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, OutputsITTOs

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 CharterDevelop PMP

Input to:Validate ScopeControl Scope

Snips from PMBOK Figure 5-1

Memorize Charts and FormulasTools 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, RiskExpect 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

NextKey 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 Groupfrom PMI Exam Content Outline