Predictive Method Terms Flashcards
The _________ methodology focuses on a linear and sequential approach to project management.
Predictive
In predictive project management, _________ are detailed and fixed before execution begins.
Requirements
_________ refers to the series of phases that a project goes through from initiation to closure.
Project Life Cycle
_________ is the process of formally recognizing the completion of the project or phase.
Closing
True or False: Predictive methodology is best suited for projects with well-defined requirements and scope.
True
True or False: In predictive project management, changes to scope are easily accommodated during execution.
False
True or False: The predictive methodology focuses on flexibility and iterative cycles.
False
True or False: The critical path method is often used in predictive project management to schedule tasks.
True
True or False: In predictive project management, stakeholder engagement is only required at the beginning of the project.
False
Define predictive project management and explain its key characteristics.
Predictive project management is a methodology that follows a linear and sequential approach where all project phases are planned in detail before execution begins. It is best suited for projects with stable and well-defined requirements.
What is a baseline in predictive project management?
A baseline is a reference point used to measure project performance against the original scope, schedule, and budget.
Explain the significance of the critical path in predictive project management.
The critical path is the sequence of tasks that determines the shortest possible project duration. It is essential for identifying tasks that directly impact the project’s completion time.
What is the primary purpose of a project charter in predictive methodology?
The project charter formally authorizes the project, defines objectives, and identifies key stakeholders.
Define the term “work breakdown structure” (WBS).
A work breakdown structure is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work into smaller, manageable components.
Can predictive project management be used for projects with high levels of uncertainty?
No, predictive project management is better suited for projects with stable and well-defined requirements.
Does the planning phase in predictive project management accommodate frequent changes?
No, the planning phase aims for a fixed and detailed plan that minimizes changes.
Is stakeholder engagement less critical in predictive project management compared to agile methodologies?
No, stakeholder engagement is critical in all methodologies to ensure project success.
If a project finishes under budget but fails to meet stakeholder needs, is it considered successful in predictive methodology?
No, success is determined by meeting objectives and stakeholder satisfaction, not just cost performance.
Does predictive project management allow for overlapping phases?
No, phases in predictive methodology are typically sequential, with one phase completing before the next begins.
_________ and _________ are organizational influences that affect project success, categorized as either external or internal factors.
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs), Organizational Process Assets (OPAs)
_________ is the process of collecting, recording, and analyzing data to identify trends or inform decisions during the project.
Data Analysis
A formal _________ is required to modify the project baseline in predictive methodology.
Change Request
True or False: Organizational Process Assets include policies, procedures, and historical information useful for managing projects.
True
True or False: Enterprise Environmental Factors are entirely controlled by the project manager.
False
True or False: Data analysis techniques are optional in predictive project management.
False
The five project management process groups are __________, __________, __________, __________, and __________.
Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing
__________ is used to define a project or phase and authorize the start of a project.
Initiating
__________ involves creating a detailed course of action required to meet project objectives.
Planning
__________ data is raw data about the status of work without analysis applied to it.
Work performance data
__________ factors can influence, constrain, or enhance project management options.
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF)
True or False: The closing process group involves tracking and regulating the project’s performance.
False. The closing process group involves formally completing the project, not tracking performance.
True or False: Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF) are always external to the organization.
False. Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF) can be internal or external.
True or False: The project management plan has 18 components, including 14 plans and 4 baselines.
True
True or False: Variance analysis is used to identify the root cause of a problem in a project.
False. Variance analysis compares planned vs. actual performance, not identifying root causes.
True or False: Work performance reports are outputs of executing processes.
False. Work performance reports are outputs of monitoring and controlling processes.
Define: The actions or methods used to transform inputs into outputs in a process.
Tools and Techniques
Define: A document updated throughout the project to reflect changes or additions.
Updates
Define: Factors like political climate, legal restrictions, or financial considerations affecting projects.
External Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF)
The structured approach of analyzing alternatives for decision-making.
Alternative analysis
Define: The end result of efforts in a project process.
