Project management processes ch3 (1)
- 1. Project Management Processes Mahmoud Al-RabeaMohammed Shulan
- 2. Outlines Initiation Planning Execution Monitoring & Controlling Closing Summary & Sources Questions & Answers
- 3. Initiation Planning or development Production or execution Monitoring and controlling Closing Project Process Life Cycle
- 5. The initiation processes determine the nature and scope of the project. If this stage is not performed well, it is unlikely that the project will be successful in meeting the business’ needs. The key project controls needed here are an understanding of the business environment and making sure that all necessary controls are incorporated into the project. Any deficiencies should be reported and a recommendation should be made to fix them. Definition I am working in technical domain, or more specifically, embedded system development. I think it is vital important to verify architecture correctness while creating the project charter also. The best way is to do some prototype work, though maybe too luxury. To the bear minimum, the project manager should create some diagram and discuss with relevant stakeholders, otherwise is just waste the organizations and money and time, and market opportunity.
- 6. Initiation Breakdown Processes Select Project Manager. Determine company culture and existing systems. Collect processes, procedures and historical information. Divide large projects into phases. Identify stake- holders. Document business need. Determine project objectives. Document assumptions and constraints. Develop project charter. Develop preliminary project scope statement.
- 9. The main purpose is to plan time, cost and resources adequately to estimate the work needed and to effectively manage risk during project execution. As with the Initiation process group, a failure to adequately plan greatly reduces the project's chances of successfully accomplishing its goals. My personal feeling is better to use 1/10 criteria for planning, that is, to estimate at the granularity level of 1/10. For example, setup a monthly schedule for a half year to one year project, or create biweekly schedule for a one quarter project, or create a WBS with 10 to 20 tasks. I have seen task break down with several hundred tasks, eventually it becomes a game to figure out which activity goes to which task, and really a brain test for entire team. Definition
- 10. Planning Breakdown processes Determine how you will do planning – part of management plans. Create project scope statement. Determine team. Create WBS and WBS dictionary. Create activity list. Create network diagram. Estimate resource requirements. Estimate time and cost. Determine critical path. Develop Schedule. Developer budget. Determine quality standards, processes and metrics. Determine roles and responsibilities. Determine communications requirements. Risk identification, qualitative and quantitative risk analysis and response planning. (items before this lime will need Iterations ). Determine what to purchase. Prepare procurement documents. Finalize the “how to execute and control” aspects of all management plans. Create process improvement plan. Develop final PM plan and performance measurement baselines. Gain formal approval. Hold kick-off meeting.
- 13. Executing consists of the processes used to complete the work defined in the project management plan to accomplish the project's requirements. Execution process involves coordinating people and resources, as well as integrating and performing the activities of the project in accordance with the project management plan. The deliverables are produced as outputs from the processes performed as defined in the project management plan. Definition In my opinion, there are two key points for executing a project: 1. People management: understand what your colleagues can do and try to balance the workload. I think making presentation and/or have frequent chit-chat are good ways to bring the gap. At least I feel more clear of one concept after I can make others understand what I am talking about. 2. Build an adaptive process: Nobody can plan everything accurately at the beginning. I like the practice to check the status at the end of each week (or biweekly), and figure out how to make up next week. I think it is called iteration process or spiral model officially.
- 14. Execution Breakdown processes Acquire final team. Execute the PM plan. Complete product scope. Recommend changes and corrective actions. Send and receive information. Implement approved changes, defect repair, preventive and corrective actions. Continuous improvement. Follow processes. Team building. Give recognition and rewards. Hold progress meetings. Use work authorization system. Request seller responses. Select Sellers.
- 17. Monitoring and controlling consists of those processes performed to observe project execution so that potential problems can be identified in a timely manner and corrective action can be taken, when necessary, to control the execution of the project. The key benefit is that project performance is observed and measured regularly to identify variances from the project management plan. Definition For Software/Firmware Development, There are organizations that project manager is busy working on collecting all the matrix, quality team building nice diagram/chart subsequently, and top management evaluating the organization / individual performance based on these charts. In the end, Engineers have to cook data so that the final evaluation will be good for them. I believe the role for project manager is to ensure the accuracy of monitoring. BTW: I also think cooking data is hard for Small and Medium Organization because SMEs always face customer directly.
- 18. Monitoring and controlling Breakdown processes Measure against the performance measurement baselines. Measure according to the management plans. Determine variances and if they warrant corrective action or a change. Scope verification. Configuration management. Recommend changes, defect repair, preventive and corrective actions. Integrated change control. Approve changes, defect repair, preventive and corrective actions. Risk audits. Manage reserve. Use issue logs. Facilitate conflict resolution. Measure team member performance. Report on performance. Create forecasts. Administer contracts.
