text:
VIEWS: 4 PAGES: 44 POSTED ON: 1/26/2012 Public Domain
كتب قيمة للهندسة المدنية
3 Examining the Project Management Processes 2 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes D id you ever have one of those Junior Scientist Chemistry Kits when you were a kid? These kits had recipes for different reactions, formulas, and experiments. You could make smoke, sparks, smells, and iridescent colors if you followed the step-by-step directions. Of course, if you were a "real scientist" you'd experiment and things could go haywire. One small change, an uncalculated variable, or a mistaken catalyst could cause your whole experiment to literally blow up in your face. Sounds like project management, doesn't it? All of the different elements in project management are integrated. The cost, time, scope, cultural achievability, technical achievability, and more are all related and interdependent. A small change, delay, decision (or lack thereof) can amplify into serious problems further down the project timeline. Project management, unlike those Junior Scientist Chemistry Kits, doesn't come with exact step-by-step directions. It is a fluid process with general guidelines, stakeholder requirements, and you leading the project to reach the customer requirements. In this chapter, we'll talk about how all of the different parts of a project are interrelated. Specifically, we'll discuss the project processes and their interactions, the ability to customize the project processes, and how all of this business works towards your current project of passing the PMP examination. Learning the Project Processes All projects, from technology to architecture, are composed of processes. Recall that phases are unique to each project and that the goal of the phase is to conclude with a specific, desired result. The completion of phases is the end of the project, culminating in the creation of a unique product or service. Processes are a series of actions with a common, parent goal, to create a result. Processes within project management monitor and move the phases along. In your organization, you may treat equipment as a true resource. For example, manufacturing equipment, printing equipment, or even transactions may be treated as resources whose time is billable to project customers. People perform processes. It may be tempting to say that a piece of equipment, such as a manufacturing device, a computer, or a bulldozer, completes the process, but it is, technically for your exam, a person or group of people that complete the process. Think of the processes within a project you've worked on. Know that the processes are not the individual activities, but the control of individual activities to complete a project phase. There are two types of processes: Learning the Project Processes 3 ■ Product-orientated processes These processes are the activities that complete a project's phase and life cycle. Recall that the project's life cycle is comprised of the completion of the phases. In other words, the product-orientated processes within a project complete phases, which in turn complete the project. The processes within a project are unique to each project. The concept of project life cycles was discussed thoroughly in Chapter 2. ■ Project management processes These processes are the activities that are universal to all projects. These activities comprise the bulk of the project management body of knowledge and will be discussed in detail in Chapters 4 through 12. These processes are common to all projects from construction to technology. The two process types are interrelated and interdependent. Thus, a project manager must be familiar with the product-orientated processes in Project management order to apply the project management processes. processes are the processes you'll want to To use a real-world example, a project manager study. Product-orientated processes, on the should be familiar with both how a house is other hand, are unique to the organization constructed and the various phases involved in creating the product. that construction in order to effectively apply the project management process. Identifying the Project Management Process Groups The following are the five project management process groups and what occurs under each: ■ Initiating The project is authorized. ■ Planning Project objectives are determined, as well as how to reach those objectives with the given constraints. ■ Executing The project is executed utilizing acquired resources. ■ Controlling Project performance is monitored and measured to ensure the project plan is being implemented to design specifications and requirements. ■ Closing The project and its various phases are brought to a formal end. The five process groups can Hopefully, IPECC won't give you the same be remembered as IPECC. Some think of bitter aftertaste. syrup of ipecac to recall the processes. 4 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes FIGURE 3-1 Process groups overlap other groups. Executing Activity Planning Initiating Controlling Closing Time These process groups are not solo activities. The groups are a collection of activities that contribute to the control and implementation of the project management life cycle. The output of one process group will act as input for another process group. For example, one of the outputs of the initiating process is the project charter. The charter is thus input for the planning processes, being that it authorizes and sanctions the project, the project manager, and the resources required to complete the project work. While there is a logical succession and order to the flow of the processes, process groups will overlap other groups (as shown in Figure 3-1). Not only will process groups overlap, but some process groups may be repeated based on the activities within the project. Specifically, planning, controlling, and executing processes are revisited throughout the project. Ill 3-1 Initiating Planning Controlling Executing Closing For example, within a project designed to create a new piece of software, there will be logical project phases: design, build, test, implement, and so on. Within each of the phases, project processes can also exist. Each phase of the project has project processes unique to the logical activities within that phase. The closing process of a project phase can serve as input for the next phase within the project. Learning the Project Processes 5 Ill 3-2 Initiating Planning Initiating Planning Controlling Executing Controlling Executing Closing Closing Phase 1 Phase 2 Identifying the Initiating Processes This process launches the project process and allows the project manager to have the authority to begin the project. Project initiation, while simple on the surface, admits that there is some problem that a solution should solve. As a solution is considered, a level of authority is transferred from senior management to the project manager to lead the organization to the desired future state. Identifying Needs A project is generally called upon to provide a solution to a problem or to take advantage of an opportunity. The needs of the current state are then answered by the deliverables of the proposed project. These needs might have to do with: ■ Reducing costs ■ Increasing revenues ■ Eliminating waste ■ Increasing productivity and efficiency ■ Solving a business or functional problem ■ Taking advantage of market opportunities This is just a short list. There are countless other needs that can be addressed through project plans. Business reasons for why a project is created depend on your business objectives. If you're pitching a project to management, address the most prevalent business needs first. So first, from a business perspective, answer the following question: "Why is this important to my organization?" 6 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes Creating a Feasibility Study A feasibility study is conducted to prove a problem actually exists, document the opportunities at hand, and then determine if a project can be created to resolve the problem or take advantage of the opportunity cited. A feasibility study may also look at the cost of the solution in relation to the possible rewards gained by its implementation. Identifying the Business Needs The business needs will examine the problem, opportunity, and solution to see how the potential project and its expected outcome fits within the realm of the business vision and goals. Recall the organizational pyramid in the following illustration? The business level of an organization asks, "Why is this important?" The focus of the business level is vision and strategy, so the results of the project must support that level. Ill 3-3 Vision, strategy Business Tactics Functional Technical achievements Operational Creating a Product Description The initial product description will describe what the expected outcome of the project is to be. This may be a service, a product, or even a description of the desired future state. The initial product description does not have to be an exact specification document of what the project will create, though in some instances it may. Typically, the product description describes the solution or realized opportunity that the project will accomplish. Creating a Project Charter The project charter authorizes the project, officially naming the project manager and authorizing the project work. Such documents come from Senior Management and allow the project manager to begin the project work with the support, permission, and trust of management. Project charters authorize. When you think of the project charter, think authority for the project manager. Learning the Project Processes 7 Selecting the Project Manager The project manager is officially named in the project charter, but the involvement of the project manager in the project will likely come early on in this process group. The project manager will need to know the expectations of his role in the type of organizational structure he is participating in (functional, matrix, projectized, or composite). The organizational structure recognition is important since it will determine the level of authority and power that the project manager can expect within a project. Identifying the Planning Processes The planning processes are iterative in nature; a project manager does not complete the planning processes and then move on to other activities within the project, never to return. Throughout the project the project manager, and the project team, will be returning to the planning processes as often as needed. In particularly large projects, the project manager should include the stakeholders to obtain buy-in of the project deliverables. Including the project stakeholders not only accomplishes buy-in, but provides shared ownership of the project. This is important because shared ownership allows the customer to recognize the value and intensity of the project work and process. In addition, the project manager should include stakeholders to ensure the project deliverables are in alignment with what the stakeholders and the project team are expecting to receive. Within large or highly technical projects, planning can also be known as rolling wave planning. Rolling wave planning focuses detailed planning on the immediate activities of the project, rather than on remote, future activities that may be affected by the outcome of the direct project results. The issues further downstream are addressed in rolling wave planning, but in high-level detail, rather than the specifics the pressing focus is on. This is an example of progressive elaboration. Rolling wave planning is an acceptable planning solution for long projects whose late activities in the project schedule are unknown or will be determined based on the results of early project phases. Creating a Scope Statement The scope statement is a document that describes the work, and only the required work, necessary to meet the project objectives. The scope statement establishes a common vision among the project stakeholders to establish the point and purpose of the project work. It is used as a baseline against which all future project decisions are 8 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes made to determine if proposed changes or work results are aligned with expectations. The scope statement may, with adequate reason, be updated to reflect changes in the project work. Recruiting the Project Team The project team completes the project work. The project manager relies on the project team to do several tasks, including: ■ Complete the project work ■ Provide information on the work needed to complete the project scope ■ Provide accuracy in project estimating ■ Report on project progress The project manager must use human resource and leadership skills to guide and lead the project team to project completion. In some organizations, the project team may be assigned to the project, while in other organizations the project manager may have the luxury of handpicking the project team members. Creating the Work Breakdown Structure The work breakdown structure (WBS) is an organized collection of the project- deliverable components to be created by project work. The project manager cannot complete this activity alone. The input and guidance of the