• What is a Project?

• A project is a unique endeavor to produce a set of deliverables within specified time, cost and quality constraints

• What distinguishes a project from other organizational activities?

• Unique in nature

• Defined timescale

• Approved budget

• Limited resources

• Element of risk

• Beneficial change

• What is Project Management?

• Project Management is the skills, tools and management processes required to successfully undertake a project.

• What factors are necessary for the benefits of project management to be realized?

For the benefits of project management to be realized, it has been suggested that three principleingredients must first be in place.

· Support from senior management· Agreement and commitment at the level of responsibility; and· A willing acceptance at the level of impact.

• What are the basic phases of the project lifecycle?

• Initiation

• Planning

• Execution

• Closure

• What are the four core target functions (sponsor view) or constraints (project manager view) of project management?

• Scope – what?

• Quality – how good?

• Cost – how much?

• Time – when?

• What types (sub-categories) of plans go into the Project Planning Process?

• Project plan (activities, etc.)• Resource plan• Financial plan• Quality plan• Risk plan• Acceptance plan• Communications plan• Procurement plan

• What is a Business Case?

• A detailed definition of the problem or opportunity

• An analysis of the potential solution options. For each option, an analysis of the potential benefits, costs, risks, and issues---may be a formal feasibility study

• Recommended solution and preliminary implementation plan

• What types of feasibility would be considered in a feasibility study?

Effectiveness – will the solution meet the user’s needs?

Operational – how will the solution work?

Technical -- is the needed technology available?

Economic – is the solution cost effective? (return on investment)

Schedule -- can the system be delivered on time?

Strategic – is the timing right for the current conditions?

Cultural – will the solution be accepted?