Project Time Management

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following BEST describes the primary purpose of Project Time Management?

  • To manage and mitigate all project risks.
  • To ensure the project is completed within the approved budget.
  • To allocate resources effectively across all project activities.
  • To ensure the project is completed in a timely manner. (correct)

Which process involves establishing the policies, procedures, and documentation for planning, developing, managing, executing, and controlling the project schedule?

  • Developing the Schedule
  • Controlling the Schedule
  • Defining Activities
  • Planning Schedule Management (correct)

Which of the following is NOT an input to the 'Planning Schedule Management' process?

  • Enterprise Environmental Factors
  • Project Charter
  • Resource Calendars (correct)
  • Project Management Plan

When deciding on a scheduling strategy, a project manager consults with senior engineers who have extensive experience in similar projects. Which tool/technique is being used?

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

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of the 'Defining Activities' process?

<p>To break down work packages into smaller, more manageable tasks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project manager is using the project's scope baseline to understand the deliverables and constraints for each activity. Which process is the project manager currently in?

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

In which scenario would Rolling Wave Planning be MOST appropriate?

<p>When activities are defined in more detail as the project progresses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outputs of the 'Defining Activities' process provides a structured list of all the tasks needed to be performed?

<p>Activity List (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project team is determining the order in which activities need to be performed. Which process are they executing?

<p>Sequencing Activities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dependency types involves relationships that are inherent in the nature of the work?

<p>Mandatory dependencies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What diagramming technique is used to visually represent the dependencies between project activities, using nodes and arrows?

<p>Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project manager decides to start testing a software module two days before the coding is completed. What schedule adjustment is being applied?

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

What is the PRIMARY output of the 'Estimating Activity Durations' process?

<p>Activity Duration Estimates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When would a project manager MOST likely use analogous estimating?

<p>When there is limited information about the activities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project manager calculates the weighted average of optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates to determine activity durations. Which technique is being used?

<p>Three-Point Estimating (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of documenting the 'Basis of Estimates'?

<p>To document the assumptions and rationale behind the activity duration estimates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the PRIMARY goal of the 'Developing the Schedule' process?

<p>To create a realistic and achievable project schedule. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During schedule development, a project manager identifies the longest sequence of activities that determines the shortest possible project duration. What technique is being used?

<p>Critical Path Method (CPM) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project team is applying resource leveling to address overallocation issues. Which technique are they using?

<p>Resource Optimization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques involves shortening the project schedule by performing activities in parallel that would normally be done sequentially?

<p>Fast Tracking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the APPROVED version of the schedule, used to monitor project performance referred to as?

<p>Schedule Baseline (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the PRIMARY focus of the 'Controlling the Schedule' process?

<p>Monitoring project progress and managing schedule changes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following data analysis techniques is MOST useful for monitoring schedule performance by comparing planned vs. actual progress?

<p>Earned Value Analysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During schedule control, the project manager identifies a critical path activity that is running behind schedule. What is the NEXT BEST action?

<p>Reallocate resources from non-critical activities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which output of 'Controlling the Schedule' provides predictions about future schedule performance?

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

What should a project manager do FIRST when a significant deviation from the schedule baseline occurs?

<p>Analyze the impact of the deviation and develop potential corrective actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is MOST likely to be updated as an output of the 'Controlling the Schedule' process, based on lessons learned?

<p>Organizational Process Assets (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project is experiencing resource constraints, leading to potential delays. Which of the following techniques would be MOST appropriate to use?

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

A project manager wants to evaluate the impact of different risks on the project schedule. Which tool/technique would be MOST suitable?

<p>What-If Scenario Analysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Several key activities are delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. To get the project back on track, the Project Manager brings in additional resources, at an additional cost, to work overtime. This is an example of:

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

A construction project requires pouring a concrete foundation (Activity A) before framing can begin (Activity B). While the concrete is curing, the project team has 3 days to prepare the lumber. This is an example of what kind of dependency?