project team is required as they are the individuals closest to the work and will be completing the actual activities within the project phases. The WBS will offer major input into planning, estimating, and scheduling processes throughout the project. Completing the Initial Risk Assessment Risk can be both good and bad. Generally, risk is a perceived threat (or opportunity) to the completion of the project. The initial risk assessment allows the project manager and the project team to determine what high-level risks may influence the feasibility, resources, and requirements to complete the project. The initial risk assessment may also steer the project toward a different solution. Creating the Network Diagram The network diagram, also called the Project Network Diagram (PND), illustrates the flow of activities to complete the project and/or the project phase. It identifies the sequencing of activities identified within the WBS and determines which activities may be scheduled sequentially versus in tandem. Learning the Project Processes 9 Completing Estimates Time and cost estimates are completed within the planning process. Time estimates reflect the amount of time to complete each activity within the WBS. Once the estimates are mapped to the PND, an accurate estimate of how long the project will take to complete may be created. Cost estimates can be calculated a number of different ways, such as through top- down estimates, bottom-up estimates, or the dreaded informal "hallway estimates." All estimates should identify a range of variance reflective of the degree of confidence of the estimate, the assumption the estimate is based on, and how long the estimate is valid. Discovering the Critical Path The critical path is the chain of activities within the PND that cannot be delayed without delaying the project end date. There can be more than one critical path and it is possible for the critical path to change. The other paths within the PND have float or slack. Float or slack means these paths may be delayed, to a point, without delaying the end result of the project. Figure 3-2 shows a typical PND with the critical path in bold. Creating the Project Schedule The project schedule is dependent on the creation of the WBS, the PND, and the availability of the resources. Based on when the resources, the project team, and other required resources, such as equipment and facilities, are available the schedule can be determined. In many instances, the project must be scheduled from a time constraint. With a constraint of a deadline enforced on the project, all activities must be scheduled, from the project's start to its completion, to ensure the project can finish on time. Completing the Project Budget The project budget is the cost of the project, cash flow projections, and how the monies will be spent. The project budget should cover the cost of the team's time, facilities, FIGURE 3-2 Network diagrams illustrate the sequence of events. D B A C F H I E G Q J L N P K M O 10 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes FIGURE 3-3 Cash flow projections allow an organization to plan for expenses. Capital expenses Budget Jan Feb Sep e c r r t g v y July Oc Ma Ap De Ma Jun Au No and all foreseeable expenses. Cash flow projections are needed to alert management as to when monies must be available for the project to continue. Figure 3-3 demonstrates a project with expected cash flow expenses. Completing Risk Assessment Risk assessment is an in-depth analysis of the project risks through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative risk analysis calls for a probability and impact matrix. Risks are typically categorized as high, medium, and low. Quantitative risk analysis is a more in-depth study of the identified risks. This technique calls for a risk matrix based on probability and impact. Quantitative analysis also uses simulations and decision tree models. Completing Risk Response Planning The risks are analyzed for both positive and negative impacts, entered through a risk matrix and then planned accordingly. Risks may be accepted, avoided, mitigated, countered, or planned for through contingency. Risks are also assigned to risk owners who will monitor thresholds and triggers. Creating a Quality Management Plan The quality management plan details how the project will map to the organizational quality policy; for example, ISO 9000 or Six Sigma specifics. The plan will provide specifics on how the project team will meet the quality expectations of the organizational quality assurance program. The quality management plan also sets the guidelines for how the project will adhere to quality control mechanisms and ongoing quality improvement. The following illustration demonstrates how QC fits within QA. Learning the Project Processes 11 Ill 3-4 Performing organization Quality assurance Quality control Completing Stakeholder Analysis As part of planning, the stakeholders' expectations and requirements must be analyzed. The stakeholders' expectations must be documented, prioritized, and balanced between competing objectives. Managing stakeholders' expectations is crucial to project success, so having a complete understanding of their expectations is mandatory. Stakeholder analysis allows the project manager and the project team to determine the expectations of the customer. If the customer doesn't know what their expectations are, the project manager cannot decide for them. The project manager and the customer must be in agreement with what the project should create before the creation begins. Creating a Change Control Plan Based on the scope statement, the project scope should not change—unless it is absolutely necessary. The project manager and the project team should create a change control plan that will specify how the project scope may be changed, what the procedure to change the scope is, and what the requirements are to make a change. On large or high-profile projects, the project manager may be working with a Change Control Board (CCB) to determine if changes should be approved and factored into a project scope. Creating an Organizational Plan The organizational plan determines who does what. Specifically, it documents the roles and responsibilities of the project stakeholders, including the project team, project sponsor, project manager, functional managers, and vendors. The organizational plan also defines the reporting structures within the organization. It is tightly integrated with the communications plan. Creating a Communications Plan The communications plan determines who needs what information, how they need it, and when it will be delivered. The plan specifies team meetings, reports, expectations 12 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes for reports, and expectations of communication among team members. The communications plan must account for all needed communications within the project. Consider a project manager of a high-profile project called Project XYZ. The project manager requires the project team members to report their progress on Project XYZ every Tuesday in the project status meeting. In addition to team members reporting their status, they will also need to update their work electronically through the Project Management Information System (PMIS). These communication requirements are defined in the communications management plan. It has been said that 90 percent of a project manager's time is spent communicating. Communicating equates to project management. Completing the Project Plan This formal document guides the project execution and control through the project phase(s). Senior Management must approve the plan prior to execution. The project plan's primary purpose is to communicate the assumptions, decisions, and risks to the involved stakeholders. In addition, the project plan documents the schedule, cost, and scope as baselines. Officially Launching the Project Planning is an iterative process. The result of planning is to allow the project work to begin. Once the project has reached a collective state of agreement between the project manager, management, the project team, and the customer, the project is officially allowed to begin. Executing Processes The executing processes allow the project work to perform. It is the execution of the project plan, the execution of the vendor management, and the management of the project implementation. The project manager works closely with the project team in this process to ensure that the work is being completed and that the work results are of quality. The project manager also works with vendors to ensure that their procured work is complete, of quality, and meets the obligations of the agreed contracts. Authorizing the Project Work A work authorization system is a method that allows work to begin according to schedule and circumstance. It provides for verification of predecessor activities and the permission Learning the Project Processes 13 to begin successor activities. The following illustration depicts the flow of work within a project's work authorization system. Ill 3-5 Work Authorization System Work Work Work Results Results Results INSIDE THE EXAM Inside the Exam What, in this chapter, must you focus on for Recall that the core processes follow a hard your PMP Exam? Hmm… could it be processes? logic in their sequencing and that the Processes are activities that are completed by facilitating processes are more flexible and people, not things. On the exam you won't supportive to the core processes. need to know facts like which process is the It will behoove you to know, if not most important, but rather which activity memorize, Table 3-8 (shown later in the should the project manager complete next? Just chapter). This table covers all of the processes substitute "activity" for the appropriate process and how they map to the knowledge areas. If and you're on your way. you want to pass your exam, and I know you Product-orientated processes are unique to do, know which processes happen in which each project. Consider a construction project knowledge area. Create some witty acrostic versus a technology project. Both projects have to memorize the knowledge areas and the their own phases, but both also can share the processes within each process group. project processes found within initiation, Here are a few other key exam tips to take planning, execution, control, and closure. from this chapter: When you consider all of the different projects ■ Larger projects require more detail than that happen in all of the different organizations, smaller projects. business types, and communities, you can ■ Projects fail at the beginning, not the end. imagine why the PMP exam will focus very little on product-orientated processes and more ■ The processes may be customized to meet directly on project management processes. the demands or conditions of the project. Focus on the project management processes. ■ Planning is iterative. Know the five process groups and how the ■ Planning, executing, and controlling are processes among the groups are interrelated. tightly integrated. 14 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes Beginning Vendor Solicitation In most projects, vendors are involved at some point. Part of the executing process is to solicit vendors should they need to be involved with the project. Adequate timing is required for the procurement process to allow the vendors to provide adequate, appropriate information for the project—and to allow the project manager to make an educated decision on which should be selected. Vendor solicitation includes obtaining quotations, bids, and proposals for the services or the goods to be purchased for the project completion. Determining Vendor Source This part of procurement involves making a decision as to which identified vendor will be the source of the service or good being procured. Source selection is based upon the selection criterion determined by the performing organization. Administering Contracts Procurement involves administering the contracts between the buyer and the seller. The contract must be fair and legal. The contract typically is a document that represents the offer and acceptance of both parties. Some organizations may utilize centralized contracting or a contracting office to manage all project contracts. Mapping to Quality Assurance As the project work continues, the project team and the project manager will need to verify that the project work results are mapping to the organization's quality assurance program as described in the quality management plan. Failure to adhere to the quality assurance program may result in rework, penalties, and project delays, as shown in the following illustration. Ill 3-6 Work Poor quality Rework New work Additional cost Additional time Dispersing Project Information Information must be disseminated according to the communications plan. Stakeholders will need to be kept abreast of the project status. Management may want milestone Learning the Project Processes 15 reports, variance reports, and status reports. Customers will have specific communications requirements. All of these demands, from any stakeholder, should be documented within the communications plan—and then followed through in the execution process. Ensuring Team Development