S1 + S2: Project Management

Question 1

What is a project?

Answer 1

A project is a set of activities with a defined start point and a defined end state, which pursues a defined goal and uses a defined set of resources.

Question 2

Common Features of Projects

Answer 2

• Mission-focused.
• Delivered within a set timeframe, to certain specifications, using a defined group of resources.
• Outcomes are highly customized.
• High levels of risk and uncertainty

Question 3

Differentiating Between Projects

Answer 3

• The volume and variety of characteristics of a project.
• The scale, complexity, and degree of uncertainty in the project.
• The novelty, complexity, nature of technology (if any) and ‘pace’ of the project.

Question 4

The novelty dimension

Answer 4

How new the outcome of the project is to the customers or users.

1. Breakthrough
2. Outcome
3. Derivate

Question 5

The novelty dimension: Breakthrough

Answer 5

It is one that introduces a totally
new product or service, uses a new idea, or uses a product or service in a way that customers have never seen before. (Introducing the very first iPad)

Question 5

The novelty dimension: Outcome

Answer 5

It is one that develops or produces new generations of existing products, services, or processes to serve existing markets. (Building a new generation of cars)

Question 5

The novelty dimension: Derivate

Answer 5

It is one that extends or improves an existing product, service, or process. (Developing a new version of a phone app)

Question 6

The Technology dimension

Answer 6

This is concerned with how much new technology is being used within the project.

1. Low-tech
2. Medium-tech
3. High-tech
4. Super high-tech

Question 7

The Technology dimension: Low-technology

Answer 7

Low-technology projects have almost no new technology integrated. (Improving an existing product)

Question 8

The Technology dimension: Medium-technology

Answer 8

Medium-technology projects typically involve the integration of a single new technology.

Question 9

The Technology dimension: High-technology

Answer 9

High-technology projects involve the integration of several new technologies. (New generation of cars with new radios)

Question 10

The Technology dimension: Super high-technology

Answer 10

Super high-technology projects involve integrating several (currently) non-existing technologies. (Telescopes)

Question 11

The complexity dimension

Answer 11

How complex the system and its subsystems are.

1. Array
2. System
3. Assembly

Question 12

The complexity dimension: Array projects

Answer 12

Are systems of systems — with each system having an independent function, but each with a common goal. (South-to-North water diversion project in China)

Question 13

The complexity dimension: System projects

Answer 13

System projects involve a collection of interactive elements and sub-elements. (Developing a new aircraft)

Question 14

The complexity dimension: Assembly projects

Answer 14

Assembly projects have self-contained “components”, or subprojects that perform a function within a larger
system. (putting on a new play in a theater)

Question 15

The pace dimension

Answer 15

The pace dimension is concerned with how critical the project’s time frame is.

1. Blitz
2. Time-critical
3. Fast/Competitive
4. Regular