Predictive Project Management Terms

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to predictive project management processes, ITTOs, and foundational concepts from the TIA Technical Institute of America.

Process

A combination of Inputs, Outputs, and Tools/Techniques combined to execute a specific purpose on a project.

Input

The starting point for a process, acting as raw materials to begin execution; it could be the output of a previous process.

Tools and Techniques

The actions or methods used to transform raw materials (inputs) into the output.

Output

The end result of project efforts, transitioning raw materials into a finished result, which may serve as an input for another process.

Initiating

The process group used to define a project or a phase, authorize its start, and assign the project manager.

Planning

The process group used to establish the scope of the project and define the course of action required to attain objectives.

Executing

The process group used to complete the work defined in the project management plan.

Monitoring and Controlling

The process group used to track, review, and regulate project performance and initiate changes where the plan requires them.

Closing

The process group used to formally complete or close the project, phase, or contract.

ITTO

An acronym for Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs; there are over $660+$ ITTOs across the $49$ project management processes.

Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF)

Internal or external factors that impact the project but are not part of the project itself, such as organizational culture, risk appetite, or industry standards.

Organization Process Assets (OPA)

Information, policies, procedures, and knowledge bases kept in a central repository to help an organization achieve its objectives.

Project Documents

Additional documents created and used throughout the $49$ processes that are not part of the formal project management plan.

Project Management Plan

A document defining how the project is executed, monitored, controlled, and closed, consisting of $18$ components, including $14$ plans and $4$ baselines.

Expert Judgment

Specialized knowledge or training in a particular process, industry, or technology, often obtained by hiring a subject matter expert (SME).

Brainstorming

A data gathering technique where a group of stakeholders is brought together to generate and analyze ideas, generally facilitated by the project manager.

Focus groups

A data gathering technique where subject matter experts are brought together to understand their perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

Checklist

A data gathering tool, generally created by the organization, for stakeholders to identify desired items or success criteria for a project.

Alternative analysis

A data analysis method that involves looking at different options or ways to accomplish a project goal.

Root cause analysis (RCA)

A data analysis method used to identify the main underlying reason for a particular event.

Variance analysis

A data analysis method used to find the exact differences between different datasets or performance metrics.

Trend analysis

A data analysis method involving the examination of data over a period of time to see if a particular pattern is forming.

Voting

A decision-making method used by a group to proceed, change, or reject something; types include unanimity, majority, and plurality.

Multicriteria decision analysis

A decision-making method involving a matrix to evaluate ideas based on a list of different types of criteria.

Autocratic decision making

A decision-making style where one person makes the decision for the entire team.

Active listening

An interpersonal skill involving understanding, acknowledging, and clarifying what others are saying.

Facilitation

The art of managing a group, which includes bringing people together, generating ideas, and solving problems.

Project Management Information System (PMIS)

An automated system used to optimize the schedule, track deliverables, and provide software/hardware tools to manage the project from start to finish.

Change Request

A formal proposal to change a document, deliverable, or baseline, often implemented as corrective action, preventive action, or defect repair.

Corrective action

An action taken to ensure that the project work gets back on track with the project management plan.

Preventive action

An action put in place to ensure that the project work stays on track with the project management plan.

Defect repair

An action performed to fix a broken component within a project.

Work Performance Data

Raw data representing the status of work performed without any analysis applied; usually an output of executing processes.

Work Performance Information

Data about the work performed compared to the project plan, providing actual status about deliverables; usually an output of monitoring and controlling processes.

Work Performance Report

A comprehensive document that consolidates all work performance information into an overall status report for the project.

Updates

A catchall term for revisions made to project documents, the project management plan, OPAs, or EEFs.