1. What is covered in the Project Management Framework
The Project Management Framework covers some basic topics in project management. While none of these topics are very difficult, they can be tricky.
For example, it’s important to understand the definition of a project and what it includes.
You should be able to differentiate between a project, ongoing work, and a program.
You should also know the difference between matrix, functional, and project-oriented organizations.
The answer to an exam question may depend on the type of organization involved.
2. What is the definition of a project
Temporary endeavor—with a beginning and an end. Creates a unique product, service, or result
3. What is operational work
Ongoing work to support the business and systems of the organization.
4. What is the definition of a program
A group of related projects managed in a coordinated way
5. What is the definition of a portfolio
A group of programs, individual projects, and other related operational work that are prioritized and implemented to achieve a specific strategic business goal
6. Who are stakeholders?
Anyone whose interests may be positively or negatively impacted by the project, or the product of the project. A stakeholder may be an individual or an organization; may be internal or external to the organization.
7. What is the purpose of Stakeholder Management
- To keep stakeholders informed
- To solicit their input
- Work to satisfy their needs and expectations.
8. Name three approaches to project management.
- Predictive
- Agile
- Hybrid
9. What is organizational project management (OPM)
A framework that guides portfolio, program, and project management to achieve the organization’s strategic goals.
10. What are the three possible forms of PMO?
- Supportive
- Controlling
- Directive
11. What is Governance
- Governance is designed to support the specific culture and attributes of the organization.
- Organizational governance refers to the overall structure of an organization.
- Project governance must be determined so that the project is in agreement with organizational governance.
12. What are the three primary forms of organizational structure
- Functional
- Project-oriented
- Matrix
13. What is a functional organization
The organization is grouped by areas of specialization (for example, accounting and marketing)
14. What is a project-oriented organization
The company/organization is organized by project. The team has no department to go to at project end. The project manager has control of the project.
15. What is a matrix organization
In an attempt to maximize the strengths of both the functional and project-oriented structures, the team member reports to two managers (the project manager and the functional manager). Team members do project work in addition to normal departmental work.
16. What is a strong matrix organization
A matrix organization where the balance of power rests with the project manager instead of the functional manager
17. What is a weak matrix organization What role might the project manager play in a weak matrix
A matrix organization where the balance of power rests with the functional manager instead of the project manager. A project expediter or project coordinator
18. What is a balanced matrix organization
A matrix organization where power is equally balanced between the project manager and the functional manager
19. What are organizational process assets (OPAs)
Company processes, procedures, and policies. Organizational knowledge repositories (historical information, lessons learned).
20. What can historical information include
Historical information can include:
- Activities
- WBSs
- Benchmarks
- Reports
- Risks and risk response plans
- Estimates
- Resources used
- Project management plans
- Project documents
- Baselines
- Correspondence
Note: Records of the current project that will become part of organizational process assets
21. List project constraints that may occur throughout the life of a project, and explain the potential impact of a constraint
- Schedule
- Cost
- Risk
- Scope
- Quality
- Resources
- Customer satisfaction
Constraints limit options during planning and beyond
22. What are enterprise environmental factors (EEFs)
Enterprise environmental factors provide the context within which to plan the project; these factors can be either internal or external. They are generally outside the control of the project team
23. What is an assumption log? Define assumptions.
A repository of both assumptions and constraints.
What your management and stakeholders believe to be true about the project; assumptions may not be entirely based on fact
26. What is a project management information system (PMIS)
The PMIS may include automated tools such as scheduling software, a configuration management system, shared workspaces for file storage or distribution, work authorization software, time-tracking software, and procurement management software.
27. What is work performance data
Measurements and details about activities gathered during the Direct and Manage Project Work process in execution.
28. What is work performance information
Work performance data that is analyzed to make sure it conforms to the project management plan and to assess what it means for the project as a whole
29. What are work performance reports
Work performance information is organized into reports that are distributed to the stakeholders.
30. Name some frequently used project management tools and techniques.
- Data Gathering
- Data Analysis
- Data representation
- Decision-making
- Communication
- Interpersonal and team skills
- Estimating
- Project management information systems (PMIS)
- Expert judgment
- Meetings
31. What is the purpose of expert judgment
To gain knowledge and to consult experts.
32. When is a meeting most useful
Meetings are an effective way to get input or feedback from groups of people.
33. Name some economic measures for project selection
- Return On Investment
- Present Value
- Net Present Value
- Internal rate of return
- Payback period
- Cost-benefit Analysis
34. What is the difference between present value and net present value
- Present value is the value today of future cash flows.
- Net Present value is the present value of total benefits (income/revenue) minus the cost over many time periods.
35. Describe the role of the project manager in a predictive environment
The project manager is accountable for managing the project to meet project objectives and deliver its value and benefits to the organization.
36. Describe the role of the project manager in a change-driven environment.
The project manager may perform similarly to an agile coach (also known as scrum master or team lead) who manages the processes and facilitates work for the team.
37. What is the role of the sponsor/initiator in the predictive environment
A sponsor is typically someone in the management who provides the financial resources for the project supports the project and protects it from unnecessary changes.
38. What is the role of the sponsor/initiator in the predictive environment
A sponsor is typically someone in the management who provides the financial resources for the project supports the project and protects it from unnecessary changes.
39. What is the role of the sponsor/initiator in the agile environment
The product owner’s role is in some ways analogous to that of a sponsor being responsible for ensuring the project delivers value and benefits.
40. When should the project manager consider the impacts of organizational culture on a project?
Throughout a project life cycle
41. What is the project manager’s role in facilitating change
- Have a high level of sophistication about products and services, the organization, and the environment.
- Maintain awareness and monitor the possibility of change of any kind.
- As potential changes are identified evaluate the changes and their impacts.
- Plan a response.
- Lead the team in operating within the organization and the project to support the planned response.