LEC 1

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What is the growing need for better project management, especially for information technology (IT) projects?
The growing need for better project management, especially for information technology (IT) projects, is driven
by the increasing complexity and importance of IT projects in organizations.

Explain what a project is and provide examples of IT projects.

A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. Examples of IT
projects include developing a smartphone application, creating a driverless car, developing a system to track
child immunizations, and consolidating systems and procedures for a global bank.

List various attributes of projects.

Various attributes of projects include having a unique purpose, being temporary, being developed using
progressive elaboration, requiring resources from various areas, having a primary customer or sponsor, and
involving uncertainty.

Describe the triple constraint of project management.

The triple constraint of project management refers to the three key factors that must be balanced in a
project: scope, time, and cost. Changes to one factor will impact the other two factors.

What is project management?

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to
meet project requirements.

Discuss the key elements of the project management framework.

The key elements of the project management framework include project stakeholders, the project
management knowledge areas, common tools and techniques, and project success.

What is the relationship between project, program, and portfolio management?

Project management focuses on managing individual projects, program management involves managing a
group of related projects to obtain benefits and control, and portfolio management involves managing a
collection of programs and projects to achieve strategic objectives.

What is the role of project managers?

Project managers are responsible for leading and managing projects to meet project goals. They work with
project sponsors, project teams, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.

What skills do project managers need?

Project managers need a combination of technical, leadership, and communication skills. They should be
able to manage resources, make decisions, solve problems, and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

What are the career opportunities for IT project managers?

IT project managers have various career opportunities in industries such as technology, consulting,
healthcare, finance, and government. They can work as project managers, program managers, or portfolio
managers.

What is the growing need for better project management, especially for information technology (IT) projects?
The growing need for better project management, especially for information technology (IT) projects, is driven
by factors such as the increasing complexity of IT projects, the need to deliver projects on time and within
budget, and the high failure rate of IT projects.
List various attributes of projects.
Various attributes of projects include having a unique purpose, being temporary, requiring resources from
various areas, having a primary customer or sponsor, and involving uncertainty.

What is the role of project managers?

Project managers are responsible for leading and managing projects to meet project goals. They work with
project sponsors, project teams, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.

What is project portfolio management?

Project portfolio management is the practice of grouping and managing projects and programs as a portfolio
of investments that contribute to the entire enterprise's success.

How do portfolio managers help organizations?

Portfolio managers help organizations make wise investment decisions by selecting and analyzing projects
from a strategic perspective.

What is a best practice in project management?

A best practice is an optimal way recognized by the industry to achieve a stated goal or objective.

What are the two basic principles of project management suggested by Robert Butrick?
The two basic principles suggested by Robert Butrick are: 1) Make sure your projects are driven by your
strategy, and 2) Engage your stakeholders.

What are some responsibilities included in most project management job descriptions?
Some responsibilities included in most project management job descriptions are planning, scheduling,
coordinating, and working with people to achieve project goals.

What are the four areas of knowledge and skills required for project management?
The four areas of knowledge and skills required for project management are: 1) Application area knowledge,
standards, and regulations, 2) Project environment knowledge, 3) General management knowledge and
skills, and 4) Soft skills or human relations skills.

What are some important people skills for project managers?

Some important people skills for project managers are: 1) Leadership, 2) Listening, 3) Integrity and ethical
behavior, 4) Building trust, 5) Verbal communication, 6) Building teams, 7) Conflict resolution, 8) Critical
thinking and problem solving, and 9) Balancing priorities.

What skills are important for large projects, high uncertainty projects, and very novel projects?
For large projects, important skills include leadership, relevant prior experience, planning, people skills,
verbal communication, and teambuilding skills. For high uncertainty projects, important skills include risk
management, expectation management, leadership, people skills, and planning skills. For very novel
projects, important skills include leadership, people skills, having vision and goals, self-confidence,
expectation management, and listening skills.

What is the difference between a leader and a manager in project management?

A leader focuses on long-term goals and big-picture objectives while inspiring people to reach those goals. A
manager deals with the day-to-day details of meeting specific goals. Project managers often take on the role
of both leader and manager.

