Project management is defined as "the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities in order to meet the project requirements."
When using a project management methodology for each process area, a project manager needs to understand and apply the Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs (ITTO) associated with each process. This is a fundamental concept in project management.
Holding a kickoff party is indeed a great way for a project manager to create excitement, onboard team members, and set expectations for a project.
The most common type of activity relationship in project management is the "Finish-to-Start" (FS) relationship. This relationship indicates that the successor activity cannot start until the predecessor activity has finished.
Relationships that are inherent in the nature of work being done and often involve physical limitations are called "Mandatory Dependencies" in project management.
Mandatory dependencies, also known as hard logic or hard dependencies, are constraints that must be followed due to the nature of the tasks or the project itself. These dependencies are typically based on physical, technological, or logical constraints that dictate the sequence in which certain tasks must be performed.
These knowledge areas represent various aspects of project management that project managers need to consider and manage throughout the project lifecycle. Each knowledge area includes specific processes, techniques, and best practices related to its respective domain.
Clear and effective communication is indeed one of the most important characteristics of an effective project manager.
The project management process group that is often neglected or overlooked is the "Close" or "Closing" process group, specifically the "Close Project or Phase" process.
Closing a project or phase is a critical part of project management, as it ensures that all project-related activities are properly concluded, lessons learned are captured, and project outcomes are delivered to the stakeholders. Unfortunately, due to time constraints or a focus on other project phases, the closing process may sometimes receive less attention than other process groups.
Portfolio management is indeed a strategic approach to managing projects, programs, and other related work in order to achieve specific strategic business objectives.
These process groups represent the chronological flow of activities in a project's lifecycle, from initiation to closure. Each process group includes specific activities and tasks that are essential for successful project management.
When starting a project, it's important to review several key documents and factors as inputs into the project initiation process. These documents and factors help provide a clear understanding of the project's context and set the foundation for successful project planning and execution. The items you mentioned are indeed part of the inputs into the project initiation process.
In practice, project managers often use a combination of both approaches. They start with a top-down perspective to define the major components and then use the bottom-up approach to further detail and refine those components into manageable work packages. This iterative process ensures that the WBS is comprehensive, well-structured, and aligned with project objectives.
A project is defined as "a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result."
A matrix organization is indeed "an organization structure in which the project manager shares responsibility with the functional managers for assigning priorities and for directing the work of individuals assigned to the project."
The cure for scope creep, which refers to the unauthorized or uncontrolled expansion of project scope, involves several key steps.
The project management plan serves as a comprehensive guide that outlines all aspects of the project, including its scope, objectives, schedules, budgets, resources, risks, communication strategies, and more. It provides a roadmap for the project team to follow throughout the project's lifecycle, ensuring that the project is completed successfully and in alignment with its goals.