The project manager must work with the project team members to ensure that their level of proficiency is in agreement with their obligations on the project. This may involve classroom learning, shadowing between project team members, or on-the-job training. The success of the project work is dependent on the project team's ability. Should the team or team members be lagging in required knowledge to complete the project work, additional education and development is necessitated. Controlling Processes Controlling processes are the activities that ensure the project goes according to plan and the actions to implement when evidence proves the project is not going according to plan. Specifically, the controlling processes verify project work and the response to that work. In addition, the project manager must work to control the predicted cost and schedule of the project. Variances to the cost and schedule will affect the project's success. Ensuring Quality Control Quality control (QC) measures work results to determine if they are in alignment with quality standards. If the work results are not of quality, QC uses methods to determine why the results are inadequate and how to eliminate the causes of the quality deficiencies. Providing Scope Verification Scope verification is the process of verifying that the work results are within the expectations of the scope. It is typically done at project phase completion with the customer to formally accept the product of the project work. Should scope verification fail, the project scope must be compared against the work results. If the scope has not been met, the project may be halted, reworked, or delayed during a decision making process by the customer. Implementing Scope Change Control The project manager must follow the change management plan to ensure unneeded changes to the project scope do not occur. This includes scope creep that the project team may be completing on its own accord. For example, the project team members 16 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes may be making additional adjustments to the equipment they are installing in a project, even through the project scope does not call for the additional adjustments. Scope change control ensures that the documented procedures to permit changes to scope are followed. Leading Configuration Management This process ensures the description of the project's product is precise, complete, and that it meets the demands of the stakeholder requirements. In addition, configuration management serves as a control agent for changes to the project deliverables. It monitors, guards, and documents changes to the scope. In some projects, configuration management may be the change control system. In other projects, it is part of the change control system. Overseeing Change Control The project manager must protect the project scope from unneeded change. Needed changes must be proven, documented, and analyzed for impacts on cost, schedule, and risks. The project manager must work within the confines of the change control plan and follow its guidelines regarding change requests, change approval or denials, and documentation. Overseeing change control may involve a Change Control Board that reviews, approves, or rejects the proposed changes for the project. Managing Cost Control Controlling the project's cost requires accurate estimates and then a check and balance against those estimates. Procurement management, cash flow, and fundamental accounting practices are required. Though cost control is dependent on project expenses, it also hinges on hidden and fluctuating expenses such as shipping, exchange rates for international projects, travel, and incidentals. Thus, accurate and thorough record keeping is imperative. Enforcing Schedule Control Schedule control requires constant monitoring of the project's progress, approval of phase deliverables, and task completion. Slippage must be analyzed early in the project to determine the root cause of the problem. Activities that slip may indicate inaccurate estimates, hidden work, or a poor WBS. Quality issues can also throw the project schedule when the time to redo project activities is taken into consideration, as shown in the following illustration. Finally, the project manager must also consider outside influences and their affect on the project—for example, weather, market conditions, cultural issues, and so on. Learning the Project Processes 17 Ill 3-7 Quality Planned Experienced Schedule Monitoring Risk Response Risk management requires risk ownership and monitoring by the project team members. As activities in the PND are completed, the project manager and the risk owners must pay special attention to the possible risks and the mitigation plans that may come into play. Risk responses, should they be acted on, may cause secondary risks, cost increases, and schedule delays. Risk response must be rapid and thorough—and their outcomes well-documented for historical reference for downstream activities and other projects. Risk response may also include risk impact statements that detail project risk, its possible impact on the project, and its probability. The project manager and management sign the risk impact statement for each identified risk beyond a predetermined score. Ensuring Performance Reporting The project manager and the project team must work together to report and record accurate completions of work. Performance reporting stems from accurate measurement by the project team, proof of work completion, and factual estimates. The project manager then churns the reported projects through earned value management, schedule baselines, cost baselines, and milestone targets. The status reports to management are reflective of where the project has been, where it stands now, and where it's heading. Identifying Closing Processes Closing a project is a wonderful feeling. Project closure has many requirements for it to be successful, however. Project closure requires a final, complete effort by the project manager, the project team, the project stakeholders, and management to officially close the project and move onto other opportunities. The activities in this process are typically associated with the end of a project, but most may also be completed within project phases, as shown in Figure 3-4. 18 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes FIGURE 3-4 Closing processes can be completed within projects and within project phases. Closing Phase 2 Phase 3 Initiating Planning Initiating Planning Controlling Executing Controlling Executing Closing Closing Auditing Procurement Documents The project manager has spent the money, but on what? The procurement audit process requires accountability for the monies that have been invested in the project. In some instances, the financial audit is more formal, and an accountant or a finance professional reviews the project's accounting. In other instances, the process is considered a debriefing and is completed with the project manager and management. In practically all instances, the intensity of the procurement audit is relevant to the autonomy of the project manager: the more power and responsibility the project manager has in an organization, the more accountable he is for the project budget. Completing Scope Verification Scope verification is a control process. However, at the end of the project the scope must be verified for final acceptance. This process is completed with the project manager and the key stakeholders. Scope verification is the process of inspecting, touring, and "taking a walk-through" of the project deliverables to confirm that the requirements of the project have been met. Scope verification may happen at different intervals throughout the project, such as at key milestones or phase completions. Scope verification at the end of a project may require a formal sign-off from the customer that the project is complete and to their satisfaction. If the scope has been completed but that the customer is not completed, the project is finished. Beware satisfied. Know first that if the scope is of exam questions that tell you the scope is complete, the project is complete. Learning the Project Processes 19 Closing Vendor Contracts At the completion of a project or project phase the vendor contracts must be closed out. Confirmation that vendor invoices and purchase orders have been fulfilled, met, and paid is needed to complete the vendor closeout process. Closing out vendor contracts may also require proof or delivery of the goods or services purchased. The vendor contracts may be audited to confirm the vendor responsibilities have been met. Closing Administrative Duties When the project is completed, the project manager must finalize all reports, document the project experience, and provide evidence of customer acceptance. The project manager will create a final report reflecting the project success, or failure. The project manager will also provide information reflective of the project product and how it met the project requirements, and then will complete the lessons learned documentation. Submitting Final Reports Once the project documentation has been completed, the project manager will submit the final reports to the appropriate parties as outlined in the communications management plan. The final reports will include variance reports, status reports, cost and schedule accountability, and team member performance reviews, as required by the performing organization. Archiving Project Records The project records should be archived so that other project managers can use the information on their projects. In addition, the archives should serve as a wealth of historical information for later reference, future project managers, and reference for versioning, updates, or potential changes to the current project deliverables. Reassigning the Project Team Members At some point in the project, based on the organizational structure, team members will be reassigned to new projects. Reassigning project team members is of utmost importance in a projectized organization where project team members are with a project full-time through completion. As the project in a projectized organization nears completion, the project team may be anxious about their next assignment. In a functional matrix environment, the project team may fluctuate at phases or milestones as they complete their assignments and then move onto other activities within the organization. 20 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes Celebrating! At project completion, a celebration to thank and reward the project team for their hard work and dedication to the project is needed. Celebrations are also a good time to reflect on the work completed, the challenges of the project, and to come back together as a team before moving onto other projects and opportunities within the organization. Examining the Process Interactions The activities within each of the five processes all lead to one thing: project completion. The activities within one process allow the project to move into another. As these five processes, initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure, are not a series of events, but rather an integrated process, the activities within one process may coincide with an activity within another. For example, a project manager may be working through the execution process to administer the contracts of a vendor while simultaneously working with the vendor through scope verification. To elaborate, consider a vendor that is not performing the contracted work to the agreed level of quality. Contract administration falls within the executing processes, but QC falls within the controlling processes. The agreement and execution of the contract will govern the expected level of quality the vendor will be required to provide. Figure 3-5 shows that all of the processes are interrelated and contribute to the other processes. How Process Groups Interact Imagine any project: building a new house, creating a new service, deploying a technology solution. Within any of these projects there will be a logical approach from start to finish. Within project management, and in particular for your PMP exam, the flow of activities must be documented from initiation to closure. The five processes don't necessarily allow the work to progress—they serve more as a control mechanism to identify and oversee the flow of actions within the project. FIGURE 3-5 The processes within a project are interrelated. Initiating Planning Controlling Executing Closing Learning the Project Processes 21 Each process has unique activities, as we've seen already in this chapter, but each of these activities contributes and coincides with the project work. The activities guide the project work from concept to completion. Specifically, the parts of the processes are the gears to the "project machine." The processes allow for a specific, manageable, and expected outcome of the project. Within each process, there are three common components: ■ Inputs Documented conditions, values, and expectations that start the given process ■ Tools and techniques The actions to evaluate and act upon the inputs to create the outputs ■ Outputs The documented results of a process that may serve as an input to another process The