Outputs
Which process group includes developing the Project Charter: Executing or Initiating?
Initiating
Does the acronym ITTO stand for “Integrated Tools, Techniques, and Outputs”?
No. ITTO stands for Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs.
Can work performance data, by itself, provide comprehensive insights for decision-making?
No. Work performance data, by itself, is not sufficient for decision-making; analysis is needed.
Is brainstorming a data analysis or data gathering method?
Data gathering.
Are Organizational Process Assets static and unchangeable?
No. Organizational Process Assets (OPA) are dynamic and can be updated throughout a project.
The __________ is created during the “Develop Schedule” process.
Schedule baseline
Corrective action is taken to __________ the project, while preventive action ensures the project __________.
Bring the project back on track; stays on track.
__________ is when a project manager facilitates group discussions to generate ideas.
Facilitation
An autocratic decision-making approach relies on __________.
One individual
__________ diagrams are a visual method used in data representation.
Flowcharts
__________ is the process of determining the length of activities during project planning.
Estimate Activity Durations
__________ focuses on ensuring project deliverables meet quality requirements.
Quality Management
A __________ lists all identified risks and their responses.
Risk register
__________ are additional project-related documents not part of the management plan.
Project documents
__________ involves gathering data from stakeholders to understand their needs.
Questionnaires and surveys
True or False: ITTO is an acronym for Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs.
True
True or False: All ITTOs are unique across the 49 processes.
False. Many processes share the same ITTOs.
True or False: Outputs from one process can often serve as inputs for another process.
True
True or False: The ITTO framework is intended for memorization.
False. The ITTO framework is meant to be understood, not memorized.
True or False: Tools and Techniques are the methods used to transform outputs into inputs.
False. Tools and Techniques transform inputs into outputs, not the other way around.
You have a team conflict during the project. Which interpersonal skill would be most applicable?
Conflict management.
A checklist is provided to identify stakeholder requirements. Which data gathering method does this represent?
Checklist
You compare actual project performance against planned performance. Which type of data are you using?
Work performance information
To finalize the project, you need a comprehensive status report. Which document do you prepare?
Work performance report
An organization uses templates and historical data to assist project teams. What is this an example of?
Organizational Process Assets (OPAs)
Describe a scenario where qualitative risk analysis would be preferred over quantitative risk analysis.
Qualitative risk analysis is preferred when risk prioritization is needed without numerical analysis (e.g., evaluating likelihood and impact of risks qualitatively).
Explain the difference between corrective action and defect repair with examples.
Corrective action example: Updating a schedule to meet deadlines; Defect repair example: Fixing a faulty component.
Illustrate how a stakeholder register might impact planning and executing processes.
A stakeholder register can impact planning by identifying stakeholders’ interests and priorities, aiding communication and resource planning.
Discuss the role of expert judgment in developing a risk management plan.
Expert judgment is used to draw on specialized knowledge for risk identification and management strategies.
Provide an example of when voting (majority wins) is used in decision-making.
Voting (majority wins) is used in situations like selecting a vendor based on team preferences.
What term refers to assets like templates, historical information, and process guidelines?
Organizational Process Assets (OPA)
What term describes external influences such as political climate and legal restrictions?
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF)
What is the process of grouping related project activities into manageable sections?
Create Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
What tool might be used to analyze the root cause of a recurring issue?
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
What is a primary tool used to optimize project schedules or track deliverables?
Project Management Information System (PMIS)
The ______ process group is used to track, review, and regulate the progress and performance of a project.
Monitoring and Controlling
______ is an internal enterprise environmental factor that includes a company’s established communication channels.
Organizational communication channels
True/False: Organizational Process Assets (OPA) include financial considerations external to the project.
False. Financial considerations are part of external Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF), not OPA.
True/False: Root Cause Analysis is used to identify the main underlying reason for a particular event.
True. It is a method for analyzing data to uncover core causes.
What is “an automated system used to help project managers optimize schedules or track documents and deliverables”?
Project Management Information System (PMIS)
Which process group is responsible for creating the Work Performance Report?
