It Is Important To Understand The Cadence Of Projects

By Author: Kimberly Bloch
Total Articles: 16
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In terms of PMP preparation, it is important to understand the cadence of projects.

Projects typically begin slowly, pick up speed, and progress to a peak, and then slow again until they reach completion. Some projects slow down so significantly toward the end that they actually act as though they are resisting completion. The primary reason for this is the numerous parts that must all come together, or loose ends that must be tied up.

The pattern of the SLOW-RAPID-SLOW progression, is typically due to the changing levels of resources and project effort during the life cycle. PMP preparation also requires an understanding of time distirbution.

TIME DISTRIBUTION: Things move more slowly at the beginning. Progress picks up during project activity and slows as activity ceases, final evaluations are done, and the project becomes “complete.”

THE LEVEL OF UNCERTAINTY IS HIGHEST = RISK OF FAILURE IS HIGHEST, at the beginning of the project. The ability of stakeholders to influence the final product and final cost are highest at the beginning of the project.

All managers are fundamentally ...
... responsible for directing people, which includes:
- communicating
- motivating
- leading
- coaching
- administering procedures
- conflict resolution

All managers perform similar duties in directing resources for which they are accountable. These duties are known as FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT, which include the functional responsibilities of:

- planning
- organizing
- controlling
- monitoring

THE FUNCTIONAL MANAGER is a specialist, and knows technical details about the work and operations. Functional managers are direct, technical supervisors, and use an analytical approach to problem-solve and make decisions.

THE PROJECT MANAGER is a generalist and a facilitator, has a varied background of experience and knowledge, and uses a systems approach to make decisions, coordinate, and integrate the elements of the project toward completion.

Successful project managers are also adept at conflict and stress management, something PMP preparation also requires.

THE PROJECT MANAGER (PM) is primarily responsible for:

- project performance
- successful project completion

Characteristically, a successful project manager is someone who:

- has a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to changes
- is a good communicator
- is persuasive
- can function in an ambiguous environment with ill-defined relationships
- has the ability to manage and resolve conflict situations.

The project manager should be knowledgeable and skillful in:

- interpersonal skills
- general management as well as project management
- practical applications of knowledge, standards, and regulations
- the project environment

The PM’s responsibility to the organization:

- competency
- accurate and timely communications
- alerting upper management and recommending alternative solutions when technical, cost, or schedule objectives or contractual obligations are not being met
- proper resource utilization

Kimberly Bloch, To Get the proper pmp preparation training to pass the pmp exam prep certification exam with flying colors.Visit the site too for some useful hints on pmp prep course.