- assist with reviews
Describe 2 ways in which a project management office can assist a project manager to successfully deliver a project.
Give the PM more time to work with the project team by dealing with administrative tasks.
Allocating resources by looking at what is available across the pool of the business
Provide consistency and ensure compliance
Explain how 3 aspects of project management governance can aid project success. Choose 2/3 from the following:
- Policies
- Regulations
- Functions
- Processes
- Procedures
- Delegated responsibilities
Polices – to protect people within the business. To assist with health and safety requirements.
Delegated responsibilities – required to ensure there is efficient resource usage across the project, putting right people in the right place (expertise). Avoids duplication of resources.
Regulations – adhere to laws
Explain 3 ways in which a project would be influenced by the implementation of project governance.
Health and safety need to be considered in budget
Changes in legislation may impact scope
Change control (escalated may mean closing of project)
Explain the 3 differences between linear and iterative life cycles.
Linear has 4 defined phases – concept, definition, deployment, transition whereas iterative doesn’t have defined phases, but works in iterations/ time boxes. Linear usually gives deliverables at the end of the project, iterative deliverables can be throughout. Linear doesn’t necessarily need constant user feedback, iterative does.
Explain reasons why an iterative lifecycle might be used to deliver a project rather than a linear life cycle option.
Time is crucial, as iterative can start iterations pretty much start straight away. You have lots of access to user feedback. Scope isn’t clear at the start of the project. Project that is looking at product development or software, as iterative approach favours this kind of project due to constant amendments and user feedback. Used when predictable.
Linear is more for projects that have more risk, as there is a clear structure. May be used if resources need to be planned clearly across the project. Construction because need to know clear size and scale before you start
Explain why a hybrid life cycle might be used rather than a linear or iterative life cycle.
- Utilisation of the iterative modification, which utilises user feedback to adapt products, whilst still allowing for the phases of a linear life cycle
- Allows for flexibility of scope, whilst still maintaining the structure of a linear life cycle. This is because the phases can still be outlined to give the stakeholders the structure, but the scope can be constantly amended as information becomes available, and the project matures (as usual in an iterative cycle). This adds a level of flexibility
- Faster nature of an iterative cycle can be implemented, due to the fast pace element of tranches, but these can still be utilised within set phases in order to provide confidence to the stakeholders. This may be helpful for a project that needs to be delivered quickly, but also needs to have defined phases to provide confidence, and a demonstration of works to the stakeholders.
Explain 3 reasons why a project might be structured in phases, following a linear life cycle
- Resource allocation
- Facilitates reviews
- Clearer reporting to stakeholders
State 4/6 advantages of a linear life cycle.
- Facilitates better resource planning
- Facilitates better review planning
- Clear plan of scope to demonstrate to stakeholders
- Better for cost planning
- Facilitates clearer critical path
Explain the 3 differences between a project life cycle and an extended life cycle.
One is follows though to realisation of benefits
Ownership stays with project team until realisation (in extended)
There is no termination in project, there is in extended. E.g nuclear power plant – project team is responsible for terminating
Describe 2 activities that would occur in the extended life cycle and not in the project lifecycle. For each activity, state who might be involved.
Termination
Adoption of benefits
Describe two knowledge management activities that should be built into the day-to-day management of the project.
Making sure knowledge is easily accessible dissemination
Making sure people aren’t sharing information etc
- Treat as information management
Explain 3 reasons why information management may support the effective management of a project.
- Helps to generation of ideas and solutions
- Avoids repetition of mistakes and improves lessons learnt
- You can also anticipate and understand changing conditions
- Cultivates talent management
Explain one benefit of conducting each of the following through the life cycle:
- Decision gate
- Benefit review
- Audits
Benefit review- ensures the project was worthwhile, gives information for future projects
Decision gate- facilitates failing fast mentality
Audits- proper governance, ensures legal standards are being adhered to. Provides confidence.
Explain 3 benefits of conducting reviews throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Close early
Update stakeholders
Provide confidence
Manage risk
Explain 3 reasons why projects may close early.
Project matures and more information comes to light meaning no longer viable business option
Not on track to achieve deliverables
Already achieved deliverables
Business risk appetite has decreased.
No longer aligns to the strategy of the business or portfolio (strategy may have changed)
Explain 3 key differences between projects and business-as-usual.
Resources are drawn from
Funded by
Change initiative/ ongoing running operationally
Project is risk tolerant. BAU is risk adverse.
Describe two ways in which programme management is different from project management
Programme is multiple with shared goals (project set goals independently)
Programme has multiple elements and other projects that are interdependent (whereas project is single entity)
Programme usually works to change ongoing BAU or strategic goals, project is its own endeavour.
State 4/6 advantages of a linear life cycle.
- Facilitates better resource planning
- Facilitates better review planning
- Clear plan of scope to demonstrate to stakeholders
- Better for cost planning
- Gives sponsor better oversight
- Better for cost planning and releases
Describe 2/3 characteristics of relationship between programmes, projects and strategic change.
- Benefits realisation (projects realise after project is completed, programmes realise benefits incrementally as changing BAU)
- Creation of value, specific changes in projects, overall BAU changes in programmes
Explain three ways in which projects and programmes can help an organisation deliver strategic change.
- tangible investment into the change
- provides clear path to delivering change to show stakeholders
- programmes may assist in changing BAU
- rationalises resources to work to the change
- Programmes can help manage the projects with similar goals to make sure they aligned to strategic change
State 4/6 differences between the ways in which programmes and projects help an organisation achieve strategic change.
Project- single initiative, programme- align projects to align to strategic change
Programmes – consider complexities and dependencies of projects contributing to strategic change
Risk management
Scope
BAU
Describe 3 situations where it would be beneficial to manage a group of projects as a programme.
Independencies
Share resources
Benefit from economies of scale – better to order in bulk
Describe 3 situations where the use of portfolio management may be considered appropriate.
Change in legislation
Change in strategic direction
Want to better manage risk across business or check where investments are – can you invest more risk?
Explain 2 purposes of carrying out a SWOT analysis for a project option.
Capabilities and capacity and change scope before project starts
Opportunities
Explain ways in which VUCA analysis could be used to assess a project context.
V (build in slack, contingencies)
U (invest in information gathering)
C (speak to experts)
A (invest in info)
Explain 3 aspects which impact on the legal and regulatory environment on projects.
Health and safety
Sustainability
Working conditions
Describe three aspects of the legal and regulatory environment of a project that the project manager should be aware in assessing a project’s context.
Working conditions
Governance
Sustainability
Describe 3 ways in which a communication plan is used in a project.
To gather requirements
To update stakeholders
To ensure consistency