Thursday, January 31, 2013

3) Briefly describe what happens in each of the five project management process groups (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing). What types of activities are done before initiating the project?



 Pre- initiating
The justification of the project occurs, using a Business case, possibly as part of a strategic plan. The initial scope, time and cost constraints for the project are established. Top-level stakeholders are selected such as Project sponsor, Project Manager. A Project Charter may be created to express the project specifics. , Project process and expectations are set.

Initiating
The Initiating phase is where the project specifics are defined, like the scope, cost, and time of the project. Project stakeholders are identified. A Stakeholder Register may be created to provide full contact and roll information. Initiating may occur during each process phases.
The inputs to the Initiating phase are a Statement Of Work (SOW) or a contract given by the project sponsor. Other inputs are the environmental factors such as corporate policies and procedures.
The output of the Initiating process could be a Project Charter where all stakeholders confirm the project’s details and applicable rolls of the stakeholders. Preliminary Project Scope Statement authorized by management and potentially sent out through the organization. A formal kick-off meeting, for internal and external stakeholders, may be used to bring together all the stakeholders and hopefully develop relationships among the parties.

 Planning
Purpose of the Planning Process is to refine the project objectives and then plan the necessary steps to obtain the project’s objectives within the provided scope. The output of the Planning Process is the Project Scope Statement, Work breakdown Structure (WBS), and Project schedule. A list of prioritized risks as part of the risk register, may be created to monitor potential significant issues that could derail a project and keep the project ‘s goals in focus . A team contract may be created so all parties formally accept their roles and obligations, in writing.

Executing
The actual work is performed during the Executing phase. Resources are procured and contracts are signed. Majority of the project’s cost occurs with the procurement of people, hardware and software are obtained. Personnel are also trained. Resources are brought together to fulfill the project requirements.

Monitoring and Controlling
Monitoring and controlling is used to control change and monitor that the project is on time and on budget while still producing a quality deliverable. Any needed project change requests get approved or rejected, to address issues that arise during the project. A milestone report may be used to track the projects progress. Modifications to the project can be made to address issues, such as additional features, extending the time or scope, or bring on additional resources. The project may be killed if the project deemed no longer desirable. Top management or the “Project Champion” may be needed to provide additional resources. Monitoring and controlling is ultimately responsible for approving the final deliverables of the project.

Closing
After all the deliverables of the project are created, the closing process group still has to close the overall project and provide the deliverables to the customer. Contracts are finalized and closed out. All internal or external vendors are paid. Formal acceptance of the product or service is obtained from the customer. Outputs of the Closing process are: the Closing process are the Final project Report, Closing documents, Lessons learned report..
 
 
 
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