Project Management Fundamentals Flashcards

What is the primary role of a project manager in the planning phase?

Answer: To define scope and allocate resources.

In the planning phase of a project, the project manager's primary role is to clearly define the project's scope, objectives, and deliverables. This involves breaking down the work, identifying necessary resources (human, financial, material), and creating a detailed plan for execution. This foundational work ensures the project has a clear direction and the necessary means to succeed.

Which document outlines project goals, deliverables, and stakeholders?

Answer: Project charter

The project charter is a formal document that officially authorizes a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. It outlines the project's purpose, objectives, high-level scope, key stakeholders, and overall goals. This foundational document serves as the project's mandate and initial reference point.

What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) used for?

Answer: To break down project deliverables

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work required to accomplish project objectives and create the necessary deliverables. It breaks down the project into smaller, more manageable components. This structure helps in organizing, defining, estimating, and controlling the project work more effectively.

What does the critical path method determine?

Answer: Longest path impacting timeline

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management technique used to identify the longest sequence of tasks that must be completed on time for the entire project to finish on schedule. This 'longest path' determines the minimum duration of the project, as any delay in a critical path task will directly delay the project's completion. It helps project managers focus on tasks that are crucial for timely delivery.

Why is stakeholder communication important in project management?

Answer: To ensure alignment and expectations

A tabletop exercise is a simulated emergency drill where key personnel gather in an informal setting to discuss their roles, responsibilities, and planned responses to a hypothetical incident. It involves walking through a scenario, identifying potential issues, and evaluating existing plans and procedures. This type of exercise helps organizations test their preparedness and identify areas for improvement without the need for physical deployment or resources.

Which tool is commonly used to visualize project timelines?

Answer: Gantt chart

Debriefing after an incident is a crucial step for evaluating the effectiveness of the response and identifying lessons learned. It involves a structured discussion among responders and stakeholders to review what went well, what could be improved, and what changes are needed in plans or procedures. This process enables continuous improvement, enhancing future incident response capabilities and organizational resilience.

What does a project risk register contain?

Answer: Identified risks and mitigation plans

Business continuity planning (BCP) is the process of creating systems and procedures to ensure that an organization can continue to operate critical functions during and after a disruptive event. Its primary goal is to minimize downtime, protect assets, and facilitate a swift recovery from incidents like natural disasters, cyberattacks, or system failures. BCP ensures the organization's resilience and ability to maintain essential services.

Which phase involves evaluating whether project objectives were met?

Answer: Closing

Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled expansion of a project's scope by adding new features, requirements, or work without proper approval or consideration of its impact on time, cost, or resources. This unauthorized expansion can lead to budget overruns, schedule delays, and a decrease in project quality. Effective change control processes are essential to prevent scope creep.

What is scope creep?

Answer: Adding features without approval

Predictive project management, often referred to as Waterfall, is characterized by extensive upfront planning before execution begins. This approach aims to define the project scope, schedule, and budget in detail at the outset, with a strong emphasis on sequential phases. The goal is to minimize changes once the project is underway, relying on a comprehensive initial plan.