PMBOK 7th Edition Definitions Flashcards
Acceptance Criteria.
A set of conditions that is required to be met before deliverables are accepted.
Accuracy.
Within the quality management system, accuracy is an assessment of correctness.
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.
Actual Cost (AC).
The realized cost incurred for the work performed on an activity during a specific time period.
Adaptive Approach.
A development approach in which the requirements are subject to a high level of uncertainty and volatility and are likely to change throughout the project.
Affinity Diagram.
A diagram that shows large numbers of ideas classified into groups for review and analysis.
(Post it Notes)
Affinity Grouping.
The process of classifying items into similar categories or collections on the basis of their likeness.
(Post it Notes)
Agile.
A term used to describe a mindset of values and principles as set forth in the Agile Manifesto.
Alternatives Analysis.
A method used to evaluate identified options in order to select the options or approaches to use to perform the work of the project.
Ambiguity.
A state of being unclear, having difficulty in identifying the cause of events, or having multiple options from which to choose.
Analogous Estimating.
A method for estimating the duration or cost of an activity or a project using historical data from a similar activity or project.
(Similar historical data)
Artifact.
A template, document, output, or project deliverable.
Assumption.
A factor in the planning process that is considered to be true, real, or certain, without proof or demonstration.
Assumption and Constraint Analysis.
An assessment that ensures assumptions and constraints are integrated into the project plans and documents, and that there is consistency among them.
Assumption Log.
A project document used to record all assumptions and constraints throughout the project.
Authority.
The right to apply project resources, expend funds, make decisions, or give approvals.
Backlog.
An ordered list of work to be done.
Backlog Refinement.
Progressive elaboration of the content in the backlog and (re)prioritization of it to identify the work that can be accomplished in an upcoming iteration.
Baseline.
The approved version of a work product, used as a basis for comparison to actual results.
Basis of Estimates.
Supporting documentation outlining the details used in establishing project estimates such as assumptions, constraints, level of detail, ranges, and confidence levels.
Benchmarking.
The comparison of actual or planned products, processes, and practices to those of comparable organizations to identify best practices, generate ideas for improvement, and provide a basis for measuring performance.
Benefits Management Plan.
The documented explanation defining the processes for creating, maximizing, and sustaining the benefits provided by a project or program.
Bid Documents.
All documents used to solicit information, quotations, or proposals from prospective sellers.
Bidder Conference.
The meetings with prospective sellers prior to the preparation of a bid or proposal to ensure all prospective vendors have a clear and common understanding of the procurement. Also known as contractor conferences, vendor conferences, or pre-bid conferences.
Budget.
The approved estimate for the project or any work breakdown structure (WBS) component or any schedule activity.
Budget at Completion (BAC).
The sum of all budgets established for the work to be performed.
Burn Chart.
A graphical representation of the work remaining in a timebox or the work completed toward the release of a product or project deliverable.
Business Case.
A value proposition for a proposed project that may include financial and nonfinancial benefits.
Business Model Canvas.
A one-page, visual summary that describes the value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances. These are often used in Lean Startup situations.
Business Value.
The net quantifiable benefit derived from a business endeavor that may be tangible, intangible, or both.
Cadence.
A rhythm of activities conducted throughout the project.
Cause-and-Effect Diagram.
A visual representation that helps trace an undesirable effect back to its root cause.
Change.
A modification to any formally controlled deliverable, project management plan component, or project document.
Change Control.
A process whereby modifications to documents, deliverables, or baselines associated with the project are identified, documented, approved, or rejected.
Change Control Board (CCB).
A formally chartered group responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, delaying, or rejecting changes to the project, and for recording and communicating such decisions.
Change Control Plan.
A component of the project management plan that establishes the change control board, documents the extent of its authority, and describes how the change control system will be implemented.
Change Control System.
A set of procedures that describes how modifications to the project deliverables and documentation are managed and controlled.
