Project Management Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the first phase of the project life cycle?

  • Planning
  • Initiation (correct)
  • Execute
  • Close

Which phase involves tracking and reviewing the progress and performance of a project?

  • Planning
  • Execute
  • Control (correct)
  • Initiation

In which phase do project managers finalize all activities and formally close the project?

  • Planning
  • Close (correct)
  • Execute
  • Control

What key difference exists between project management and general management in terms of processes?

<p>General management does not have initiation and closing processes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Planning phase of the project life cycle?

<p>It defines the scope and course of action to complete the project. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines management?

<p>The act of getting people together to achieve goals efficiently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main functions of management as highlighted in the content?

<p>Getting resources, using those resources, and achieving goals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the second definition of management emphasize focus on?

<p>The deployment and manipulation of various resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which component is NOT considered part of management?

<p>Delegating responsibilities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which definition of management describes it as an act involving several components of an organization?

<p>Management comprises planning, organizing, and controlling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the role of a manager is true?

<p>Managers are responsible for acquiring and utilizing resources effectively. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key outcome that management seeks to achieve?

<p>To accomplish a desired goal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following resources is NOT explicitly mentioned in the context of management?

<p>Intellectual resources (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of management as described in the content?

<p>To accomplish desired goals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main functions of management as outlined in the content?

<p>Getting resources and manipulating them (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best differentiates Project Management from General Management?

<p>Project Management is the management of specific projects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Project Management based on the definitions provided?

<p>Application of skills and tools to complete project activities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What relationship does Project Management have with other management disciplines?

<p>It overlaps significantly with organizational management. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which resource is NOT mentioned as one of the resources managed by a manager?

<p>Virtual resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the function 'controlling' in management primarily focus on?

<p>Maintaining activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of management functions, what does 'coordinating' entail?

<p>Binding together and harmonizing activities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is a key focus of all types of management including project management?

<p>The application of skills and techniques (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the development of interest in Project Management?

<p>It has grown due to the need for organized project execution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the planning function in management?

<p>To develop strategic objectives and achieve future goals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does organizing play in effective management?

<p>It involves training and recruiting the right personnel. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should managers approach the commanding function?

<p>By communicating company goals to subordinates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the coordinating function require from managers?

<p>To harmonize activities across the organization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of controlling, what is a key responsibility of managers?

<p>To monitor and report deviations from plans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the outcome of effective planning?

<p>Securing achievement of future goals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of the organizing function in management?

<p>Recruiting and training skilled personnel. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary importance of the commanding function in management?

<p>To ensure every action complies with policies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the coordinating function have on the organization?

<p>Reduces redundancy in processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is controlling essential in management?

<p>It assesses whether operations align with established objectives. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a project manager's objective?

<p>Ensuring maximum profit for the organization (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a common risk management problem in projects?

<p>Avoidable risks leading to project failure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT considered a dimension of project management?

<p>Innovation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which early project is mentioned as a demonstration of project management?

<p>The building of Noah’s Ark (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the early practice of project management, which characteristic is NOT mentioned?

<p>Strict constraints on resources (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which problem relates to delays in project scheduling?

<p>Lack of a system to manage schedules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary feature of project management during its early years?

<p>Projects were basic and uncomplicated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common problem in managing projects?

<p>Adhering to industry-specific standards (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'satisfaction' in project management dimensions usually refer to?

<p>Client approval of project outcomes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these could be seen as a result of improper estimates in project management?

<p>Cost control problems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Management

The process of getting people together to achieve desired goals efficiently and effectively.

Five Functions of Management

Henri Fayol's idea that managers plan, organize, command, coordinate, and control resources to achieve a goal.

Management vs. Project Management

Management focuses on ongoing operations and efficiency, while project management has a defined scope, goal, and timeline.

Project Management

It's a field of study focused on planning, organizing, and managing complex projects with a defined scope, resources, and timeline.

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Manager Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of a manager include acquiring, deploying, and managing resources for specific purposes.

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Management Resources

The resources needed to accomplish a goal, including financial, human, technological, and natural resources.

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Planning in Management

The process of setting objectives, strategies, and plans to achieve a goal.

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Organizing in Management

The process of structuring and organizing resources, people, and activities to achieve a goal.

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Project Life Cycle

The five distinct stages that a project progresses through from start to finish, each with its own set of activities and deliverables.

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Initiation

The first phase of the project life cycle, where the project is formally authorized and approved.

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Planning

The second phase of the project life cycle, focusing on creating a detailed plan outlining the scope, timeline, budget, and resources needed for the project.

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Execution

The third phase of the project life cycle where the planned activities are executed and the project work is being performed.

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Control

The phase in the project life cycle where progress and performance against the plan are monitored and controlled to ensure project goals are met.

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Commanding in Management

Managers must supervise and guide their subordinates in their daily tasks, inspiring them to achieve company goals. They're responsible for communicating company goals and policies to their team, always adhering to company values and ensuring that every manager supports each other.