<p>A Lag (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an Enterprise Environmental Factor that can influence how project activities are defined?

<p>A corporate culture that encourages detailed activity planning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A Project Manager needs to decide whether to use internal staff for completing a task or outsource it to a vendor. To determine the costs in terms of money, time, potential risks and benefits, the PM should use:

<p>Cost-Benefit Analysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project team has created a highly detailed Activity List. What other document should the team create to provide the characteristics of each Activity?

<p>Activity Attributes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which document provides guidance on how the project schedule should be developed, managed and controlled?

<p>Schedule Management Plan (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project team has determined that Activity C cannot start until Activity A and B have been completed. This is an example of what?

<p>Logical Relationships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the Critical Chain Method?

<p>A schedule management technique that considers resource constraints and buffers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During project execution, a team member informs the PM that the activities in the project schedule are not reflective of the actual work being done. What should the PM do?

<p>Consult with the team to understand the discrepancy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You are managing a software development project. The testing phase was planned for 4 weeks, but after 2 weeks, the team has completed 75% of the planned work. What is the PRIMARY purpose of analyzing this trend?

<p>To identify if the testing phase will likely finish ahead of schedule. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which document describes the availability of resources and can impact estimates for Activity Durations?

<p>Resource Calendar (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the Schedule Management processes provides the MOST detail?

<p>Defining Activities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Project Time Management

Ensuring timely project completion through estimating, scheduling, and controlling activities.

Planning Schedule Management

Establishing policies, procedures, and documentation for managing the project schedule.

Defining Activities

Identifying the specific actions needed to produce the project deliverables.

Sequencing Activities

Identifying and documenting dependencies among project activities.

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Estimating Activity Durations

Estimating the time needed to complete individual activities.

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Developing the Schedule

Analyzing activity sequences, durations, resources, and constraints to create the project schedule.

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Controlling the Schedule

Monitoring project progress and managing schedule changes.

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Schedule Management Plan

Outlines how the project schedule will be developed, managed, and controlled

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Activity List

A comprehensive list of all activities required to complete the project.

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Activity Attributes

Describe the characteristics of each activity.

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Milestone List

Identifies significant points or events within the project.

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Project Schedule Network Diagrams

Visually represent the dependencies between project activities.

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Activity Duration Estimates

Quantitative assessments of the likely number of periods required to complete an activity.

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Schedule Baseline

The approved version of the schedule that is used to monitor project performance.

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Project Schedule

Presents planned dates, milestones, and deliverables.

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Work Performance Information

Provides insights into the project's schedule performance.

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Schedule Forecasts

Predict future schedule performance based on current trends.

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Decomposition

Breaking down the WBS work packages into smaller, manageable activities.

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Rolling Wave Planning

A form of progressive elaboration where activities are defined in more detail as the project progresses.

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Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM)

Uses nodes to represent activities and arrows to represent dependencies.

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Dependency Determination

Involves identifying the relationships between activities.

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Leads and Lags

Used to adjust the start and finish times of activities.

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Analogous Estimating

Uses historical data from similar projects to estimate activity durations.

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Parametric Estimating

Uses statistical relationships to calculate activity durations.

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Three-Point Estimating

Averages optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates to determine activity durations.

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Bottom-Up Estimating

Aggregates estimates of lower-level components of the WBS.

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Critical Path Method (CPM)

Identifies the longest sequence of activities that determines the shortest possible project duration.

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Critical Chain Method (CCM)

Considers resource constraints and buffers to protect the project schedule.

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Resource Optimization

Adjust the project schedule to optimize resource utilization.

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Resource Leveling

Adjust the project schedule to address resource constraints.

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Techniques used to simulate schedule scenarios

Modeling Techniques

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Schedule Compression

Shorten the project schedule without changing the project scope.

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Crashing

Shortening the project activities without changing the project scope.

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Fast Tracking

Performing multiple project activities in parallel.

