Q1. Explain the triple constraint and its importance in project management.
The Triple Constraint is a paradigm applicable to any type of project. It is used to illustrate how changes in competing demands are inter-connected, and how each has an effect on the others (Smith 2009). The Triple Constraint is useful in talking about a project's end result (Smith 2009). This is shown by using a three-point triangle:
- Time
- Cost
- Scope
Q2. Describe the two primary diagrams most frequently used in project planning
a. PERT Chart- (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) Chart is a graphical network model that depicts a project's tasks and relationships between those tasks. A dependency is a logical relationship that exists between project tasks or between a task and a milestone. These charts allow the dependency to be defined before those tasks are scheduled. The project manager can adjust the contents of the boxes to display various project attributes such as start and finish times. The arrows indicate that one task is dependent on another task being completed. The critical path (in red usually) is a path from start to finish that passes through all tasks that are critical to completing the project in the shortest time possible.
B. A Gantt Chart is a simple bar chart that depicts project tasks agaisnt a calendar. The tasks are listed vertically and the time frame of the project is listed horizontally. A Gantt chart represents a project's schedule and shows a progression of tasks against the planned duration.
Q3. Identify the three primary areas a project manager must focus on managing to ensure success
A. People- The book argues that this is the most critical and hardest of all of the tasks. It is in people's human nature to have conflict and the project manager will need to resolve this whilst balancing the needs of the project with personal and professional needs of the team. Communication, negotiation, marketing and salesmanship are important to remain a good relationship with the client.
B. Communications- The project manager should plan what and how he/she will communicate as a formal part of the project management plan. A project manager distributes timely, accurate and meaningful information regarding project objectives that involve time, cost, scope and quality. They also communicate small wins, things in need of improvement, requests for more resources and informs of the project schedule.
C. Change- Successful organisations have learned to anticipate and react appropriately to change. In dynamic organisations/projects, change is inevitable and an organisation must effectively manage this change. There are many challenges and complexity is an ever-changing society; effective change management is a critical core competency. This involves a set of techniques that aid in evolution, composition and policy management of the design and implementation of a system.
To learn more, see this video for advice on project management: http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Shine-as-a-Project-Manager-11827
Q4.Outline 2 reasons why projects fail and two reasons why projects succeed.
Reasons for success:
a.Strong project management- the project manager steps up and is able to create a good schedule, motivate their employees, keep to schedules and adapt to change.
b. Good communication- amongst employees and with the client.
Reasons for Failure
a. Lack of project management- if there are no plans, no schedule, no reactions to changes, no communication amongst clients and employees then the project is likely to fail.
b. Unrealistic expectations- if the plan is unrealistic in terms of its budget, time constraints or scope then the project is likely to fail.