Master List

Task Board

visual depictions of work that needs to be done and what the status of the tasks are

Burnup chart

shows the amount of work completed in the time period

a line indicates the target for completed work

works well with projects with a fixed scope and a flexible timeline

Milestone chart

Timeline charts that include timing, deadllines, check ins, and other critical dates for the project

provides enough detail to help people understand the project sequence but isnt so comprehensive that its hard to read

(EMV)

Expected Monetary Value

a way to calculate an average outcome in situations where there is uncertainty

to calculate this, we need to know the probability an event will occur and the impact of the event on the overall cost

The probability and its monetary impact are multiplied to reveal this

used to determine the contingency buffer needed for the project which is particularly helpful for large, expensive projects with many risks

Control Chart

statistical charts used to track the variation in a process over time

includes a center line, and upper control limit, and a lower control limit to identify when a process is out of control more quickly when used well

Issue log

tracks events that are occurring that are outside of the teams control

helps organize and prioritize the list of issues

focuses on the highest priority items as it may not be possible to address everything

Each issue is recorded with a description, the date found, and the person who found it

Five Whys

problem solving technique that involved asking “why” questinos to identify the root cause of a problem

Issue

something that is outside of the teams control

Defect

failure to meet the requirements

Whiteboard

most effective for creating visual representations, brainstorming, and collectively discussing solutions

(PDM)

Precedence Diagram Method

commonly used project diagram style that utilizes rectangles and arrows to indicate dependencies between activities

Provide a helpful visualization of activities and their interdependencies

Scatter Diagram

graphical representation of the relationship between two variables

can be used for analyzing variables

involves plotting two variables, one on the x axis and one on the y axis with each being represented as a dot

EX: analyzing the relationship between advertising budget and the number of website visitors for a client’s online store

Velocity chart

used to measure the number of story points a team can complete within a given sprint or iteration

displays the number of story points completed in each iteration and plots the average velocity over time

Pareto Charts

based on Pareto principle which suggests that fixing a small portion of root causes can solve most problems, with the 8/20 rules stating that 80% of issues stem from 20% of the causes

can track the frequency of carious issue causes, allowing for prioritization of the most common issues with limited resources

bottom up estimation

begins with estimates and costs, duration, and other facets for each individual task or activity, and adds them up for a total estimation

more accurate, but is also more time-consuming way to estimate

Free Float (FF)

the amount of time that an activity can be postponed without impacting the early start of any activity that comes after it

Total Float (TF)

the total amount of time that an activity can be postponed without impacting the projects timeline

EX: in an effort to procrastinate, the user calculates the amount of time he can delay the start of the task without creating any delays for the project

Calendaring tools

allow you to create and manage calendars, set deadlines, allocate resources, and monitor progress

uses a visual representation of times frames and enable efficient management of project timelines, coordination of team members, and the avoidance of scheduling conflicts

Gantt chart

uses a grid to create a visual of the schedule

time is shown on x axis and activities on the y axis

bars show the timing of tasks and the dependencies of tasks

shows you the order in which tasks or events will occur

visual tool to help schedule and track the entire project activity over time and see dependencies

Project network diagram

used to visually represent the logical relationships and dependencies between project activities, facilitating the understanding of the projects sequence of tasks and aiding in scheduling, resource allocation, and critical path analysis

Task board

shows the work that needs to be done and what the status of the tasks are

(PERT)

Program Evaluation and Review Technique

used to estimate how long activities will take and to determine critical paths for the project

diagram that is used to plan, organize, and coordinate tasks

Shows the sequencing of tasks as well as estimates of how long activities will takes, the activities themselves, and dependencies

Run chart

also called “time series plots”

line graphs that display data over time

can be useful for root cause analysis and looking for trends

x axis shows the time or sequence

y axis shows represents the corresponding measurements

On premises installation

gives companies complete control over their software and infrastructure

software and data are hosted on their own local servers

the cost is faced up front, but they tend to have lower long-term costs because they are purchased once and don’t require continual payments

Histogram

type of column chart used in statistical analysis

x axis shows a series of continuous data points

y axis shows the frequency at which each value on the horizontal axis occurs

Workflow platforms

the best collaboration tools for tracking progress, assigning tasks, and ensuring a seamless workflow among team members, especially remote

Kanban vs Gantt charts

one is apart of agile methodology, the other can be used with a wide variety of methodologies

