Project Management Terms and Acronyms

Study Notes

Project Management Terms

Duration: The amount of time needed to complete an activity.
Critical Path: The longest path in a project network diagram, representing the sequence of activities that determine the overall project duration.
Event: The starting point of an activity, typically represented by a circle in a network diagram.
Activity: A task or segment of work within a project.
Path: A sequence of activities from the start to the finish of a project.
Slack or Float: The amount of additional time that an activity can be delayed without affecting the overall project completion date.
Lockout: A work stoppage initiated by management, usually in response to a labor strike.

Project Management Acronyms

AOA (Activity on Arrow): A project network diagram where activities are represented by arrows and events by nodes.
AON (Activity on Nodes): A project network diagram where activities are represented by nodes and connections between nodes represent the sequence of activities.
IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations): Detailed guidelines and procedures for implementing specific laws and regulations, including procurement laws.
DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment): A government agency responsible for regulating labor relations, promoting employment, and protecting worker rights.
PERT/CPM (Project Evaluation Review Technique / Critical Path Method): Project management techniques used to plan, schedule, and control complex projects.
GPPB (Government Procurement Policy Board): A government body responsible for setting policies and guidelines for government procurement in the Philippines.
GEPS (Government Electronic Procurement System): An online system for managing government tenders, bid submissions, and award processes.
BAC (Bids and Award Committee): A committee established in government agencies responsible for evaluating bids and awarding contracts.
GPRA (Government Procurement Reform Act): A comprehensive law in the Philippines aimed at reforming government procurement processes.
ABC (Approved Budget for Contract): The maximum amount of money that a government agency can spend on a specific project.
CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement): A written agreement between an employer and a trade union that defines the terms of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Republic Act 9184

Article 1: Provides a general overview of the law.
Article 2: Outlines the planning process for government procurement.
Article 3: Addresses procurement conducted through electronic means.
Article 4: Focuses on competitive bidding as a procurement method.
Article 5: Defines the role and responsibilities of the Bids and Award Committee (BAC).
Article 6: Specifies the requirements for preparing bidding documents.
Article 7: Covers the process of inviting bids for government projects.
Article 8: Details the procedures for receiving and opening bids.
Article 9: Outlines the process for evaluating bids submitted by contractors.
Article 10: Concerns post-qualification requirements for winning bidders.

Reasons for Union Strikes

Transparency: To advocate for greater transparency in government procurement processes.
Competitiveness: To ensure fair competition and equal opportunities for all qualified bidders.
Streamline Procurement Process: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement process.
System of Accountability: To establish and strengthen accountability mechanisms for officials involved in public procurement.
Public Monitoring: To facilitate effective public monitoring of procurement activities.

Union Establishment

Establishing a union as a project engineer or manager: This is a complex decision with potential challenges.
Unions are formed by employees to collectively bargain for better working conditions, wages, and benefits.
A project engineer or manager's role aligns with management, creating a potential conflict of interest if they try to establish a union.
Legal frameworks often exclude supervisors and managers from union membership.
Other strategies for addressing employee concerns and improving working conditions include:
Open Communication Channels: Establishing open and regular communication with employees.
Employee Advisory Committees: Involving employees in decision-making processes through committees.
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): Contracts agreed to by specific project stakeholders (including unions) that outline labor terms and conditions.

Republic Act 9184

Modernizing and Regulating Government Procurement: Republic Act No. 9184, also known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, modernizes government procurement processes.
Objectives: To ensure transparency, competitiveness, and accountability in government procurement of infrastructure projects, goods, and services.
Scope: Applies to all branches of government, including government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units.
Key Provisions:
Transparency: Wide dissemination of bid opportunities and involvement of non-government organizations.
Competitiveness: Providing equal opportunities for qualified private contractors.
Streamlining: Efficient and modern procurement processes.
Accountability: Establishing accountability mechanisms for officials and private parties.
Public Monitoring: Allowing for public monitoring of procurement activities.