- 20. Closing Process
- 21. Closing includes the formal acceptance of the project and the ending thereof. Administrative activities include the archiving of the files and documenting lessons learned. Not many project managers are lucky enough to lead the project until its official ending. However, I think a responsible project manager for an organization should collect historical information for this project, and put into a way easy to be utilized by the next project manager. Especially for a software development organization, attributes like Engineer productivity, defect density, percentage of each stage, and domain expertise are important for the sustainability of the organization. Definition
- 22. Closing Breakdown processes Develop closure procedures. Complete contract closure. Confirm work is done to requirement. Gain formal acceptance of the product. Final performance reporting. Index and archive records. Update, lessons learned and knowledge base. Hand off completed product. Release resources.
- 29. 2. A product life cycle is a series of phases whose name and number is determined by the organization’s needs regarding control of the project. A. True B. False 29 Answer: B. False
- 30. 9. Contract close-out contains: A. Contract Documentation B. Procurement Audits C. Formal Acceptance And Closure D. All Of The Above 30 Answer: D. All Of The Above
- 31. 15. ______________ coordinates people and other resources to carry out the plan. A.Work Breakdown Structure B. Resource Planning C. Resource Leveling D.Executing Process 31 Answer: D. Executing Process
- 32. 32 16. The process of identifying and defining a product or service is called: A. Procurement Planning B. Source Selection C. Contract Administration D. Contract Close-out Answer: A. Procurement Planning
- 33. 33 18. The core planning processes are: A. Scope Definition, Resource Planning, Cost Estimating, Schedule Development, Activity Definition. B. Inputs, Control, Status Reports, Risk Management C. Planning, Resources Planning, Quality Assurance, Risk Control D. Scope Definition, Team Development, Schedule Control, Budget Control, Contract Administration. Answer: A. Scope Definition, Resource Planning, Cost Estimating, Schedule Development, Activity Definition.
- 34. 34 32. ___________ devises and maintains a workable scheme to accomplish the business need that the project was undertaken to address. A. Development Process B. Scoping Process C. Planning Process D. Information Development Process Answer: C. Planning Process
- 35. 35 41. The ___________ documents the characteristics of the product or service that the project was undertaken to create. A. Resource Plan B. Project Charter C. Project Description D. Scope Statement Answer: C. Project description
- 36. 36 42. Outputs from the initiation process are: A. Project Manager Identified/Assigned B. Constraints C. Assumptions D. All Of The Above Answer: D. All Of The Above
- 37. 37 43. A ____________ is a series of actions bringing about a result A. Project plan B. Process C. Schedule D. Flowchart Answer: B. Process
- 38. 38 45. Project Scope Management includes which processes: A. Initiation B. Project Plan Execution C. Overall Change Control D. Performance Reporting Answer: A. Initiation
- 39. 39 57. A project can best be defined as: A. Series of non-related activities designed to accomplish single and multiple objectives. B. Coordinated effort of related activities designed to accomplish a goal without a well-established end point. C. Cradle-to-grave activities which must be accomplished in less than one year and consumes human and non-human resources D. “Any undertaking with a definable time frame, well- defined objectives, and consumes both human and non-human resources with certain constraints.” Answer: D. “Any undertaking with a definable time frame, well-defined objectives, and consumes both human and non-human resources with certain constraints
- 40. 40 64. The tools and technique used in the initiation process are: A. Product Analysis B. Project Schedule Development C. Expert Judgment D. Project Budget Answer: C. Expert Judgment
- 41. 41 67. __________ must be measured regularly to identify variances from the plan. A. Stakeholder Requirements B. Project Performance C. Schedule Control D. Project Controls Answer: B. Project Performance
- 42. 42 76. The major project scope management processes include: A.Change Order Control B. Initiation C. Program Evaluation D.Scope Statement Answer: B. Initiation
- 43. 43 81. __________ ensure that project objectives are met by monitoring and measuring progress and taking corrective action when necessary A. Project Controls B. Controlling Process C. Control Logs D. Project Chart Answer: B. Controlling Process
- 44. 44 83. An example of a project is: A. Billing Customers B. Managing an Organization C. Constructing A Building or Facility D. Providing Technical Support Answer: C. Constructing A Building or Facility
- 45. 45 89. ____________ formalizes the acceptance of the project or phase and bringing it to an orderly end. A. Functional B. Weak Matrix C. Projectized D. Dedicated Project Team Answer: B. Weak Matrix
- 46. 46 92. The closing process scope includes: A. Contract Closeout B. Final Reporting C. Punch List D. Exit Interview Answer: A. Contract Closeout
