Q: What is a project?
A: A unique Effort to achieve a specific objective using interrelated activities and resources.
Q: What are the 7 attributes of every project?
A: 1. Clear objective
2. Interdependent activities
3. Various resources
4. Specific time frame
5. Unique, one-time endeavor
6. Has a Sponsor/Customer
7. Degree of uncertainty
To remember C-I-V-S-U-H-D, use this mental image:
Imagine a CIVic (car) driving through South University High Drive.
- Constraints & Objectives
Q: What are the 8 key project constraints?
A: Scope, Quality, Schedule, Budget, Resources, Risks, Customer Satisfaction, and Stakeholder Support.
(Silly Quizzes Seem Boring, Really Really Crazy Stuff)
Q: How is a Project Objective defined?
A: It must be defined in terms of the end product (deliverable), schedule, and budget, and must be agreed upon by the customer.
- The Project Life Cycle (PLC)
Q: List the 4 phases of the Project Life Cycle in order.
A: 1. Initiating, 2. Planning, 3. Performing, 4. Closing.
Q: What is the main output of the Initiating Phase?
A: The Project Charter, which includes the rationale, objective, benefits, and general requirements.
Q: What is the main goal of the Planning Phase?
A: To create a Baseline Plan that acts as a roadmap for the project.
Q: What are the key activities in the Closing Phase?
A: Collect final payments, evaluate staff, conduct post-project evaluations, and document Lessons Learned.
- The Planning Process (Step-by-Step)
Q: What are the steps of the Project Planning Process?
A: 1. Establish objective
2. Define scope
3. Create WBS (Work Breakdown Structure)
4. Assign responsibility
5. Define activities
6. Sequence activities
7. Estimate resources, durations, and costs
8. Develop schedule and budget
“Every Dog Case Always Delivers Some Extra Dinner.”
- Executing & Stakeholders
Q: What are the 3 elements of the Executing (Performing) process?
A: 1. Perform the work.
2. Monitor and control progress.
3. Control changes.
Q: What is a Stakeholder Register?
A: A document containing contact info, roles, topics of interest, expectations, known issues, and influence levels of stakeholders.
- Global Project Management & PMI
Q: What factors add complexity to Global Projects?
A: Cultural differences, currency, codes/regulations, political relations, and workforce availability.
Q: What is the Project Management Institute (PMI)?
A: A global non-profit association that publishes the PMBOK® Guide and the Code of Ethics.
- Critical Success Factors (The “Exam Secrets”)
Q: What is the key to effective project control?
A: Comparing actual progress to planned progress regularly and taking immediate corrective action.
Q: Why is involving the customer important?
A: Active participation builds a partnership and ensures the final deliverable achieves Customer Satisfaction.
