Life Cycle Options and Choices Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the four life cycle philosophies?
Linear
Incremental
Iterative
Evolutionary
What are four typical phases of a linear life cycle?
Concept
Definition
Deployment
Transition
What are the advantages of a linear life cycle?
Highly structured, predictable and stable
Transparent format
Works well for the deployment of well understood and clearly defined outputs
What are the disadvantages of a linear life cycle?
Assumes the availability of relatively perfect knowledge upfront
Resistant to change and inflexible for corrections and rework
Implies a long sequence, culminating in the ultimate handover
Describe an iterative life cycle.
Composed of several iterations allowing the deployment of initial capability, followed by successive deliveries of further value.
What is vital for iterative cycles to proceed?
User feedback - Required for initiating new cycles of development, refinement and improvement.
What are the two additional phases that make up an extended life cycle?
Adoption
Benefits Realisation
Describe adoption?
Operations and sustainment required to utilise the new project and enable the acceptance and use of the benefits
Describe benefits realisation
Realisation of the required business benefits. Set out and considered in the in the project scope.
What additional stages make up the “Product Life Cycle”
Operation
Termination
Describe what is required for “Operation”
Ensuring the availability and continuing support and maintenance of project deliverables and potential outcomes/benefits
Describe what is required for “Termination”
Decommissioning and disposal at the end of the products useful life
What are three levels of governance?
Corporate - Vision, mission, strategy
Business as usual - Operations
Business change - Projects, programmes, portfolios
How can governance roles be clearly defined?
The use of a “Responsibility Assignement Matrix”
Clarifies who is accountable and responsible
Those who need to be consulted and those to be informed during a decision making process
What are the three areas that make up the “three lines of defence” in governance?
Project Controls = Application of aManagement system, policies, procedures
Compliance = Management assurance, comprising monitoring, checks and audits
Independent Review - Internal/external audit, independent peers, external scrutiny
What is the role of the project sponsor?
The person accountable for ensuring that the work is governed effectively and delivers the objectives to meet the identified needs
List 4 roles of the sponsor
Links project to corporate strategy
Owns the vision and business case
Accountable for benefits
Reflects the corporate risk appetite
What makes a successful sponsor?
Leader/decision-maker able to work across corporate/functional boundaries
Credible influencer of stakeholders with delegated authority of the organisation
Prepared to commit time
An enthusiastic advocate of the work
What five areas should a business case consider?
Strategic context
Economic context
Commerical approach
Financial case
Management approach
Who is accountable for the business case through the life cycle?
Project sponsor
Advantages to active involvment of the Project/Programme/Portfolio manager