- 47. 47 93. An input to the scope planning process is: A. Product Description B. Project Schedule C. Strategic Plan D. Historical Information Answer: A. Product Description
- 48. 48 94. Scope planning is: A. Developing a plan from major stakeholders B. Developing a written scope statement as the basis for future project decisions C. Formalizing acceptance of the project scope D. Planning project milestones Answer: B. Developing a written scope statement as the basis for future project decisions
- 50. 3. At which stage, does a typical project has maximum cost? A. Initial Stage B. Middle Stage C. Final Stage D. Cost In Same at all Stages 50 Answer: C. Final Stage
- 51. 4. At which stage, in typical project do stake holders have maximum influence? A. Initial stage B. Middle stage C. Final stage D. Shareholders have similar influence At all stages 51 Answer: A. Initial stage
- 53. 24. The project manager should be assigned during what phase A. Initiation B. Project Planning C. Scope Planning D. Scope Definition 53 Answer: A. Initiation
- 54. 54. What are the inputs to project Plan Execution? A. Project plan, work breakdown structure, organizational policies, preventive action and correction action B. Project plan, work results, change requests, preventive action and corrective action C. Project skills, supporting detail, organizational policies, preventive action and lessons learned D. Project plan, supporting detail, organizational policies, preventive action and corrective action. 54 Answer: A. Project plan, supporting detail, organizational policies, preventive action and corrective action.
- 55. 57. In the closing phase of your project, a number of administrative issues must be completed. A concern is to assess project effectiveness. One way to accomplish this task is to: A. Prepare a performance report B. Perform an inspection C. Hold a performance review D. Conduct a procurement audit 55 Answer: C. Hold A Performance Review
- 56. 61. During closeout, many project managers tend to delay personnel reassignment because- A. The team members do not want to move on to new assignments B. They believe that no one will want to leave the project C. The functional managers do not want the team members to return D. They are reluctant to confront any interpersonal conflicts that may occur in the process 56 Answer: D. They are reluctant to confront any interpersonal conflicts that may occur in the process
- 57. 57 86. When choosing the most appropriate form of project organization, the first step is to - A. Produce an initial project plan and determine the functional areas responsible for each task B. Develop a project, including a top-down flowchart, and identify the functional area to perform each task C. Refer to the project charter develop by top management D. Create the WBS and let it determine the project organizational structure Answer: A. Produce an initial project plan and determine the functional areas responsible for each task
- 59. 59 1-4 Project Scope Management includes which processes: A. Plan Development B. Project Plan Execution C. Overall Change Control D. Performance Reporting E. Initiation Answer: E. Initiation
- 60. 60 1-9 Which process is not included in Project Cost Management? A. Resource Planning B. Estimating C. Budgeting D. Control E. Closeout Answer: E. Closeout
- 62. 62 3-1 A __________ is a series of actions bringing about a result A.Project Plan B. Process C. Schedule D.Flowchart E. Activity Sequencing Plan Answer: B. Process
- 63. 63 3-2 _____________ recognizes that a project or phase should begin and commits the organization to do so. A. Initiating process B. Solicitation process C. Scoping process D. Planning process E. Controlling process Answer: A. Initiating process
- 64. 64 3-3 ______________ defines and refines the best course of action to attain the objectives that the project was undertaken to address: A. Development Process B. Scoping Process C. Planning Process D. Information Development Process E. Resource Planning Answer: C. Planning Process
- 65. 65 3-4 Project management process can be organized into: A. Initiating Process B. Planning Process C. Controlling and Executing Process D. Closing Processes E. All Of The Above Answer: E. All Of The Above
- 66. 66 3-5 ________________ coordinates people and other resources to carry out the plan A. Work Breakdown Structure B. Resource Planning C. Resource Leveling D. Executing Process E. Initiating Process Answer: D. Executing Process
- 67. 67 3-6 ________________ ensures that project objectives are met by monitoring and measuring progress regularly to identify variances from the plan so that corrective action can be taken when necessary A. Project Controls B. Controlling Process C. Control Logs D. Project Chart Answer: B. Controlling Process
- 68. 68 3-7 ________________ formalizes the acceptance of the project or phase and bringing it to an orderly end. A. Punchlist B. Closing Process C. Project Completion Checklist D. Stakeholder Buyoff E. Initiation Process Answer: B. Closing Process
- 69. 69 3-8 ________________ must be measured regularly to identify variances from the plan A. Stakeholder Requirements B. Project Performance C. Schedule Control D. Project Controls E. Performance Reporting Answer: B. Project Performance
- 70. 70 3-9 The closing process scope includes: A. Contract closeout B. Final reporting C. Punchlist D. Exit interview E. Lessons learned Answer: A. Contract Closeout
