Systems Analysis and Design Chapter 2 (2)

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Questions and Answers

What is meant by multiple predecessor tasks?

Tasks that can start simultaneously after one task finishes

Tasks that do not depend on any other tasks

A task that starts when all prior tasks are complete (correct)

Tasks that can run in parallel without prerequisites

Which of the following phrases indicates a sequence of dependent tasks?

You can do Task 1 and Task 2 at any time

Complete Task 1 before starting Task 2 (correct)

Finish your work, and then relax

Task 2 is unrelated to Task 1

In the example provided, which task controls the start time for Task 3?

Task 3, as it has no predecessors

Task 2, due to its early completion

Both Task 1 and Task 2 equally affect Task 3

Task 1, since it has the latest finish time (correct)

What does the phrase 'when Task 2 is finished, start two tasks' imply?

Two tasks are independent of each other after Task 2 Signup and view all the answers

What type of tasks are indicated by the phrase 'when Tasks 5 and 6 are done, start Task 7'?

Multiple predecessor tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of project scheduling?

To create a specific timetable showing tasks and dependencies Signup and view all the answers

What does a Gantt chart primarily represent?

A horizontal bar chart showing tasks and progress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques was developed specifically for managing complex projects by the U.S. Navy?

Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of project monitoring?

To guide and supervise the project team’s workload Signup and view all the answers

What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) primarily designed to accomplish?

Break a project down into smaller, manageable tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the Critical Path Method (CPM)?

It helps in scheduling, monitoring, and controlling actual work. Signup and view all the answers

What type of chart displays complex task patterns and relationships within a project?

PERT Chart Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best describes project reporting?

Creates regular progress updates for various stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

What does the critical path in project management represent?

The longest sequence of dependent tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if any task on the critical path is delayed?

The entire project will likely be delayed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in calculating the critical path?

Review the patterns of dependent tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to affect the scheduling of dependent tasks?

The completion date of non-dependent tasks. Signup and view all the answers

When managing task patterns, what is crucial to ensure accurate scheduling?

Understanding the logic and sequence of the tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What could indicate that the project schedule is incorrect?

Dependent tasks are scheduled improperly. Signup and view all the answers

In a situation where a task has multiple successor tasks, how should the critical path be determined?

Based on the start and finish dates of each task. Signup and view all the answers

Which visual tool is commonly used to represent the pathway of tasks in project management?

PERT/CPM chart Signup and view all the answers

What defines a task or activity in a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?

Work that has a beginning and an end requiring company resources. Signup and view all the answers

What are events or milestones in a project?

Recognizable reference points used to monitor progress throughout the project. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration when estimating task duration in a WBS?

Only taking the longest possible duration into account. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of listing the tasks in a Work Breakdown Structure?

To organize and break down the project into manageable parts. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied when a task has a predecessor task?

The predecessor task must be completed before the current task can begin. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these durations can be used for estimating task duration?

Hours, days, or weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of time estimates in task management?

To assess the duration of each task to ensure project progress. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for tasks in a WBS to be small and manageable?

To ensure that tasks are monitored easily and completed effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of qualitative risk analysis?

To estimate the likelihood of risks occurring and their potential impact. Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the risk management process?

Conduct a post-project evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What does a risk response plan aim to achieve?

To outline actions for anticipated risks. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT addressed by risk management software?

Eliminating all risks Signup and view all the answers

What is one common cause of budget overruns in projects?

Unrealistic estimates of time and resources. Signup and view all the answers

Why is continuous monitoring of risks important in risk management?

It ensures that risks are anticipated and managed proactively. Signup and view all the answers

What is quantitative risk analysis primarily focused on?

Understanding the actual impact of risks in measurable terms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor that can lead to schedule delays in a project?

Human resource issues Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for project managers according to the content?

Strong communication and human resource skills Signup and view all the answers

What does the project triangle represent?

Project cost, scope, and time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues may affect project scheduling?

Unresolved task dependencies Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT mentioned as a cause of scheduling problems?

