Project contexts and environments

Question 1

What is the Environment

Answer 1

The circumstances and conditions within which the project, programme or portfolio must operate.

Question 2

what is the environment setting

Answer 2

Setting describes the relationship between the project, programme or portfolio and the host organisation.

Question 3

what does the project context include

Answer 3

The project context includes the consideration of the internal (organisation) and external environments in which the project is undertaken.

Question 4

What are the 6 key questions to be asked regarding project context

Answer 4

1. What influenced the requirement?
2. How will the business affect the project?
3. What is the project’s status relative to other projects?
4. Is the project in line with key company strategies?
5. What will be undertaken after project completion?
6. How will the deliverables be operated?

Question 5

What does the environment cover

Answer 5

anything that can affect project execution including everything that has taken place already (pre-project) and all that will take place after (post-project).

Question 6

how is the internal environment defined

Answer 6

the working environment in which the project is undertaken.

Question 7

what may 2 items may govern the internal environment

Answer 7

1. External policies, standards and processes such as regulatory, industrial and professional standards.
2. the organisation’s own policies, standards and procedures (Governance).

Question 8

What 8 factors may impact the internal project environment

Answer 8

1. organisational strategies, processes and procedures
2. internal stakeholder relationships
3. resource and skills availability
4. access to project funding
5. organisational culture
6. information systems
7. standards, guidelines and templates
8. contractual relationships

Question 9

what are the 3 major environmental factors

Answer 9

1. Sector
2. Geography
3. Regulation

Question 10

what are 6 examples of Sector

Answer 10

1. Financial
2. Media
3. Manufacturing
4. Construction
5. Agriculture
6. Government

Question 11

what are the 2 main areas to consider regarding Geography

Answer 11

1. physical environment - particularly with construction

2. political and economic environment

Question 12

what additional 7 aspects may be affected by the geographic location

Answer 12

1. language
2. culture
3. transport
4. communication
5. climate
6. resources
7. local customs and regulations

Question 13

what 8 requirements will a PM need to consider regarding Regulation

Answer 13

1. contract law
2. employment law
3. health and safety
4. environmental control
5. building regulations
6. industry standards
7. data protection
8. freedom of information

Question 14

what 3 factors can the external environment include

Answer 14

1. social, cultural, political, legal, regulatory, financial, technological, econ, natural and competitive environment
2. key economic drivers or trends
3. relationships with external stakeholders

Question 15

what are the 2 tools that can be used for an EIA

Answer 15

1. SWOT

2. PESTLE

Question 16

What does PESTLE stand for

Answer 16

Political
Economic
Sociological
Technological
Legal / Regulatory
Ethical / Environmental

Question 17

What are examples PESTLE

Answer 17

Political - lobbying, change of government, internal politics

Economic - exchange rates, inflation, unemployment

Sociological - impact on health or living standards, trends/fashion, demographic changes

Technological - technical maturity, innovation, intellectual property

Legal / Regulatory - new legislation, employment laws, building regulations

Ethical / Environmental - environmental impact - how can it be mitigated

Question 18

What are 4 examples of Strengths and Weaknesses

Answer 18

1. project and product portfolios
2. production facilities
3. staff
4. IT systems

Question 19

where are Strengths and Weaknesses generally found

Answer 19

within the internal environment

Question 20

where do Opportunities and Threats generally arise

Answer 20

from the external environment (as per PESTLE elements)