Part 1 Flashcards
What is the definition of a project according to the PMBOK?
The PMBOK defines a project as “a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product or service. Temporary means that every project has a definite end. Unique means that the product or service is different in some distinguishing way from all similar products or services.”
What are some distinctive features of a project?
- A start and finish (although they may be difficult to define)
- A life-cycle (a beginning, an end, and distinct phases in between)
- A budget with an associated cash-flow
- Activities that are essentially unique and non-repetitive
- Use of resources from different departments that need coordinating
- A single point of responsibility
- Team roles and relationships that are subject to change and need development
What is project management according to the PMBOK?
The PMBOK defines project management as “the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities in order to meet stakeholder’s needs and expectations from a project.” It involves managing integration, time, quality, scope, cost, human resources, communication, procurement, and risk.
What are some key benefits of project management?
Key benefits of project management include better control of human resources, improved customer relations, shorter development and lead times, lower costs, higher quality, higher profit margins, and improved productivity.
What is the role of a project manager as defined in this module?
For this module, a project manager refers to “the client’s person in charge of the whole project.”
Their prime responsibility is to ensure the project produces the required deliverables to the specified quality standards within the constraints of time and cost. They are also responsible for ensuring the project achieves the benefits defined in the business case.
What are some key issues that have challenged the construction industry’s record over the past 50-60 years?
Over the past 50-60 years, the construction industry has faced challenges such as client dissatisfaction with industry performance, requiring contractors and designers to introduce changes to improve. Key issues concerning procurement are also highlighted.
What is a project life cycle and why is it important?
A project life cycle is a collection of project phases that defines what work will be performed in each phase, what deliverables will be produced and when, who is involved in each phase, and how management will control and approve work in each phase.
It’s important because it provides frameworks for planning activities and time, reporting progress, and providing checkpoints for parties to take stock and formally decide whether to proceed to the next step.
What are some examples of project life cycle models?
Examples of project life cycle models include the RIBA Plan of Work, the CIOB Code of Practice, the OGC gateway, and the CIB work groups 1 & 2 models. The RIBA Plan of Work in particular is a long-established framework detailing how a construction project should be organised.
What key changes were introduced in the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 compared to the 2013 version?
The biggest addition in the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 is the new sustainability project strategy. It challenges design teams to focus on sustainable outcomes from the project outset. These outcomes and targets should be defined in Stage 1 briefing, checked throughout design and construction, and verified post-occupancy in Stages 6-7.
The 2020 update also improves guidance related to the planning process, procurement, and stage information requirements. It provides detailed stage descriptions and new guidance on core project strategies.
What is the RIBA Plan of Work?
The RIBA Plan of Work is a long-established framework that explains how a construction project should be organised. It was initiated in 1963 to provide a framework for architects to use on projects with their clients, bringing greater clarity to the different stages of a project. It has evolved over the years to reflect changing trends in project approaches and has become an industry-wide tool.
What are the key stages in the RIBA Plan of Work 2020?
- Strategic Definition
- Preparation and Briefing
- Concept Design
- Spatial Coordination
- Technical Design
- Manufacturing and Construction
- Handover
- Use
What is the CIOB Code of Practice?
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Code of Practice is a framework that represents construction management professionals who work within the built environment. It provides guidance on project management practices specific to the construction industry.
What is the OGC Gateway?
The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) Gateway is a project management framework used in the UK public sector. It consists of a series of independent peer reviews at key stages of a project’s lifecycle, aiming to ensure that projects are well-managed and deliver value for money.
What are the CIB work groups 1 & 2?
The International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) is an international organisation that promotes research and collaboration in the built environment. Work groups 1 and 2 focus on project management and the construction process, respectively, providing frameworks and guidelines for these areas.
How do these project lifecycle models differ in their approach and focus?
While all these models provide frameworks for managing projects, they differ in their specific focus and target audience:
- The RIBA Plan of Work is widely used in the UK construction industry and focuses on the architect’s role and perspective.
- The CIOB Code of Practice is aimed at construction management professionals and emphasises construction-specific project management practices.
- The OGC Gateway is used in the UK public sector and focuses on ensuring value for money and effective project governance.
- The CIB work groups provide an international perspective on research and innovation in project management and the construction process.
