1. Chapter 1 Project Management Concepts

3. 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

4. Real World Example Vignette: Project Management for Better Health
The Interior Health Authority (IHA) had two goals: to integrate over 100 independent financial applications into one system, and to consolidate and standardize electronic health records
Executive support was established for both objectives and project teams were formed
Projects were completed on time and under budget. They are being geographically implemented
Results of both projects: cost savings, and higher user satisfaction 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

5. Real World Example Vignette: Making Movies
Musaffar Ali, well-known Indian filmmaker, was in the process of making “Zooni” in January 1989 when violence broke out where he was filming
14 years later, he was able to resume filming when peace reached the region
To finish his film, Ali needs to stay on schedule and within his budget. A script breakdown is designed to consider tasks and factors that help determine schedule and budget.
Use of a script breakdown, and open communication between assistant director and production manager will help Ali reach to complete his project effectively 4 5 5 4 5 4 4 4 4 4

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Project Life Cycle: Phase 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

13. Project Life Cycle: Phase 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

14. Project Life Cycle: Phase 3
The third phase is performing the project.
Different types of resources are utilized
Results in the accomplishment of the project objective
Includes:
Detailed planning
Implementation of the plan 13 19 19 13 19 13 13 13 13 13

15. Project Life Cycle: Phase 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

17. The Project Management Process
The project management process means planning the work and then working the plan. 16 21 21 15 21 15 15 15 15 15

18. 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. 17 22 22 16 22 16 16 16 16 16

19. The Project Management Process (Cont.)
Make a time estimate.
Make a cost estimate.
Calculate a project schedule and budget.
RESULT: BASELINE PLAN 18 24 24 17 24 17 17 17 17 17

20. 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. 19 25 25 18 25 18 18 18 18 18

21. 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 20 28 28 19 28 19 19 19 19 19

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