PMBOK Chapter 2 - Project Life Cycle and Organization Flashcards
What is The Project Life Cycle?
A collection of usually sequential, but sometimes overlapping, project phases as determined by the control needs of the organization, the nature of the project, and the application area involved. NOT the same as the Project Management Process Groups!
How are projects usually divided?
Projects are usually divided into project phases to improve project governance. Collectively, the project phases are known as the project life cycle.
All projects can be mapped to the following life cycle structure:
- Starting the project - Organizing and preparing - Carrying out the project work - Closing the project
How is the conclusion of each project phase usually handled?
The conclusion of each project phase is usually marked by a review of key deliverables and project progress to date to determine if the project should continue. Consideration is given to revise estimates, benefits expected, recent strategic priorities, etc.
What are phase-end reviews called?
Phase-end reviews are called phase exits, stage gates or kill points. This is the highest level control on the project once it has begun.
What are the characteristics of project phases?
- The completion and approval of one or more deliverables characterizes a project phase. Some deliverables correspond to the project management process, where as others are the end products or components of the end product for which the project was conceived. - Phaes can be divided into sub-phases if desired. - Life-cycle defines technical work to be done in each phase - Therefore, defines who works in each phase.
What is a Sequential Phase to Phase Relationship?
Sequential phases occur in sequence, beginning a new phase only upon completion of the prior phase.
What is a Overlapping Phase to Phase Relationship?
Overlapping phase starts prior to completion of the prior phase (fast tracking)
What is a Iterative Phase to Phase Relationship?
Iterative is one phase at a time is planned, with planning for the next carried out as the first is executed. Good for unknown or undefined situations like research, incremental delivery, refining scope as the project proceeds.
What is Fast Tracking?
Fast Tracking is compressing the project schedule by overlapping activities that would normally be done in sequence, such as design and construction. - The practice of overlapping project phases is called “Fast Tracking” - Doing activities in parallel that would normally be done in sequence. - Often involves rework and usually increases risk.
How is the Next Phase initiated?
- Formal phase completion does not include authorizing the subsequent phase. Each phase is formally initiated to produce a phase-dependent output of the Initiating Process Group. - A phase-end review meeting can be held with the explicit goals of obtaining both authorization to close the current phase and to initiate the subsequent one. - Phase-end reviews are also called phase exits, phase gates or kill points.
How does Stakeholder Influence, Risk and Uncertainty change over the Life cycle of a project?
Stakeholder Influence, Risk, and Uncertainty starts High and decreases during the life of the project.
How does the Cost of Changes change over the Life Cycle of a project?
The Cost of Changes starts Low and increases during the life of the project.
What is Project Scope?
Project Scope is the WORK that must be done to deliver a product with the specified features and functions.
What is Product Scope?
Product Scope is the features and functions that characterize a product or service.
What are Project Stakeholders?
Project Stakeholders are individuals and organizations that are actively involved in the project, or wh ose interests may be affected as a result of project execution or project completion. the may also exert influence over the project’s objectives and outcomes. Anyone who affects or is affected by the project, either positively or negatively.
How are stakeholders handled?
- Identify the stakeholders, determine their requirements and expectiation, and, to the extent possibile, manage their influence in relation to the requirements to ensure a successful project. - Identify stakeholders early and continuously - failure to identify a key stakeholder can cause major problems for the project. - Stakeholders may have a positive or negative influence on a project. - Plan the order in which stakeholders will be satisfied.
What are types of stakeholders?
Key Stakeholders include: - Project manager - Customer/User - Performing organization - Project team members, Project Management Team - Sponsor - Influencers - PMO
What are some typical stakeholder categories?
Stakeholder Categories: Suppliers, Customers, Employees, Creditors, Shareholders, Competitors, Government officials, Society at large. All influencers are stakeholders!
Organization Influences
- Projects are typically part of an organization larger than the project. - Projects are influenced by the organization(s) that initiated it. - the maturity of the organization with respect to its project management system, culture, style, organizational structure and PMO can influence the project.
Organizational Cultures and Styles
Organizational cultures often have a direct influence on the project. These cultures are reflect in numerous factors, including: - shared values, norms, beliefs, and expectations - policies and procedures - view of authority relationships - work ethic and work hours Organizational culture is an Enterprise Environmental Factor.
What are the categories of Project-based (Projectized) Organizations?
- Organizations that derive their revenue from performing projects for others under contract - Organizations that have adopted management by projects tend to have management systems in place to facilitate project management.
What are the categories of Non-Project-Based Organizations?
- Often lack management systems designed to support projects efficiently and effectively - May have departments or subunits that operate as project-based with systems to support them.
What are the Structure Influences for Functional Organizations?
PM’s Authority - Little or None Resource Availability - Little or None Budget Control - Functional Manager PM’s Role - Part-Time PM Admin Staff - Part-Time
