Assignment

Part 1

The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines a project as "a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service. In other words, projects are characterized by singleness of purpose and having well-defined deliverables and/or expected outcomes. While there may be similarities, no two projects are exactly alike. Project management is a discipline that requires the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholder expectations. More and more of today's businesses are implementing project management methods and employing professional project managers to perform business functions and achieve business objectives.

Respond to the following:

a) Describe the characteristics of projects. (1-2 paragraphs)
b) Explain the relationship between projects, programs, and portfolios. (2-3 paragraphs)
c) Describe the characteristics of project management methods. (2-3 paragraphs)

Part 2

The practice of project management has evolved over the past 30+ years. At one time, project management was viewed as only nice to have. However, recessionary times forced organizations to reevaluate their business practices and streamline operations in order to survive. Companies began to recognize the value of project management to help them accomplish greater organizational performance. They also realized that, in order to effectively employ project management, project goals must be aligned with the overall strategic plans of the business. Today, projects are often undertaken to achieve strategic objectives because of the organization's inability to accomplish its objectives using traditional functional management.

Respond to the following:

a) Differentiate between project management and operations management. (2-3 paragraphs)
b) Explain how projects may be used to support organizational strategy. (2-3 paragraphs)

Part 3

Project management, as a model for achieving business goals, continues to grow in popularity as does the demand for professional project managers. Employers report that they want project managers who possess the technical project management skills and the "soft skills," like communication, leadership, and human resource management. Today, more and more employers are requiring that project managers be professionally certified. Job candidates who possess the credentials that demonstrate technical competence and formal training in the "soft skills" will have an advantage over others.

Respond to the following:

a) Explain the difference between a project manager and functional manager. (3-4 paragraphs)
b) Describe the benefits of professional certification in project management. (2-3 paragraphs)

Part 4

Organizational structure, culture, and environment factors influence the ways that a project will be conducted. Organizational structure establishes roles and responsibilities and reporting relationships. Organizational culture shapes the behavioral aspects of managing projects, including factors such as communication style. Environmental factors, both internal and external, have the potential to affect the ultimate success of a project. In order to effectively manage projects a project manager must understand the characteristics of the organization, its structure, its culture, and the environment in which it operates.

Respond to the following:

a) Explain how organizational culture and structure impact project management. (2-3 paragraphs)
b) Compare multiple organizational structures. (3-4 paragraphs)
c) Explain how enterprise environmental factors impact project management. (3-4 paragraphs)

Part 5

The project life cycle provides a framework for understanding the processes and methodologies that will be used to conduct project work. A project life cycle is comprised of phases that define the sequence and the boundaries between major project activities. The project life cycle that is used for a given project depends on the type and nature of that project. Understanding project life cycles and phases allows a project manager to more effectively plan, manage, and control projects.

Respond to the following:

a) Describe the characteristics of a project life cycle. (4-5 paragraphs)
b) Describe project management processes. (4-5 paragraphs)