Key Terms Flashcards
5 Whys Method
An effective tool for root cause analysis in which the question “Why?” is asked of a
problem in succession until the root cause is found. Developed by Sakichi Toyoda, a
Japanese inventor and industrialist, the 5 Whys method is an integral part of the Lean
philosophy.
80/20 Rule
A general guideline with many applications; in terms of controlling processes, it
contends that a relatively large number of problems or defects, typically 80%, are
commonly due to a relatively small number of causes, typically 20%. See also “Pareto
Chart”.
A/B Testing
A marketing approach used to determine user preferences by showing different sets of
users’ similar services—an ‘Alpha’ and a ‘Beta’ version—with one independent variable.
Accept
A strategy for managing negative risks or opportunities that involves acknowledging risk
and not taking any action until the risk occurs.
Acceptance Criteria
A set of conditions that is required to be met before deliverables are accepted.
Accepted Deliverables
Deliverables that meet the acceptance criteria and have been formally signed off and
approved by the customer or sponsor as part of the scope validation process.
Active Listening
A communication technique that involves acknowledging the speaker’s message and
the recipient clarifying the message to confirm that what was heard matches the
message that the sender intended.
Activity
A distinct portion of work, scheduled with a beginning and an end, that must be
performed to complete work on the project. Also known as a schedule activity. See also
“Task”.
Activity Attributes
Multiple attributes associated with each activity that can be included within the activity
list.
Activity Cost Estimates
Each task is assigned a budget, and the aggregate of these estimates results in the
project budget. Activity cost estimates include labor, materials, equipment, and fixed
cost items like contractors, services, facilities, financing costs, etc. This information can
be presented in a detailed or summarized form.
Activity Dependencies
A logical relationship that exists between two project activities. The relationship
indicates whether the start of an activity is contingent upon an event or input from
outside the activity.
Activity Duration Estimates
The quantitative assessments of the likely number of time periods that are required to
complete an activity.
Activity List
A documented tabulation of schedule activities that shows the activity description,
activity identifier, and a sufficiently detailed scope-of-work description so project team
members understand what work is to be performed.
Activity on Arrow or Activity on Node
A graphical diagram on which schedule activities are represented by nodes (rectangle
boxes) and their dependencies are depicted by arrows.
Activity Resource Estimates
Material and human resources that are needed to complete an activity; often expressed
by a probability or range.
Activity Resource Requirements
The resources (physical, human, and organizational) required to complete the activities
in the activity list.
Actual Cost (AC)
Earned Value Management term for the realized cost incurred for the work performed
on an activity during a specific time.
Adaptive
A type of project life cycle or methodology that values responding to change over
following a set plan. Adaptive methodologies seek solutions that deliver maximum value
to the customer.
Administrative Closure
Involves verifying and documenting project results to formalize project or phase
completion.
Affinity Diagram
A technique that allows large numbers of ideas to be classified into groups for review
and analysis.
Affinity Estimating
Technique designed to rapidly estimate large stories (epics or features) in the backlog.
For example: T-Shirt sizing, coffee cup sizes, or Fibonacci sequence.
Agile
A term used to describe a mindset of values and principles as set forth in the Agile
Manifesto.
Agile Coach
A process role on a project team that helps organizations achieve true agility by
coaching teams across the enterprise on how to apply agile practices and choose their
best way of working. See also “scrum master.”
Agile Estimating
An approach that assists with planning a project appropriately from the beginning to
ensure the team can focus on the quality of each deliverable.