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Change Requests

Submitted to address any deviations from the approved schedule.

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Study Notes

  • Project Time Management is a critical knowledge area in project management that involves the processes required to ensure timely project completion
  • It includes estimating, scheduling, and controlling project activities

Processes

  • Planning Schedule Management involves establishing the policies, procedures, and documentation for planning, developing, managing, executing, and controlling the project schedule.
  • Defining Activities identifies the specific actions needed to produce the project deliverables.
  • Sequencing Activities involves identifying and documenting dependencies among project activities.
  • Estimating Activity Durations estimates the time needed to complete individual activities.
  • Developing the Schedule analyzes activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints to create the project schedule.
  • Controlling the Schedule monitors the project's progress and manages schedule changes.

Planning Schedule Management

  • This process sets the stage for how the project schedule will be created and managed throughout the project lifecycle.
  • It ensures that all stakeholders understand and agree on the approach to scheduling

Inputs

  • Project Charter provides high-level project information and the project description.
  • Project Management Plan includes information on how the project work will be executed and controlled.
  • Enterprise Environmental Factors include organizational culture, infrastructure, and existing resources.
  • Organizational Process Assets include historical data, lessons learned, and scheduling policies.

Tools & Techniques

  • Expert Judgment relies on the expertise of individuals with specialized knowledge in scheduling.
  • Data Analysis involves techniques to evaluate different scheduling approaches and tools.
  • Meetings are used to discuss and agree on scheduling strategies.

Outputs

  • Schedule Management Plan outlines how the project schedule will be developed, managed, and controlled.

Defining Activities

  • This process involves breaking down the work packages from the WBS into smaller, more manageable activities.
  • It provides a clear understanding of the tasks needed to complete the project

Inputs

  • Schedule Management Plan provides guidance on how activities should be defined.
  • Scope Baseline includes the project scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary.
  • Enterprise Environmental Factors can influence how activities are defined.
  • Organizational Process Assets include templates and historical information for activity definition.

Tools & Techniques

  • Decomposition involves breaking down the WBS work packages into smaller, manageable activities.
  • Rolling Wave Planning is a form of progressive elaboration where activities are defined in more detail as the project progresses.
  • Expert Judgment relies on the expertise of individuals with specialized knowledge in defining activities.

Outputs

  • Activity List is a comprehensive list of all activities required to complete the project.
  • Activity Attributes describe the characteristics of each activity.
  • Milestone List identifies significant points or events within the project.

Sequencing Activities

  • This process involves identifying and documenting the logical relationships between project activities.
  • It ensures that activities are performed in the correct order

Inputs

  • Schedule Management Plan provides guidance on activity sequencing.
  • Activity List includes all project activities.
  • Activity Attributes describe the characteristics of each activity.
  • Milestone List identifies significant points or events within the project.
  • Project Scope Statement provides information on project deliverables and objectives.
  • Enterprise Environmental Factors can influence activity sequencing.
  • Organizational Process Assets include templates and historical information for activity sequencing.

Tools & Techniques

  • Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) uses nodes to represent activities and arrows to represent dependencies.
  • Dependency Determination involves identifying the relationships between activities: Mandatory dependencies, Discretionary dependencies, External dependencies, Internal dependencies
  • Leads and Lags are used to adjust the start and finish times of activities

Outputs

  • Project Schedule Network Diagrams visually represent the dependencies between project activities.
  • Activity Attributes are updated to reflect the identified dependencies.

Estimating Activity Durations

  • This process involves estimating the time needed to complete individual activities.
  • It takes into account resource availability, activity complexity, and other factors

Inputs

  • Schedule Management Plan provides guidance on activity duration estimating.
  • Activity List includes all project activities.
  • Activity Attributes describe the characteristics of each activity.
  • Resource Requirements define the resources needed for each activity.
  • Resource Calendars describe the availability of resources.
  • Project Scope Statement provides information on project deliverables and objectives.
  • Enterprise Environmental Factors can influence activity duration estimates.
  • Organizational Process Assets include templates and historical information for activity duration estimating.

