For those who have just started an APM PMQ course here are a couple of exam questions for you to try.
1) Describe five responsibilities of the project users during the project lifecycle?
2) List and describe the differences between projects and operations?
3) Describe the five benefits of a project lifecycle?
4) List and describe five factors that define the project environment (or context)?
Remember each answer must be made of five paragraphs of two to three sentences each.
If you post your answers below I will give you feedback.
Billy Williams-Lovelock
2/. list and describe the differences between projects and operations
This answer is very good however
Billy Williams-Lovelock
The user/s are responsible for defining the product to be created by the project. is a bit brief, remember that they want 2-3 sentences for w=each paragraph for full marks.
5 benefits of a project life cycle
The project life cycle is a way of communicating to those involved and in the project and to the end user , the phases of and the logical progression of a project. Therefor making it clear what progress should be expected at each phase.
The life cycle of a project gives clear points at which those involved can stop and take stock i.e. phase review. Also points in the project to pause and consider the plans and risk management for the next phase of the project and agree a strategy to move forward.
The project life cycle allows those involved in running and building the project as well those who will be the end user to understand the evolution of the project and which areas need the most attention and risk management. Also helps to plan the distribution of resources across the length of the project.
The project life cycle provides the frame work for breaking down a project into manageable sections. Each of which can then be planned for in detail. Providing the key points for review (phase review). Ensuring the correct people are involved and co-ordinate in each phase for planning and review.
Using a project life cycle model, those involved in the project can make sure proper planning in the early stages ensure the project goes through designated phase gates. Which in turn will map the progress of the project. So it is easy to recognise the completion of a phase. Which will give stake holders a greater understanding therefore confidence.
1) Describe five responsibilities of the project users during the project lifecycle?
Project users are the operators of the products and have very important responsibilities during a project lifecycle.
At the initial stage, the users set out exactly what they want the products to provide and therefore what the project must deliver. As operators, they are responsible for describing what they will want the new product to do. These requirements must be captured and detailed in the business case and shared with the Project Manager so that the project can deliver the specific requirements.
At the end of a project or during the handover/project closeout stage, the users must accept delivery of the product. Acceptance will usually follow bespoke testing and commissioning of the products prior to handover and the users are not only best placed to understand the test results and commissioning exercises but also responsible for accepting the products. This acceptance is important as it part of the processes that draws a project to a conclusion.
After the project has completed and the products are being subsumed into operation, it is the users that are responsible for this smooth transition. Users are the operators and it is their responsibility to properly use the new product so that it can be assessed and evaluated for the realisation of the benefits described in the business case.
During the lifecycle of a project there will inevitably be changes to requirements, be they as a result of a change in market conditions, operational needs or organisational strategies. Where there are changes required by the users due to operational needs (and these changes are accepted by the project sponsor), the users are responsible for and must liaise with the Project Manager to implement them. In turn the PM will ensure the proper configuration management and records are in place to implement the changes.
During a project users must accept the authority of the project sponsor. This maintains the correct protocol and avoids any differing priorities. Occasionally there may be operational objectives that do not align with strategic organisational ones. In these circumstances, the project sponsor has the authority to take a decision or a direction that may not please the operators. This decision/direction must be accepted by the users as it was probably taken in the light of a higher or more strategic organisational review.
Jessie Hiney a fantastic answer, just The right length and sufficient detail in Each point, see you on-line tomorrow.
@Billy Williams-Lovelock remember they are looking for 2-3 sentences for each paragraph, so while most of your answer is good a few paragraphs need a few examples to maximise your marks