Paul Naybour
Many people take a while to realise that passing the APMP exam is not just about quoting direct from the study guide. This is the exam questions are not always a direct copy of the syllabus learning outcomes. For example a questions
List and describe five approaches a project manager can adopt to manage the scope of a project
1) Define a produce breakdown structure
2) Define a work breakdown structure
3) Define and control requirements
4) Apply configuration management
5) Use change control
Needs to include paragraphs that answer the question like these………
1) One way in which a project manager can define scope is the produce a product break down structure. This is important because it clearly identifies the deliverables that must be produced by the project. For example it will define the different civil, M&E and structural products that need to be produced by the project.
2) Scope is defined as all the product delivered by the project and the way in which they are delivered. So a work breakdown structure is another way of defining project scope. This is important because if defines the way in which the products will be produced. For example we may be building a new school using either a design and build contract or a traditional contract. The difference between these approaches will make a big difference to the project scope.
3) Requirements management is another way in which the project manager can define the scope of a project. This is important because it defines the requirements and acceptance for each of the product in the product breakdown structure. Without requirements then the scope can still be ambiguous for example in a school we need to define the level of lighting required in a class room using lux levels and energy efficiency. Without these requirements the scope if not defined clearly
4) Configurations management is another way of controlling the project scope. This is important because a project may be subject to many technical changes during the project lifecycle and the changes need to be controlled. Whit out this control the scope can easily creep. For example if we want to change the key colours used in the design of a school then these changes need to be condoled careful.
5) The final way to control scope is through change control. This is important because without effective change control and record keeping then it is all too easy for the scope to change as the project progresses. Therefore it is therefore very important that a project manager implements a change control process from the outset and maintains rigours control of changes throughout the project lifecycle.