output from a planning Plans, from the risk management plan to process is almost always some type of the communications plan, guide project plan. For example, risk planning creates actions. These are known collectively (outputs) the risk management plan. as subsidiary management plans. These three components are fundamental through all five processes. Typically, plans, documented evidence of problems, or documented outcomes of activities, are inputs to a project process. For example, resource planning requires the WBS. The WBS is an input to resource planning, but also an output of the planning process group. The tools and techniques used to plan for resources include expert judgment, alternative identification, and your nifty project management software. The relationship between inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs is shown in the following illustration. Ill 3-8 22 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes Recognizing the Process Types Each of the five processes is tied to other processes in the realm of project management. Specifically, the outputs of one action within a process serve as inputs to the tools and techniques of another process. Within the different process categories, there are two categories of process types: ■ Core processes These activities are required in practically every project. They follow a logical sequence to completion within the project. These core processes are also iterative in nature; they may be repeated until an acceptable solution is discovered. ■ Facilitating processes These activities are more flexible than the core processes, and their involvement in the project are not as stringent. Although these processes are flexible, they are not considered optional activities. You can think of the facilitating processes as supportive actions within a process, as shown in Figure 3-6. The Initiating Process Group The initiating process, as we've discussed, launches the five processes of a project. The key action to this process is authorizing. Initiating authorizes the project or the phase. Once initiation is complete, the project may move into the planning process. The Planning Process Group Projects fail at the beginning, not the end. Planning is the most important process within project management, because the work you are about to complete has likely FIGURE 3-6 Facilitating processes support core processes. Core process Facilitating process Learning the Project Processes 23 never been done before. While planning is of utmost importance—and has the most processes—it does not mean the bulk of a project is planning. Planning is relative to the scope of the project and the usefulness of research completed. As you know, planning is an iterative process throughout the project lifecycle. The core processes, their purpose, and their relationship with other processes within the planning process are defined in Table 3-1. TABLE 3-1 Planning Core Processes Are Iterative Core Process Purpose Precedes Scope planning To create a document that will Scope definition guide project decisions. Scope definition To breakdown the project Activity definition deliverables into manageable Resource planning elements. The sum of the smaller Cost estimating elements equate to the project Risk management planning scope. Activity definition To define the required activities, Activity sequencing and only the required activities, Activity duration estimating to complete the project scope. Resource planning To ascertain the required Activity duration estimating resources to achieve the defined Cost estimating activities to complete the project work. Resources include people, equipment, and materials. Activity sequencing To determine the best sequence Schedule development of planned activities within the project work. Activity duration estimating To determine the estimated Cost estimating required work units to successfully Schedule development complete the defined activities. Cost estimating To determine an estimated Cost budgeting amount of monies to complete the project work using the defined facilities, services, and goods. Risk management planning To determine the risks within the Schedule development project and how to react to the Cost budgeting identified risks. 24 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes TABLE 3-1 Planning Core Processes Are Iterative (continued) Core Process Purpose Precedes Schedule development To determine the project Project plan development schedule based on the sequence of activities, the required resources, and the required monies. The schedule development process reveals an estimated reflection of when all of the required work can be completed with the given resources. Cost budgeting To determine the estimated cost Project plan development of the activities to complete the project work. Project plan development Creating a coherent compilation Executing processes of the other planning processes to guide the project execution. While the core processes follow a stringent pattern of completion, the facilitating processes are used as needed in no particular order. The facilitating processes are, however, linked to the core processes. They do not typically follow a particular flow from start to finish. The facilitating processes within the planning process are defined in Table 3-2. TABLE 3-2 Facilitating Processes Support the Core Processes Facilitating Process Purpose Precedes Quality planning To determine the quality assurance standards used by the organization. The quality assurance standards that are relevant to the project must be planned into the project. Communications planning To determine who needs what, when they need it, and in what modality (paper, electronic, and so on) it may be needed. Learning the Project Processes 25 TABLE 3-2 Facilitating Processes Support the Core Processes (continued) Facilitating Process Purpose Precedes Organizational planning To determine the project roles Staff acquisition and responsibility. This also determines the reporting structure between the project manager, the project team, and management. Staff acquisition To acquire the needed people to complete the determined project work. Risk identification To identify the risks, rewards, and Qualitative risk analysis penalties associated with the project. Qualitative risk analysis To prioritize the impact of the Quantitative risk analysis risks on the project (typically in a high, medium, and low ranking). Quantitative risk analysis To measure and consider the probability and associated impact of the risks on the project. Risk response planning To avoid, eliminate, reduce, or create a planned reaction to the identified risks within the project. Procurement planning To determine what goods and Solicitation planning services must be procured and when the goods and services will need to be procured in the project life cycle. Solicitation planning To determine the possible vendors to provide the goods and services for the project. The Executing Processes Group The project work must be planned for, and then the project plan must be acted upon, followed, and adjusted. The executing processes are the activities that get the project work done. Within the executing processes there are also core processes and facilitating processes. Actually, there is only one core process, as Table 3-3 illustrates. 26 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes TABLE 3-3 The Core Process of Executing Is Following the Project Plan Core Process Purpose Precedes Project plan execution To complete the project according Facilitating processes to plan. The project plan may also be adjusted based on the outcome of the facilitating processes. The facilitating processes support the core processes by allowing the project plan to be updated as needed. Table 3-4 shows the facilitating processes, their purpose, and what activities they precede. TABLE 3-4 Facilitating Processes Support Project Plan Execution Core Process Purpose Precedes Solicitation To accept quotes, bids, proposals, and Source selection offers to complete the solicited work as defined through solicitation planning. Source selection To determine which source (vendor) Contract administration will fulfill the procured good or service. Contract administration To manage a fair and balanced relationship between the buyer and the seller. Quality assurance To meet the organization's quality standards. QA is an ongoing process that measures the quality of the work results against the demands of the quality standards of the performing organization. Team development To develop the competencies of the project team as a whole and the individual members on the project team. Information distribution To follow the details of the communications management plan; specifically to disperse the required information to the correct parties according to their identified needs and modalities. Learning the Project Processes 27 The Controlling Processes Group Project management control requires measurement. Controlling a project requires active measurement against set goals, objectives, and expected outcomes. Should the measurements fall short of expectations, the planning processes are revisited. Within planning, variances to time and cost are reacted to with additional staffing, tradeoffs between schedule and budget, and the addition of possible resources necessary to complete the project on time. In addition, controlling processes allow for preventive action to squelch foreseen variances, failure, and quality control issues. There are two core processes within the controlling processes, as seen in Table 3-5. The facilitating processes within the controlling processes contribute and support the core processes. The facilitating processes are listed in Table 3-6. The Closing Processes Group The closeout processes are typically associated with the project closure, but may also be applied to phase completion. Recall that the project phases are unique to each project, while the processes within project management exist within the project management life cycle. The core processes of the closing processes are shown in Table 3-7. Customizing Process Interactions The processes discussed in the previous section are the mainstream, generally accepted order of operations. You can count on the core processes existing and progressing in the preceding order. However, having said that, you can also count on these processes to be flexible, pliable, and customized to work in any order the project demands. Project processes are not made of stone, but flexible steel. TABLE 3-5 Core Processes Interact with Each Other and the Facilitating Processes Core Process Purpose Works with Performance reporting To determine variances, project Integrated change control performance, and forecasting of Facilitating processes project outcome. Integrated change control To manage change across all Performance reporting facets of the project. Facilitating processes 28 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes TABLE 3-6 Facilitating Processes Support the Core Processes Facilitating Process Purpose Precedes Scope verification To verify that phase and project Scope change control deliverables are in alignment with customer expectations. Scope verification formalizes the acceptance. Scope change control To protect the project scope from change. Schedule control To prevent unnecessary changes to the schedule, to control the flow of activities, and to forecast completion. Cost control To prevent unnecessary changes to the project budget. Quality control To conform to the required organizational quality standards and to remove or improve faulty, below quality, performance. Risk monitoring and control To monitor and maintain risks, responses to risk, introduction of new and secondary risks. In addition, allows for control of currently identified risks and the planned responses to the identified risks. TABLE 3-7 Closing Processes Close Out Procurement and Administrative Duties Core Process Purpose Precedes Contract closeout To complete and finalize any Administrative closure procurement issues such as payment, inspection of procured services and goods, and any open project items. Administrative closure To gather, evaluate, and disseminate the required information on the project or phase, its performance, quality, and completeness. Administrative closure also includes completing the lessons learned document and filing for future reference. Learning the Project Processes 29 Here are some general guidelines to know about customizing project processes: ■ Facilitating processes may be shifted in sequence to meet the demands of the project (such as the timing of the procurement processes). ■ All processes may not be needed on all projects, but the absence of a project doesn't mean it wasn't needed. The project manager and the project team should identify all of the processes required to make the project a successful one. ■ Projects that are resource dependent may define roles and responsibilities prior to scope creation. This is because the scope of the project may be limited by the availability of the resources to complete the scope. ■ The processes may be governed by a project constraint. Consider a predetermined deadline, budget, or project scope. The project constraint, such as a deadline, will determine the activity sequencing, the need for resources, risk management, and other processes. ■ Larger projects require more detail. Remember that projects fail at the beginning, not the end. ■ Subprojects and smaller projects have more flexibility with the processes based on the process usefulness. For example, a project with a relatively small team may not benefit from an in-depth communications plan the same as a large project with 35 project team members would. Plotting the Processes The first three chapters of this book have focused on the project management endeavor, the project management context, and the project management processes. Chapters 4 through 12 focus on the project management knowledge areas. In these chapters, we'll zoom in on the processes we've identified and breakdown the topics into exam specific information. While the information we've covered in this chapter is important, it is more an umbrella of the nine knowledge areas you'll want to focus on for your PMP exam. Table 3-8 maps out the 39 project management processes to where they typically fall within the nine knowledge areas and which chapter in this book will cover the associated process. 