Foundations Flash Cards
Progressive Elaboration
The process of the PM constantly working, checking and refining their plans.
What is a Project
Temporary endeavor regardless of size or scope with a specific start and end point that produces a deliverables and is planned iteratively
Project management Team
the group of individuals who manage a project, typically one or more project managers plus executives and professionals
Project Manager
it is the project managers and the project management teams responsibility to integrate all of these roles and ensure that they mesh, allowing successful completion of the project. The project manager’s role calls on a wide range of skills, including interpersonal, leadership and general management skills in addition to knowing project management techniques.
Project Sponsors
the one who initiates, defines, secures organizational approval and commits funds and resources to the projects. Provides funding, issues project charter may also create SOW on smaller projects. May write business case to secure organizational approval.
Project Team Members
The professionals who do the work of the project. May also be part of the project management team
Project Stakeholders
Anyone affected positively or negatively by the project including; executives, managers, employees, vendors and even customers.
triple Constraint
It’s really six today but PMI has not changed the label. The triple constraints are the six dimensions of the project that are always in tension with each other. If one dimension is changed, at least one or even more of the other five are impacted. The six dimensions are cost, scope, quality, time, resoure & risk
Example Stakeholders
Performing Organization, sponsor, senior management, functional management, Project Team members, Project management team members, project manager, PMO, customers, users, vendors, suppliers, consultants and employee’s
Expert Judgment
the PM’s professional opinion based on experience, knowledge and current situation
Qualitative
Risk management analysis technique that’s simple and fast
Quantitative
Risk management analysis technique to assess probabilities and the impact of a risk event.
Trade-Offs
A description of the impact of the triple constraints due to the balance/tension between the constraints when one of the dimensions is changed.
Portfolios
A bundle of dissimilar projects/programs.
Programs
a bundle of related projects that have a common purpose
Sub-Projects
A specific component of the larger effort that the organization contracts out to other organizations
Phases or Sub-Phases
Dividing up a project into smaller phases where each phase produces a deliverable that management examines and formally accepts before the next phase begins. This is done to generate greater control over a project
organizational content
The range or organizational structures, processes and cultures that affect projects and their teams.
Functional Organizations
Organized around technical specialties like marketing, sales, manufacturing, facilities, customer service, engineering and accounting. The barriers between the functional “silos” make it tough on PM’s. Cross functional projects require exceptional negotiating skills from the PM to acquire resources. PM’s have little or now authority and “borrow” people and resources. Strong chain of command with a top down management structure. Communication lines follow the chain of command simple but rigid. Project Expediter and Project Coordinators