Project Management Processes
Project Management Processes
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Rev. 2/14
Introduction 5
Project Management Introductory Concepts 8
Management Framework and Processes 9
Project Integration Management 47
Monitoring and Controlling the Project 55
Closing the Project 122
All Domains: Cross-Cutting Knowledge and Skills 164
Professional and Social Responsibilities 172
Recommended but not included with the course is the PMI book:
A Guide To The Project Management Body of Knowledge 5th Edition,
(PMBOK Guide) which may be purchased at: www.pmi.org.
3. Read Closing the Project from this guide, along with the
following PMBOK Guide Sections: 4.6, 12.4. Complete the
online web-based test on Closing.
Characteristically, a project:
is temporary
creates unique products, services, or results
provides progressive elaboration
*This definition is taken from the Glossary of the Project Management Institute,
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK Guide) Fifth
Edition, Project Management Institute, Inc., 2013.
Copyright PM Educate / Virtual Course
Providers LLC. All Rights Reserved 10
Both projects and operations:
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT:
The project scope begins as a general idea with end goals and
objectives. It becomes more detailed as the team develops a
structured breakdown of the project, identifying specific details.
project acceptance
a specified test or implementation period after tasks or work is
completed status changes (upon individual phase completions)
assured satisfaction, or end of a production run.
The project life cycle may be just one phase of a product life cycle.
performance
time
cost
Note: Performance and schedule concerns are typically more important than
cost during all stages, because they determine quality and timely completion.
INTERMEDIATE PHASE
INITIAL FINAL
Cost
PHASE PHASE
&
Staffing
Level
TIME
% PROJECT
COMPLETION
QUICK
SLOW PROGRESSION
START
0% PROJECT
BEGIN PROJECT TIME
LEVEL
OF
EFFORT
PROJECT
TIME
Stakeholder
Influence
Cost of Changes
LOW
PROJECT TIME
Source: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK
Guide Guide), 5th Edition (2013, Project Management Institute, all rights
reserved)
communicating
motivating
leading
coaching
administering procedures
conflict resolution
All managers perform similar duties in directing resources for which they are
accountable. These duties are known as FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT, which
include the functional responsibilities of:
planning
organizing
controlling
monitoring
Successful project managers are also adept at conflict and stress management.
project performance
successful project completion
interpersonal skills
general management as well as project management
practical applications of knowledge, standards, and regulations
the project environment
competency
accurate and timely communications
alerting upper management and recommending alternative solutions
when technical, cost, or schedule objectives or contractual
obligations are not being met
proper resource utilization
Power & Control Directly related to job description & position on A function of clout, influence,
the organizational chart connections, impressions
Reward System Sharing or withholding benefits based on Reflected by status within the group
contribution and loyalty to the org
Status & Symbols Differentiation between employees on various Higher status individuals are recognized
levels
Communications Formal communications following the chain of The grapevine might reinforce or distract
command from formal communication
Organizational Norms Formal rules, policies, procedures enforced Desire to fit in with peers; conform
Discipline Enforced per formal policies & procedures Group acceptance and enforcement
through rewards
through a social system which provides standards and procedures
and social norms
through influencing employee behavior and performance
formal structures
more objective and impartial in hiring, firing and promoting
focused on technical expertise rather than connections, social status
or family ties
governed by detailed rules and regulations
ENTREPRENURIAL CULTURES:
inhibit success
have difficulty prioritizing
have weak or no leadership
lack daily organizational routines
PMOs may be found in all types of organizations. However, they are more
predominantly found in PROJECTIZED and STRONG MATRIX types of
organizations that have more open environments and structures.
Project Management Part time Part time Full time Full time Full time
Administrative Staff
Source: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide Guide), 5th Edition (2013, Project Management
Institute, all rights reserved)
Initiating
Planning
Monitoring
Controlling
Closing
integrative
integrated
defined according to Process Group.
The purpose of the project management process is to:
initiate
plan
execute
monitor and control
close the project
The project manager and team determine what processes from the process
groups will be implemented to achieve the desired objective. The concept for the
interaction among the project management processes is the PLAN-DO-CHECK-
ACT Cycle.
Schedule (or Time): The project must be completed in the agreed upon
time period
Budget: The project has limited funds
Resources: The project has limited human, natural, or technological
resources
Quality: The project must meet certain quality requirements
Risk: The project must operate within acceptable levels of risk
Scope: The project must operate within the project scope as defined
Limiting project resources can impact project completion and the project
schedule
Limiting the project budget for resource spending can limit project
resources and also impact the project schedule
Increasing quality requirements for project deliverables can impact the
project budget
Altering the project scope can impact the project schedule and budget
Decreasing the tolerance for risk can impact the project budget and
schedule
To do this and maintain a degree of efficiency, the project manager must know:
The project manager should focus on performance reliability and quality. When the
project system needs to be corrected or repaired, it must be done efficiently and cost
effectively.