30 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes TABLE 3-8 The Project Management Processes Map the Project Management Knowledge Areas. Initiating Planning Executing Controlling Closing Chapter Project integration Developing the Project plan Integrated change 4 management project plan. execution control Project scope Project Creating and Scope verification 5 management initiation defining the and change control project scope. Project time Defining Schedule control 6 management activities, their sequence and their estimated duration. Developing the project schedule. Project cost Determining Enforcing cost 7 management the required control. resources, their estimated costs, and completing cost budgeting. Project quality Planning for Adhering to Enforcing quality 8 management quality. the performing control on the organization's project. quality assurance requirements. Project human Completing Ensuring team 9 resource organizational development. management planning and staff acquisition. Project Creating the Distributing Reporting on Complet- 10 communications communications the required project ing management management information to performance. administra- plan. the appropriate tive parties. closure. Project risk Completing risk Monitoring and 11 management management controlling risk. planning, risk identification, qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, and risk responses. Learning the Project Processes 31 TABLE 3-8 The Project Management Processes Map the Project Management Knowledge Areas. (continued) Initiating Planning Executing Controlling Closing Chapter Project Completing Soliciting Complet- 12 procurement the vendors to ing the management procurement participate on contract and the project. closeout. solicitation Completing planning. source selection based on defined criterion, and then following- through with contract administration. CERTIFICATION SUMMARY There are two types of processes: product-orientated processes and project-orientated processes. Product-orientated processes are the unique processes within a project to create the deliverable of the project. These processes are special because they are unique to each product. The project management processes are universal to all projects. For the PMP exam, and the rest of this book, your focus will be on these processes. There are five processes groups within a project. You'll want to know what activity happens within each of these groups. Projects start in the Initiating process group, where projects get authorized. From here the project moves into the planning process group. Planning is an iterative process and allows the project objectives to be determined, as well as how the project will achieve those objects. The project plan is executed in the executing process group. The controlling process group is where project performance is monitored and measured. Finally, the project is completed and the scope is verified in the closing process. You should know that a project can move between planning, controlling, and executing as conditions change. For example, a new risk may be identified. This risk is analyzed and then a risk response is created in the planning processes group. The project work moves on but the risk management is implemented during the executing processes. The response to the risk is monitored in controlling. Should the risk change, the project can revisit the planning processes. Don't subscribe to the theory that the 32 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes project work stops as the project moves back into planning. Other project activities may continue to operate as the project planning processes group is revisited. The project moves along according to the project schedule and the project network diagram. Activities on the critical path are actively monitored for slippage while non- critical path activities are periodically checked for slippage. This is important as activities on the critical path have no tolerance for delays, while non-critical path activities can be delayed as long as they do not delay the project's completion. As the project progresses the project manager must monitor and communicate the project performance. Work results that are below an accepted level of performance must be adjusted with corrective actions to bring the project back into alignment with the cost, schedule, and scope baselines. Communication of the project performance is one of the key elements for successful project management—and for passing the PMP exam. KEY TERMS To pass the PMP exams, you will need to memorize these terms and their definitions. For maximum value, create your own flashcards based on these definitions and review them daily. The definitions can be found within this chapter and in the glossary. closing initiating project charter controlling knowledge areas project management processes core processes planning scope statement executing process groups facilitating processes product-orientated processes Two-Minute Drill 33 ✓ TWO-MINUTE DRILL Project Management Processes ❑ Projects are comprised of processes. People, not things, complete processes; processes move the project or phase to completion. ❑ There are two broad categories of processes across all project types: project management processes and product-orientated processes. Project management processes are universal to all projects as they control the project management life cycle. Product-orientated processes are unique to the product the project is creating. ❑ The five process groups, initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing comprise projects and project phases. These five process groups have sets of actions that move the project forward towards completion. ❑ Within the five process groups there are two categories of processes: core and facilitating. Core processes are logical in order and follow a somewhat stringent progression. Facilitating processes are more flexible and support the core processes. Determining the Need for Projects ❑ Projects are created to provide a solution for a problem or to take advantage of an opportunity. Projects can be created to reduce costs, reduce waste, increase revenue, increase productivity and efficiency, or produce other results. The project manager should know why the project is created in order to aim towards the project purpose. ❑ Some projects require a feasibility study to prove that the problem exists or to conduct root cause analysis to find the root of a given problem. Feasibility studies also determine the possibility of the project to solve the identified problem for a reasonable cost and within a reasonable amount of time. ❑ The product description describes the expected outcome of the project. The product description should define what the project is creating. If the project is solving a problem, the product description should describe how the organization will perform without the problem in existence. If the project is seizing a market opportunity, it should describe the organization with opportunity seized. Basically, product descriptions describe life after a successful project. 34 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes Project Management Framework ❑ The three components of processes, inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs, spurn decisions, conditions, plans, and reactions to conditions and progress. The output of one process serves as the input to another. Within each process, the tools and techniques, such as expert judgment, guide and influence the output of a process. A faulty output will likely influence downstream processes negatively. ❑ Project processes can be customized to meet the needs and demands of the project. Some processes may be moved to better meet the conditions and requirements of a given project. In some instances, a process may be removed from a project. Use caution: a process that is not completed does not necessarily mean it was not needed. ❑ The nine knowledge areas are comprised of the project management processes we've discussed in detail in this chapter. The process groups discussed in this chapter map to the nine knowledge areas: 1. Project integration management 2. Project scope management 3. Project time management 4. Project cost management 5. Project quality management 6. Project human resource management 7. Project communications management 8. Project risk management 9. Project procurement management Self Test 35 SELF TEST 1. What is a project process? A. The creation of a product or service B. The progressive elaboration resulting in a product C. A series of actions that bring about a result D. A series of actions that allow the project to move from concept to deliverable 2. Within a project there are two distinct types of processes. Which of the following processes is unique to the project? A. EVM processes B. Project management planning C. IPECC D. A product-oriented process 3. There are five project management processes that allow projects to move from start to completion. Which one of the following is not one of the project management process groups? A. Initiating B. Planning C. Communicating D. Closing 4. Of the following, which is the logical order of the project management processes? A. Initiating, planning, controlling, executing, closing B. Planning, initiating, controlling, executing, closing C. Initiating, planning, executing, controlling, closing D. Planning, initiating, executing, closing 5. Which of the project management processes is progressively elaborated? A. Planning B. Communicating C. Contract administration D. Closing 6. The ongoing process of project planning is also known as ____________________. A. Constant integration planning B. Rolling wave planning C. Continuous planning D. Phase gates 36 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes 7. You are the project manager for the AQA Project. You would like to include several of the customers in the project planning sessions. Your project leader would like to know why the stakeholders should be involved—your project team will be determining the best method to reach the project objectives. You should include the stakeholders because _____________. A. It generates goodwill between the project team and the stakeholders B. It allows the stakeholders to see the project manager as the authority of the project C. It allows the project team to meet the stakeholders and express their concerns regarding project constraints D. It allows the stakeholders to realize the shared ownership of the project 8. You have requested that several of the stakeholders participate in the different phases of the project. Why is this important? A. It prevents scope creep. B. It allows for scope constraints. C. It improves the probability of satisfying the customer requirements. D. It allows for effective communications. 