Why is project management knowledge and skills important even for technical roles?
Even for technical roles, project management knowledge and skills are important to help the team and
organization succeed.

What is project portfolio management?

Project portfolio management is the practice of grouping and managing projects and programs as a portfolio
of investments that contribute to the success of the entire enterprise.

How do portfolio managers help organizations?

Portfolio managers help organizations make wise investment decisions by selecting and analyzing projects
from a strategic perspective.

What is a best practice in project management?

A best practice is an optimal way recognized by the industry to achieve a stated goal or objective.

What are the two basic principles of project management suggested by Robert Butrick?
The two basic principles suggested by Robert Butrick are: 1) Make sure your projects are driven by your
strategy and 2) Engage your stakeholders.

What are some responsibilities included in most project management job descriptions?
Some responsibilities included in most project management job descriptions are planning, scheduling,
coordinating, and working with people to achieve project goals.

What are the four knowledge areas of project management?

The four knowledge areas of project management are: 1) Application area knowledge, standards, and
regulations, 2) Project environment knowledge, 3) General management knowledge and skills, and 4) Soft
skills or human relations skills.

What are some important people skills for project managers?

Some important people skills for project managers are: 1) Leadership, 2) Listening, 3) Integrity and ethical
behavior, 4) Building trust, 5) Verbal communication, 6) Teambuilding, 7) Conflict resolution, 8) Critical
thinking and problem solving, and 9) Balancing priorities.

What skills are important for different types of projects?

For large projects, leadership, relevant prior experience, planning, people skills, verbal communication, and
teambuilding skills are most important. For high uncertainty projects, risk management, expectation
management, leadership, people skills, and planning skills are most important. For very novel projects,
leadership, people skills, having vision and goals, self-confidence, expectation management, and listening
skills are most important.

What is the role of a project manager?

A project manager provides leadership by example and focuses on long-term goals and big-picture
objectives while inspiring people to reach those goals. They also deal with the day-to-day details of meeting
specific goals. Project managers often take on the role of both leader and manager.

Why is project management knowledge and skills important?

Project management knowledge and skills are important because the profession of project management is
growing rapidly. Even in technical roles, project management knowledge and skills are necessary to help
teams and organizations.

What are some of the hottest skills in IT according to a 2014 survey?

According to a 2014 survey, some of the hottest skills in IT are: 1) Programming and application
development, 2) Project management, 3) Help desk/technical support, 4) Security/compliance governance,
5) Web development, 6) Database administration, 7) Business intelligence/analytics, 8) Mobile application
and device management, 9) Networking, and 10) Big data.

What is the Project Management Institute (PMI)?

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is an international professional society for project managers. It
provides certification programs, communities of practices, and resources for project management
professionals.

What is the certification provided by PMI?

PMI provides certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP). To earn PMP certification,
applicants must have sufficient project experience, agree to follow a code of ethics, and pass the PMP exam.

Why is ethics important in project management?

Ethics is important in project management because project managers often face ethical dilemmas. PMI's
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct guides project managers in making ethical decisions.

What are the three main categories of project management tools?

The three main categories of project management tools are: 1) Low-end tools, which handle single or smaller
projects and cost under $200 per user, 2) Midrange tools, which handle multiple projects and users and cost
$200-$1,000 per user, and 3) High-end tools, also known as enterprise project management software, which
are licensed on a per-user basis.

What is a project?
A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

What is project management?

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to
meet project requirements.

What is a program?
A program is a group of related projects managed in a coordinated way.

What is project portfolio management?

Project portfolio management involves organizing and managing projects and programs as a portfolio of
investments.

What is the role of project managers?

Project managers play a key role in helping projects and organizations succeed.

How is the project management profession growing?

The project management profession is growing rapidly and continues to mature.

What are some historical examples of projects?

Some historical examples of projects include building the Egyptian pyramids, the Great Wall of China, and
the Manhattan Project.

What is a Project Management Office (PMO)?

A Project Management Office (PMO) is an organizational group responsible for coordinating the project
management function throughout an organization.

