PMP Study From Coursera - Course 1 Flashcards
Agile
A project management approach in which project phases overlap and tasks are completed in iterations
Example: Agile methodology allows for flexibility and adaptability in project management.
Authority
Refers to one’s ability to make decisions for the project that impact the organization
Example: The project manager has the authority to allocate resources for the project.
Barrier
Something that can get in the way of project progress
Example: Lack of communication can be a barrier to project success.
Buzzword
A word or phrase that is popular for a period of time or in a particular industry
Example: ‘Synergy’ was a buzzword in the business world for a while.
C-Suite
All the “chief” level officers in an organization
Example: The C-Suite meets regularly to discuss strategic decisions for the company.
Change agent
A person from inside an organization who helps the organization transform by focusing on improving organizational effectiveness and development
Example: John is seen as a change agent in the company due to his innovative ideas.
Change management
The process of delivering a completed project and getting people to adopt it
Example: Change management involves communication, training, and support for employees.
Classic structure
An organizational structure with a traditional, top-down reporting hierarchy
Example: Many large corporations still operate under a classic structure.
Closing
The phase at the end of a project during which team members’ work is celebrated and how the project went is evaluated
Example: The closing phase includes a project retrospective to analyze what went well and what could be improved.
Contract work
Work done for a company by non-employees on a project-by-project basis
Example: The company hired contractors for the software development project.
Corporate governance
The framework by which an organization achieves its goals and objectives
Example: Corporate governance ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making.
Cross-functional team
Team members who have different skill sets and may even work in different departments but are all working towards the successful completion of a project
Example: The cross-functional team includes members from marketing, engineering, and finance departments.
Culture mapping
A tool that can illustrate a company’s culture and how the company’s values, norms, and employee behavior may be affected by change
Example: Culture mapping helps identify areas of resistance to change within the organization.
Delegation
Assigning tasks to individuals or resources who can best complete the work
Example: Delegation allows the project manager to focus on strategic decisions.
Deliverable
A specific task or outcome
Example: The deliverable for this phase is the completion of the prototype.
DMAIC
A strategy for process improvement; refers to the five phases in the Lean Six Sigma approach: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control
Example: DMAIC is used to optimize existing processes.
Effective communication
Refers to being transparent, upfront with plans and ideas, and making information available
Example: Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings among team members.
Escalation paths
Refers to the courses for communicating risks to the right people at the right time
Example: Escalation paths ensure that critical issues are addressed promptly.
Executing
Completing the tasks necessary to achieve the project goals
Example: The executing phase involves implementing the project plan.
Feedback mechanism
A tool that can capture input from stakeholders, such as a survey
Example: The feedback mechanism helps gather insights for project improvement.
Floating task
A task for which a change in its delivery would not affect the project’s overall success or impact its timeline
Example: The floating task can be rescheduled without impacting the project deadline.
Flowchart
A tool that can visualize a project’s development process
Example: The flowchart provides a clear overview of the project workflow.
Functional manager
The leader of a department in a functional (Classic) organization
Example: The functional manager oversees the daily operations of the department.
Functional organizations
An organization divided into departments based on function; also called a Classic organization
Example: Functional organizations have clear reporting structures.
Governance
The management framework within which decisions are made and accountability and responsibility are determined
Example: Governance ensures compliance with regulations and ethical standards.
Influencing without authority
Refers to a project manager’s ability to guide teammates to complete their assigned work without acting as their direct managers
Example: Influencing without authority requires strong interpersonal skills.
Initiation
The project phase that is the launchpad for the entire project; project goals, deliverables, resources, budget, and people are identified at this stage
Example: The initiation phase sets the direction and scope of the project.
Internship
A short-term way to get hands-on experience in an industry
Example: The internship provided valuable insights into the field of marketing.
Interpersonal skills
The behaviors used to interact with others; skills that can help one influence without authority, including communication, negotiation, conflict mediation, and understanding motivations
Example: Interpersonal skills are crucial for effective teamwork.
Iterative
Refers to phases and tasks that overlap or happen at the same time that other tasks are being worked on
Example: The iterative approach allows for continuous improvement throughout the project.
Kanban
An Agile approach and a tool that provides visual feedback about the status of the work in progress through the use of Kanban boards or charts.
