Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the main characteristics of a project as defined by Meredith & Mantel?
What is one of the main characteristics of a project as defined by Meredith & Mantel?
What does project management primarily aim to achieve?
What does project management primarily aim to achieve?
According to J.R. Turner, what is essential for a project to deliver beneficial change?
According to J.R. Turner, what is essential for a project to deliver beneficial change?
What does 'interdependencies' in project characteristics refer to?
What does 'interdependencies' in project characteristics refer to?
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How is project management defined according to PMBOK?
How is project management defined according to PMBOK?
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Which phase of the project life cycle focuses on determining management style and obtaining client acceptance?
Which phase of the project life cycle focuses on determining management style and obtaining client acceptance?
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What is the primary purpose of the 'Control' phase in the project life cycle?
What is the primary purpose of the 'Control' phase in the project life cycle?
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In the context of a waterfall approach, which stage directly follows the 'Plan' phase?
In the context of a waterfall approach, which stage directly follows the 'Plan' phase?
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Which of the following is a key activity in the 'Implement' phase of a project?
Which of the following is a key activity in the 'Implement' phase of a project?
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What is the main focus during the 'Planning' phase of the project life cycle?
What is the main focus during the 'Planning' phase of the project life cycle?
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Which characteristic is most often associated with agile project management?
Which characteristic is most often associated with agile project management?
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What is the role of the project manager during the 'Organise' phase?
What is the role of the project manager during the 'Organise' phase?
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Identifying critical activities is primarily done during which project phase?
Identifying critical activities is primarily done during which project phase?
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What is the first step in Lewin's model of change?
What is the first step in Lewin's model of change?
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In the Project Objectives 'Iron' Triangle, what are the three main constraints?
In the Project Objectives 'Iron' Triangle, what are the three main constraints?
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Which of the following describes a feature of S.M.A.R.T. goals?
Which of the following describes a feature of S.M.A.R.T. goals?
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What do the concepts of Core / Marginal and Novel / Familiar signify in change initiatives?
What do the concepts of Core / Marginal and Novel / Familiar signify in change initiatives?
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What does the phrase 'Good, cheap, fast - you can have any two!' imply in project management?
What does the phrase 'Good, cheap, fast - you can have any two!' imply in project management?
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When analyzing project teams, what direction is NOT emphasized in managing?
When analyzing project teams, what direction is NOT emphasized in managing?
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What is a potential outcome when transitioning from one project to another?
What is a potential outcome when transitioning from one project to another?
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What does 'refreezing' signify in Lewin's model of change?
What does 'refreezing' signify in Lewin's model of change?
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What is one reason projects are becoming more necessary in modern contexts?
What is one reason projects are becoming more necessary in modern contexts?
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Which type of project typically has the highest level of uncertainty?
Which type of project typically has the highest level of uncertainty?
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What is a characteristic of ‘impatient consumers’ as described by Richard Sennett?
What is a characteristic of ‘impatient consumers’ as described by Richard Sennett?
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What does the term 'Project Life Cycle (PLC)' refer to?
What does the term 'Project Life Cycle (PLC)' refer to?
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Which scenario represents high complexity and uncertainty in projects?
Which scenario represents high complexity and uncertainty in projects?
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Which factor contributes to shorter product life cycles?
Which factor contributes to shorter product life cycles?
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What does 'risk' in project management entail?
What does 'risk' in project management entail?
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In the context of project complexity, what does a high complexity level indicate?
In the context of project complexity, what does a high complexity level indicate?
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Study Notes
Project Management
- A project requires human, material, and financial resources to undertake a unique scope of work with a defined specification within a time and cost constraint to deliver beneficial change.
- Project management involves applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet stakeholder needs and expectations.
- Project Management is a structuring method that brings together independent variables of time, cost, resources, and human behavior.
Project Life Cycle
- The Project Life Cycle (PLC) is the time distribution of project effort
- The 5 Phase Project Life Cycle (Burke 1999) includes:
- Define
- Plan
- Organize
- Control
- Close
- The Waterfall Approach involves a sequential process through the phases of the PLC.
- The Agile Project Management approach offers a quicker and dirtier approach.
- The Scrum Framework is an example of Agile Project Management.
Project Characteristics
- Projects can be characterized by conflict, competing resources, and inherent risks.
- Conflict can arise when resources are scarce.
- Risk is a factor in all projects.
Complexity & Uncertainty
- Complexity and uncertainty are factors that influence different project situations.
- Complex projects with high uncertainty include basic research, Antarctic expeditions, military campaigns, and oil & gas exploration.
- Projects with moderate complexity and uncertainty include airport construction, product development, advertising campaigns, Airbus production, Thames barrier construction, and chemical plant construction.
- Less complex projects with low uncertainty include weddings, oil tanker design, company audits, motorway construction, car plant design, and individual, group, and organization-level initiatives.
Project Management Need
- The need for projects arises due to increased complexity and change.
- There is a growing demand for sophisticated products and services.
- Consumers are more impatient due to global markets and competition which leads to shorter product life cycles.
- Products and processes need to respond quickly to market changes.
Project Objectives
- The project objectives triangle includes quality, cost, and time.
- The ideal is to achieve good quality, low cost, and fast completion in the project.
- However, it is usually possible to achieve only two of the three objectives.
- S.M.A.R.T. goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and trackable.
Models of Change
- Lewin's Model of Change outlines three stages:
- Unfreezing - Moving from the current state
- Change - Transitioning to the desired state
- Refreezing - Stabilizing the desired state
- Forces driving change are opposed by resisting or restraining forces.
- A transition is achieved over time.
Managing Project Teams
- Team management requires influence in four directions:
- Up – Managing the project manager
- Down - Managing the staff
- Across - Managing other teams/departments
- The Team - Managing the team
Learning from Projects
- Building upon previous project knowledge is crucial for success.
- By learning from past projects, organizations can avoid repeating mistakes and improve efficiency.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of project management, including the project life cycle and various approaches like Waterfall and Agile. This quiz covers essential definitions, phases, and characteristics that define successful project execution. Perfect for students or professionals looking to reinforce their understanding of project management principles.