Unforeseen obstacles arise during a project. All project life cycle phases can
experience conflicts. In the early project life-cycle, project elements are adjusting
to each other, and issues for debate may include:
project feasibility
basic project planning
objectives
proposed scope
Schedules create the most conflict, as projects have firm deadlines which must be
met. Schedule slips might have occurred in previous phases that caused project
completion to be off-target.
Personality conflicts are the second biggest reason for conflict during close out.
When conflict arises between team members that results in delays in the project,
the project manager should focus on objective criteria and options for mutual gain.
The project manager that tries to avoid conflict is inviting disaster. The project
manager must focus on objective criteria for the project, as well as listen to
information needed to find a win-win. They must seek the most practical
resolution, so project execution can move forward.
scope analysis
product requirement documentation
measuring and monitoring the project and products
analyzing project risks
Note that project deliverables may also need to be integrated with operations.
Integration may be required with the performing organizations operations or
those of the customers organization. Integration can also encompass ensuring
the project is consistent with long term strategic planning for the organization.
The following knowledge and skills are specific for this domain and are
necessary to possess in order to execute the tasks in Domain 4:
collecting
measuring
disseminating performance information
Continually monitoring the project helps keep the project (schedule and cost)
on-track, and identifies areas requiring special and immediate attention (quality
control). Monitoring also aids in mitigating pre-determined areas of risk.
initiate
plan
execute
close out a project
The EARNED VALUE TECHNIQUE, often called the earning rules and crediting
method, is used to measure performance throughout the project to closure. It
provides a means of forecasting future performance based on similar past
performance.
FORECASTS are estimates of future conditions and events of the project that are
based on information and knowledge available at the time. They are revised,
updated, and reissued based on work performance information provided as the
project is executed. Project work performance used for forecasting is based on
past and expected future performance information that can impact the project.
The information may include the estimate at completion and/or the estimate to
complete.
scope
schedule
cost
quality
risk
procurement
TIME AND COST REPORTING SYSTEMS are used to record and provide time and
cost expended for the project.
Variance Analysis: This is a look back at what may have caused a difference
between the baseline and actual performance. The process may vary depending
on the application area, standard used and the industry, but the common steps
are:
1. Verify the information quality to make sure it is complete, consistent
and credible when comparing with other project information.
3. Determine the impact the variances may have on the cost and
schedule of the project and well as in other areas.
The objective of this task is to ensure the revised project goals are met.
PERFORMANCE REPORTS are the input control tools that provide the project
manager information about interim deliverables as they are completed. They
provide:
summarized work performance information
earned value management parameters and calculations
analyses of project work progress and status
PERFORMANCE FORMATS which are used to show current schedule status include:
bar charts, S-curves
histograms
tables
project schedule network diagrams
documentation
tracking systems
approval levels necessary for authorizing changes
Revisions to the cost and schedule baselines and component documents are
made to the project management plan, providing approved change requests
impact the project scope.
COST CONTROL INPUTS the project manager uses in the cost control process
include:
the cost variance compares only deviations from the budget and does
not include a measured comparison between work scheduled and
work accomplished
the scheduling variance only compares planned and actual
performance, and does not include costs.
THE COST CHANGE CONTROL SYSTEM defines how costs are documented,
tracked, controlled, changed, and approved.
THE PLANNED VALUE (PV) is that portion of the approved total cost estimate to be
spent on an activity during a given period.
THE EARNED VALUE (EV) is the estimated value of the work ACTUALLY completed
on a schedule activity or WBS component.
THE ACTUAL COST (AC) is the total cost incurred in accomplishing the work on
the schedule activity or WBS component, and must correspond in definition and
coverage to whatever was budgeted for the PV and EV.
THE COST VARIANCE (CV) = EARNED VALUE (EV) ACTUAL COST (AC).
Formula: CV = EV - AC
The cost variance at the end of the project will be the difference between the budget at
completion (BAC) and the actual amount spent.
When graphed, the combined AC, EV, PV, and BAC "S-curves" integrate project scope,
cost, and schedule measures to give the project management team a visual of
performance.
The ETC is based on a typical variances approach which is used when current
variances are considered to be different or uncommon, and the project
management team does not expect similar variances to occur in the future.
EAC = BAC / cumulative CPI EAC forecast for ETC work performed at
present CPI
EAC = AC + [(BAC EV) / (cumulative CPI EAC forecast for ETC work including both
x cumulative SPI)] SPI and CPI factors
TCPI = (BAC EV) / (BAC AC) TCPI based on the BAC
TCPI = (BAC EV) / (EAC AC) TCPI based on the EAC
COST AND SCHEDULE VARIANCES are most often analyzed. However, variances
from project scope, resources, quality, and risk are also important.