Insufficient project documentation Signup and view all the answers

What key steps are involved in project development framework?

Creating a work breakdown structure, identifying task patterns, and calculating the critical path Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements describes a critical path?

A series of tasks that must not be delayed Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of project managers when problems occur?

To handle the situation effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by confusion between effort and progress?

High levels of activity equate to achieving project goals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Systems Analysis and Design 11th Edition - Chapter 3: Managing Systems Projects

This chapter is about managing systems projects.
The objectives include explaining project planning, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting.
A project triangle illustrates the relationship between project cost, scope, and time.
Creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) is explained, as well as identifying task patterns and calculating critical paths.
Different scheduling tools like Gantt charts and PERT/CPM charts are discussed.
Analyzing task dependencies, durations, start and end dates is covered.
Project management software and its assistance in handling project changes are examined.
The importance of managing project risks is highlighted, as well as the reasons why projects sometimes fail.

Overview of Project Management

Project management involves planning, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting on information system development.
Successful projects are completed on time, within budget, and satisfy users.
A project triangle shows the optimal balance between cost, scope, and time.
Any change in one aspect (e.g., cost) will affect the other two (scope, time).

What Does a Project Manager Do?

Project planning involves identifying project tasks and estimating time/costs.
Project scheduling creates a timetable showing tasks, dependencies, and potential delays.
Project monitoring involves guiding, supervising, and coordinating the team's work.
Project reporting involves creating regular progress reports for different stakeholders, such as management, users, and the project team.

Creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

WBS breaks down a project into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Gantt charts visualize project tasks as horizontal bars, representing planned and actual progress.
PERT/CPM charts (Program Evaluation Review Technique/Critical Path Method) are bottom-up techniques; PERT was developed by the US Navy; CPM by private industry.

Identifying Tasks in a WBS

Tasks or activities have a beginning and end, using resources like manpower, time, and money.
Tasks should be small and manageable.
Events or milestones are recognizable markers used to track progress.

Factors Affecting Project Duration

Project size (identifying all tasks).
Human resources (assembling a skilled team).
Experience with similar projects (using previous data).
Constraints (defining achievable requirements within limitations).

Identifying Task Patterns

Task patterns refer to the logical arrangement of tasks in a sequence.
Tasks can be dependent, multiple successor tasks, or multiple predecessor tasks.
Words like 'then', 'when', and 'and' signal the order of events or tasks.

Calculating the Critical Path

The critical path is the series of tasks that, if delayed, impact the overall project completion time.
Review patterns, establish start/finish dates to identify the critical path.

Project Monitoring and Control

Structured walk-throughs help review team members' work.
Monitoring and control are done regularly throughout the System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) phases.
Anticipating problems and minimizing their impact to the project, is key.
Reports are used to communicate project updates, problems, and progress data.

Project Status Meetings and Reports

Regular meetings help share project updates, discuss problems, and explain project methods.
Reporting project status informs team members and stakeholders of progress.

Project Management Software (Examples: PERT/CPM and Gantt Charts)

Microsoft Project, Gantter, Apptivo and smartsheet are widely used software packages.
Using software tools helps manage projects, particularly large ones, efficiently.

Risk Management

Risk management involves creating a plan.
Identifying risks, categorizing risks, defining management responsibilities/procedures/risk categories/and contingency plans.
Analyze the risks, assess likelihood, and identify the impact or consequences
Software supports risk management by outlining constraints, dependencies, factors affecting tasks, and monitoring progress.

Managing for Success

Business issues focus on providing solutions to problems.
Budget overruns (unrealistic estimates, poor monitoring).
Schedule issues (failure to recognize task dependencies, poor control measures, personnel turnover).
Project Managers need to be technically competent, highly resourceful, and able to communicate well.
Effective project managers are crucial in handling problems, maintaining timelines, and driving projects toward success.

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Description

Test your understanding of project management concepts related to task dependencies and sequencing. This quiz covers multiple predecessor tasks and their implications in project schedules. Answer questions about dependency phrases and control tasks to enhance your knowledge in effective project planning.