PMP Rapid Review

PMP Rapid Review

by Sean Whitaker
Released August 2013
Publisher(s): Microsoft Press
ISBN: 9780735668348

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Book description

Assess your readiness for the updated PMP Exam—and quickly identify where you need to focus and practice. This practical, streamlined guide walks you through each exam task, providing "need to know" checklists, review questions, tips, and links to further study—all designed to help bolster your preparation.

Reinforce your exam prep with a Rapid Review of these tasks:

  • Initiating the project

  • Planning the project

  • Executing the project

  • Monitoring and controlling the project

  • Closing the project

    • This book is an ideal complement to the in-depth training of the Microsoft Press Training Kit and other exam-prep resources for the PMP Exam aligned with the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Fifth Edition.

    Table of contents

    1. PMP Rapid Review
    2. Introduction
      1. Project Management Institute Professional Certification program
      2. Acknowledgments
      3. Support & feedback
        1. Errata
        2. We want to hear from you
        3. Stay in touch
    3. Preparing for the exam
    4. 1. Initiating the project
      1. Task 1.1: Perform project assessment based upon available information and meetings with the sponsor, customer, and other subject matter experts, in order to evaluate the feasibility of new products or services within the given assumptions and/or constraints.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Project selection
        3. Business case development
        4. Project selection criteria
        5. Project sponsor
        6. Customer
        7. Can you answer these questions?
      2. Task 1.2: Define the high-level scope of the project based on the business and compliance requirements, in order to meet the customer’s project expectations.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Statement of work
        3. Project and product scope
        4. Customer expectations
        5. Can you answer these questions?
      3. Task 1.3: Perform key stakeholder analysis using brainstorming, interviewing, and other data-gathering techniques, in order to ensure expectation alignment and gain support for the project.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Stakeholders
        3. Stakeholder analysis
        4. Data-gathering techniques
        5. Stakeholder register
        6. Can you answer these questions?
      4. Task 1.4: Identify and document high-level risks, assumptions, and constraints based on current environment, historical data, and/or expert judgment, in order to identify project limitations and propose an implementation approach.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. High-level risks
        3. Assumptions and constraints
        4. Historical data
        5. Implementation approach
        6. Can you answer these questions?
      5. Task 1.5: Develop the project charter by further gathering and analyzing stakeholder requirements, in order to document project scope, milestones, and deliverables.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Project charter
        3. Stakeholder requirements
        4. Milestone
        5. Can you answer these questions?
      6. Task 1.6: Obtain approval for the project charter from the sponsor and customer (if required), in order to formalize the authority assigned to the project manager and gain commitment and acceptance for the project.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Project charter approval
        3. Project manager authority
        4. Can you answer these questions?
      7. Answers
        1. Task 1.1: Perform project assessment based upon available information and meetings with the sponsor, customer, and other subject matter experts, in order to evaluate the feasibility of new products or services within the given assumptions and/or constraints.
        2. Task 1.2: Define the high-level scope of the project based on the business and compliance requirements, in order to meet the customer’s project expectations.
        3. Task 1.3: Perform key stakeholder analysis using brainstorming, interviewing, and other data-gathering techniques, in order to ensure expectation alignment and gain support for the project.
        4. Task 1.4: Identify and document high-level risks, assumptions, and constraints based on current environment, historical data, and/or expert judgment, in order to identify project limitations and propose an implementation approach.
        5. Task 1.5: Develop the project charter by further gathering and analyzing stakeholder requirements, in order to document project scope, milestones, and deliverables.
        6. Task 1.6: Obtain approval for the project charter from the sponsor and customer (if required), in order to formalize the authority assigned to the project manager and gain commitment and acceptance for the project.
    5. 2. Planning the project
      1. Task 1: Assess detailed project requirements, constraints, and assumptions with stakeholders based on the project charter, lessons learned from previous projects, and the use of requirement gathering techniques (e.g., planning sessions, brainstorming, focus groups), in order to establish the project deliverables.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Scope management plan
        3. Requirements management plan
        4. Stakeholder management plan
        5. Stakeholder register
        6. Requirements gathering tools
        7. Requirements documentation
        8. Requirements traceability matrix
        9. Can you answer these questions?
      2. Task 2: Create the work breakdown structure with the team by deconstructing the scope, in order to manage the scope of the project.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Scope management plan
        3. Project scope statement
        4. Requirements documentation
        5. Decomposition
        6. WBS
        7. WBS dictionary
        8. Scope baseline
        9. Can you answer these questions?
      3. Task 3: Develop a budget plan based on the project scope using estimating techniques, in order to manage project cost.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Cost management plan