THE EARNED VALUE TECHNIQUE compares actual project performance with the
planned performance.
Guidelines for managing cost variances for major and minor problems are
part of VARIANCE MANAGEMENT.
The objective of this task is to manage the impact of risk on the project.
The objective of this task is to minimize impact on the project schedule, costs,
and resources.
Controlling costs and schedules are other areas where corrective action is
assessed. For example, when comparing cost or schedule performance
baselines with actual results, a project manager may determine if corrective
action is necessary.
The objective of this task is to ensure the project aligns with the business
needs.
ISSUE LOGS, OR ACTION-ITEM LOGS are used to document and monitor the
resolution of issues. Stakeholder requirements are identified and resolved, and
entered into the issues log.
priorities
expectations
guidelines
quality
a certain satisfaction rating
any others needed to meet project needs
Read the following PMBOK Guide Sections: 4.4, 4.5, 5.5, 5.6, 6.7, 7.4, 8.3,
10.3, 11.6, 12.3, 13.4,
TAKE THE WEB-BASED TESTS ON MONITORING & CONTROLLING BEFORE
PROCEEDING FURTHER.
NOTE: Students will encounter questions from A) the PMBOK Guide, B) the Study Guide,
and C) questions that are not in either the PMBOK Guide or Study Guide, throughout all
tests. The purpose of category C questions is to have students synthesize what they have
learned along with their own project management experience to determine the best answer.
The following knowledge areas and skills are specific for this domain and are
necessary to possess in order to execute the tasks in Domain 5:
The objective of this task is to confirm that the project scope and deliverables
were met.
Having clear deliverables and acceptance criteria defined from the beginning of
the project help to make the acceptance process easier. When drafting the
acceptance criteria, write a clause such that if the sponsor does not respond
according to the time specified for acceptance, the deliverables will be deemed as
accepted.
Project name
Document name
Date submitted
Date Accepted
Comments area
The Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) is used to maintain the scope of the
project by connecting each project requirement to the deliverables. The RTM is
used throughout all project phases.
Sample
Verification
The closing process can easily become disorganized if mishandled. The transfer
of the project to the stakeholders must be managed carefully. Once final
acceptance of the deliverables is acknowledged, it is a good practice to use a
transition plan, which is usually developed during the initial planning stages of the
project.
Project documentation
Contract administration
Finalizing financial matters
Program management
Marketing
A final management review should take place with both the stakeholders and
project team, officially transferring the project to the stakeholders.
1. Compile all final contract documents with revision, waivers and related
documents
The termination and closure of a project can be an intense process. Many times, a
termination manager may be used to help the project manager close the project.
In general, here are some basic areas to manage in order to ensure that all the
financial, legal, and administrative aspects of the project are properly closed:
Notify the client of project completion and ensure the product is delivered and
accepted
Make sure all final billings are cleared for payment and invoices are sent to the
client
Redistribute personnel, materials, equipment, and any resources used for this
project back to its owners
Meet with legal counsel or consultants and ensure the project has cleared any
legal hurdles and document and archive related documents
Meet with accounting and oversee how the project books are closed
Contract terms and conditions can prescribe specific procedures for contract
closure.
The objective of this task is to provide the final project status to all
stakeholders.
Status of critical tasksan update on those tasks that are critical to the
completion of the project
Risk assessmentwhat risks may affect the project timeline, budget or quality
A review database should be implemented, and it should house the findings of the
review. It should also be accessible as a knowledge base for management and
other project managers to see. How the system is set up will depend on the
organizations policy.
View of receivables and payables, giving better control over expenses and
revenues
Track financial errors quickly
Ability for project to be audited
Here are some basic accounting principles a project manager should know:
Activity Based Cost management analyzes the project in terms of the following:
1. Include the project review as an activity openly disclosed in the project plan. It
should also be a deliverable on the work breakdown structure.
Go back and review Task 2: Manage changes to project scope- Control Costs
section in the previous domain for details on the earned value method.
Many organizations have archiving processes in place and outline the steps project
managers must take in order to archive their projects. Many times, the format will
be electronic.
There should be a standard list of documents that should only go into the
archive
Convert all paper documents that will be archived into the correct archiving
format
There should be an archive manager who reviews all files before they go into
archive
Here are some basic question/categories that will help determine customer
satisfaction through a survey:
1. Always begin with a positive statement and focus on a good trait first
2. Define the desired behavior and the gap that needs correcting
3. Ask the participant what they can do in order to decrease or eliminate the gap
4. Make a plan
Developing and implementing these skills will help the project manager
experience greater success managing projects.
