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.