Module 9: Project Management Foundations

Projects vs. Processes

• Processes

  • Something that is done over and over again. Repeatable.

• Projects

  • Something that is done one single time. Unique.

What is a Project?

• Unique output with desired outcome. Limited Budget and has a deadline.

Project Management- Key Steps

• Step 1: Define the project (objectives and deliverables)

  • Clarity of objectives. Eliminate ambiguities. Avoid arguments later.

• Step 2: Establish project priorities

  • Cost, time, performance

• Step 3: Work breakdown structure (develop an AON diagram, Helpful w/ milestones)

  • Break work items into smallest units

  • Estimate of needs: people, time, cost

  • Helps teams systematically organize tasks, allocate resources, and monitor progress.

• Step 4: Track project progress (utilizes the AON diagram)

  • Are we on time, ahead of schedule, behind schedule?

  • What happens when different groups need help?

  • Importance of project management software

Project Management Terminology

• Objectives

  • goals. Measurable. Expectations or desired outcomes in the following categories:

    • Budget- reduce the cost of logistics by 10%

    • Time- Complete construction of home by July 1st

    • Performance and quality- become a Starbucks certified supplier

• Deliverables

  • Description of services/products to be delivered

    • Presentation and/or documents: Design, process, report, contract

    • Research (data or document)

    • Physical item or intangible outputs (software)

• Milestone

  • A specific event in a project

    • Data of an important decision- choose location for factory

    • Start of a new phase of project, end of a project phrase- begin electrical wiring in the home

    • A deadline- date home must be completed and inspected

• Scope Creep (Scope Inflation)

  • the gradual expansion of a project's objectives beyond its original parameters. This phenomenon often occurs when additional features or tasks are added without corresponding adjustments to resources, timelines, or budgets.

  • Davila emphasizes that scope creep can lead to project delays, increased costs, and resource strain, ultimately compromising the project's success.

  • To mitigate scope creep, establish clear objectives, implement change control processes, and maintain open communication.

• Project management software

  • tools that facilitate effective planning, scheduling, and resource allocation, enabling teams to monitor progress and adjust strategies in real-time.

  • Using these will increase efficiency, transparency, and the successful execution of the project.

• AON (Activity On Node) Network Diagram

  • Eddie Davila discusses the Activity on Node (AON) network diagram as a project management tool used to visualize and schedule project activities.

  • In an AON diagram, each node represents a specific task or activity, and arrows indicate the dependencies between them. This method helps project managers identify the sequence of activities, determine the critical path, and allocate resources effectively.

  • By mapping out tasks and their interdependencies, AON diagrams assist in optimizing project timelines and ensuring that all necessary steps are completed in the correct order to achieve project objectives efficiently.

• Critical Path

  • the longest past (in terms of time) in the AON Network Diagram. This path dictates the expected completion time of the project. Items on this path must be completed in time in order for the project to be completed on schedule.

• Slack

  • the amount of time an activity or path can be delayed with impacting the length of the critical path.

• Crashing the project

  • shortening the time of the project by increasing the number of resources usually in the most cost effective manner. When crashing in this class,ALWAYS choose the cheapest option.