Reading - Introduction to Project Management

Question 1

Define a project? ~PMBOK

Answer 1

… a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service. Temporary means that every product has a definite end. Unique means that the product or service is different in some distinguishing way from all similar products or service.

Question 2

Distinctive features of a project:

Answer 2

Start and finish. Lifecycle. Budget. Non-repetitive activities. Resources. Single point of responsibility. Fast tracking. Team roles.

Question 3

Define project management:

Answer 3

… the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities in order to meet stakeholder’s needs and expectations from a project.

Question 4

Whats the fundamental requirement of a project manager? ~PMBOK

Answer 4

Establish who the stakeholders are, analysis their needs and expectations. Define the outset, purpose of the project, its scope of work and objectives.

Question 5

Define project management? ~APM bok

Answer 5

check notes.

Question 6

What does management-by-projects encourage?

Answer 6

Organisation flexibility.
Decentralised management responsibility.
Holistic view of problems.
Goal-orientated problem solution process.

Question 7

Programme management:

Answer 7

Project management office is managing a large capital project. May be subdivided in smaller related projects.

Question 8

Portfolio management:

Answer 8

Project management office running a number of unrelated projects.

Question 9

What can be the issues of smaller projects?

Answer 9

Lack of definition (no drawings, specification, contract), only verbal instructions, minimum standards are not established. Short duration so no time to establish management system.

Question 10

General management skills: (nine knowledge areas)

Answer 10

Recruiting and personnel, economics, computer systems, legal contracts, personnel and human resources, sales and marketing, accounting and salaries.

Question 11

Quickest and most cost effective way to preform projects with repetitive tasks.

Answer 11

Production lines (Henry Ford)

Question 12

Project managers and technical management.

Answer 12

Smaller projects the project manager may need to be technically expert.

Question 13

Project management environment:

Answer 13

Stakeholders, client/sponsor’s requirements, companies organisation structure, market requirements, so on, so on, in notes.

Question 14

How does the project environment impact a project?

Answer 14

Directly lol. Any one person could derail the project. Project managers must have a great understanding of the project.

Question 15

Project management association issues that are covered:

Answer 15

Body of knowledge, certification of project managers (PMP), unit standards, ethics, global forum.