        3. Human resource management plan
        4. Scope baseline
        5. Project schedule
        6. Risk register
        7. Cost estimating techniques
        8. Reserve analysis
        9. Cost of quality
        10. Project management software
        11. Vendor bid analysis
        12. Activity cost estimates
        13. Basis of estimates
        14. Agreements
        15. Resource calendars
        16. Funding limit reconciliation
        17. Cost baseline
        18. Can you answer these questions?
      4. Task 4: Develop project schedule based on the project timeline, scope, and resource plan, in order to manage timely completion of the project.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Schedule management plan
        3. Defining activities
        4. Sequencing activities
        5. Estimating activity resources
        6. Estimating activity durations
        7. Critical path method
        8. Critical chain method
        9. Resource leveling
        10. Schedule compression
        11. Can you answer these questions?
      5. Task 5: Develop a human resource management plan by defining the roles and responsibilities of the project team members in order to create an effective project organization structure and provide guidance regarding how resources will be utilized and managed.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Human resource management plan
        3. Staffing management plan
        4. Roles and responsibilities
        5. Interpersonal skills
        6. Ethics and professional conduct
        7. Can you answer these questions?
      6. Task 6: Develop a communication plan based on the project organization structure and external stakeholder requirements, in order to manage the flow of project information.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Communications management plan
        3. Stakeholder management plan
        4. Communications requirements analysis
        5. Communications models
        6. Communications methods
        7. Can you answer these questions?
      7. Task 7: Develop a procurement plan based on the project scope and schedule, in order to ensure that the required project resources will be available.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Procurement management plan
        3. Contract types
        4. Procurement statement of work
        5. Procurement documents
        6. Make-or-buy decisions
        7. Source selection criteria
        8. Can you answer these questions?
      8. Task 8: Develop a quality management plan based on the project scope and requirements, in order to prevent the appearance of defects and reduce the cost of quality.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Quality management plan
        3. Process improvement plan
        4. Quality metrics and checklists
        5. Seven basic quality tools
        6. Benchmarking
        7. Design of experiments
        8. Statistical sampling
        9. Can you answer these questions?
      9. Task 9: Develop the change management plan by defining how changes will be handled, in order to track and manage changes.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Change management plan
        3. Change control meetings
        4. Change control board
        5. Delegated authority
        6. Change log
        7. Configuration management system
        8. Can you answer these questions?
      10. Task 10: Plan risk management by developing a risk management plan, and identifying, analyzing, and prior to rising project risks in the risk register and defining risk response strategies, in order to manage uncertainty throughout the project life cycle.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Risk management plan
        3. Risk identification
        4. Qualitative risk analysis
        5. Quantitative risk analysis
        6. Risk response planning
        7. Can you answer these questions?
      11. Task 11: Present the project plan to the key stakeholders (if required), in order to obtain approval to execute the project.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Key stakeholders
        3. Project life cycle
        4. Can you answer these questions?
      12. Task 12: Conduct a kick-off meeting with all stakeholders, in order to announce the start of the project, to indicate the project milestones, and share other relevant information.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Kick-off meeting
        3. Can you answer these questions?
      13. Answers
        1. Task 1: Assess detailed project requirements, constraints, and assumptions with stakeholders based on the project charter, lessons learned from previous projects, and the use of requirement gathering techniques (e.g., planning sessions, brainstorming, focus groups), in order to establish the project deliverables.
        2. Task 2: Create the work breakdown structure with the team by deconstructing the scope, in order to manage the scope of the project.
        3. Task 3: Develop a budget plan based on the project scope using estimating techniques, in order to manage project cost.
        4. Task 4: Develop a project schedule based on the project timeline, scope, and resource plan, in order to manage timely completion of the project.
        5. Task 5: Develop a human resource management plan by defining the roles and responsibilities of the project team members in order to create an effective project organization structure and provide guidance regarding how resources will be utilized and managed.
        6. Task 6: Develop a communication plan based on the project organization structure and external stakeholder requirements, in order to manage the flow of project information.
        7. Task 7: Develop a procurement plan based on the project scope and schedule, in order to ensure that the required project resources will be available.
        8. Task 8: Develop a quality management plan based on the project scope and requirements, in order to prevent the appearance of defects and reduce the cost of quality.
        9. Task 9: Develop the change management plan by defining how changes will be handled, in order to track and manage changes.
        10. Task 10: Plan risk management by developing a risk management plan, and identifying, analyzing, and prior to rising project risks in the risk register and defining risk response strategies, in order to manage uncertainty throughout the project life cycle.
