PMP Study From Coursera - Course 1

Question 1

Agile

Answer 1

A project management approach in which project phases overlap and tasks are completed in iterations

Example: Agile methodology allows for flexibility and adaptability in project management.

Question 2

Authority

Answer 2

Refers to one’s ability to make decisions for the project that impact the organization

Example: The project manager has the authority to allocate resources for the project.

Question 3

Barrier

Answer 3

Something that can get in the way of project progress

Example: Lack of communication can be a barrier to project success.

Question 4

Buzzword

Answer 4

A word or phrase that is popular for a period of time or in a particular industry

Example: ‘Synergy’ was a buzzword in the business world for a while.

Question 5

C-Suite

Answer 5

All the “chief” level officers in an organization

Example: The C-Suite meets regularly to discuss strategic decisions for the company.

Question 6

Change agent

Answer 6

A person from inside an organization who helps the organization transform by focusing on improving organizational effectiveness and development

Example: John is seen as a change agent in the company due to his innovative ideas.

Question 7

Change management

Answer 7

The process of delivering a completed project and getting people to adopt it

Example: Change management involves communication, training, and support for employees.

Question 8

Classic structure

Answer 8

An organizational structure with a traditional, top-down reporting hierarchy

Example: Many large corporations still operate under a classic structure.

Question 9

Closing

Answer 9

The phase at the end of a project during which team members’ work is celebrated and how the project went is evaluated

Example: The closing phase includes a project retrospective to analyze what went well and what could be improved.

Question 10

Contract work

Answer 10

Work done for a company by non-employees on a project-by-project basis

Example: The company hired contractors for the software development project.

Question 11

Corporate governance

Answer 11

The framework by which an organization achieves its goals and objectives

Example: Corporate governance ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making.

Question 12

Cross-functional team

Answer 12

Team members who have different skill sets and may even work in different departments but are all working towards the successful completion of a project

Example: The cross-functional team includes members from marketing, engineering, and finance departments.

Question 13

Culture mapping

Answer 13

A tool that can illustrate a company’s culture and how the company’s values, norms, and employee behavior may be affected by change

Example: Culture mapping helps identify areas of resistance to change within the organization.

Question 14

Delegation

Answer 14

Assigning tasks to individuals or resources who can best complete the work

Example: Delegation allows the project manager to focus on strategic decisions.

Question 15

Deliverable

Answer 15

A specific task or outcome

Example: The deliverable for this phase is the completion of the prototype.

Question 16

DMAIC

Answer 16

A strategy for process improvement; refers to the five phases in the Lean Six Sigma approach: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control

Example: DMAIC is used to optimize existing processes.

Question 17

Effective communication

Answer 17

Refers to being transparent, upfront with plans and ideas, and making information available

Example: Effective communication helps prevent misunderstandings among team members.

Question 18

Escalation paths

Answer 18

Refers to the courses for communicating risks to the right people at the right time

Example: Escalation paths ensure that critical issues are addressed promptly.

Question 19

Executing

Answer 19

Completing the tasks necessary to achieve the project goals

Example: The executing phase involves implementing the project plan.

Question 20

Feedback mechanism

Answer 20

A tool that can capture input from stakeholders, such as a survey

Example: The feedback mechanism helps gather insights for project improvement.

Question 21

Floating task

Answer 21

A task for which a change in its delivery would not affect the project’s overall success or impact its timeline

Example: The floating task can be rescheduled without impacting the project deadline.

Question 22

Flowchart

Answer 22

A tool that can visualize a project’s development process

Example: The flowchart provides a clear overview of the project workflow.

Question 23

Functional manager

Answer 23

The leader of a department in a functional (Classic) organization

Example: The functional manager oversees the daily operations of the department.

Question 24

Functional organizations

Answer 24

An organization divided into departments based on function; also called a Classic organization

Example: Functional organizations have clear reporting structures.

Question 25

Governance

Answer 25

The management framework within which decisions are made and accountability and responsibility are determined ## Footnote Example: Governance ensures compliance with regulations and ethical standards.

Question 26

Influencing without authority

Answer 26

Refers to a project manager’s ability to guide teammates to complete their assigned work without acting as their direct managers ## Footnote Example: Influencing without authority requires strong interpersonal skills.

Question 27

Initiation

Answer 27

The project phase that is the launchpad for the entire project; project goals, deliverables, resources, budget, and people are identified at this stage ## Footnote Example: The initiation phase sets the direction and scope of the project.

Question 28

Internship

Answer 28

A short-term way to get hands-on experience in an industry ## Footnote Example: The internship provided valuable insights into the field of marketing.

Question 29

Interpersonal skills

Answer 29

The behaviors used to interact with others; skills that can help one influence without authority, including communication, negotiation, conflict mediation, and understanding motivations ## Footnote Example: Interpersonal skills are crucial for effective teamwork.

Question 30

Iterative

Answer 30

Refers to phases and tasks that overlap or happen at the same time that other tasks are being worked on ## Footnote Example: The iterative approach allows for continuous improvement throughout the project.

Question 31

Kanban

Answer 31

An Agile approach and a tool that provides visual feedback about the status of the work in progress through the use of Kanban boards or charts. ## Footnote Example: Kanban helps teams visualize workflow and identify bottlenecks.

Question 32

Lean

Answer 32

A methodology in which the main principle is the removal of waste within an operation ## Footnote Example: Lean methodology focuses on efficiency and eliminating non-value-added activities.