Local installation

access to the sfotware is more limited

sometimes limited to only a few devices that have the software installed on them

On premise installation

the software is installed on local servers and devices

Project dashboard

a communication tool that allows real time reports on a project

they can keep up to date statuses on key performance indicators and milestones

Wikis

allow for the gathering and dispersal of collective knowledge

provides one easily accessible source of information that is quick to update

File sharing platforms

the most effective collaboration tools for working on shared documents and maintaining version control among other team members

Scenario analysis

also known as situational analysis or what if analysis

involves generating potential events and evaluating their impacts

(RTM)

Requirements Traceability Matrix

tool used in project management to ensure that all requirements of a project are fullfilled

maps and tacks the relationships between requirements, design, development, its priority level, and its status

Ishiwaka Diagram

Fishbone diagram

used for root cause analysis, helps identifiy potential causes for a problem

the head represents the problem

the ribs represent possible related causes, which can be categorized using

Risk Register vs Risk report

one:

is logs that contain potential risks:

they contain a number or other ID that identifies the risk, the description, the anlayst of the risk, impact, priority, who will address it

The other:

used for analyzing risk and their potential impacts

part of the communication plan and summarize the projects risk status and how it impacts the project

it should provide sufficient information to enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and clarify when a decision is required

Charting tools

convert data into visuals which then allow the finding of trends and patterns

offers various chart types such as lines charts, bar charts, and pie charts, which can be easily understood

burndown chart

tracks two key values, target work and actual work

a line that represents the target shows the work remaining in the time period

the goal is to have the line at the bottom when all the work in completed

Late Start (LS)

last date or time that an activity can start without delaying the completion date or project

to determine late start, begin by looking at the end date of the project and determining the number of activities that depend on the completion of the item

Late Finish (LF)

last date or time an activity can finish without delaying the completion date of the project

found by adding the duration to the late start date

Process Flow Diagram

visualizes a project or process

frequently used to determine if steps can be eliminated or to see where and when handoffs occur

Sprint Reviews

meetings in which the work of the sprint if examined

Decision Tree

a tool used for planning when there is uncertainty in a project or task

poses a single question, offers multiple potential responses, and generates two or more outcomes for each option

Makes it easier to judge which option is best for the situation

made up of three components:

Decision

options

outcomes

Burnup chart vs Burndown chart

This chart tracks completed work upward against a timeline

while the other tracks remaining work downward toward zero

CPM

Critical Path Method

used to determine the sequence of dependent activities with the longest duration which represents the shortest total project duration

Task Board

shows the work that needs to be done and what the status of the tasks are

FMEA

Failure mode and effects analysis

risk analysis tool frequently used in manufacturing operation and product design

involves detailed analysis of a single process to identify multiple risks

Time tracking tools

tracks how long tasks are actually taking

Presentation

ideal for visual communications

scatter plot vs run diagram

one can be used for analyzing any variables

the other tends to be used for time based variables

Parametric model estimating

uses statistics to estimate costs, duration, or other facets of a project

uses variables like costs per hour and parameters in the statistical comparisons and mathematical models

Client TOR (terms of reference)

often focuses on a relationship rather than the deliverables

common when dealing with consultants

Mutually exclusive collectively exhaustive (MECE)

Ensures that each element in the WBS is distinct and represents the entire scope of the project

a work breakdown structure design guideline that seeks to avoid overlaps and gaps in tasks improving efficiency

Predetermined client

refers to a client who has been identified or selected in advance for a specific purpose or project

based on certain criteria such as the clients needs, preferences, industry, or potential for business growth

Kickoff meeting

has a number of goals:

lettings people know about the project

managing and setting expectation

letting team members get to know each other

answering initial questions from stakeholders

Communication artifact

can include dashboards, snapshots, presentations, press releases, and any other tangible document that provides communication

Initiation phase

The scope, objectives, and deliverables are defined, the team is brought together, existing artifacts are reviewed, access requirements are defined, and communication channels are established

a phase that identifies and evaluates stakeholders

builds the:

project charter, stakeholder engagement plan, RAM

Return on Investment (ROI) formula

(Total revenue - Total cost) / Total Cost) x 100

Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)

RACI chart

project management tool that clarifies roles and responsibilities for tasks or activities

lists individuals involved in the project and specifies their roles in completing each task

designates who is:

responsible

accountable

consulted

informed

Business Analyst

acts as an intermediary between the company and the teams

understands the company’s needs and its business requirements

understands the technical aspects of the project

qualified to keep the project aligned with business requirements

Preparation phase

phase in which business case is created and contracts are reviewed

phase in which return on investment (ROI) is created and used to justify the project

Reconciling the budget

closing activity

carefully examining expenses and costs ensuring their accuracy and comparing expenses to the budget, the project manager, and others ensure that value is delivered and the money was spent responsibly