        11. Task 11: Present the project plan to the key stakeholders (if required), in order to obtain approval to execute the project.
        12. Task 12: Conduct a kick-off meeting with all stakeholders, in order to announce the start of the project, to indicate the project milestones, and share other relevant information.
    6. 3. Executing the project
      1. Task 1: Obtain and manage project resources including outsourced deliverables by following the procurement plan, in order to ensure successful project execution.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Resources
        3. Preassignment
        4. Acquisition
        5. Virtual teams
        6. Staff assignments
        7. Resource calendars
        8. Cost management plan
        9. Procurement management plan
        10. Source selection criteria
        11. Seller proposals
        12. Bidder conference
        13. Proposal evaluation techniques
        14. Independent estimates
        15. Procurement negotiations
        16. Can you answer these questions?
      2. Task 2: Execute the tasks as defined in the project plan, in order to achieve the project deliverables within budget and schedule.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Project plan
        3. Deliverables
        4. Work performance data
        5. Performance reporting
        6. Can you answer these questions?
      3. Task 3: Implement the quality management plan using the appropriate tools and techniques, in order to ensure that work is being performed according to required quality standards.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Quality management plan
        3. Process improvement plan
        4. Quality assurance
        5. Ishikawa’s seven quality tools
        6. Can you answer these questions?
      4. Task 4: Implement approved changes according to the change management plan, in order to meet project requirements.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Change management plan
        3. Approved change requests
        4. Can you answer these questions?
      5. Task 5: Implement approved actions, and follow the risk management plan and risk register, in order to minimize the impact of negative risk events on the project.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Risk management plan
        3. Risk register
        4. Trigger conditions
        5. Workaround
        6. Can you answer these questions?
      6. Task 6: Maximize team performance through leading, mentoring, training, and motivating team members.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Human resource management plan
        3. Interpersonal skills
        4. Training
        5. Team-building activities
        6. Recognition and rewards
        7. Personnel and team assessment tools
        8. Observation and conversation
        9. Can you answer these questions?
      7. Answers
        1. Task 1: Obtain and manage project resources including outsourced deliverables by following the procurement plan, in order to ensure successful project execution.
        2. Task 2: Execute the tasks as defined in the project plan, in order to achieve the project deliverables within budget and schedule.
        3. Task 3: Implement the quality management plan using the appropriate tools and techniques, in order to ensure that work is being performed according to required quality standards.
        4. Task 4: Implement approved changes according to the change management plan, in order to meet project requirements.
        5. Task 5: Implement approved actions, and follow the risk management plan and risk register, in order to minimize the impact of negative risk events on the project.
        6. Task 6: Maximize team performance through leading, mentoring, training, and motivating team members.
    7. 4. Monitoring and controlling the project
      1. Task 1: Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques, in order to identify and quantify any variances, perform approved corrective actions, and communicate with relevant stakeholders.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Project management plan
        3. Schedule forecasts
        4. Cost forecasts
        5. Work performance data
        6. Work performance information
        7. Work performance reports
        8. Analytical techniques
        9. Root cause analysis
        10. Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)
        11. Trend analysis
        12. Earned value management
        13. Meetings
        14. Monitoring project procurements
        15. Change requests
        16. Project management plan updates
        17. Issue log
        18. Can you answer these questions?
      2. Task 2: Manage changes to the project scope, schedule, and costs by updating the project plan and communicating approved changes to the team, in order to ensure that revised project goals are met.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Project management plan
        3. Baselines
        4. Change requests
        5. Change control process
        6. Change control tools
        7. Meetings
        8. Can you answer these questions?
      3. Task 3: Ensure that project deliverables conform to the quality standards established in the quality management plan by using appropriate tools and techniques, e.g. testing, inspection, control charts, in order to satisfy customer requirements.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Quality management plan
        3. Quality metrics
        4. Quality checklists
        5. Approved change requests
        6. Work performance data
        7. Deliverables
        8. Seven basic quality tools
        9. Statistical sampling
        10. Inspections
        11. Quality control measurements
        12. Verified deliverables
        13. Scope validation
        14. Can you answer these questions?
      4. Task 4: Update the risk register and risk response plan by identifying any new risks, assessing old risks, and determining and implementing appropriate response strategies, in order to manage the impact of risks on the project.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Risk management plan
        3. Risk register
        4. Work performance data and reports