Many of these skills, techniques, and methods are use in normal day-to-day
business activities. Most are not exclusive to project management.
A project manager has to possess many of these skills due to the political and
human nature of managing projects in an organization.
That is why many of the skills listed on the Cross-Cutting Knowledge and Skills list
deal with the ability to interact with people.
The following are skills from the list that relate to dealing with and managing people:
Active listening
Conflict resolution
Cultural sensitivity and diversity
Leadership tools and techniques
Negotiating
Relationship management
Team motivation methods
A project manager lacking interpersonal skills may find it difficult to organize and
lead a project. That is why seeking additional training in these areas is essential for
the project manager.
On the Cross-Cutting Knowledge and Skills list, there are several areas that deal
in analysis-both numeric and political.
The following are areas from the list that relate to analytical skills:
Data gathering techniques
Decision making techniques
Information management tools, techniques, and methods
Prioritization/time management
Problem solving tools and techniques
Project management software
Stakeholder analysis
On the Cross-Cutting Knowledge and Skills list, there are several areas that
deal in communication.
The following are skills from the list that relate to this area:
Brainstorming techniques
Facilitation
Oral and written communication techniques, channels, and applications
Presentation tools and techniques
Targeting communication to intended audiences
TIPS ARE BRIBES when they are paid to government officials. BRIBERY is a
remuneration for performance of an act inconsistent with a work contract or
nature of the work to be performed. Bribes are often tied to conflicts of
interest.
KICKBACKS are percentage payments and gratuities that are outright gifts and
money.
Workers obligations to the firm, coworkers, and outside parties are based on:
code violations
injury
legalities
When there are gaps in the scope statement, it is the sponsor and customer
who created the scope statement that should address them. Tasks should
not be added without the sponsors and customers approval, since they
were involved in creating the scope statement.
UTILITARIANISM states that the morally right action is the one that provides
the greatest happiness for everyone affected (company, employees,
customers).
The theory of ENTITLEMENT states that the distribution of goods, money, and
property is just, if people are entitled to what they have and have acquired it
without violating the rights of others.
COMMUNICATIONS
BENEFITS: Rest, vacations and leisure used to be rewards for hard work, and
not necessarily given for seniority or as part of an employment incentive
package. Younger workers typically work to live, rather than live to work and
save. Most employees (particularly those under forty-five) believe the
psychology of entitlement. Entitlement states that individuals are entitled to a
secure and decent job, dignified retirement, suitable housing, healthcare,
and a clean and safe work environment.
The manager has a social responsibility (to employees and individuals) as well
as a corporate responsibility. Policies and codes must be enforced, followed
up with training, education, sufficient monitoring, and discipline with
consequences for continued infractions.
SITUATION CONTROL is the amount of control and influence the manager has
in his or her immediate work environment.
It is very important to know how, when and what kind of power to exert to get
the best results. POSITION POWER refers to the amount of power and authority
the leader has in determining rewards and punishment. Position power is used
in an effort to obtain compliance from subordinates.
Managers and leaders obtain their power similarly to how they obtain their
authority. Some individuals assume it, while others have it bestowed upon them
either by the organization, higher-ups, or by their followers. LEADERSHIP POWER
may come from a personal or a positional source.
Managers and/or leaders who have a strong EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL act
to make the workplace into a more productive environment and also make
employees' attitudes and behaviors more positive. They begin by responsibly
taking charge of situations, changing the environment and employees, and
interjecting new methods and practices. They establish their sub code of
norms, mores, and values.
Coaching teaches critical thinking about ideas and behaviors regarding a subject.
Problem-solving techniques allow the individual latitude to decide which method
is personally the best for them. The greatest benefits of coaching are that the
subordinate can see the results of the decisions they make almost immediately.
Coaching stresses that all managers become responsible for developing
subordinates, and for increasing their knowledge. It is extremely important that
the coach does not pass along false or incorrect information, or neglect the
training program altogether.
MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES
Moral issues that arise during interviewing generally have to do with how the
interview was conducted. Personnel management cautions interviewers against
being rude, hostile, coarse, or condescending. Interviewers tend to gravitate to
those they identify with and develop bias toward those they do not.
TESTING is an integral part of the hiring process, especially with large firms. To
be successful, however, a test must be valid and reliable. It must measure the
consistent quality of the candidate.
Typically, the more women who work in a particular occupation (i.e.: nursing,
childcare, office administration, etc.) the less it pays. COMPARABLE WORTH
advocates contend that traditionally women's occupations have demonstrated a
bias and discriminatory wage system, keeping their pay considerably lower than
that of male occupations which require comparable education, skills, and
responsibilities.