Change Log.
A comprehensive list of changes submitted during the project and their current status.
Change Management.
A comprehensive, cyclic, and structured approach for transitioning individuals, groups, and organizations from a current state to a future state with intended business benefits.
Change Request.
A formal proposal to modify a document, deliverable, or baseline.
Check Sheet.
A tally sheet that can be used as a checklist when gathering data.
Closing Process Group.
The process(es) performed to formally complete or close a project, phase, or contract.
Communications Management Plan.
A component of the project, program, or portfolio management plan that describes how, when, and by whom information about the project will be administered and disseminated.
Complexity.
A characteristic of a program or project or its environment that is difficult to manage due to human behavior, system behavior, and ambiguity.
Confirmation Bias.
A type of cognitive bias that confirms preexisting beliefs or hypotheses.
Conformance.
The degree to which the results meet the set quality requirements.
Constraint.
A limiting factor that affects the execution of a project, program, portfolio, or process.
Contingency.
An event or occurrence that could affect the execution of the project, which may be accounted for with a reserve.
Contingency Reserve.
Time or money allocated in the schedule or cost baseline for known risks with active response strategies.
Continuous Delivery.
The practice of delivering feature increments immediately to customers, often through the use of small batches of work and automation technology.
Contract.
A mutually binding agreement that obligates the seller to provide the specified product, service, or result and obligates the buyer to pay for it.
Control.
The process of comparing actual performance with planned performance, analyzing variances, assessing trends to effect process improvements, evaluating possible alternatives, and recommending appropriate corrective action as needed.
Control Chart.
A graphic display of process data over time and against established control limits, which has a centerline that assists in detecting a trend of plotted values toward either control limit.
Cost Baseline.
The approved version of the time-phased project budget, excluding any management reserves, which can be changed only through formal change control procedures and is used as a basis for comparison to actual results.
Cost-Benefit Analysis.
A financial analysis method used to determine the benefits provided by a project against its costs.
Cost Management Plan.
A component of a project or program management plan that describes how costs will be planned, structured, and controlled.
Cost of Quality (COQ).
All costs incurred over the life of the product by investment in preventing nonconformance to requirements, appraisal of the product or service for conformance to requirements, and failure to meet requirements.
Cost Performance Index (CPI).
A measure of the cost efficiency of budgeted resources expressed as the ratio of earned value to actual cost.
Cost Plus Award Fee Contract (CPAF).
A category of contract that involves payments to the seller for all legitimate actual costs incurred for completed work, plus an award fee representing seller profit.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contract (CPFF).
A type of cost-reimbursable contract where the buyer reimburses the seller for the seller’s allowable costs (allowable costs are defined by the contract) plus a fixed amount of profit (fee).
Cost Plus Incentive Fee Contract (CPIF).
A type of cost-reimbursable contract where the buyer reimburses the seller for the seller’s allowable costs (allowable costs are defined by the contract), and the seller earns its profit if it meets defined performance criteria.
Cost-Reimbursable Contract.
A type of contract involving payment to the seller for the seller’s actual costs, plus a fee typically representing the seller’s profit.
Cost Variance (CV).
The amount of budget deficit or surplus at a given point in time, expressed as the difference between the earned value and the actual cost.
Crashing.
A method used to shorten the schedule duration for the least incremental cost by adding resources.
Criteria.
Standards, rules, or tests on which a judgment or decision can be based or by which a product, service, result, or process can be evaluated.
Critical Path.
The sequence of activities that represents the longest path through a project, which determines the shortest possible duration.
Critical Path Method (CPM).
A method used to estimate the minimum project duration and determine the amount of schedule flexibility on the logical network paths within the schedule model.
Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD).
A chart indicating features completed over time, features in other states of development, and those in the backlog.
Cycle Time.
The total elapsed time from the start of a particular activity or work item to its completion.
Cycle Time Chart.
A diagram that shows the average cycle time of the work items completed over time.
