QUESTIONS
1. Define project.
A project is an endeavor to accomplish a specific objective through a unique set of interrelated tasks and the effective utilization of resources.
2. Define the term project objective and give some examples.
A project has a well-defined objective—an expected result or product. The objective of a project is usually defined in terms of scope, schedule, and cost. Furthermore, it is expected that the work scope will be accomplished in a quality manner and to the customer’s satisfaction.
An example would be to produce 5000 two page, marketing brochures by July 1 for a cost of $15,000.
3. List some examples of resources that are used on a project.
People, equipment, money, materials, etc.
4. What role does a customer have during the project life cycle?
The customer is the entity that provides the funds necessary to accomplish the project. They should be involved throughout the life cycle.
5. What aspects of a project might involve some degree of uncertainty? Why?
Many aspects can have some degree of uncertainty, such as the schedule or the budget. An unexpected snowstorm may delay a highway construction project and increased lumber rates may increase the cost of building a new home.
6. Define scope, schedule, cost, and customer satisfaction. Why are these considered to be constraints?
The scope of a project is all the work that must be done in order to satisfy the customer that the deliverables meet the requirements or acceptance criteria agreed upon at the onset of the project.
The cost of a project is the amount the customer has agreed to pay for acceptable project deliverables. The project cost is based on a budget that includes an estimate of the costs associated with the various resources that
will be used to accomplish the project.
The schedule for a project is the timetable that specifies when each activity should start and finish. The project objective usually states the time by which the project scope must be completed in terms of a specific date agreed upon by the customer and the individual or organization performing the work.
Customer Satisfaction is the level to which the customer is pleased with the end result of the project.
The objective of any project is to complete the scope within budget by a certain time to the customer’s satisfaction. Any of these four factors can put limitations on the final product.
7. Why is it important to satisfy the customer?
The customer is the one who is paying for the project. Unsatisfied customers have been known to withhold payments, never call you again for repeat business, and spread the word of their dissatisfaction. On the other had, a satisfied customer will do the opposite of those things.
8. List and describe the main phases of the project life cycle.
The first phase of the project life cycle involves the identification of a need, problem, or opportunity and can result in the customer’s requesting to address the identified need or solve the problem.
The second phase of the project life cycle is the development of a proposed solution to the need or problem.
The third phase, referred to as performing the project, involves doing the detailed planning for the project and then implementing that plan to accomplish the project objective.
The final phase of the project life cycle is terminating the project.
9. List and describe the steps required to develop a baseline plan.
A. Clearly define the project objective.
B. Divide and subdivide the project scope into major “pieces,” or work