What are some global dynamics forcing organizations to rethink their practices?
Some global dynamics forcing organizations to rethink their practices include talent development for project
and program managers, good project portfolio management in tight economic conditions, core competencies
in basic project management techniques, adoption of agile approaches, and benefits realization of projects
as a key metric.

LEC 2
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What is the systems view of project management and how does it apply to information technology (IT)
projects?
The systems view of project management is a holistic approach that considers the project within the context
of the organization. It recognizes that projects are part of a larger system and that changes in one part of the
system can impact other parts. This view is particularly relevant to IT projects because they often involve
integrating various systems and technologies.

Why are stakeholder management and top management commitment critical for a project's success?
Stakeholder management is important because projects involve various individuals and groups with different
interests and expectations. By effectively managing stakeholders, project managers can ensure their needs
are met and gain their support. Top management commitment is crucial because it provides the necessary
resources, authority, and support for the project to succeed.

What is the difference between project development and product development?

Project development refers to the process of managing and executing a specific project, while product
development involves the creation and improvement of a product or service. Project development is
temporary and has a defined start and end date, while product development is ongoing and focuses on
continuous improvement.

What are some recent trends affecting IT project management?

Some recent trends affecting IT project management include globalization, outsourcing, virtual teams, and
agile project management. Globalization has increased the complexity of IT projects by requiring
coordination across different countries and cultures. Outsourcing has become common, with organizations
hiring external vendors to handle certain aspects of IT projects. Virtual teams, composed of members from
different locations, have become more prevalent. Agile project management has gained popularity for its
flexible and iterative approach to project execution.

Why is it important for senior managers to ensure that projects continue to support current business needs?
Senior managers play a crucial role in aligning projects with the organization's strategic goals and ensuring
that they continue to support current business needs. By regularly evaluating projects and their alignment
with business objectives, senior managers can make informed decisions about resource allocation and
project prioritization.

What is the systems approach to management and problem solving?

The systems approach emerged in the 1950s as a more analytical approach to management and problem
solving. It consists of three parts: systems philosophy, systems analysis, and systems management.
Systems philosophy provides an overall model for thinking about things as systems. Systems analysis is a
problem-solving approach that considers the interrelationships and interactions within a system. Systems
management addresses business, technological, and organizational issues before making changes to
systems.

What are the three basic organizational structures commonly used in project management?
The three basic organizational structures commonly used in project management are functional, project, and
matrix. In a functional structure, functional managers report to the CEO and have authority over their
respective departments. In a project structure, program managers report to the CEO and have authority over
the projects they manage. In a matrix structure, personnel often report to two or more bosses, creating a
balance between functional and project structures.

What is organizational culture and why is it important?

Organizational culture refers to the shared assumptions, values, and behaviors that characterize the
functioning of an organization. It is important because it influences how people within the organization
behave and make decisions. A strong and positive organizational culture can enhance project success by
promoting collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose.

What percentage of IT projects were considered successful in terms of meeting scope, time, and cost goals
according to a study?
According to a study on IT project failure, only one in eight (12.5 percent) of the 214 projects examined were
considered successful in terms of meeting scope, time, and cost goals.

What is organizational culture and why is it important?

Organizational culture refers to the shared assumptions, values, and behaviors that characterize the
functioning of an organization. It influences how people within the organization think, behave, and make
decisions. Organizational culture is important because it shapes the attitudes and actions of employees,
affects their motivation and commitment, and influences the overall performance and success of the
organization.

What are the four frames of organizations and how can they help meet stakeholder needs?
The four frames of organizations are structural, human resources, political, and symbolic. The structural
frame focuses on roles, responsibilities, and formal relationships within the organization. The human
resources frame emphasizes the needs and capabilities of individuals and the importance of employee
development. The political frame recognizes the existence of power dynamics and the influence of different
stakeholders. The symbolic frame looks at the organization as a system of shared meanings and symbols. By
considering these frames, project managers can better understand and address the needs and expectations
of various stakeholders.

Why is top management commitment important for project managers?

Top management commitment is important for project managers because it provides the necessary
resources, support, and authority to lead and execute projects successfully. Without top management
commitment, project managers may face challenges in obtaining resources, making decisions, and
overcoming organizational barriers. Top management commitment also signals the importance of the project
to the organization and helps secure buy-in from other stakeholders.

