PMP Terms Flashcards
5 Whys Method
An effective tool for root cause analysis in which the question “why?” is asked of a problem in succession until the root cause is found.
Developed by Sakichi Toyoda, Lean philosophy.
80/20 Rule
A general guideline with many applications; in terms of controlling processes, it contends that a relatively large number of problems or defects, typically 80%, are commonly due to a relatively small number of causes, typically 20%. (see also Pareto Chart).
A/B Testing
A marketing approach used to determine user preferences by showing different sets of users’ similar services - an ‘Alpha’ and a ‘Beta’ version - with one independent variable.
Accept
A strategy for managing negative risks or opportunities that involves acknowledging risk and not taking any action until the risk occurs.
Acceptance Criteria
A set of conditions that is required to be met before deliverables are accepted.
Accepted Deliverables
Deliverables that meet the acceptance criteria and have been formally signed off and approved by the customer or sponsor as part of the scope validation process.
Active Listening
A communication technique that involves acknowledging the speaker’s message and the recipient clarifying the message to confirm that what was heard matches the message that the sender intended.
Activity
A distinct portion of work, scheduled with a beginning and an end, that must be performed to complete work on the project. Also known as a schedule activity. See also “Task”
Activity Attributes
Multiple attributes associated with each activity that can be included within the activity list.
Activity Cost Estimates
Each task is assigned a budget, and the aggregate of these estimates results in the project budget. Activity cost estimates include labor, materials, equipment, and fixed cost items like contractors, services, facilities, financing costs, etc. This information can be presented in a detailed or summarized form.
Activity Dependency
A logical relationship that exists between two project activities. The relationship indicates whether the start of an activity is contingent upon an event or input from outside the activity.
Activity Duration Estimates
The quantitative assessments of the likely number of time periods that are required to complete an activity.
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.
Activity on Arrow or Activity on Node
A graphical diagram on which schedule activities are represented by nodes (rectangular boxes) and their dependencies are depicted by arrows.
Activity Resource Estimates
Material and human resources that are needed to complete an activity; often expressed by a probability or range.
Activity Resource Requirements
The resources (physical, human, and organizational) required to complete the activities in the activity list
Actual Cost (AC)
Earned Value Management term for the realized cost incurred for the work performed on an activity during a specific time.
Adaptive
A type of project life cycle or methodology that values responding to change over following a set plan. Adaptive methodologies seek solutions that deliver maximum value to the customer.
Administrative Closure
Involves verifying and documenting project results to formalize project or phase completion.
Affinity Diagram
A technique that allows large numbers of ideas to be classified into groups for review and analysis.
Affinity Estimating
Technique designed to rapidly estimate large stories (epics or features) in the backlog. For example: Fibonacci sequence, T-shirt sizing, coffee cup sizes.
Agile
Refers to a type of project lifecycle (also known as adaptive) or methodology based on a set of values and principles and characterized by an openness towards change for the promotion of value or benefits delivery for the customer.
Also refers to a kind of project or project team that uses a non-binding expectation of what future iteration increments/sprints/iterations (outcomes and/or deliverables) will be combined int releases to the customer.
Agile Coach
A process role on a project team that helps organizations achieve true agility by coaching teams across the enterprise on how to apply agile practices and choose their best way of working. (Scrum master).
Agile Estimating
An approach that assists with planning a project appropriately from the beginning to ensure the team can focus on the quality of each deliverable.
