MAN 4583 EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS
MODULE 1
What constitutes a project? What is a project? - Answers - • Temporary endeavor:
beginning and end • Creates a unique product • Not a continuous operation! A project is
a unique endeavor that has a specific goal, a beginning and an end, and usually a
budget.
Distinguish between projects and operations: - Answers - A project is any that produces
a specific end result and is temporary; always have a beginning and an end. An
Operation is work that is done in a way that's repeatable and ongoing, but it's not a
project.
Explain the role of a Project Manager: - Answers - • Assigned to achieve project
objectives • Leads project team • Organizes project resources • Can manage project at
varying levels of complexity • Can manage projects in different industries
Distinguish between Waterfall (Traditional) and Agile project management: - Answers -
Waterfall/Traditional approach is when each process occurs one after another; works
well when a project is relatively familiar, the goal and solution are easy to identify, scope
and deliverables are clear, and you use familiar technology or tools.
Agile approach goes through iterations to get closer to and eventually reach a
successful outcome; also define what you are trying to achieve with each iteration and
develop a detailed plan for the work in that iteration, they typically use small teams of
highly skilled people who work in the same location; monitor and control the project
more closely and communicate faster and more frequently.
What kind of skills do Project Managers learn? - Answers - TECHNICAL SKILLS ( like
what goes into a project plan, how to build and fine-tune a project's schedule, and how
to measure progress with tools like earned-value analysis), BUSINESS EXPERTISE
(You want to make sure that the project achieves the goals and objectives that you
identify during project planning. You also need to understand your organization's
business, what it does and what it considers important.), INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
(Motivate and inspire people working on your project with you)
Apply the Triple Constraint concept to communicate project priorities: - Answers - The
triangle with TIME, COST, and PERFORMANCE.
(Resources, Quality, Risk)
, Explain the concept and benefits of program and portfolio management: - Answers -
Program management is a group of related projects designed to accomplish a goal over
an extended period of time.
Portfolio management is a group of projects or programs that are linked together by a
business goal.
Identify the different types of organizational structure in relation to projects:
FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION - Answers - Different segments of the project are
delegated to functional units; Coordination through normal management channels;
Works when one functional area has a dominant interest in the project's
success
•Advantages
1. No structural change 2. In-depth expertise 3. Easy post-project transition
•Disadvantages
1. Lack of focus 2. Poor integration 3. Slow 4. Lack of ownershiP
Identify the different types of organizational structure in relation to projects:
DEDICATED PROJECT TEAM/ PROJECTIZED STRUCTURE - Answers - Separate
units led by full-time project manage
•Advantages
1. Simple
2. Fast
3. Cohesive
4. Cross-Functional Integration
•Disadvantages
1. Expensive
2. Internal Strife
3. Limited Technical Expertise
4. Difficult/non-existent Post-Project Transition
Identify the different types of organizational structure in relation to projects: MATRIX
STRUCTURE - Answers - Two chains of command (functional and project) -Optimizes
the use of resources; Allows for participation on multiple projects while performing
normal functional duties; Achieves a greater integration of expertise and project
requirements.
•Advantages
1. Efficient 2. Strong Project Focus 3. Easier Post-Project Transition 4. Flexible
•Disadvantages
1. Dysfunctional Conflict 2. Infighting 3. Stressful 4. Can be slow
Matrix Structure = Types - Answers - • Weak
- functional manager authority > project manager authority
• Balanced
- project manager sets the overall plan and functional manager determines how work is
done
• Strong
ANSWERS
MODULE 1
What constitutes a project? What is a project? - Answers - • Temporary endeavor:
beginning and end • Creates a unique product • Not a continuous operation! A project is
a unique endeavor that has a specific goal, a beginning and an end, and usually a
budget.
Distinguish between projects and operations: - Answers - A project is any that produces
a specific end result and is temporary; always have a beginning and an end. An
Operation is work that is done in a way that's repeatable and ongoing, but it's not a
project.
Explain the role of a Project Manager: - Answers - • Assigned to achieve project
objectives • Leads project team • Organizes project resources • Can manage project at
varying levels of complexity • Can manage projects in different industries
Distinguish between Waterfall (Traditional) and Agile project management: - Answers -
Waterfall/Traditional approach is when each process occurs one after another; works
well when a project is relatively familiar, the goal and solution are easy to identify, scope
and deliverables are clear, and you use familiar technology or tools.
Agile approach goes through iterations to get closer to and eventually reach a
successful outcome; also define what you are trying to achieve with each iteration and
develop a detailed plan for the work in that iteration, they typically use small teams of
highly skilled people who work in the same location; monitor and control the project
more closely and communicate faster and more frequently.
What kind of skills do Project Managers learn? - Answers - TECHNICAL SKILLS ( like
what goes into a project plan, how to build and fine-tune a project's schedule, and how
to measure progress with tools like earned-value analysis), BUSINESS EXPERTISE
(You want to make sure that the project achieves the goals and objectives that you
identify during project planning. You also need to understand your organization's
business, what it does and what it considers important.), INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
(Motivate and inspire people working on your project with you)
Apply the Triple Constraint concept to communicate project priorities: - Answers - The
triangle with TIME, COST, and PERFORMANCE.
(Resources, Quality, Risk)
, Explain the concept and benefits of program and portfolio management: - Answers -
Program management is a group of related projects designed to accomplish a goal over
an extended period of time.
Portfolio management is a group of projects or programs that are linked together by a
business goal.
Identify the different types of organizational structure in relation to projects:
FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION - Answers - Different segments of the project are
delegated to functional units; Coordination through normal management channels;
Works when one functional area has a dominant interest in the project's
success
•Advantages
1. No structural change 2. In-depth expertise 3. Easy post-project transition
•Disadvantages
1. Lack of focus 2. Poor integration 3. Slow 4. Lack of ownershiP
Identify the different types of organizational structure in relation to projects:
DEDICATED PROJECT TEAM/ PROJECTIZED STRUCTURE - Answers - Separate
units led by full-time project manage
•Advantages
1. Simple
2. Fast
3. Cohesive
4. Cross-Functional Integration
•Disadvantages
1. Expensive
2. Internal Strife
3. Limited Technical Expertise
4. Difficult/non-existent Post-Project Transition
Identify the different types of organizational structure in relation to projects: MATRIX
STRUCTURE - Answers - Two chains of command (functional and project) -Optimizes
the use of resources; Allows for participation on multiple projects while performing
normal functional duties; Achieves a greater integration of expertise and project
requirements.
•Advantages
1. Efficient 2. Strong Project Focus 3. Easier Post-Project Transition 4. Flexible
•Disadvantages
1. Dysfunctional Conflict 2. Infighting 3. Stressful 4. Can be slow
Matrix Structure = Types - Answers - • Weak
- functional manager authority > project manager authority
• Balanced
- project manager sets the overall plan and functional manager determines how work is
done
• Strong
