week 1

Question 1

what is a project?

Answer 1

it is a temporary and unique series of goal-oriented activities undertaken to create an agreed outcome.

Question 2

what is project management?

Answer 2

it is the management of project activities that lead to the successful completion and output of a project.

Question 3

Describe PMBOK

Answer 3

PMBOK is the project management body of knowledge that provides application of knowledge, processes, skills, tools and techniques.

Question 4

List and describe the PMBOK five functions (lifecycle)

Answer 4

1. initiating: defining and scoping the project, identify stakeholders, build a team.
2. planning: budget, schedule and plan activities.
3. executing: perform tasks according to plan, adapt specifications and plans to stakeholder expectations.
4. monitoring and controlling: monitor processes - balance demand of scope time and quality track corrective actions, report progress.
5. closing: hand off to end user, close down operations, report on outcomes.

Question 5

describe the project life-cycle

Answer 5

the project life cycle refers to the phases that a project goes through from the initiation stage to the completion stage.

the five stages will be assessed by how long and what it takes to complete the task.

Question 6

outline the role and functions of a project manager.

Answer 6

they are the person assigned by the organisation to lead the team responsible for the project and is responsible for achieving project goals.

• planning, organising, leading and controlling the resources and organisation
• identifying, planning, scheduling and controlling the project requirements,
• negotiating the agreed trade-off between time, budget, resources and specifications.
• controlling a projects time, cost, specification and resources.

Question 7

What are some key environmental forces that have changed the way projects are managed and their effect.

Answer 7

- compression of the product lifecycle 
knowledge explosion
people, planet, profit
corporate downsizing
increase customer focus.

THE EFFECT: these components align internal business resources with the requirements of the changing environment, enabling management to have greater flexibility and control of all PM activities.

Question 8

What is meant by an integrative approach to project management?

Answer 8

It is where all activities are interrelated. this approach allows the management to create a strong strategic plan and focus on stakeholder needs.

• prioritise what needs to be done first
• implies that while all people may be working on different tasks, they are still working towards a common goal.
• helps to coordinate projects & ensure best practices are used.