IST 345 EXAM #1 STUDY GUIDE
Project definition + attributes of a project - Answers -1) Performed by people (primary
customer and sponsor)
2) Planned, executed, controlled
3) Temporary endeavor
4) Creates unique deliverables
5) A definite beginning and a definite end
6) A means by which strategy is implemented
7) Constrained by limited resources
8) Involves uncertainty
9) Isn't being mass produced
Project management - Answers -A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique
product, service, or result.
10 knowledge areas project managers must have - Answers -1) project integration
2) scope
3) time
4) cost
5) quality
6) human resource
7) communications
8) risk
9) procurement
10) stakeholder management
(really only need to know the first 4)
Program management - Answers -A group of related projects in a (larger) coordinated
way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually.
Portfolio management - Answers -A collection of projects or programs and other work
that are grouped together to facilitate effective management of that work to meet
strategic business objectives.
5 goals of a project manager - Answers -1) To finish on time
2) To finish under budget
3) To meet the requirements
4) To keep customers happy
5) To ensure a happy team
10 cultural characteristics of organizations - Answers -1) Member identity*
2) Group emphasis*
, 3) People focus
4) Unit integration*
5) Control
6) Risk tolerance*
7) Reward criteria*
8) Conflict tolerance*
9) Means-ends orientation
10) Open-systems focus*
* linked to project success
Four frames of an organization - Answers -1) Structural frame- the structure of the
organization. Roles and responsibilities, coordination and control. Organization charts
help describe this frame.
2) Human resource frame- focus on producing harmony between needs of the
organization and needs of people.
3) Political frame- organizational and personal politics. Coalitions composed of varied
individuals and interest groups. Conflict and power are key issues.
4) Symbolic frame- symbols and meanings related to events. Culture, language,
traditions, and image are all parts of this frame.
The "Triple Constraint" - Answers -Costs of Resources
Time Required
Scope of the work
**Each is in balance with the other two**
"Projects cannot be run in a vacuum!" What does this mean? - Answers -- Projects
must operate in a broad organizational environment
- Project managers need to use systems thinking: taking a holistic view of carrying out
projects within the context of the organization
- Senior managers must make sure projects continue to support current business needs
The 5 phases of a project - Answers -1) Initiating
2) Planning
3) Executing
4) Monitoring & controlling
5) Closing
Roles in projects - Answers -1) Stakeholders= representatives of those affected by the
project. Should help to define the approved scope of the project.
2) Sponsor (client)= the super-stakeholder- the top decision maker who provides the
funds; usually originates the idea.
3) Advisors/influencers= indirect participants (consultants, informants, experts, lawyers,
etc.).
4) Resources= any labor materials needed.
Project definition + attributes of a project - Answers -1) Performed by people (primary
customer and sponsor)
2) Planned, executed, controlled
3) Temporary endeavor
4) Creates unique deliverables
5) A definite beginning and a definite end
6) A means by which strategy is implemented
7) Constrained by limited resources
8) Involves uncertainty
9) Isn't being mass produced
Project management - Answers -A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique
product, service, or result.
10 knowledge areas project managers must have - Answers -1) project integration
2) scope
3) time
4) cost
5) quality
6) human resource
7) communications
8) risk
9) procurement
10) stakeholder management
(really only need to know the first 4)
Program management - Answers -A group of related projects in a (larger) coordinated
way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually.
Portfolio management - Answers -A collection of projects or programs and other work
that are grouped together to facilitate effective management of that work to meet
strategic business objectives.
5 goals of a project manager - Answers -1) To finish on time
2) To finish under budget
3) To meet the requirements
4) To keep customers happy
5) To ensure a happy team
10 cultural characteristics of organizations - Answers -1) Member identity*
2) Group emphasis*
, 3) People focus
4) Unit integration*
5) Control
6) Risk tolerance*
7) Reward criteria*
8) Conflict tolerance*
9) Means-ends orientation
10) Open-systems focus*
* linked to project success
Four frames of an organization - Answers -1) Structural frame- the structure of the
organization. Roles and responsibilities, coordination and control. Organization charts
help describe this frame.
2) Human resource frame- focus on producing harmony between needs of the
organization and needs of people.
3) Political frame- organizational and personal politics. Coalitions composed of varied
individuals and interest groups. Conflict and power are key issues.
4) Symbolic frame- symbols and meanings related to events. Culture, language,
traditions, and image are all parts of this frame.
The "Triple Constraint" - Answers -Costs of Resources
Time Required
Scope of the work
**Each is in balance with the other two**
"Projects cannot be run in a vacuum!" What does this mean? - Answers -- Projects
must operate in a broad organizational environment
- Project managers need to use systems thinking: taking a holistic view of carrying out
projects within the context of the organization
- Senior managers must make sure projects continue to support current business needs
The 5 phases of a project - Answers -1) Initiating
2) Planning
3) Executing
4) Monitoring & controlling
5) Closing
Roles in projects - Answers -1) Stakeholders= representatives of those affected by the
project. Should help to define the approved scope of the project.
2) Sponsor (client)= the super-stakeholder- the top decision maker who provides the
funds; usually originates the idea.
3) Advisors/influencers= indirect participants (consultants, informants, experts, lawyers,
etc.).
4) Resources= any labor materials needed.
