1 Traditional Project Planning Foundations Free Online FlashCards

What is a project-planning assumption?

An assumption is something treated as true for planning but still needing verification; assign an owner and a date to validate it.

What distinguishes a constraint from an assumption?

A constraint is a confirmed limit on available choices, such as a fixed launch date, funding ceiling, regulatory requirement, or limited staff availability.

How does a project risk differ from an issue?

A risk is an uncertain future event that could affect an objective. Once the event has happened, it is an issue, not a future risk.

What does a work breakdown structure do?

A work breakdown structure decomposes the full project scope into deliverables and manageable work packages, providing a basis for assigning responsibility, estimating cost, and building the schedule.

How does project scope differ from the solution approach?

Scope states what must be delivered; activities describe how the team will deliver it.

What determines a project's critical path?

The critical path is the longest chain of dependent activities, and it determines the earliest possible project finish.

What can happen when a non-critical activity is delayed?

A delay on a non-critical activity may use up its available float without immediately changing the project finish date.

How does a cost estimate differ from a budget?

A cost estimate predicts project costs based on the defined work; the budget is the authorized funding plan and may include contingency.

What should a project plan specify about contingency?

Contingency is included in the budget to cover identified uncertainty; document what it covers and who can authorize its use.

How should a project risk be written?

Write a risk as a conditional cause–event–effect statement: explain why an event may occur and how it could affect an objective.

What are project baselines used for?

Baselines are the approved scope, schedule, and cost plans used as references for control. They allow actual performance and proposed changes to be evaluated against the agreed plan.

How should a request for added scope be handled?

Clarify the requirement, assess its effects on project plans and objectives, and submit it through change control. Update plans and baselines only after approval.