Tools & Techniques

  • Expert Judgment relies on the expertise of individuals with specialized knowledge in estimating activity durations.
  • Analogous Estimating uses historical data from similar projects to estimate activity durations.
  • Parametric Estimating uses statistical relationships to calculate activity durations.
  • Three-Point Estimating averages optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates to determine activity durations.
  • Bottom-Up Estimating aggregates estimates of lower-level components of the WBS.

Outputs

  • Activity Duration Estimates are quantitative assessments of the likely number of periods required to complete an activity.
  • Basis of Estimates documents the assumptions and rationale behind the activity duration estimates.
  • Activity Attributes are updated to reflect the activity duration estimates.

Developing the Schedule

  • This process analyzes activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints to create the project schedule.
  • It involves using scheduling tools and techniques to create a realistic and achievable schedule

Inputs

  • Schedule Management Plan provides guidance on schedule development.
  • Activity List includes all project activities.
  • Activity Attributes describe the characteristics of each activity.
  • Project Schedule Network Diagrams visually represent the dependencies between project activities.
  • Resource Requirements define the resources needed for each activity.
  • Resource Calendars describe the availability of resources.
  • Activity Duration Estimates are quantitative assessments of the likely number of periods required to complete an activity.
  • Project Scope Statement provides information on project deliverables and objectives.
  • Risk Register contains information on potential risks that could impact the schedule.
  • Organizational Process Assets include scheduling tools and historical information.

Tools & Techniques

  • Schedule Network Analysis involves techniques to calculate the critical path, float, and project completion date.
  • Critical Path Method (CPM) identifies the longest sequence of activities that determines the shortest possible project duration.
  • Critical Chain Method (CCM) considers resource constraints and buffers to protect the project schedule.
  • Resource Optimization techniques adjust the project schedule to optimize resource utilization: Resource Leveling, Resource Smoothing
  • Modeling Techniques are used to simulate different schedule scenarios: What-If Scenario Analysis, Simulation
  • Leads and Lags are used to adjust the start and finish times of activities.
  • Schedule Compression techniques shorten the project schedule without changing the project scope: Crashing, Fast Tracking

Outputs

  • Schedule Baseline is the approved version of the schedule that is used to monitor project performance.
  • Project Schedule presents planned dates, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Schedule Data includes information on activity duration estimates, resource requirements, and constraints.

Controlling the Schedule

  • This process involves monitoring the project's progress and managing schedule changes.
  • It ensures that the project stays on track and that any deviations from the schedule are addressed promptly

Inputs

  • Schedule Management Plan provides guidance on schedule control.
  • Project Schedule is the approved version of the schedule that is used to monitor project performance.
  • Work Performance Data includes information on project activities that have been started, their progress, and their completion.
  • Performance Reports provide information on the project's schedule performance.
  • Organizational Process Assets include change control procedures and historical data.

Tools & Techniques

  • Data Analysis involves techniques to analyze schedule performance: Earned Value Analysis, Trend Analysis, Critical Path Method, Critical Chain Method
  • Critical Path Method (CPM) is used to monitor the critical path and identify activities that could impact the project schedule.
  • Project Management Software is used to track schedule performance and manage schedule changes.
  • Resource Optimization techniques adjust the project schedule to address resource constraints.
  • Leads and Lags are used to adjust the start and finish times of activities.
  • Schedule Compression techniques shorten the project schedule without changing the project scope.

Outputs

  • Work Performance Information provides insights into the project's schedule performance.
  • Schedule Forecasts predict future schedule performance based on current trends.
  • Change Requests are submitted to address any deviations from the approved schedule.
  • Project Management Plan Updates may be required to reflect changes to the schedule management plan or other project documents.
  • Organizational Process Assets Updates include lessons learned and historical data that can be used to improve future scheduling.

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