POTENTIAL ESSAY QUESTIONS Flashcards
What is the difference between process groups and project phases?
Process groups refer to the five stages of project management: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. These represent project management activities that are repeated in every phase or throughout the project.
Project phases, on the other hand, divide the project into distinct stages based on its lifecycle, such as concept development, design, construction, and implementation. These represent the actual progression of the project from start to finish.
In summary, process groups are about management actions, while project phases describe the sequence of work needed to complete the project.
When to stop decomposition?
Decomposition in a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) should stop when you** reach a level where each task is clear, manageable, and can be assigned** to a responsible individual or team. This is typically called the work package level. At this point, tasks should have clearly defined deliverables, time estimates, and resource requirements. If further decomposition would result in tasks that are too small to track effectively or don’t provide additional clarity, it’s time to stop. After 10 days or every report
Which phase in a project life cycle would be the most difficult to complete?
The most difficult phase in a project life cycle is often the Execution phase. This is where the actual work happens, requiring coordination across teams, resource management, and adherence to schedules and budgets. Issues such as unforeseen risks, scope changes, or resource shortages can arise, making this phase challenging to manage. It also involves ensuring quality control and maintaining stakeholder expectations, adding further complexity.
Discuss the importance of defining project scope and how poor scope definition can lead to project failure.
Defining project scope is essential because it establishes the boundaries of what the project will deliver and the work required to achieve those deliverables. According to PMBOK, clearly defining the scope statement and using tools like the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) ensure that everyone understands the project’s goals and tasks. Poor scope definition often leads to scope creep, where unapproved changes are introduced, leading to delays, cost overruns, and resource misallocation. Larson & Gray (Chapter 4) provide examples of projects failing due to unclear scope, such as poorly defined requirements or unrealistic expectations. Effective scope management not only avoids these pitfalls but also aligns project work with stakeholder needs and expectations, increasing the chances of success.
Describe the significance of stakeholder management in the early phases of a project.
Stakeholder management is critical, especially in the early phases of a project, because stakeholders influence the project’s objectives, resources, and success criteria. PMBOK highlights the importance of identifying stakeholders early through tools like the stakeholder register and developing a stakeholder management plan. Engaging stakeholders early ensures that their needs and expectations are understood, which reduces the risk of conflicts later in the project. Larson & Gray emphasize that project managers must manage stakeholder expectations and build strong relationships to secure the necessary support and resources. Effective stakeholder management minimizes risks and ensures that the project remains aligned with both the sponsor’s and users’ needs.