9. The information from the planning phase is input into which of the following processes? A. Initiating B. Controlling C. Executing D. Closing 10. The information from the initiating phase is input into which of the following processes? A. Planning B. Executing C. Controlling D. All of the project phases 11. Which process represents an ongoing effort throughout the project? A. Lessons learned B. Planning C. Closing D. EVM 12. Which of the following processes happen in the correct order? A. Scope planning, activity definition, activity duration estimating, cost budgeting B. Scope planning, resource planning, activity duration estimating, activity sequencing Self Test 37 C. Scope definition, scope planning, activity definition, activity sequencing D. Scope planning, scope definition, activity definition, activity sequencing 13. Which of the following planning processes is a facilitating process? A. Activity definition B. Cost budgeting C. Resource planning D. Quality planning 14. Which of the following planning processes is concerned with reporting relationships? A. Organizational planning B. Resource planning C. Scope planning D. Activity definition 15. Of the following, which facilitating process is most concerned with mitigation? A. Quality planning B. Risk response planning C. Procurement planning D. Risk identification 16. You are the project manager for the FTG Project. This project will affect several lines of business and controversy on the project deliverables already abounds. You have 45 key stakeholders on this project representing internal customers from all areas of your organization. With this many stakeholders, what challenge will be the most difficult for the project's success? A. Communication B. Managing stakeholder expectations C. Managing scope creep D. Coordinating communications between the project manager, project team, and the project stakeholders 17. Which of the following is representative of a project constraint? A. A project that must be finished by year's end B. 45 stakeholders on a long-term project C. The requirement to complete EVM D. The requirement to produce a new product 18. You are a project manager of a large construction project. There are many different stakeholders involved in the project and each has their own opinion as to what the project 38 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes should create. To maintain communication, set objectives, and document all decisions, you can say that larger projects generally require ____________________. A. A larger budget B. More detail C. Phase gate estimating D. A large project team 19. In order to create a network diagram, the project manager needs which of the following? A. Activity sequencing B. Project sponsor approval of the WBS C. The WBS dictionary D. A cost baseline 20. Which of the following is considered an output of the cost budgeting process? A. Cost estimating B. Resource requirements C. The risk management plan D. The cost baseline 21. Which of the following is considered an output of risk management planning? A. Activity lists B. WBS C. The risk management plan D. The scope management plan 22. Which of the following is not an input to schedule development? A. The cost baseline B. Resource requirements C. The risk management plan D. The network diagram 23. Frances is the project manager of the JHG Project. This project is very similar to a recent project she completed for another customer. Which planning process will Frances need to finish first to ensure the project is completed successfully? A. Solicitation planning B. Scope definition C. Activity sequencing D. Quality planning Self Test 39 24. You are the project manager for the BKL Project. This type of project has never been attempted before by your organization. The stakeholders already have high requirements for the project deliverables and you need to create a change control system. This system should be controlled by which of the following? A. A formal change control form B. It should be completed by the team C. The Change Control Board D. It is specific to the organizational structure 25. Complete this statement: Projects fail ____________________. A. At the beginning, not the end B. During Initiating, not Closing C. Because of inadequate project managers D. Because of the project manager 40 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes SELF TEST ANSWERS 1. þ C. A process is a series of actions bringing about a result. Recall that processes exist in projects and in project phases. ý A is incorrect since this describes the project as a whole. B is incorrect since it also somewhat describes a phase or project as a whole. D is incorrect as it describes the series of processes moving through the project. 2. þ D. Product-orientated processes are unique to the product the project is creating. ý EVM processes, choice A, are part of project performance measurement. B, project management planning, is universal to project management. C, IPECC, is the acrostic for the five process groups: initiation, planning, executing, controlling, and closing. 3. þ C. Communications is an activity that will consume much of the project manager's time, but it is not one of the five process groups. ý A, B, and D are incorrect choices as initiating, planning, and closing are three of the five process groups. 4. þ C. Initiating, planning, controlling, executing, and closing is the correct order of the processes presented. ý A is incorrect since it is not the correct order of the processes. While A does list all five of the process groups, it does not list them in the correct order. B and D are incorrect since they do not list the processes in the proper order (nor, with D, in their entirety). Remember on the PMP exam you will need to choose the answer that is most correct according to the question presented. 5. þ A. Planning is an iterative process, which is also progressively elaborated. Throughout the project the project team and the project manager will revisit the planning processes to consider, update, and react to conditions and circumstances within the project. ý B is incorrect since communicating is not one of the process groups. C is incorrect as contract Administration is not a process group. D is incorrect since closing is not an iterative process, but a concluding process. 6. þ B. Rolling wave planning is a description of the planning process in most large projects. It requires the project manager and the project team to revisit the planning process to address the next phase, implementation, or piece of the project. ý A is incorrect since the planning process is not constant but iterative. C is incorrect since there is some pause to the planning processes. D is incorrect because phase gates are conditions that allow the projects to move from phase to phase. Self Test Answers 41 7. þ D. Involving the stakeholders in the planning processes allows for shared ownership of the project. ý A is incorrect because, although it may generate goodwill between the project team and the stakeholders, this is not the prominent goal of stakeholder involvement. B is incorrect because the project charter and the project manager reputation will establish authority more than stakeholder involvement. C is incorrect because, though the stakeholders may express their concerns regarding the project constraints, such concerns should be addressed as part of the planning processes, not in addition to them. 8. þ C. By involving the stakeholders at different aspects of the project, their requirements are more likely to be met. Specifically, scope verification ensures that the stakeholders are seeing that phase deliverables, project progress, quality, and expectations are being met. ý A is incorrect because the untimely introduction of stakeholders can actually increase scope creep. B is incorrect because scope constraints will be evident early in the project, rather than during the implementation of the project work. D is incorrect since stakeholder presence does not ensure effective communications. Effective communications will stem from the project manager and the requirements identified and documented in the communications management plan. 9. þ C. The outputs of the planning phase are a direct input to the executing processes. ý A is incorrect since initiating processes precede planning processes. B is incorrect since conditions in the controlling processes are inputs to the planning processes, not the reverse. D is incorrect because planning processes do not serve as a direct input to the closing processes. 10. þ A. The initiating processes serve as a direct input to the planning processes. ý B, C, and D are incorrect because initiating processes do not directly serve as an input to the executing, controlling, and closing processes. 11. þ B. Planning is the iterative process evident throughout the project. ý A is incorrect since lessons learned is not a process group. Closing may be evident at the end of project phases and at the end of the project, but it is not an ongoing effort like the planning process. D, EVM, is not an ongoing process. 12. þ D. The correct order is scope planning, scope definition, activity definition, activity sequencing (Table 3-1 shows the order of these core planning processes). ý Choices B, C, and D do not show the processes in the correct order. 13. þ D. Quality Planning is the only facilitating process listed. ý A is incorrect since activity definition is a core process. B is incorrect since cost budgeting is also a core process. C, resource planning, is also a core process so it too is not a correct answer. 42 Chapter 3: Examining the Project Management Processes 14. þ A. Organizational planning is the facilitating planning process which defines roles and responsibilities—and the reporting structure within the project. ý B is incorrect because resource planning is the determination of the required resources to complete the project objectives. C is incorrect since it is the determination of what the project will and will not do. D is incorrect since activity definition is the definition of the required activities to complete the project work. 15. þ B. Mitigation is a response to risk. ý A, quality planning, is incorrect since it focuses on QA and the enforcement of QC. C is concerned with procurement management. D is incorrect because the identification of risk does not guarantee, or in some instances warrant, mitigation. 16. þ B. On a project with 45 key stakeholders, the project manager must work to manage stakeholder expectations. Given the impact of the project and the identified controversy, the project manager will need to proceed with caution to ensure the project deliverables meet the required expectations of the stakeholders. ý A is incorrect because, though communications may be the most time-consuming activity for the project, it is not the most difficult to manage. C is incorrect because managing scope creep can be controlled through an effective change control system. Scope creep may be an issue, but it is likely not the largest issue with this number of key stakeholders. D is incorrect since the communication between the project manager, the project team, and the stakeholders will be governed by the communications management plan. 17. þ A is the best choice since it is a time constraint. ý Choice B is not a constraint, but a project attribute. C is incorrect since it describes a project requirement, not a project constraint. D is incorrect since the requirement to produce a new product may be the project itself, not the constraint. 18. þ B. Larger projects require more detail. ý A is incorrect since larger projects don't always require a larger budget; consider an Add/ Move/Change project to replace a piece of equipment. The project work is shallow, but the piece of equipment may be very expensive. C is incorrect because not all large projects will implement phase gate estimating. D is incorrect because a large project does not always mandate a large project team; consider a large project with very few resources available to complete the project work. 19. þ A. The network diagram illustrates the sequence of events within the project. ý B is incorrect as the project sponsor may not approve, or need to approve, the WBS in all projects. C is incorrect because the WBS dictionary is not needed to create a network diagram. D is also incorrect since the cost baseline is not necessary to create a network diagram. Self Test Answers 43 20. þ D. The cost budgeting process creates the cost baseline. ý A is incorrect since the cost estimates are an input to the cost budgeting process. B is incorrect because resource requirements serve as an input to cost estimating. C is incorrect because the risk management plan serves as an input to the cost budgeting process. 21. þ C. The risk management plan is the output of the risk management planning process. ý Answers A and B, Activity Lists and the WBS, are incorrect because they are neither inputs nor outputs of the risk management planning process. Choice D, the scope management plan, is incorrect since it is not an output of the risk management planning process. 22. þ A. The cost baseline is an output of the cost budgeting process; it is not an input to schedule development. ý B. Resource requirements are not an output of schedule development. Choice C is incorrect since the risk management plan is an output of the risk management planning process. D is incorrect because the network diagram is not an output of schedule development, but an input into schedule development. 23. þ B. Even though the projects are similar, Frances must still define the project scope. ý A is incorrect since not all projects will need procurement. C and D are incorrect because scope definition must precede activity sequencing and quality planning. 24. þ C. A Change Control Board (CCB) will review and approve changes to the project scope. Due to the high requirements of the stakeholders, a CCB can help fend off unneeded changes, and allow the project manager to focus on the project management activities, rather than the potential flood of change requests. ý A and D, while correct in theory, are incorrect since they do not answer the question as fully as choice C does. Choice B is incorrect because the project team should not review and approve changes in this scenario. 25. þ A. Projects fail at the beginning, not the end. A poor requirements document, inadequate needs assessments, unfulfilled planning, and more early processes can contribute to project failure. ý B, C, and D are not correct choices. Choice A is the best answer.
