What is a project?

1. Certificate IV in Project ManagementIntroduction toProject ManagementCourse Number 17871Qualification Code BSB41507

2. What is a project? Definition from PMBOK - • A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a product, service or outcome • There is a definite beginning and end • Generally the end is reached when the project’s objectives have been met Adapted from the PMBOK 4th edition

3. Examples of Projects Some Examples of Projects • Developing a new product or service • Effecting a change in an organisational structure • Acquiring and implementing a new computer system • Constructing a building • Improving a business process Adapted from the PMBOK 4th edition

4. Project Characteristics Phases Temporary Definite Start Materials Deliverables Planned Client Tangible Outcome Controlled Tasks Team is disbanded Definite End Monitored Objectives Long or Short Timeframe Activities Cost Sponsor Scope

5. Project Success Measures • Project success occurs when the – • expectations of the project sponsor or client are met • agreed project objectives have been met • business outcomes have been realised • timeframe and budget have been delivered • quality and scope requirements have been delivered

6. Time Quick Quality Good Cost Cheap Project Tradeoffs Really means Project success is often reliant on the project manager’s ability to manage stakeholder expectations and make trade offs between key project dimensions

7. Project Management Roles (AIPM) • There is a natural hierarchy of roles within the project management profession • The AIPM’s competency framework has four levels - Executive Project Director Project Director Project Manager Project Practitioner Source – AIPM Professional Competency Standards for Project Management, June 2008, Version 1

8. Project Management Roles (PMI) • The PMI has a different hierarchy of project management roles – Portfolio Manager Program Manager Project Manager • The PMI also includes a project support function known as the Project Management Office Source – PMBOK, 4th Edition

9. Project Management Definition • Project Management • The application of the 9 defined project management knowledge areas, skills, tools and techniques to deliver project requirements. • Project management typically includes identifying requirements, addressing stakeholder expectations to ensure the project is planned and executed correctly, balancing competing project constraints such as time, cost, quality and scope, and reducing the impact of risks and issues. Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 4th Edition

10. Program Management Definition • Program Management • Grouping related projects in order to manage and co-ordinate the outcomes and enhance the achievement of benefits. • Program management is the centralised and co-ordinated management of a set of related projects in order to achieve broad strategic objectives and benefits. • Program management focuses on the project interdependencies and determines the optimal approach to managing the projects in order to maximise the benefits. Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 4th Edition

11. Portfolio Management Definition • Portfolio Management • Grouping of a collection of projects or programs together so they can be managed as a whole in order to achieve strategic business objectives. • Portfolio management refers to the centralised management of a collection of related projects and programs. This includes identifying, prioritising, authorising, managing and controlling and projects and programs within the portfolio so that they align with the strategic business objectives. • The focus is on prioritisation of resource allocation so that the portfolio objectives are aligned to organisational strategies. Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 4th Edition

12. Project, Program & Portfolio Roles Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 4th Edition

13. Project Management Office (PMO) • Primary function of a PMO is to support project managers by – • Managing shared resources • Specifying and developing the project management methodology, best practice, standards and tools • Coaching, mentoring, training and career management • Project assurance and compliance with methodologies and standards • Co-ordinating communication across projects and within the project management community • Assistance with project establishment and approval processes • Project reviews and health checks to ensure projects are running according to plans and expected outcomes Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 4th Edition

14. Focuses on the specified project objectives Controls the assigned project resources to best meet project objectives Manages the constraints of the individual project (scope, time, cost, quality, risk etc) Manages major program cope changes to optimise achievement of broader business objectives Optimises the use of shared organisational resources across all projects in their jurisdiction Manages methodologies, standards, overall risks and interdependencies in their jurisdiction Project Managers vs PMOs Project Manager PMO Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 4th Edition

15. PM Interpersonal Skills • In addition to the ability to apply the 9 key knowledge areas, Project Managers require important interpersonal skills to assist in the effective management of projects, specifically in the achievement of project objectives and success criteria – • Leadership • Team Building • Motivation • Communication • Influencing • Decision Making • Political and Cultural Awareness • Negotiation Source – PMBOK, 4th Edition, Appendix G Interpersonal Skills

16. Recommended Reading If you haven’t done so already, please take some time to review the PMBOK Chapter 1, Chapter 2 & Appendix G This could take 45 to 60 minutes

17. Next Steps Please complete the Learner Introduction Exercise in Assignments before proceeding to Project Management Environment in the Learning Program. Best of Luck! This is due at the end of Week 1 in the Course Delivery Schedule and it is critical to the allocation of teams for the Team Assignment