        5. Risk reassessment
        6. Risk audits
        7. Variance and trend analysis
        8. Reserves analysis
        9. Change requests
        10. Risk response strategies
        11. Can you answer these questions?
      5. Task 5: Assess corrective actions on the issue register and determine next steps for unresolved issues by using appropriate tools and techniques, in order to minimize the impact on project schedule, cost, and resources.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Issue register
        3. Corrective and preventive actions
        4. Communications tool
        5. Can you answer these questions?
      6. Task 6: Communicate project status to stakeholders for their feedback, in order to ensure the project aligns with business needs.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Communication management plan
        3. Stakeholder management plan
        4. Work performance reports
        5. Can you answer these questions?
      7. Answers
        1. Task 1: Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques, in order to identify and quantify any variances, perform approved corrective actions, and communicate with relevant stakeholders.
        2. Task 2: Manage changes to the project scope, schedule, and costs by updating the project plan and communicating approved changes to the team, in order to ensure that revised project goals are met.
        3. Task 3: Ensure that project deliverables conform to the quality standards established on the quality management plan by using appropriate tools and techniques, e.g. testing, inspection, control charts, in order to satisfy customer requirements.
        4. Task 4: Update the risk register and risk response plan by identifying any new risks, assessing old risks, and determining and implementing appropriate response strategies, in order to manage the impact of risks on the project.
        5. Task 5: Assess corrective actions on the issue register and determine next steps for unresolved issues by using appropriate tools and techniques, in order to minimize the impact on project schedule, cost, and resources.
        6. Task 6: Communicate project status to stakeholders for their feedback, in order to ensure the project aligns with business needs.
    8. 5. Closing the project
      1. Task 5.1: Obtain final acceptance of the project deliverables by working with the sponsor and/or customer, in order to confirm that project scope and deliverables were met.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Accepted deliverables
        3. Final acceptance
        4. Can you answer these questions?
      2. Task 5.2: Transfer the ownership of deliverables to the assigned stakeholders in accordance with the project plan, in order to facilitate project closure.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Transfer
        3. Customer
        4. Can you answer these questions?
      3. Task 5.3: Obtain financial, legal, and administrative closure using generally accepted practices, in order to communicate formal project closure and ensure no further liability.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Financial closure
        3. Legal closure
        4. Administrative closure
        5. Procurement audits
        6. Procurement negotiations
        7. Can you answer these questions?
      4. Task 5.4: Distribute the final project report including all project closure-related information, project variances, and any issues, in order to provide the final project status to all stakeholders
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Final project report distribution
        3. Project variances
        4. Issues log
        5. Can you answer these questions?
      5. Task 5.5: Collate lessons learned through comprehensive project review, in order to create and/or update the organization’s knowledge base.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Lessons learned
        3. Organizational process asset updates
        4. Can you answer these questions?
      6. Task 5.6: Archive project documents and material in order to retain organizational knowledge, comply with statutory requirements, and ensure availability of data for potential use in future projects and internal/external audits.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Archiving techniques
        3. Statutory requirements
        4. Can you answer these questions?
      7. Task 5.7: Measure customer satisfaction at the end of the project by capturing customer feedback, in order to assist in project evaluation and enhance customer relationships.
        1. Exam need to know…
        2. Customer satisfaction
        3. Feedback techniques
        4. Can you answer these questions?
      8. Answers
        1. Task 5.1: Obtain final acceptance of the project deliverables by working with the sponsor and/or customer, in order to confirm that project scope and deliverables were met.
        2. Task 5.2: Transfer the ownership of deliverables to the assigned stakeholders in accordance with the project plan, in order to facilitate project closure.
        3. Task 5.3: Obtain financial, legal, and administrative closure using generally accepted practices, in order to communicate formal project closure and ensure no further liability.
        4. Task 5.4: Distribute the final project report including all project closure-related information, project variances, and any issues, in order to provide the final project status to all stakeholders.
        5. Task 5.5: Collate lessons learned through comprehensive project review, in order to create and/or update the organization’s knowledge base.
        6. Task 5.6: Archive project documents and material in order to retain organizational knowledge, comply with statutory requirements, and ensure availability of data for potential use in future projects and internal/external audits.
        7. Task 5.7: Measure customer satisfaction at the end of the project by capturing customer feedback, in order to assist in project evaluation and enhance customer relationships.
    9. A. About the author
    10. Index
    11. About the Author
    12. Copyright

    Product information

    • Title: PMP Rapid Review
    • Author(s): Sean Whitaker
    • Release date: August 2013
    • Publisher(s): Microsoft Press
    • ISBN: 9780735668348