Example: Kanban helps teams visualize workflow and identify bottlenecks.
Lean
A methodology in which the main principle is the removal of waste within an operation
Example: Lean methodology focuses on efficiency and eliminating non-value-added activities.
Lean Six Sigma
A combination of two “parent” project management methodologies: Lean and Six Sigma; used for projects that have goals to save money, improve quality, and move through processes quickly
Example: Lean Six Sigma aims to reduce defects and streamline processes.
Linear
A project structure in which the previous phase or task has to be completed before the next can start
Example: The linear approach follows a sequential order of tasks.
Matrix structure
A hybrid organizational structure that is like a grid; includes direct higher-ups to report to, as well as stakeholders from other departments or programs
Example: The matrix structure allows for cross-departmental collaboration.
Mission
Clarifies what the “what,” “who,” and “why” of the organization
Example: The mission statement outlines the purpose and values of the organization.
Organizational culture
Employees’ shared values and the organization’s values, mission, history, and so on; a company’s personality
Example: Organizational culture influences employee behavior and decision-making.
Organizational structure
The way a company or organization is arranged
Example: The organizational structure determines reporting relationships and communication channels.
Ownership
When people feel like they are empowered to take responsibility for the successful completion of their tasks
Example: Ownership leads to accountability and commitment to project goals.
Planning
Making use of productivity tools and creating processes; creating and maintaining plans, timelines, schedules, and other forms of documentation to track project completion
Example: Planning is essential for setting project milestones and deadlines.
Program manager
A project manager who manages multiple projects for specific products, teams, or programs
Example: The program manager oversees the coordination of various projects within the organization.
Project
A unique endeavor which usually includes a set of unique deliverables; a series of tasks that need to be completed to reach a desired outcome
Example: The construction project involved multiple phases and deliverables.
Project governance
The framework for how project decisions are made
Example: Project governance ensures alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
Project life cycle
The basic structure for a project; consists of four different phases: initiate the project, make a plan, execute and complete tasks, and close the project
Example: The project life cycle provides a roadmap for project management.
Project management
The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements
Example: Project management involves planning, executing, and controlling project activities.
Project management methodology
A set of guiding principles and processes for owning a project throughout its life cycle
Example: Agile and Waterfall are examples of project management methodologies.
Project management office
An internal group at a company that defines and maintains project management standards across the organization
Example: The project management office provides support and guidance to project managers.
Project manager
Individual who shepherds projects from start to finish and serves as a guide for their team, using their impeccable organizational and interpersonal skills every step of the way
Example: The project manager is responsible for ensuring project success and team collaboration.
Project task
An activity that needs to be completed to achieve project goals
Project management
The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements
Example: Managing a construction project to ensure it is completed on time and within budget
Project management methodology
A set of guiding principles and processes for owning a project throughout its life cycle
Project management office
An internal group at a company that defines and maintains project management standards across the organization
Project manager
Individual who shepherds projects from start to finish and serves as a guide for their team, using their impeccable organizational and interpersonal skills every step of the way
Project task
An activity that needs to be accomplished within a set period of time by the project manager, the project team, or the stakeholder
Reporting chart
A diagram showing the relationships among people and groups within the organization and who each person or group reports to
Resource availability
Knowing how to access the people, equipment, and budget needed for a project
Resources
Anything needed to complete a project, such as people, equipment, software programs, vendors, and physical space or locations
Retrospective
A workshop or meeting with the project team to note best practices and learn how to manage a project more effectively the next time
Risk
A potential event which can occur and have an impact on a project
Scrum
An Agile framework that focuses on developing complex projects through collaboration and an iterative process. Work is completed by small, cross-functional teams led by a Scrum Master and is divided into short Sprints with a set list of deliverables
Six Sigma
A methodology used to reduce variations by ensuring that quality processes are followed every time
Sprint
A phase in the Agile project management approach which has a defined duration with a set list of deliverables
Stakeholder
People who are interested in and affected by the project’s completion and success
Steering committees
A group that decides on the priorities of an organization and manages the general course of its operations
Transferable skill
An ability that can be used in many different jobs and career paths
Urgency
Getting team members to understand that the project is important and to identify what actions need to be taken to move the project along
Values
Principles that describe how employees are expected to behave
Waterfall
A project management methodology that refers to the sequential ordering of phases