None. Work Performance Reports are derived from Monitoring and Controlling processes, but no single process group is solely responsible.
The project manager used ______ to identify the most suitable communication tools based on organizational structure.
Expert Judgment
A team member suggests using a fishbone diagram to understand why a project phase failed. Which project management activity does this pertain to?
Data Representation
If you are conducting variance analysis, which process are you likely involved in?
Monitoring and Controlling
Define “Corrective Action” in the context of project management.
Actions taken to ensure the project gets back on track when deviations occur.
Complete the sequence: Initiating, Planning, ______, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing.
Executing
Compare and contrast internal and external Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF).
Internal EEFs include organizational culture and resource availability, while external EEFs encompass political climate and industry standards.
If a project manager skips the Planning phase and directly moves to Executing, what are the likely consequences?
Poor scope definition, resource mismanagement, and potential project delays due to unanticipated risks.
A project manager fails to update the OPA during a project phase. What are the implications for future projects?
Loss of valuable historical information and reduced efficiency in planning future projects.
Break down the steps involved in transforming work performance data into work performance reports.
1) Gather raw data, 2) Analyze it to create work performance information, 3) Compile the information into comprehensive reports.
What may happen if the stakeholder engagement plan is ignored during project execution?
It could lead to unmet expectations, resistance to project outcomes, and potential failure of project deliverables.
How can the concept of organizational culture in EEFs influence the choice of conflict management techniques?
Organizational culture determines acceptable communication styles, authority levels, and problem-solving approaches, guiding conflict resolution methods.
Why is it critical to include variance analysis in the Monitoring and Controlling process group?
To identify deviations from the baseline, enabling corrective actions to align the project with its goals.
Scenario: A team member suggests using a brainstorming session to identify risks for a new project.
Question: Which data gathering technique is the team member proposing, and how does it contribute to risk management?
The team member is proposing brainstorming. This technique involves gathering diverse ideas from stakeholders to identify potential risks comprehensively.
Scenario: The project manager notices significant delays in schedule milestones during project execution.
Question: What process should the project manager initiate to evaluate the delays and take corrective actions?
The project manager should initiate variance analysis under the Monitoring and Controlling process group to evaluate the delays and implement corrective actions.
Scenario: During the planning phase, the organization decides to incorporate an external consultant to assist with developing the quality management plan.
Question: Which tool or technique is being used in this scenario, and why is it valuable?
Expert Judgment. It is valuable because external consultants bring specialized knowledge and experience that can improve the quality management plan’s accuracy and effectiveness.
Scenario: A project involves multiple international teams, each with distinct communication preferences and schedules.
Question: What should the project manager prioritize in the planning phase to address this complexity, and which document will outline these strategies?
The project manager should prioritize developing the Communication Management Plan, which will outline strategies for managing diverse communication needs effectively.
Scenario: A new government regulation is announced midway through a project, potentially affecting project deliverables.
Question: What actions should the project manager take to address this change, and which factors should be considered?
The project manager should evaluate the regulation’s impact on scope, cost, and timeline and issue a change request if necessary. Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF), such as legal restrictions and compliance standards, should be considered.
Scenario: A team member suggests using a fishbone diagram to investigate recurring defects in a deliverable.
Question: Which data representation method is being proposed, and in which process group might it be used?
The fishbone diagram (cause-and-effect diagram) is being proposed. It is typically used in the Monitoring and Controlling process group to analyze quality issues.
Scenario: Stakeholders are dissatisfied with the project deliverables due to unmet expectations, despite the deliverables meeting the documented scope.
Question: What process was likely insufficient, and what corrective action should the project manager take?
Stakeholder engagement planning was likely insufficient. The project manager should revisit the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and improve communication to align stakeholder expectations.
Scenario: The project team frequently misses updates on key risks despite a documented risk management plan.
Question: Which additional project management document could be implemented or revised to improve the tracking of risks?
The Risk Register should be implemented or updated to ensure all risks are actively tracked, evaluated, and managed throughout the project.