Pages to are hidden for
"03-PMP-Processes"Please download to view full document


text:
Original recipe yields 4 servings
Amount per serving ({{servings}} total)
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Great recipe. I used 4 oz of green chilies instead of jalapeno peppers. When I make it again, I will use a little more Worcestershire sauce.
I made this (just for me) yesterday for lunch. I replaced the jalapeno's with canned chili peppers and used refried beans instead of the chili beans. This was a really tasty and satisfying treat...
This recipe is FANTASTIC. Die-hard meat eaters just scarfed this recipe down. I added mushrooms in for a little added texture and melted the cheese on top by placing the skillet in the oven. ...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Usually I don't blog about product futures, but I make an exception... Microsoft released a few videos on Channel 9, showcasing new features among other things.
I watched a couple of them demonstrating UML modelling capabilities you will see in VS2010. It is great to see Microsoft finally joining the UML bandwagon (and the OMG).
Now I can dig out my old UML Primer which has been gathering dust over the last three years and re-energise my passion for modelling :-) Here are a couple of videos you might find interesting: top-down, bottom-up.
PingBack from http://blog.a-foton.ru/index.php/2008/10/01/1306/


text:
Thanks for redeeming.{{else}}
Success! Thanks for repurchasing.{{/if}} {{else}} {{#if Expired}}
Increase my visibility!{{else}} {{#if IsMultiPack}}
{{#if HasMultiPack}} You have {{MultiPackCount}} top spot(s) left. Now loading you into the search listings... {{else}} You have used all top spots. Now loading you into the search listings... {{/if}}{{else}}
We are loading you into the search listing pages...{{/if}} {{/if}} {{/if}} {{/if}}
{{Current}} just saw you!{{/if}} {{#if LastTopSpotPurchaseIsMulti }} {{#if HasAnyTopSpot}}
{{#if HasFreeTopSpot }} {{ UnclaimedTopSpotFree }} Free {{/if}} {{#if HasPaidTopSpot }} {{#if HasFreeTopSpot }} & {{/if}} {{ MultiPackCount }} {{/if}} Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left{{else}}
0 Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left{{/if}} {{else}} {{#if HasFreeTopSpot }}
{{ UnclaimedTopSpotFree }} Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left{{/if}} {{/if}} {{else}} {{#if HasResults}}
{{Current}} see you now!{{else}} {{/if}} {{/if}}
You can now invite anyone to meet at your favorite Starbucks.
Limited-time feature
28 year old woman | Bridgeville, PA, USA | Seeking men 25-31 within 50 miles
I want a guy that's cute funny and responsible... Why is that so hard?!
My name is Jenn. This is my first time trying a dating site. I just got it out of a relationship and I don't think I'm going to find a good guy at a bar. Okay so I am 25, I work as a hairstylist and also do nails. I love making people feel good and look good. I'm going to school to get my RN. I live 10 minutes outside of the city and just got my first place and its awesome. I have a little black chihuahua named Gucci. I also just got a black cat named Wrxy. i love my little furry girls and I think of them as kids. I am a very hard working female. I have all of my own stuff. I'm looking for a guy that is funny and cute. Even though I'm short (5ft) I like taller guys. I'm very independent and need a guy that is equally as independent if not more. I need a guy with goals and ambitions. Someone who works hard and plays hard. I love all kinds of music rap rock and punk. Not a big country fan. I love to dress up and go out and also get takeout and stay in and watch a good movie. I also love to cook. I consider it a hobby. I love surprises and being spontaneous. My ideal guy would love hanging out with me but not every second of the day. I would want him to have his own friends and hobbies. He has to be trust worthy and be my bestfriend. I want a guy who takes good care of himself and takes pride in his clothes and everything he does...... basically want a guy that is perfect for me. P.s please do not wink or email me if you do not have a picture (I have mine up and you should too.) or if you say you are younger than what you really are... (don't lie your profile picture is a dead giveaway :) )
Coffee and conversation , Cooking , Dining out , Movies/Videos , Museums and art , Music and concerts , Exploring new areas , Nightclubs/Dancing , Performing arts , Playing sports , Religion/Spiritual , Shopping/Antiques , Video games , Volunteering , Wine tasting
Auto racing / Motorcross, Other types of exercise, Swimming, VolleyBall, Yoga
I don't exercise regularly.
I have Cats, Dogs
I have a little black Chihuahua named Gucci, And a black cat named Wrxy (she's named after the car) I love them like they are my kids. Plz dont Msg me if you are not an animal lover or one of those people who call chihuahuas ankle Biters
Middle of the Road
Anywhere warm, Florida, Disney, Universal Studios, Cancun... Really traveling anywhere is good with me, as long as it doesn't involve insects, not showering, and long car trips.
I love being able to come home and watch my DVR. Some of my favorite shows are Sons of anarchy, break out kings, Nurse Jacki, Law and order SVU, Criminal Minds, Big bang....
I love going out to eat, seeing movies, shopping, concerts, family functions, work functions, going out for drinks, renting a good movie and some yummy take out.
I actually like to read qbefore bed. It makes me sleepy. Right now I'm reading Jenna Jameson's biography. Don't judge a book by its cover, she's actually quite interesting.
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What she is looking for
|5'0" (152cms)
|5'8" (172cms) to 6'3" (190cms)
|Body type:
|About average
|About average, Athletic and toned, Stocky
|No preference
|Auburn / Red
|Auburn / Red, Black, Light brown, Dark brown, Blonde, Dark blonde
|No Way, Occasionally, Yes, but trying to quit
|Social Drinker
|Never, Social Drinker
|Other profession
|No preference
I am a cosmetologist. I make hair awesome and make people feel and look amazing. I'm in school to get my Rn I have about 2 years left.
|I'll tell you later
|No preference
|Never Married
|Never Married, Divorced
|Have kids:
|No preference
|Wants kids:
|Definitely, Someday
|White / Caucasian
|White / Caucasian
I'm about 50 percent Italian and 50 percent Irish... This means I love food and alcohol ha.
|Christian / Protestant
|Christian / Catholic, Christian / LDS, Christian / Protestant, Christian / Other
|Some college
|No preference
I have a Cosmetology license, this means I can do anything with hair kin and nails. It's actually a great career. Just recently I decided to go back to school to get my RN. So I'll be done around 2 years from now! :)


text:
by Stacy Fischer, MD Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado of Medicine Most of us will experience a time living with an advanced serious illness. For persons with cancer, this time can lead to an incredible emotional and financial strain for themselves and their caregivers. Health care has grown increasingly costly, fragmented, and the focus… Read More
Lack of Insurance Impacts Survival in CRC Patients Under 65.
