PMI-isms — Indispensable Terms
Process — A series of steps or actions and procedures that lead to a specific result. However, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: (Pmbok Guide) (Paperback) version 4 is full of processes. The processes in the PMBOK guide are all associated with inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs. For the PMP test it is advantageous to think of the processes as a package that contains, not just the actions to be performed, but the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs from those actions.
Project — A temporary endeavor that produces a unique product, service, or result. The PMP test will have a number of questions related to this definition. Keep in mind that a project must a) have a definite start and end, b) be unique–not have been attempted by the organization before, c) contains interrelated activities, d) and will produce a unique result.
Program — A group of related projects managed in a coordinated manner that creates benefits that could not be realized if the projects were undertaken individually. These benefits might be economies of scale where orders for materials can be larger for the combined projects than for single projects giving all of the related projects a discount on materials, or leveraging a single source of HR or IT services that are more efficient than trying to contract those services out per each project. The program can also contain some elements of ongoing operations, and not just projects. Again the over-arching principle is the way that the projects and operations are related and the benefit that can come out of managing the related issues together.
Progressive Elaboration — Simply stated, you may not know all of the details about a product or service that the project will produce. You may have to create a preliminary design then return to the stake holders and gather more requirements as the characteristics of the product or service are defined progressively.
Enterprise Environmental Factors — The environment that the project is executed in, including the company culture and the existing company systems make up the factors that the project will be undertaken in. These factors can be a benefit or a hindrance to the project itself, but on the PMP exam you will have to realize that every company has its environmental factors and that the project will have to deal with these or use them to its benefit.
Organizational Process Assets — These include processes, procedures, and historical information. These came out of projects performed in the past by the performing organization. These processes and procedure have usually withstood the test of time and have produced benefits for the performing organization. Using the framework already developed will save project managers time and prevent the frustration of confused participants. On the PMP exam always assume that you have these kinds of historical information, including lessons learned from previous projects. These processes, procedures, lessons learned and historical information are assets of the organization and should be used to help you with current and future projects.
Look for more definitions in future posts and for a great PMP exam tip check out this ezine article.
If you want to pass the PMP exam, you are going to have to learn to understand the Project Management terms the way the PMI knows them. Rita Mulcahy, if you don’t want to be among those test takers that fail the PMP exam because they have not had project management training that uses PMI terminology, then you need to see the terms the way the PMI sees them. About the only way to get that knowledge is through some PMI approved training.
Now you have a number of options:
You can attend a 4-7 day training course held by MosaicProjects or GlobalKnowledge. The rates vary, but will cost between $1500 and $2000. The actual number of contact hours awarded from the class depends on the number of classroom hours you attend, but they vary between 21 and 25.
There are some online classes Point Advantage, Online Training or Simplilearn online training. Either one will cost between $699 and $999.
However, the very best value will be the The PM-Prepcast.
The PM-Prepcast gives you:
38 hours of PMI approved PMP training in a podcast.
35 contact hours recognized by the PMI.
Exclusive tips and tricks for taking the PMP exam.
Sample test questions and more. For a one time fee of about $99.
Check out the Project Management Prepcast and start preparing for the PMP exam in the PMI way today!.
If you have any question about the PMP exam or PMI-isms, leave the question for me in a comment, and I will try to answer it.
Elroy King
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