What are some ways in which top management can support project managers?
Top management can support project managers by providing adequate resources, approving unique project
needs in a timely manner, getting cooperation from other parts of the organization, and mentoring and
coaching on leadership issues. By ensuring that project managers have the necessary resources and
support, top management can help create an environment conducive to project success.

What are some key factors in stakeholder management?

Some key factors in stakeholder management include identifying and understanding all project stakeholders,
their interests, and their influence on the project. It is important to establish open and effective
communication channels with stakeholders, involve them in decision-making processes, and address their
concerns and expectations. Building positive relationships and managing conflicts among stakeholders are
also critical. Stakeholder management requires ongoing monitoring and adjustment throughout the project
lifecycle.

What is IT governance and why is it important in organizations?

IT governance refers to the authority and control for key IT activities in organizations, including IT
infrastructure, IT use, and project management. It is important because it helps ensure that IT investments
and initiatives align with the organization's objectives and priorities. IT governance provides a framework for
decision-making, accountability, and risk management in IT projects. Without proper governance,
organizations may face challenges such as ineffective use of IT resources, lack of coordination, and
increased risks of project failure.

What should a project successfully pass through in order to continue to the next phase?
Each of the project phases

What are management reviews also called?

Phase exits or kill points

What is the purpose of management reviews?

To evaluate the project's progress, likely success, and continued compatibility with organizational goals

According to Thomas Edison, what is the key to success?

Knowing when to stop beating a dead horse

What is a common practice in organizations to help keep projects on track?

Using an executive steering committee

What are some characteristics of IT projects?

They can be very diverse in terms of size, complexity, products produced, application area, and resource
requirements. IT project team members often have diverse backgrounds and skill sets. IT projects use
diverse technologies that change rapidly.

What are some challenges of managing global IT projects?

Communications, trust, common work practices, and tools

What are some suggestions for managing global IT projects?

Employ greater project discipline, think global but act local, keep project momentum going, and use newer
tools and technology

How can organizations remain competitive by using outsourcing?

By finding ways to reduce costs
What is the disadvantage of a virtual team?
Increasing the dependence on technology to accomplish work

What is the purpose of management reviews?

To evaluate the project's progress, likely success, and continued compatibility with organizational goals

What is the role of an executive steering committee in project management?

To help keep projects on track

What are some characteristics of IT projects?

They can be very diverse in terms of size, complexity, products produced, application area, and resource
requirements

What are some challenges faced by IT project team members?

They often have diverse backgrounds and skill sets, and they use diverse technologies that change rapidly

What are some factors that help virtual teams succeed?

Team processes, trust/relationships, leadership style, and team member selection

What are some advantages of outsourcing?

Reducing costs, increasing competitiveness and responsiveness, providing more expertise and flexibility,and
increasing the work/life balance for team members

What is Agile project management?

A method based on iterative and incremental development, in which requirements and solutions evolve
through collaboration

According to the quote, what is the key to success in information technology?

The key to success in information technology is to recognize a dead horse before it starts to smell and to be
able to get off failing projects.

What are the advantages of virtual teams?

Advantages of virtual teams include increasing competitiveness and responsiveness, lowering costs,
providing more expertise and flexibility, and increasing work/life balance for team members. However, virtual
teams can also lead to isolation, communication problems, reduced networking opportunities, and
increased dependence on technology.

What does Agile mean in project management?

Agile means being able to move quickly and easily. In project management, Agile refers to a method based on
iterative and incremental development, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration.

What is the Manifesto for Agile Software Development?

The Manifesto for Agile Software Development is a set of values that prioritize individuals and interactions,
working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change over processes, tools, comprehensive
documentation, and contract negotiation.

What is Scrum?
Scrum is an agile development method that is used for completing projects with a complex, innovative scope
of work. The term was coined in 1986 and is inspired by the scrum formation used by rugby teams.
What is Kanban?
Kanban is a technique that can be used in conjunction with Scrum. It was developed by Toyota Motor
Corporation and uses visual cues in the form of Kanban cards to guide workflow.