Not having insurance reduces the chance that someone with colorectal cancer will live a year after their diagnosis. Even when patients from 18 to 64 have other illnesses, their insurance status makes a difference in survival. Risk of dying during that first year was 50 to 90 percent higher among the uninsured. They were more likely… Read More
Less Than a Third of Medicaid Patients Are Screened for Colorectal Cancer
When researchers reviewed medical records for Medicaid-insured people over 50, they found that only about half had colorectal cancer screening recommended to them by their doctors. But only 28 percent actually received screening. Having an on-going relationship with a doctor (medical home) made a difference. People who had been seeing their primary care doctor for more… Read More


text:
Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion - Pore Perfecting
141 reviews
38% would repurchase
Package Quality: 3.7
Price: $$$
Package Quality: 3.7
Price: $$$
Not tested on animals
Urban Decay is a Cruelty-Free Subsidiary.
INGREDIENTSDimethicone,Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer,Cyclopentasiloxane,Hexyl Laurate,Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate,PEG-10 Dimethicone,Phenoxyethanol,Stearic Acid,HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer,Alumina,Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil,Ethylhexylglycerin,Silica May Contain: CI77891 (Titanium Dioxide) (VEGAN)
on 1/10/2011 6:23:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool
Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine
Eyes: Green
I LOVE this primer. I have very large pores and oily skin, but this primer makes my skin look flawless. My make up lasts for hours with it, too. My only problem with it is the packaging. I have to unscrew the entire lid off to get it open, but it seems like it should have a smaller opening place...? If someone could message me and let me know how to open it, I'd sure appreciate it! Otherwise, this stuff is the best!
on 1/10/2011 12:01:00 AM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral
Hair: Red, Other, Other
Eyes: Blue
It took me forever to buy this product because of the price, $30 is a lot for my budget. I think I could probably find a product that's better than this or of equal quality for a better price. It does help minimize my pores but only for a short time. It helps my makeup stay on but it just doesn't have a wow factor. It's a good product but maybe it's just not for me?
on 1/9/2011 6:21:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Blond, Other, Other
Eyes: Blue
I used to use the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and not only is it $36, but it made my skin feel super greasy and oily and my makeup really didn't stay on better than it did without it. So, when I ran out, I decided to try UD because I am such a UD fan. And omg, I love it. I've only purchased it once, and that was in July or June and I still have about half left. You only need a little and it spreads evenly and makes your makeup look flawless, which is a huge plus for me because I have acne prone skin. Not only does it not make my skin oily, but my huge pores are pretty much invisible. This is such an amazing product and I recommend it to every. I have no idea why there is even a single bad review. :)
on 1/4/2011 5:31:00 PM
Age: 18 & Under
Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm
Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium
Eyes: Brown
After reading some of the reviews on here, I was very skeptical of this primer (of course, I had read the reviews AFTER I ordered it, so I was really scared that this primer was going to be awful). I'll have to admit, it was a little pricey, and the packaging might be confusing to some...but my primer had a little sticker on it, indicating how it should be opened, so I'm not sure how some people might have gotten confused. I absolutely LOVE this primer, which is great because I was expecting to hate it. I have NO problems with a white cast or blending it in. I use the tiniest amount, and it keeps whatever foundation I'm wearing on all day long. I think that some people on here are using too too much, because I don't even use a pea-sized amount. Use tiny amounts, it will still get the job done and will last you forever, which I suppose will make it worth the price. I've had it for about a month and a half, using it every day, and I haven't even made a dent in it. Fantastic primer, definitely will be a repurchase for me (:
on 12/27/2010 5:45:00 PM
Age: 18 & Under
Skin: Dry, Fair, Not Sure
Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium
Eyes: Brown
I just received this for Christmas and I love this stuff! It makes my skin feel incredibly smooth and does help my concealer stay on longer. I have dry skin and it helps my foundation not look flaky. My mom has used this as well and she has very oily skin and it works excellent for her so i'd say this works well with all skin types. The only thing I don't like about this is the part of the tube where the product comes out. It's a huge hole and you can easily get too much product. I don't know if this is only with the kind I got because I got this in a 4 pack with the eye primer, lip primer, and eyelash primer but that's the only downside of this primer to me! I love this and I would definitely buy it again
on 10/20/2010 2:14:00 AM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Warm
Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine
Eyes: Brown
I actually like this primer even though yes, it's pretty thick. I only use this on my inner cheeks though, since those are the areas where I have enlarged pores and it does make a difference (although not significantly). I find that it works best under powder foundation, not liquid. Overall, I think it's a good product but maybe a bit overpriced.
on 10/7/2010 12:03:00 AM
Age: 30-35
Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Neutral
Hair: Black, Straight, Medium
Eyes: Brown
I have acne prone skin and large pores, I really don't see any significant difference in the way this makes my skin look. It gives off a ghoulish white look on my skin tone and applies thick. It took me nearly a year to figure out how the tip opens up. The whole time I was unscrewing the cap and getting way to much product out. I will finish this product first before I try another primer, but I won't buy this again.
on 9/21/2010 9:05:00 PM
Age: 18 & Under
Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Brown, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
This stuff it awful i got it at sephora about a week ago and thought it would be amazing, but the first time i tried using it, it was extremly thick and i couldnt rub it in my face so i knew it wouldnt be a good product for me so i actually ended up taking it back because if i hadnt it would have sat in my makeup collection forever or i would try to see if my mom liked it or if not a friend cause i didnt really want it to go to waste after spending 30 dollars on it
on 9/12/2010 7:21:00 AM
Age: 30-35
Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Not Sure
Hair: Brunette, Other, Other
Eyes: Green
Really disappointed by this primer. Firstly,it's difficult to know how much to use. Too much looks like white glue on the face and too little really doesn't work. Secondly,although it's supposed to be good for oily skin i found my face even oilier after only a couple or hours. A waste of money!
on 9/11/2010 2:31:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Oily, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Brunette, Other, Other
Eyes: Blue
I might need to play around with this a little more, but so far I'm not thrilled with it. It's a bit thick and leaves a whitish cast on my skin, and doesn't actually help my makeup to apply smoother or last longer. I also find most silicon-based primers make foundation slide off or ball up after a few hours, and this doesn't seem to be an exception. I like the packaging and was very excited to see a version of my beloved Primer Potion for the whole face, but so far this isn't a win.
Popular Primer/ Correctors


text:
Follow @Gameforge_News for daily news on our games (i.e. maintenance, updates etc.), which used to be posted here on Facebook.
The Twitter account @Gameforge will keep you up to date on everything happening in and around Gameforge as a company.
@Gameforge: https://twitter.com/Gameforge @Gameforge_News: https://twitter.com/Gameforge_News
Your currently used browser is outdated and may cause display errors on this website. Please install the Chrome-Plugin or update your browser to a newer version: Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox


text:
In cultural studies the cosmic center refers to the meeting point between the heavens and the earth at the center of the universe. It often is associated with a high place perhaps in nature like a mountain or human-built like a ziggurat.
For the United States of America, New York City is the cosmic center, the crossroads of the universe, ground zero. But as New York prepares to ignore the 350th anniversary of when it became New York, it's also appropriate to remember that when New York began as New Amsterdam, no one thought of it as a city on a hill. There is a story to tell of how it turned out that way. Continue reading


text:
Stock Photo:
Mila Kunis at the world premiere of her movie "Ted" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood. June 22, 2012 Los Angeles, CA Picture: Paul Smith / Featureflash
- Image ID: 109430579
- Copyright: Featureflash
- Editorial Credit: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
Release Information:
Editorial Use Only.
Use of this image in advertising or for promotional purposes is prohibited.


text:
What is the Watertown Housing Authority?
The Watertown Housing Authority is a New York State public housing authority, subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our mission is to manage and maintain public housing developments in order to provide low income individuals decent, affordable, well-maintained housing in safe and secure environment while encouraging economic self-sufficiency.
How to Apply for Public Housing
If you are interested in applying for public housing,
contact the office either by phone, mail, fax or email.
Click here for our contact information.
Requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, found here
Application Instructions:
• Only one application per person
• Application must be filled out completely
• Applicants must provide their complete address and phone number if one is available
• Applicant will need to provide a copy of Photo ID
for all individuals 18 years of age or older
• Completed applications must be mailed or returned to:
Watertown Housing Authority
Administrative Office
142 Mechanic St., Watertown, NY 13601
What Happens Next?
Once your application has been received, it will be checked for completeness, entered into our system and you will be placed on our waiting list. As your name moves toward the top of our waiting list, you will be contacted for a pre-leasing interview to make sure that you are eligible for our program and provide updated information. If you are eligible, you will be called when an apartment with the right number of bedrooms becomes available to view. If you decide to take the apartment, then final move-in paperwork will be completed and keys will be issued.
For more information on eligibility, public housing and the WHA mission,
visit the About / FAQ page


text:
Play Video
Teacher got owned
Posted by niels10 on Sep. 17, 2007
Break celebrates 4th of July the American Way: by laying the smack down on ...
With the 4th of July around the corner, we celebrate the most kick-ass USA ...
Dude, are you drunk AND high? Or are you just being PRANKED?!
Posted by niels10 on Sep. 17, 2007