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Coordinating in Management

Managers need to ensure all company processes and activities work together seamlessly. Every department and individual effort should contribute to the overall company goals, boosting overall effectiveness.

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Controlling in Management

Managers must ensure that all actions align with company policies and objectives. They need to monitor for any deviations from plans and goals and take immediate action to correct any potential problems.

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What is the essence of "Planning"?

Examining future trends and outlining a plan of action to achieve company targets.

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What is the essence of "Organizing"?

Building a robust organizational structure with the right people in the right places to achieve the company's goals.

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What is the essence of "Commanding"?

Ensuring all actions and activities are aligned with company policies and procedures.

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What is the essence of "Coordinating"?

Harmonizing various processes and activities within the company, creating a synergistic effect.

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What is the essence of "Controlling"?

Monitoring actions to ensure alignment with overall company goals, identifying deviation from plans, and taking corrective action.

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What makes a project successful?

A successful project that meets all requirements within the allocated budget and timeline.

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Project Scope

The scope of a project defines its boundaries, including the goals, deliverables, and limitations. It helps ensure everyone understands what's included and excluded.

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Project Satisfaction

Project satisfaction measures how happy the stakeholders are with the project outcome. It considers their needs and expectations.

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Sustainability in Projects

Sustainability in projects focuses on minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society. It considers long-term effects and responsible use of resources.

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Health and Safety in Projects

Health and safety are paramount in project management, ensuring the well-being of everyone involved. It includes risk assessments, safety protocols, and emergency plans.

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Cost-effective and Independent Service

One of the objectives of a project manager is to ensure the service provided is cost-effective and independent. This means finding the most efficient way to complete the project without relying too heavily on external resources.

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Integration of Expertise

Project managers must be able to select, combine, and manage various disciplines and expertise, creating a cohesive team to complete the project.

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Satisfying the Project Objective

The project manager's key responsibility is to ensure the project's ultimate goal is achieved. It requires understanding and fulfilling the client's requirements.

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Safe-guarding Client's Interests

Protecting the client's interests is paramount. Project managers must act ethically and transparently, prioritizing the client's well-being throughout the project.

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Contractual Problem

A common problem in managing projects is when parties misunderstand their contractual obligations. This can lead to disputes, delays, and increased costs.

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Coordinating

The ability to bring together and harmonize various activities to achieve a shared goal.

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Controlling

The act of maintaining a desired level of activity or performance by ensuring resources are used effectively and goals are met.

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What is the manager's purpose?

The primary purpose of a manager is to use available resources to achieve organizational goals, which can be for individuals, groups, or the entire organization.

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How are Project Management and General Management different?

Project Management focuses on the management of specific projects, while general management focuses on managing the day-to-day operations and overall functioning of an organization.

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What is another definition of Project Management?

Project Management is a discipline that involves organizing and managing resources, including work and people, to ensure the successful completion of a project.

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How does Project Management relate to other management disciplines?

Project management is an interconnected field that draws upon various other management disciplines, including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling.

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What is a Project Life Cycle?

A project life cycle is a structured framework that outlines the different stages involved in a project, from initiation to completion.

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What are some alternative approaches to managing projects?

Different approaches, like Agile and Waterfall, can be used to manage projects. Each approach has its own set of principles, methodologies, and procedures.

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Study Notes

Project Management

  • GE 401, a course on project management, was taught by Dr. Mansour S Almatawa.
  • The lecture covered the fundamental concepts of management and project management.

What is Management?

  • Definition 1: Management is the act of bringing people together to achieve specific goals efficiently and effectively.
  • Definition 2: Management includes planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling an organization to achieve its objectives.
  • Definition 3: Management involves using available resources—human, financial, technical, and natural—to meet desired outcomes.

Functions of Management

  • Management's main functions, derived from the definitions, include:
    • Acquiring resources (human, financial, technological, natural).
    • Using these resources through planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling.
    • Achieving predetermined goals within the organization.

Management vs. Project Management

  • Project management is distinct from general management, focusing on managing individual projects to completion.

Development of Interest in Project Management

  • Project management practices originated early in civilization and have evolved over time.
  • Early projects were generally simple and lacked standardized methods for managing resources.

Alternative Approaches to Managing Projects

  • The traditional approach to project management involves a structured, sequential process.
  • The agile approach is more flexible and adaptable, with emphasis on iterative development and change management.
  • Examples include Waterfall, Critical Path Method (CPM), Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), PRINCE 2, PMI/PMBOK, Scrum, Kanban, Six Sigma, Extreme Programming (XP), Adaptive Project Framework (APF), and Lean.

Project Life Cycle

  • The five project management process groups are initiation, planning, execution, controlling, and closing.
  • These phases allow for greater management control over the project and its various deliverables.
  • Project managers/organizations can break the project into these phases for better oversight and management.

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