Chapter 1 Project Management Concepts

Learning Objectives Definition of a project and its attributes Key constraints within which a project must be managed How a project is “born” Life of a project Steps involved in the project management process Benefits of project management 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Real World Example Vignette: Beach Town Cleanup – Avila Beach in California The popular beach and the town’s business district had been contaminated by underground pipes from a petroleum facility. Project management techniques were used to restore the streets, all major utilities, and the beach itself. The remediation project was completed five months ahead of schedule! 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Real World Example Vignette: The Department of Energy Project – build the world’s largest laser to monitor and maintain nuclear warheads Project costs soar $350 million above original estimates Project completion delayed by two years “Clearly we had a major project management surprise!” 4 5 5 4 5 4 4 4 4 4

Project, Defined A project is an endeavor to accomplish a specific objective through a unique set of interrelated tasks and the effective utilization of resources. 5 7 7 5 7 5 5 5 5 5

Attributes of a Project Has a well-defined objective Composed of a series of interdependent tasks Utilizes various resources Has a specific time frame Has a customer Involves a degree of uncertainty 6 8 8 6 8 6 6 6 6 6

Examples of Projects Planning a wedding Designing and implementing a computer system Hosting a holiday party Designing and producing a brochure Executing an environmental clean-up of a contaminated site Holding a high school reunion Performing a series of surgeries on an accident victim 7 10 10 7 10 7 7 7 7 7

Constraints Scope Cost Schedule Customer satisfaction 8 11 11 8 11 8 8

Unforeseen Circumstances Unforeseen circumstances may jeopardize achievement of the project objective. The challenge facing the project manager is to prevent, anticipate, and/or overcome such circumstances. 9 14 14 9 14 9 9 9 9 9

The Project Life Cycle Projects are “born” when a need is identified by the customer. Project life cycles vary in length, from a few weeks to several years. Not all projects formally go through all four phases of the project life cycle. 10 16 16 10 16 10 10 10 10 10

Phases of the Project Life Cycle 1 The first phase involves the identification of a need, problem, or opportunity. The need and requirements are usually written by the customer into a document called a request for proposal (RFP). 11 17 17 11 17 11 11 11 11 11

Phases of the Project Life Cycle 2 The second phase is the development of a proposed solution to the need or problem. This phase results in the submission of a proposal. The customer and the winning contractor negotiate and sign a contract (agreement). 12 18 18 12 18 12 12 12 12 12

Phases of the Project Life Cycle 3 The third phase is performing the project. Different types of resources are utilized Results in the accomplishment of the project objective 13 19 19 13 19 13 13 13 13 13

Phases of the Project Life Cycle 4 The final phase is terminating the project. Perform close-out activities Evaluate performance Invite customer feedback 14 20 20 14 20 14 14 14 14 14

The Project Management Process The project management process means planning the work and then working the plan. 15 21 21 15 21 15 15 15 15 15

The Project Management Process (Cont.) Clearly define the project objective. Divide and subdivide the project. Define the specific activities that need to be performed. Graphically portray the activities in a network diagram. 16 22 22 16 22 16 16 16 16 16

The Project Management Process (Cont.) Make a time estimate. Make a cost estimate. Calculate a project schedule and budget. 17 24 24 17 24 17 17 17 17 17

Controlling Projects Establish a baseline plan. Monitor progress. Measure actual progress and compare it to planned progress. Take corrective action if the project is behind schedule, overrunning the budget, or not meeting technical specifications. 18 25 25 18 25 18 18 18 18 18

Benefits of Project Management Satisfied customers Additional business Expansion of career opportunities Satisfaction of being on a winning team Improved knowledge and skills When projects are successful, everybody WINS 19 28 28 19 28 19 19 19 19 19