PMP Key Area Breakdown PMP Panel Discussion 9/9/2015
Knowledge Areas / Process Groups Review Table on Page 61 of PMBOK Fifth Edition – Maps Processes to the Process Group and Knowledge Area where they occur NOTE: Process Groups are not phases, they overlap and interact. They are guides to be used. Application is iterative and based on the needs of the project. See Pg. 50 PMBOK Fifth Edition
Memorize Processes – develop an understanding of the process group flow within the knowledge area Snip from PMBOK Figure 5-1
Inputs, Tools and Techniques, Outputs ITTOs Develop an Understanding of: Inputs Other than the first process, Develop Project Charter, all inputs are: Outputs from other processes Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) Tools and Techniques Tools – tangible, e.g. templates, SW programs Techniques – activity that may use one or more tools, formulas or charts Outputs Documents (pg. 78 of PMBOK – Table of PM plans and Project Documents) Updates to documents Updates to OPAs / EEFs Deliverables / Product
Inputs and Outputs Outputs from: Develop Project Charter Develop PMP Input to: Validate Scope Control Scope Snips from PMBOK Figure 5-1
Memorize Charts and Formulas Tools and Techniques Know Terms - Examples: EV – Earned Value PV – Planned Value AC – Actual Cost Standard Deviation 6 Sigma Memorize the Formulas Understand purpose, why and where used - Examples: Earned Value Management Assess Project Performance and Progress Technique used in Monitor and Control Project Work, Control Costs, Control Schedule Seven basic quality tools Quality uses to plan, monitor, and control issues related to quality Cause and Effect (fishbone/Ishakawa) – used to link undesirable effect to cause Scatter Diagram (correlation charts) – plot changes in dependent / independent variables Control Chart – identifies if process is stable, has control limits, rule of 7,......
Contracts, Change, Risk Expect questions Contracts Know the different types, who benefits (buyer or seller), situation used Fixed Price (FFP, FPIF, FP-EPA) – risk is on seller Cost-Reimbursable (CPPC, CPFF, CPIF, CPAF) – risk is on buyer Time & Materials – used when precise SOW can’t be determined Change Understand the Change Control Process Identify and Evaluate, Issue Change Request, CCB, Communication, Documenting, Implementing Risk Probability and Impact Risk Register Threats and Opportunities Qualitative versus Quantitative
Next Key Study Methods
Common Areas of Confusion Terminology Statement of Work Versus Scope Statement Validation versus Verification Quality Assurance versus Quality Control Product Scope versus Project Scope Risk – Positive versus Negative Cost of Quality – Conformance versus Non-Conformance Requirements versus Constraints What is the question asking: Tool versus an input/output Tool versus Technique Process Group versus Knowledge Area Most versus Least Is not versus IS Method versus diagram
Weighting Per Process Group from PMI Exam Content Outline