Concepts
Predictive, plan-based projects are one type of project management style used by businesses and organizations. This approach is designed around detailed, step-by-step planning where the scope, schedule, and costs are determined at the beginning of the project. Tools or documents known as artifacts are used to aid in the execution and management of these projects. These artifacts bring structure and control to a project by providing a visual or tangible way to track progress and measure success.
Project Management Plan
The project management plan is a comprehensive document that describes how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled. It includes various plans related to scope, quality, schedule, costs, communication, risks, procurement, and stakeholder engagement. This artifact is crucial in predictive projects, as it contains all the details needed for proper project execution. For predictive, plan-based projects, project managers develop this plan once at the start, considering all variables and determining how to handle potential changes or risks.
Scope Statement and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A scope statement and WBS are essential in predictive, plan-based projects. The scope statement outlines what work is included in the project and more importantly, what is not included. It helps to prevent scope creep – a common issue where a project’s requirements start to increase beyond its original goals.
The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team. It provides a clear picture of what needs to be delivered and organizes the team’s work into manageable sections. For example, if a project is about building a house, the WBS will break down the project into smaller tasks like creating the foundation, constructing the walls, and installing the roof.
Gantt Chart
Many predictive projects use a Gantt chart as a visual reference for scheduling and tracking tasks. It is a horizontal bar chart representing the project schedule from start to end with tasks listed on one side and time intervals on the other. This artifact is beneficial in visually displaying the project schedule, the sequence of tasks, task dependencies, and the current status of tasks.
Risk Register
The risk register is another key artifact in predictive, plan-based projects. It contains all information about identified risks, including the nature of the risks, their severity, and their potential impact on the project. The register also contains information about risk response plans and the owners responsible for them. This artifact allows project managers to track risks and ensure they are properly managed throughout the project life cycle.
Change Request Form
Predictive projects are heavily planned, but inevitably changes may occur. Hence, a Change Request Form is an essential artifact used to document any suggested changes to the project. It typically includes information about the desired change, the reason for the change, the impact on the project, and any alternative options.
Conclusion
As the above examples demonstrate, various artifacts are used in predictive, plan-based projects to provide structure and control. They define the processes and outputs, and offer efficiencies such as reducing miscommunication, providing references for future projects, and enabling project managers to effectively manage project progress, scope, risk, and change. Thus, for project managers aiming to earn the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), understanding the use of these artifacts in predictive, plan-based projects is indispensable.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Project scope statement is an artifact used in predictive, plan-based projects.
- True
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: A project scope statement provides detailed information about the project’s objectives, deliverables, requirements, and boundaries. It’s a critical artifact in predictive, plan-based projects for setting project plans.
Predictive, plan-based projects don’t require a project management plan.
- False
Correct Answer: False
Explanation: A project management plan forms one of the most crucial artifacts in predictive, plan-based projects. It provides guidelines on how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled.
Which of the following is not an artifact in predictive, plan-based projects?
- a) Risk Register
- b) Communications Matrix
- c) Business case
- d) Agile user stories
Correct Answer: d) Agile user stories
Explanation: Agile user stories are an artifact used mainly in Agile methods, not in predictive, plan-based projects. The other three options are typical artifacts in predictive, plan-based projects.
True or False: In predictive, plan-based projects, a WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) is an essential artifact for project planning.
- True
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: A WBS breaks down the work into manageable sections, making it a significant planning tool and artifact in predictive, plan-based projects.
As per the CAPM, the project charter is not considered an artifact in a predictive, plan-based project.
- False
Correct Answer: False
Explanation: In predictive, plan-based projects, the project charter is an essential artifact that formally authorizes the existence of the project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply resources to project activities.
Which among the following artifacts is utilized in predictive, plan-based projects for controlling changes?
- a) WBS
- b) Change Management Plan
- c) Agile user stories
- d) Procurement plan
Correct Answer: b) Change Management Plan
Explanation: Change Management Plan is a significant artifact for controlling changes in predictive, plan-based projects.
Risk management plan and stakeholders register are not necessary artifacts in a predictive, plan-based project.
- False
Correct Answer: False
Explanation: Both Risk Management Plan and Stakeholder Register are significant artifacts used in predictive, plan-based projects as they help in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, and recognizing and managing stakeholders respectively.
True or False: The budget is considered an artifact in a predictive, plan-based project.
- True
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: The budget is a critical artifact in predictive, plan-based projects as it details the projected costs for the project and how these costs will be met.
As per the CAPM guidance, which of the following artifacts are crucial for managing project quality?
- a) Quality Management Plan
- b) Risk Register
- c) Stakeholder Register
- d) Scope Baseline
Correct Answer: a) Quality Management Plan
Explanation: A Quality Management Plan outlines the necessary information needed to properly manage project quality from a systems perspective to ensure project success.
Agile backlog is a necessary artifact in predictive, plan-based projects.
- False
Correct Answer: False
Explanation: Agile backlog is typically an artifact used in agile projects, not predictive, plan-based projects.
Which of the following is not an artifact in predictive, plan-based projects?
- a) Project timeline
- b) Scope baseline
- c) Cost management plan
- d) Scrum board
Correct Answer: d) Scrum board
Explanation: A Scrum board is an artifact associated with Agile methodology, not predictive, plan-based projects. The other options listed are crucial artifacts in predictive, plan-based projects.
True or False: In a predictive, plan-based project, a design document is an artifact used to describe the project’s output in detail.
- True
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: A design document provides a comprehensive detailed description of the features of a system or project output, making it an essential artifact in predictive, plan-based projects.
Great post! It really helped me understand the importance of project charters and Gantt charts in predictive, plan-based projects.
What about Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)? I think they are crucial too.
Absolutely! WBS is essential for breaking down the project scope into manageable sections. It helps in better resource allocation and timeline management.
Can someone explain how risk logs are used in these types of projects?
Risk logs are used to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential risks in a project. It’s a proactive approach to handle uncertainties.
Adding to that, risk logs should be updated regularly to reflect new risks and the status of existing risks.
I’m new to project management. What’s the role of a project charter?
A project charter formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager the authority to use organizational resources for the project. It outlines key objectives, stakeholders, and the project timeline.
Thanks for the insights! Very helpful!
I find that having a well-defined work plan is half the battle in predictive projects. Anyone agree?
Totally agree! A detailed work plan sets the course for the project and helps in tracking progress efficiently.
What are some common pitfalls when creating Gantt charts?
Common issues include unrealistic timelines, not accounting for resource availability, and failing to update the chart as the project progresses.
Great article! Really appreciated.