Situational Context of Projects

Question 1

Explain how BAU is different from Projects

Answer 1

Long-term management with direct authority

Needed to Sustain the organisation to achieve its business objectives

Existing teams aligned to organisational structure

Ongoing

LSEO

Question 2

Explain how Projects are different from BAU

Answer 2

Dedicated project manager; may not have direct authority

Aims to achieve Objectives & then stop work

Temporary Resources to deliver work; not aligned with organisational structure

Start & end point

DOTS

Question 3

Explain the difference between Project, Programme & Portfolio management

Answer 3

A Project has a smaller & less complex scope.
A Programme is a combination of projects with larger overall scope.
A Portfolio is a collection of projects & programmes to deliver strategic objectives.

Portfolios are ongoing, whereas projects & programmes are temporary.
Project scope is fixed; programme scope is flexible within limits; and portfolio scope is defined by boundaries rather than a list.

Question 4

Describe when to use Programme instead of Project management

Answer 4

Programme Management
* Scope not fully defined.
* Higher amount of uncertainty.
* Complex set of dependencies and outputs across multiple Projects.
* More effective use of resources, filling gaps.
* Better management of risk, using the same contingency across multiple Projects

Question 5

Describe when to use Portfolio instead of Programme management

Answer 5

Portfolio Management
* Ensuring the business meets legislation.
* Focus on moving into a new market.
* Investment needs to be prioritised to align to strategy.
* Best where significant business transformation is required.
* Ensures all work within the Portfolio is aligned to organisational strategy.

Question 6

Explain how to use SWOT and PESTLE analysis

Answer 6

SWOT:
Broad analysis of whole organisation or just a project
PESTLE:
Political
Economic
Sociological
Technological
Legislative
Environmental

Question 7

Explain how to use VUCA analysis

Answer 7

Volatility: price of materials may be unstable
Uncertainty: may not be able to predict outcomes if you’ve never done it before
Complexity: many projects with different technical requirements may require lots of specialist resources
Ambiguity: lack of clarity over project scope

Question 8

Explain how legal & regulatory factors influence projects

Answer 8

Working conditions are defined by employment law
Risk management may need specific risks to be shared with nominated roles e.g. H&S Manager
Governance needs to follow organisational procedures & regulations
Sustainable accreditation e.g. FSC requires certain procurement processes