Project kickoff

live meeting that usually takes place during the initiation phase of a project

Breach of contract

occurs when one party fails to fulfill the terms and conditions specified in the agreement

Legally binding document

Planning phase

defines the units of work

determine budget considerations

Backlogs are created and then refined during the execution phase

The phase in which the initial risk assessment is the first attempt to list and assess the events that may impact the project

Monte Carlo Analysis

assesses the likelihood of a project estimate covering actual project expenses

used to determine whether the money allocated for a project will be enough the cover the actual expenses

Executive summary

a synopsis of the business case

few sentences long

recommended to be written last so it provides a good summary of what is contained in the business case

Organizational Change Management (OCM)

should involve training and lots of support from within the company

facilitates the transition

Identifying what people will need to do differently

Goal is to get users to accept the change produced by the project

commonly referred to as “the people side of change” as it recognizes that people are critical to the success of change

Ex: Meeting with office workers to explain the benefits of the new software

The options

explores three to five potential solutions providing advantages and disadvantages of each

includes the approach that explains what happens if nothing is done

Communication plan

includes goals, outcomes, channels, and artifacts

Communication Goals

build clarity early in the process and include choices about the appropriate amount of communication

EX: deciding to provide reports on progress of a project that will be sent to stakeholders every two weeks by email so that stakeholders remain informed about the project but will not be overrun with emails

Communication outcomes

what you hope will happen as a result of the communication you have sent

Communication channels

methods by which information is sent
includes email, text, websites, shared folders, and other way in which artifacts are delivered to stakeholders

Resource cost estimation

details the costs associated with each resource required for the project is resource cost estimation

involves calculating the total costs based on the cost of each resource needed for the project

Level responsibility

involves having the appropriate level of detail for the work element

focuses on breaking work down to the point that it can be completed in set amount of time and results in a measurable deliverable

managing conflict

an activity for the execution phase

these may arise among team members or with other stakeholders

During which phase is seeking feedback apart of?

Closing phase

Collaborating

involves working together, sharing ideas, and utilizing expertise to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution

Smoothing

involves minimizing differences between conflicting parties and highlighting common interests to maintain team harmony

Execution phase

work is done and the team decides the outcomes have been met, and the product can be delivered

tracks and reports items like risks, budgets, cope, and defects

project timeline is updated

organization overview

identify stakeholders, customers, project roles, team members, and the projects organizational chart

Tools and techniques

part of the transition that lists processes and means that are needed to allow the foundation laid by the project to last into the future

25% or more change in velocity or throughput across sprints

indicates that the team should take a look at what is causing significant change

Stages in Glasls stages of conflict escalation

9 stages of conflict escalation in Glasl’s stages of conflict escalation

Stages 1-3 = “win-win” situations

Stages 4-6 = “win-lose” situations

Stages 7-9 = “lose-lose” situations

identify stakeholders

essential at the start of a project to recognize all individuals or groups who can affect or be affected by the project

Major Milestones

most appropriate topic for external stakeholder meetings

these meetings provide high level updates on the project

transition schedule

part of the transition plan that ensures people know when work on the project ends and what the go-live date is

stakeholder engagement matrix

designed to gauge the influence and interest of stakeholders in a project

evaluates stakeholders significance and impact by considering their influence on the project and their level of interest or involvement

Closing phase

Project evaluation, validation of deliverables, releasing resources are part of this phase, and collect feedback from stakeholders

Address the gaps

final step in evaluating a projects resource pool by taking actions to bridge resource deficiencies or missing elements

Solution Design

involves the architext and project team choosing technologies that align with the projects requirements

architect evaluates various tradeoffs to determine the most suitable solution, even if no option meets all requirements perfectly

Decision tree analysis

for contingency planning particularly when trying to conduct quantitative decision-making

uses paths and uncertainty to create a picture of possibilities

Plan around outcomes

guidelines that recommends focusing on the outcome rather than the tasks

based on the idea that using task level work to organize a project is too detailed

Extended team member

brought into projects due to their expertise and work temporarily with the team to address issues

Project management artifacts

include budgets and plans that are used to organize and run the project

Implementation overview

will contain the timelines and milestones, resource requirements, risks, assumptions, and budget

Project management plan

includes:

Work Breakdown structure (WBS)

baselines

milestones

approvals

Operating expenses (OpEx)

costs to the company to keep it operating

ex: a cost of a subscription

project deliverables

what the team will provide through the project

they are activities included by the projects scope and are identified in the plan

Change log

used to record project changes that occur when the project activities deviate from the project plan