Create WBS

Create WBS is one of the twenty processes defined in the Planning process group. In this process, the project is subdivided into smaller more manageable components in terms of project deliverables and project work. Work Breakdown Structure is the prime output of this process.

Inputs

Following is the list of inputs of this process:

1. Project Scope Statement
2. Requirements Documentation
3. Organizational Process Assets

Outputs

As defined earlier, the prime output of this project is WBS. The four outputs of this process are listed below:

1. WBS
2. WBS Dictionary
3. Scope Baseline

Brainstorming is a technique to gather general data. It can be used to identify risks, ideas, or solutions to issues by using a group of team members or subject-matter expert. Brainstorming is a group creativity technique that also provides other benefits, such as boosting morale, enhancing work enjoyment, and improving team work.

Projects and operations are different in a manner  that operations are ongoing and produce repetitive products, services, or results. Whereas, projects are temporary and they must end. Operations work is ongoing and sustains the organization over time. On the other hand project ends when the target is achieved or the project is scrapped.

Organizational Structure

Organizational structure is an enterprise environmental factor which can affect the availability of resources and influence how projects are conducted. There are three major types of organizational structures:

1. Functional
2. Matrix
3. Projectized

Further, Matrix organizational structure can be subdivided in three types of structures:

1. Weak Matrix
2. Balance Matrix
3. Strong Matrix

Based on the type of organizational structure project characteristics are changed. For example, in a Functional or Weak Matrix organizational structure, the Functional Manager controls the project budget; whereas, in a Strong Matrix or Projectized organizational structure, the Project Manager controls the budget.

Question

Which of the following bodies defines and maintains the standards of process, generally related to project management, within the organization?

A. PMI
B. PMO
C. ANSI
D. ISO

Solution

The question asks about the body which defines process within an organization. Here, key point is “Within an organization”. This is done by the PMO. The Project Management Office (PMO) strives to standardize and introduce economies of repetition in the execution of projects. The PMO is the source of documentation, guidance, and metrics on the practice of project management and execution. PMO tasks include following up a project until its completion and reporting to the top management in a strategic purpose.

Project Management Office (PMO)

The Project Management Office (PMO) is the department (or group) that defines and maintains the standards of process related to project management, within the organization. PMO tasks include following up a project until its completion and reporting to the top management in a strategic purpose. It is the source of documentation, guidance and metrics on the practice of project management and execution.

A project manager is a professional in the field of project management. Project managers can have the responsibility of the planning, execution, and closing of any project, typically relating to construction industry, architecture, computer networking, telecommunications or software development. Many other fields in the production, design and service industries also have project managers.

Project

A project must have the following characteristics:

1. Temporary Endeavor
2. Must produce a unique product, service, or result.

The temporary nature of project indicates a definite beginning and end. Often the term ‘temporary’ is related to the short duration. In Project Management, it does not mean short in duration. A project ends when its objective have been achieved or the project is terminated.

By definition, a Project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique, product, service, or result.

Project Management

Project Management is a well planned and organized effort to accomplish a specific one-time objective, for example, construct an airport.

According to the PMBOK Guide, “Project Management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements”. It is the discipline of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. The major challenge a Project Manager faces while working on a project is to achieve all the project goals and objectives in the given scope, time and budgets. Another challenge is to optimize the allocation and integration of inputs necessary to meet pre-defined objectives.