GE4-IPM Defense Project Management - Flashcards (KLO1-KLO5)

A set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key concepts from Part 1 through Part 5 of the GE4-IPM defense project management notes (KLO1-KLO5).

What is the difference between projects and operations?

Projects are temporary, unique, and deliver specific outcomes. Operations are continuous, repetitive, and maintain existing systems.

What formally authorizes a defense project and defines its objectives?

A Project Charter.

What is the role of the Project Manager in defense projects?

Balances cost, scope, time, and quality while managing stakeholders and compliance.

Who are typical stakeholders in defense projects?

Governments, military, contractors, regulators.

List the phases of a defense project lifecycle.

Initiation → Planning → Execution → Monitoring & Control → Closure.

What is Risk?

An uncertain event that may affect objectives.

What is Risk Management?

The process of identifying, analysing, planning responses, and monitoring risks throughout the project lifecycle.

What is a Positive Risk?

An uncertain event that could have a beneficial effect on project objectives (an opportunity).

What is Operational Risk?

Risks linked to day-to-day project activities, resources, logistics, and processes. Example: a delay in the delivery of avionics due to transportation problems.

What is Strategic Risk?

Risks arising from changes in long-term goals, political direction, or organizational strategy. Example: government reduces defense budgets, risking cancellation of a radar upgrade.

What is Technical Risk?

Risks related to design flaws, integration failures, or technological limitations. Example: missile guidance system fails due to software coding errors.

What is Financial Risk?

Risks tied to cost overruns, currency fluctuations, or supplier insolvency. Example: price of imported materials rises due to currency shifts.

What is the Risk Management Cycle?

Identification → Assessment → Response Planning → Monitoring & Control.

Name two common risk management tools.

Risk Register and Risk Matrix.

In scheduling, what is a dependency?

Some tasks must finish before others begin.

What is the Critical Path Method (CPM) used for?

Identifying the longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the minimum project duration.

Why is the critical path important?

Any delay on the critical path delays the entire project.

What scheduling tools are mentioned?

Gantt Chart and Critical Path Method (CPM).

What is a Gantt Chart?

A timeline that visually represents the sequence and duration of tasks.

What is Resource Allocation?

Assigning the right resources to the right tasks to meet project goals.

Why are task dependencies important for scheduling?

They determine the order of work and alert to potential delays; the critical path depends on them.

What are ITAR and DFARS?

ITAR controls export and transfer of defense-related articles, services, and technologies; DFARS are U.S. rules governing defense contracts, including cybersecurity and compliance.

What does ISO 9001 focus on?

Quality management systems to ensure products meet requirements.

What does ISO 27001 regulate?

Information security management systems for data protection and handling of classified information.

What is MIL-STD?

Military Standards; DoD technical standards for durability, reliability, and safety.

What is EAR?

Export Administration Regulations; controls export of dual-use technologies.

What is CGP (Canada)?

Controlled Goods Program; Regulates examination, possession, and transfer of controlled goods and technologies in Canada.

What is Demand Forecasting in defense production?

Estimating future production needs based on contracts, intelligence, and military strategy.

Why is Demand Forecasting important in defense?

Helps factories scale up quickly when tensions rise; avoids shortages or overproduction.

What is Capacity Planning?

Ensuring facilities, machinery, and workforce can meet production targets without bottlenecks.

Why is Capacity Planning urgent in defense?

Crises require readiness; underestimating capacity can delay critical defenses.

What is Inventory Management?

Balancing stock levels to prevent shortages or costly overstocking; e.g., stockpiling components.

What is Workflow Design?

Mapping and sequencing production tasks to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.

What is Quality Assurance in defense manufacturing?

Testing, inspections, and compliance checks to ensure products meet strict defense standards.

What is the recommended sequence of production planning activities?

Forecasting → Capacity → Inventory → Workflow → QA.