Project Management Concepts Review

Exam Format

  • MCQs and Matching: Focus on understanding material rather than memorization.
  • Essay Questions: Specific questions will likely cover detailed concepts such as project tables, network diagrams, and Gantt charts.

Key Concepts for Essay Questions

  1. WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) vs. Project Schedule:

    • Know the definitions and distinctions between these two important project management tools.

  2. Metro Diagram:

    • Understand what a metro diagram is and how it is used in project management.

  3. Lag and Float:

    • Define what a lag is in a project context and what float (or slack) means as well.

Network Diagram and Gantt Chart

  • Task: Be prepared to draw a network diagram based on a project table similar to Assignment Number 2.
  • Path Identification: After drawing the network diagram, calculate total duration (days or weeks) based on paths identified.
  • Gantt Chart: Fill out an empty template provided in the exam, which may look like:
    • Tasks: A, C, D
    • Start and End Dates: Calculate based on the provided project start information.
  • Project Example: Be familiar with scheduling tasks around weekends depending on the country (e.g., Friday/Saturday for certain Arab countries). Highlight weekends in Gantt chart.

Marks Breakdown

  • Total marks for this section: 20 out of 40 in the essay component of the exam (Total of 80 marks for the exam).

Understanding Monitoring and Controlling

  • Familiarity with PMBOK definitions rather than memorization is critical.
  • Recognize that monitoring and controlling will not involve planning or initiation terminology. Look for words like:
    • Analyzing
    • Drawing conclusions
    • Monitoring
    • Controlling

Unit 5 Recap

  • 20 Marks: Project table, network diagram (like Assignment Number 2), and Gantt chart are key focus areas.

Unit 6 Focus: Project Cost Management

  • Understand the principles of project cost management, including definitions and sequences.