- 71. 71 3-10 The score planning processes are: A. Scope definition, Resource planning, Cost estimating, Schedule development, Activity definition B. Inputs, Control, Status reports, Risk management C. Planning, Resource planning, Quality assurance, risk control D. Cope definition, Team development, Schedule control, Budget control, Contract administration E. Quality planning, Communication planning, Staff acquisition, Risk quantification Answer: A. Scope definition, Resource planning, Cost estimating, Schedule development, Activity definition
- 73. 73 Answer: D. Initiation Domain I You are assigned a project that requires that manufacturing of medical equipment for one of your company’s current clients. Your company has executed similar projects successfully in the past. During which phase of the project would you consider referring to previous project documents for the similar projects? A. Scope planning B. Scope verification C. Scope definition D. initiation
- 75. 75 Answer: A. The Project Plan 1. To the project team, the most valuable document for integrating activities during project execution is: A. The Project Plan B. The Scope Statement C. The Scope Baseline D. S-curve
- 76. 76 Answer: C. Change Requests 2. An output of the Project Plan Execution process is/are: A. Lesson Learned B. The Project Plan C. Change Requests D. Corrective Action
- 78. 78 Answer: A. Decision Making 1. Management problem-solving invoices a combination of problem definition and: A. Decision-making B. Revision /replanning C. Resource allocation D. Modification or updating of goals and objectives
- 79. 79 Answer: A. Become more efficient and effective in accomplishing goals that cannot be handled well by the traditional structure 2. Project management provides organizations with a methodology to: A. Become more efficient and effective in accomplishing goals that cannot be handled well by the traditional structure B. Manage high-risk repetitive work C. Provide clients with multiple points of contract D. Provide guidance in accomplishing repetitive activities
- 80. 80 Answer: C. Standardization, control 3. Project file cycles are very useful for _________ and __________ A. Configuration management termination B. Objective setting, information gathering C. Standardization, control D. Configuration management, weekly status updates
- 81. 81 Answer: B. Size, nature 4. The degree to which a company accepts and utilizes project management is most often dependent upon the __________ and _________ of its projects. A. Completion, dollar value B. Size, nature C. Quantity requirement, manpower requirements D. Risk, quality management
- 82. 82 Answer: D. Staffing levels remain stable throughout the life of the project 5. All of the following are true of project life-cycles except: A. The influence of stakeholders over the characteristics of the final product decrease over time B. Uncertainty and risk are highest at the beginning of the project C. Cost levels start low then increase overtime before trailing off as the project ends D. Staffing levels remain stable throughout the life of the project
- 83. 83 Answer: D. The means to subdivide projects into manageable segments 6. A program is defined as: A.An endeavor of considerable scope encompassing a number of projects B. A group of projects managed is a coordinated way to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually C. The framework by which project management can be utilized in order to ensure completion of projects D.The means to subdivide projects into manageable segments
- 84. 84 Answer: B. Planning, organizing, staffing, executing and controlling the operation of an ongoing enterprise 7. General Management encompasses: A. Identifying objectives and important operations leading to those objectives B. Planning, organizing, staffing, executing and controlling the operation of an ongoing enterprise. C. Communication planning and performance information to all parties involved D. Management principles used only by non-profit agencies
- 85. 85 Answer: C. Part time project manager roles 8. Strong matrix organization structures do NOT have: A. Moderate to high project manager authority B. Full time project administration staff C. Part time project manager roles D. Up to 95% of the organization’s personnel assigned to full time project work
- 86. 86 Answer: D. Controlling, Planning, Closing, Executing, Initiating 9. Project management process are organized into five groups, which are: A. Planning, Risk Management, Communicating, Administration, Close-out B. Inputs, Outputs, Controls, Execution, Planning C. Scope Control, Schedule Control, Cost Control, Quality Control, Risk Control D. Controlling, Planning, Closing, Executing, Initiating
- 87. 87 Answer: D. They always share common objectives for the project 10. Which of the following is not a characteristic of Project Stakeholder A. They may be difficult to identify B. Their interest may be positively or negatively affected as a result of the successful project completion C. They are individuals and organizations who are actively involved in the project D. They always share common objectives for the project
- 88. Sources: •PMBOK •Rita's book •http://www.uts.sc.edu/csprojects/Methodology/fasttrack_project.php • http://jinshengtang.blogspot.com/ • http://quizlet.com/176304/ritas-process-chart-flash-cards/