Question 33

Lean Six Sigma

Answer 33

A combination of two “parent” project management methodologies: Lean and Six Sigma; used for projects that have goals to save money, improve quality, and move through processes quickly ## Footnote Example: Lean Six Sigma aims to reduce defects and streamline processes.

Question 34

Linear

Answer 34

A project structure in which the previous phase or task has to be completed before the next can start ## Footnote Example: The linear approach follows a sequential order of tasks.

Question 35

Matrix structure

Answer 35

A hybrid organizational structure that is like a grid; includes direct higher-ups to report to, as well as stakeholders from other departments or programs ## Footnote Example: The matrix structure allows for cross-departmental collaboration.

Question 36

Mission

Answer 36

Clarifies what the “what,” “who,” and “why” of the organization ## Footnote Example: The mission statement outlines the purpose and values of the organization.

Question 37

Organizational culture

Answer 37

Employees’ shared values and the organization’s values, mission, history, and so on; a company’s personality ## Footnote Example: Organizational culture influences employee behavior and decision-making.

Question 38

Organizational structure

Answer 38

The way a company or organization is arranged ## Footnote Example: The organizational structure determines reporting relationships and communication channels.

Question 39

Ownership

Answer 39

When people feel like they are empowered to take responsibility for the successful completion of their tasks ## Footnote Example: Ownership leads to accountability and commitment to project goals.

Question 40

Planning

Answer 40

Making use of productivity tools and creating processes; creating and maintaining plans, timelines, schedules, and other forms of documentation to track project completion ## Footnote Example: Planning is essential for setting project milestones and deadlines.

Question 41

Program manager

Answer 41

A project manager who manages multiple projects for specific products, teams, or programs ## Footnote Example: The program manager oversees the coordination of various projects within the organization.

Question 42

Project

Answer 42

A unique endeavor which usually includes a set of unique deliverables; a series of tasks that need to be completed to reach a desired outcome ## Footnote Example: The construction project involved multiple phases and deliverables.

Question 43

Project governance

Answer 43

The framework for how project decisions are made ## Footnote Example: Project governance ensures alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Question 44

Project life cycle

Answer 44

The basic structure for a project; consists of four different phases: initiate the project, make a plan, execute and complete tasks, and close the project ## Footnote Example: The project life cycle provides a roadmap for project management.

Question 45

Project management

Answer 45

The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements ## Footnote Example: Project management involves planning, executing, and controlling project activities.

Question 46

Project management methodology

Answer 46

A set of guiding principles and processes for owning a project throughout its life cycle ## Footnote Example: Agile and Waterfall are examples of project management methodologies.

Question 47

Project management office

Answer 47

An internal group at a company that defines and maintains project management standards across the organization ## Footnote Example: The project management office provides support and guidance to project managers.

Question 48

Project manager

Answer 48

Individual who shepherds projects from start to finish and serves as a guide for their team, using their impeccable organizational and interpersonal skills every step of the way ## Footnote Example: The project manager is responsible for ensuring project success and team collaboration.

Question 49

Project task

Answer 49

An activity that needs to be completed to achieve project goals

Question 50

Project management

Answer 50

The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements ## Footnote Example: Managing a construction project to ensure it is completed on time and within budget

Question 51

Project management methodology

Answer 51

A set of guiding principles and processes for owning a project throughout its life cycle

Question 52

Project management office

Answer 52

An internal group at a company that defines and maintains project management standards across the organization

Question 53

Project manager

Answer 53

Individual who shepherds projects from start to finish and serves as a guide for their team, using their impeccable organizational and interpersonal skills every step of the way

Question 54

Project task

Answer 54

An activity that needs to be accomplished within a set period of time by the project manager, the project team, or the stakeholder

Question 55

Reporting chart

Answer 55

A diagram showing the relationships among people and groups within the organization and who each person or group reports to

Question 56

Resource availability

Answer 56

Knowing how to access the people, equipment, and budget needed for a project

Question 57

Resources

Answer 57

Anything needed to complete a project, such as people, equipment, software programs, vendors, and physical space or locations

Question 58

Retrospective

Answer 58

A workshop or meeting with the project team to note best practices and learn how to manage a project more effectively the next time

Question 59

Risk

Answer 59

A potential event which can occur and have an impact on a project

Question 60

Scrum

Answer 60

An Agile framework that focuses on developing complex projects through collaboration and an iterative process. Work is completed by small, cross-functional teams led by a Scrum Master and is divided into short Sprints with a set list of deliverables

Question 61

Six Sigma

Answer 61

A methodology used to reduce variations by ensuring that quality processes are followed every time

Question 62

Sprint

Answer 62

A phase in the Agile project management approach which has a defined duration with a set list of deliverables

Question 63

Stakeholder

Answer 63

People who are interested in and affected by the project’s completion and success

Question 64

Steering committees

Answer 64

A group that decides on the priorities of an organization and manages the general course of its operations

Question 65

Transferable skill

Answer 65

An ability that can be used in many different jobs and career paths

Question 66

Urgency

Answer 66

Getting team members to understand that the project is important and to identify what actions need to be taken to move the project along

Question 67

Values

Answer 67

Principles that describe how employees are expected to behave

Question 68

Waterfall

Answer 68

A project management methodology that refers to the sequential ordering of phases