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.