Project Management (Assignment 1)

1.

Why is there a new or renewed interest in the field of project management? The project management field has evolved in the past 20+ years. “Until the 1980’s, project management primarily focused on providing schedule and resource data to top management in the military”. Now the field has expanded and has added greater responsibility. I don’t think there are many fields out there that don’t utilize some form of project management to implement or update new equipment, ideas, or software.

2. What is a project, and what are its main attributes? How is a project different from what most people do in their day-to-day jobs? What is the triple constraint? A project is “a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result”. Basically, it’s a task that can be large or small and can use little or many resources to complete. It can take a little time or can be a lengthy process to complete depending on the task at hand. Projects are different from what people do during their day-to-day lives because a daily routine is part of the operation of their business. It’s something that will always be done to complete their daily work. A project is something that is temporary and is used to improve the business. The triple constraint is the three main pieces of a project that have set limitations. Scope, time, and cost goals are those three main pieces. Even though they have set limitations they are still considered goals and can be shortened or lengthened by the company at any time for any reason. The scope is basically the task at hand including the product and services that will be used. The time is the length of time it should take to complete the project. Lastly, the cost is how much the project is projected to cost (The budget). 3. What is project management? Briefly describe the project management framework, providing examples of stakeholders, knowledge areas, tools and techniques, and project success factors. Project management is “the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements”. The project management framework is basically anyone that is affected by this project. People like the project team, users, customers, company staff, supplies, the sponsor of the project, etc. There are 4 core functions, which include the triple constraint (scope of management, time management, and cost management) and quality management. The quality management basically says that the work will be up to a specific standard set forth by the sponsor. Then the facility functions,

which include human resource management, communication management, risk management, and procurement management. Human resource management is exactly that, effectively utilizing the human resources you have available to you. Communication management is making sure you have constant communication throughout the project so you can direct your resources in the right areas at the right time. Risk management is identifying, analyzing, and responding to possible risks or hazards so you are able to react accordingly. Lastly, procurement management is the management of acquiring products and materials from your company and outside vendors for the project. There are many tools and techniques out there for project management. These items include, but are not limited to, computer software, spreadsheets, reports, charts, checklists, diagrams, etc. There are many different ways to judge success or failure. Some examples are the main objectives were met or surpassed, the project result satisfied the customer/sponsor, or the project met the triple constraint. 4. What is a program? What is a project portfolio? Discuss the relationship between projects, programs, and portfolio management and the contributions they each make to enterprise success. A program is “a group of related projects managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually”. Or, grouping projects together to be more economical which saves time, money, and resources. Project and program management are considered more tactical (i.e. are the projects running smoothly and according to plan?) where portfolio management is more strategic (i.e. are we working on the right project? Is our money being invested in the correct areas?) 5. What is the role of the project manager? What are suggested skills for all project managers and for information technology project managers? Why is leadership so important for project managers? How is the job market for information technology project managers? Obviously the main role is to complete the assigned project according to the triple constraint. Project managers need to have a wide variety of skills so they can approach each project differently. Four of the most common skills needed are application knowledge, project environment knowledge, general management skills, and human relations skills. Leadership is very important because you are in control of the project and need to know how to direct people and plan correctly for each project. Project managers are predicted to be the “highest demanded job in the next 2 to five years”.

6. Briefly describe some key events in the history of project management. What role does the Project Management Institute play in helping the profession? There are many key events in the history of project management. The Manhattan Project was a huge $2 billion that the military led to develop nuclear bombs. Another historical even that directly affects project management is the Gannt Chart. This chart is still used today to help schedule every step in project management. The PMI has helped project managers since it was founded in 1969. 7. What function can you perform with project management software? What are some popular names of low-end, midrange, and high-end project management tools? Low-end software like MinuteMan and Project Kickstart are great inexpensive programs that allow you to do Gantt Charts a lot easier than current productivity software. Midrange is a small step up from the inexpensive products but can do a few extra things that can be vital in the project management world. Not only can you make Gantt Charts, you can also make network diagrams. These programs can assist in critical analysis, resource allocation, and project tracking as well. Finally, high-end products allow you to do almost anything. I think you’d only use higher end products when you’re working on multiple projects or portfolios.