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.
List and Describe five factors that define the project environment
The Political climate is one factor that may affect the project environment. For instance if the project is to build a coal fired power station and an election is imminent and the likely incoming party is keen to demonstrate its green credentials then this may have an effect on the funding or the planning application success, and may affect the progression of the project. Political considerations may need to be taken into account on a smaller scale within an organisation, for instance major stakeholders may be able to influence the views of funding groups within the organisation, due to social ties This may benefit or hamper the progress of the project and an awareness of these ties is required to ensure the appropriate amount of persuasive effort is spent with the appropriate groups.
Economic factors may affect the progress and viability of a project. For instance the project may be aimed at launching a new luxury car, with very expensive finishing processes and materials. If there is a downturn in the economy, resulting in consumers having less available money, the car might not sell in the quantities anticipated in the project’s business case. This may affect the financial viability of the project resulting in the termination of the project or a modification of the specifications and requirements so as to reduce the production costs of the new car.
Sociological issues can have an effect on a project as it may limit the appeal of the products, or the resources required to produce them. As an example it may not be viable to set up a biotechnology research facility in a developing country, that does not have an established tertiary education system. Without the availability of qualified and experienced personnel it may not be viable to set up such a facility, as all of the labour would have to be relocated, incurring costs that may make it more sensible to house the facility elsewhere.
Technological factors need to be taken into account in the planning of Projects. High technology products tend to operate in cycles where new products attract a premium price and more established products become commodities and can be obtained more cheaply. Additionally, occasionally new technologies hit the market that completely change the way that a task might be completed. For instance it would not be sensible to set up a drawing office with lots of large desks and pencil maintenance equipment, when most drawing work is now performed using Computer Aided Design techniques.
Changes in legislation can often affect a project. New laws can come in place that may affect how a product is produced, the disposal of any waste materials from the project or the employment terms of the staff employed on the project. An awareness of existing and new legislation is essential to the successful planning and progress of a project.
An awareness of the effect a project might have on the environment is critical. Environmental issues are often related to political ones (as in the case of the coal fired power station mentioned earlier). There are also factors such as minimising ongoing energy costs once the project is in operation that may have an impact on the economic viability of a project and affect the realisation of benefits from the project.
Describe the 5 benefits of a project lifecycle
In the concept phase of a project work is performed establishing a clear set of benefits and the requirements of the project deliverables to realise the benefits that will result from the project.The concept phase of a project ensures that a process is followed where all of the projects stakeholders are consulted to ensure the deliverables of the project will be able to realise the business benefits identified in the conceptual phase of the project. In the concept phase benefits of the project are established together with requirements of the project to realise those benefits. High level costings and time estimates are produced which help the project sponsor judge the value of the project.
During the design phase the organisation has a clear understanding of the methods for the production of the project deliverables. The resources required to complete the project are identified.
During the build phase of the project the deliverables are produced, Splitting design and build allows for separate contractors to undertake these pieces of work.
At the end of design comes handover and acceptance which ensures that the users of the project are in agreement that the requirement have been met and the benefits are likely to be realisable.
Ensuring that regular reviews occur within the project lifecycle to ensure that the project is on track with regard to cost and time for delivery. This gives an opportunity to judge the continuing viability of a project.
At the end of the project the closeout phase ensures that the project is closed down in a orderly manner and that all costings and reports are complete. This helps an organisation learn from project work to ensure better costings and estimates in future. It also provides an opportunity for feedback on performance to team members and allows people to move on in an orderly and sensitive manner.
@David Feedback on question “Describe the 5 benefits of a project lifecycle”
The question asks for benefits of a project life cycle. You have given a fantastic description of the project lifecycle. The benefits however are things like
1) The project management lifecycle provides a common structure for all the project in an organisation. By having standard phases that apply to all the projects in an organisation then we can be sure that the right things are done at the right stage. For example all projects in Network Rail follow an eight stage life cycle with pre-defined gates and stages (you will need to use an example from your own experience)
2) A common life cycle defines gates at which the decision to progress with the project can be reviewed. Typically these gates are arranged by the sponsor and project manager to review the business case and PMP. The aim of these gates is to ensure that the project will deliver the business benefit and that the plans in place for the project are realistic and robust.
Remeber that are looking for five paragraphs with three sentences in each.
@David your answer to List and Describe five factors that define the project environment is almost perfect. Except remember the guidance notes (page 6 say )
LIST AND DESCRIBE – 10 marks per point
3 marks (maximum) for an appropriate list item
7 marks (max) for a description appropriate to the question
3 marks (maximum) for a statement of fact about the list item that indicates why it has been selected /
what it means/etc, as relevant to the question.
4 marks for statements clarifying/supporting/demonstrating further comprehension of ‘what’ is
involved in the list item relevant to the question
So you will lose 15 marks for not doing a list….I know it seems silly but that is the way it is marked.
@david a really good go at List and describe the differences between projects and operations?. It just needs a list and I think it would be better to include the example in each of the points that you are making. The examiner has 5 x 10 marks to give you, giving them 5 paragraphs of 2-3 sentences including an example makes it easy to give you full marks