Daily Standup.
A brief, daily collaboration meeting in which the team reviews progress from the previous day, declares intentions for the current day, and highlights any obstacles encountered or anticipated.
Dashboard.
A set of charts and graphs showing progress or performance against important measures of the project.
Data Gathering and Analysis Methods.
Methods used to collect, assess, and evaluate data and information to gain a deeper understanding of a situation.
Decision Tree Analysis.
A diagramming and calculation method for evaluating the implications of a chain of multiple options in the presence of uncertainty.
Decomposition.
A method used for dividing and subdividing the project scope and project deliverables into smaller, more manageable parts.
Definition of Done (DoD).
A checklist of all the criteria required to be met so that a deliverable can be considered ready for customer use.
Deliverable.
Any unique and verifiable product, result, or capability to perform a service that is required to be produced to complete a process, phase, or project.
Delivery Performance Domain.
The performance domain that addresses activities and functions associated with delivering the scope and quality that the project was undertaken to achieve.
Development Approach.
A method used to create and evolve the product, service, or result during the project life cycle, such as a predictive, iterative, incremental, agile, or hybrid method.
Development Approach and Life Cycle Performance Domain.
The performance domain that addresses activities and functions associated with the development approach, cadence, and life cycle phases of the project.
DevOps.
A collection of practices for creating a smooth flow of deliveries by improving collaboration between development and operations staff.
Digital Product.
A product or service that is delivered, used, and stored in an electronic format.
Discretionary Dependency.
A relationship that is based on best practices or project preferences.
Duration.
The total number of work periods required to complete an activity or work breakdown structure component, expressed in hours, days, or weeks. Contrast with effort.
Earned Value (EV).
The measure of work performed expressed in terms of the budget authorized for that work.
Earned Value Analysis (EVA).
An analysis method that uses a set of measures associated with scope, schedule, and cost to determine the cost and schedule performance of a project.
Effort.
The number of labor units required to complete a schedule activity or work breakdown structure component, often expressed in hours, days, or weeks. Contrast with duration.
Emotional Intelligence.
The ability to identify, assess, and manage the personal emotions of oneself and other people, as well as the collective emotions of groups of people.
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF).
Conditions, not under the immediate control of the team, that influence, constrain, or direct the project, program, or portfolio.
Epic.
A large, related body of work intended to hierarchically organize a set of requirements and deliver specific business outcomes.
Estimate.
A quantitative assessment of the likely amount or outcome of a variable, such as project costs, resources, effort, or durations.
Estimate at Completion (EAC).
The expected total cost of completing all work expressed as the sum of the actual cost to date and the estimate to complete.
Estimate to Complete (ETC).
The expected cost to finish all the remaining project work.
Estimating Methods.
Methods used to develop an approximation of work, time, or cost on a project.
Executing Process Group.
Those processes performed to complete the work defined in the project management plan to satisfy the project requirements.
Expected Monetary Value (EMV).
The estimated value of an outcome expressed in monetary terms.
Explicit Knowledge.
Knowledge that can be codified using symbols such as words, numbers, and pictures.
External Dependency.
A relationship between project activities and non-project activities.
Fast Tracking.
A schedule compression method in which activities or phases normally done in sequence are performed in parallel for at least a portion of their duration.
Feature.
A set of related requirements or functionalities that provides value to an organization.
Firm Fixed Price Contract (FFP).
A type of fixed-price contract where the buyer pays the seller a set amount (as defined by the contract), regardless of the seller’s costs.
Fixed Duration.
A type of activity where the length of time required to complete the activity remains constant regardless of the number of people or resources assigned to the activity.
Fixed-Price Contract.
An agreement that sets the fee that will be paid for a defined scope of work regardless of the cost or effort to deliver it.
Fixed Price Incentive Fee Contract (FPIF).
A type of contract where the buyer pays the seller a set amount (as defined by the contract), and the seller can earn an additional amount if the seller meets defined performance criteria.
Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment Contract (FPEPA).
A fixed-price contract, but with a special provision allowing for predefined final adjustments to the contract price due to changed conditions, such as inflation changes, or cost increases (or decreases) for specific commodities.
Flow.
The measure of how efficiently work moves through a given process or framework.
Flowchart.
The depiction in a diagram format of the inputs, process actions, and outputs of one or more processes within a system.
Forecast.
An estimate or prediction of conditions and events in the project’s future based on information and knowledge available at the time of the forecast.
Function Point.
An estimate of the amount of business functionality in an information system, used to calculate the functional size measurement of a software system.
Gantt Chart.
A bar chart of schedule information where activities are listed on the vertical axis, dates are shown on the horizontal axis, and activity durations are shown as horizontal bars placed according to start and finish dates.
Governance.
The framework for directing and enabling an organization through its established policies, practices, and other relevant documentation.
Grade.
A category or rank used to distinguish items that have the same functional use but do not share the same requirements for quality.
Hierarchy Chart.
A chart that begins with high-level information that is progressively decomposed into lower levels of detail.
Histogram.
A bar chart that shows the graphical representation of numerical data.
Hybrid Approach.
A combination of two or more agile and nonagile elements, having a nonagile end result.
Impact Mapping.
A strategic planning method that serves as a visual roadmap for the organization during product development.
Impediment (Blocker).
An obstacle that prevents the team from achieving its objectives as a blocker.
Incremental Approach.
An adaptive development approach in which the deliverable is produced successively, adding functionality until the deliverable contains the necessary and sufficient capability to be considered complete.
Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).
A contract that provides for an indefinite quantity of goods or services, with a stated lower and upper limit, within a fixed time period.
Influence Diagram.
A graphical representation of situations showing causal influences, time ordering of events, and other relationships among variables and outcomes.
Information Radiator.
A visible, physical display that provides information to the rest of the organization, enabling timely knowledge sharing.
Initiating Process Group.
Those processes performed to define a new project or a new phase of an existing project by obtaining authorization to start the project or phase.
Internal Dependency.
A relationship between two or more project activities.
Interpersonal Skills.
Skills used to establish and maintain relationships with other people.
Issue.
A current condition or situation that may have an impact on the project objectives.
Issue Log.
A project document where information about issues is recorded and monitored.
Iteration.
A timeboxed cycle of development on a product or deliverable in which all of the work that is needed to deliver value is performed.
Iteration Plan.
A detailed plan for the current iteration.
Iteration Planning.
A meeting to clarify the details of the backlog items, acceptance criteria, and work effort required to meet an upcoming iteration commitment.
Iteration Review.
A meeting held at the end of an iteration to demonstrate the work that was accomplished during the iteration.
Iterative Approach.
A development approach that focuses on an initial, simplified implementation then progressively elaborates adding to the feature set until the final deliverable is complete.
Kanban Board.
A visualization tool that shows work in progress to help identify bottlenecks and overcommitments, thereby allowing the team to optimize the workflow.
Kickoff Meeting.
A gathering of team members and other key stakeholders at the outset of a project to formally set expectations, gain a common understanding, and commence work.
Knowledge.
A mixture of experience, values and beliefs, contextual information, intuition, and insight that people use to make sense of new experiences and information.
Lag.
The amount of time whereby a successor activity will be delayed with respect to a predecessor activity.
Last Responsible Moment.
The concept of deferring a decision to allow the team to consider multiple options until the cost of further delay would exceed the benefit.
Lead.
The amount of time whereby a successor activity can be advanced with respect to a predecessor activity.
Lead Time.
The time between a customer request and the actual delivery.
Lead Time Chart.
A diagram showing the trend over time of the average lead time of the items completed in work.
Lean Startup Canvas.
A one-page template designed to communicate a business plan with key stakeholders in an efficient and effective manner.
