Situational Context of a Project

Question 1

What does PESTLE stand for?

Answer 1

Political
Economical
Sociological
Technological
Legal
Environmental

Question 2

What is PESTLE analysis used for?

Answer 2

It is used to examine different factors of an organisation and a project during the definition phase.

The external or internal influences on the success or failure of a project. Establish Options

Question 3

What would a SWOT analysis be used for?

Answer 3

Used during Concept phase to establish strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats a project may face. Evaluate and Test Options.

Question 4

What would VUCA analysis be used for?

Answer 4

It seeks to give perspective on unpredictable risks and enable managers to identify opportunities or shortfalls and respond to them.

Level of confidence in the outcome and current knowledge are combined in a 4 box grid and rated high or low.

Question 5

What does VUCA stand for?

Answer 5

Volatility - rapid unexpected

Uncertainty - known unknowns

Complexity -multiple decision factors

Ambiguity - too many unknowns

Question 6

List 4 examples of Legal and regulatory environments that impact a project.

Answer 6

Working Conditions - employment law
PM ensures all training and communications is undertaken.

Governance
- Regulations
Sponsor is accountable for the effective governing of a project.

Managing Risk
- Health and safety
PM must take steps to manage and highlight risks to workers.

Sustainability
- Responsibility
PM/Sponsor to Ensure organisational responsibility of outputs balanced with environment,social,economic aspects etc.

Question 7

List 4 Differences between Projects and BAU

Answer 7

Purpose:
Project seeks to achieve objectives then terminates. BAU seeks to sustain business purpose and goals

Timescale:
Projects have a limited temporary nature and have a defined start and finish. BAU is ongoing with no defined end point

Outcome:
Projects have a unique product or service.
BAU is repetitive non unique product service or result.

People:
Projects have temporary teams formed to meet the project needs and may not be aligned to organisational structure. BAU formed teams within organisations structure to suit function permanent demands.

Question 8

List 4 Differences between a Project and a Programme.

Answer 8

1. Scope:
   Project has a well defined scope with a limited output.
   Programmed is broad and adjustable.
2. Functional Units:
   Project is a single function
   Programme has multiple functions
3. Timeframe:
   Projects are short in nature.
   Programmes are long term.
4. Task:
   Projects are technical focused
   Programmes are strategic.

Question 9

List 4 differences between a programme and Portfolio

Answer 9

1. Scope:
   Programme is broad and adjustable.
   Portfolio is aligned to organisations aims and objectives
2. Components:
   Programmes contain multiple projects that are related. Portfolios contain programmes, projects and BAU activities.
3. End Product:
   Programme delivers an outcome whereas a portfolio is focused on risk vs return.
4. Focus:
   Programme is on context. Portfolio is on overall strategic vision.

Question 10

List 4 examples of how Projects and Programmes deliver strategic Change.

Answer 10

1. Investment
2. Targeted Benefits aligned to organisational objectives
3. Transformation of processes
4. Enabling the project team