978-0131454170 Chapter 1 Part 1

subject Type Homework Help
subject Pages 11
subject Words 4565
subject Textbook Information Systems Project Management: A Process and Team Approach 1st Edition
subject Authors Joe Valacich, Joey George, Mark Fuller
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Exam
Name___________________________________
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.
1)
The Gantt chart was developed:
1)
A)
during the Manhattan project.
B)
by a management consultant named Henry Gantt.
C)
during the building of the pyramids.
D)
in the early 1900s.
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
2)
A planned undertaking of related activities to reach an objective that has a beginning and an end is
called:
2)
A)
a project.
B)
a campaign.
C)
an undertaking.
D)
a system.
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
3)
The project management core area including project plan development, project plan execution, and
change control is called:
3)
A)
project time management.
B)
project integration management.
C)
project scope management.
D)
project quality management.
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
4)
Errors made when estimating the expecting or actual performance of the project, resulting in an
inaccurate picture of the project status, happen during the:
4)
A)
initiation process.
B)
planning process.
C)
control process.
D)
execution process.
Answer:
C
A)
B)
C)
D)
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5)
The association designed to bring together project management professionals and systematically
capture project management knowledge is called:
5)
A)
Project Management Professionals Association.
B)
PM Knowledge Organization.
C)
Project Management Institute.
D)
The Knowledge Association.
Answer:
C
A)
B)
C)
D)
6)
During the ________ process, all paper work is finalized and the project is signed off.
6)
A)
initiating
B)
closeout
C)
planning
D)
execution
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
7)
A method used for determining the sequence of task activities that directly affect the completion of
a project is called:
7)
A)
program evaluation and review technique.
B)
critical path method.
C)
critical activity method.
D)
activity sequence determination.
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
8)
A project failure can be:
8)
A)
a project that does not finish on time.
B)
a project that finishes on time and budget but does not deliver a system that meets
expectations.
C)
a project that finishes but exceeds it budget.
D)
all of the above.
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
2
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9)
A diagram that shows the ordering of activities by connecting predecessor and successor tasks is
called a:
9)
A)
Gantt chart.
B)
Work breakdown structure.
C)
Predecessor-successor diagram.
D)
Network diagram.
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
10)
A ________ is responsible for initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing down a
project.
10)
A)
project manager
B)
stakeholder
C)
projector
D)
project sponsor
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
11)
Failure to correctly estimate costs, time, or complexity of the project usually happens during the:
11)
A)
initiation process.
B)
control process.
C)
planning process.
D)
execution process.
Answer:
C
A)
B)
C)
D)
12)
Which activity is NOT part of the planning process?
12)
A)
Closedown planning
B)
Risk planning
C)
Time planning
D)
Scope planning
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
13)
Which factor is among the primary reasons for project failure?
13)
A)
Poor quality control
B)
Failed communication among parties
C)
Lack of planning
D)
All of the above
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
3
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14)
The project management core area including cost estimating, cost budgeting, and cost control is
called:
14)
A)
project integration management.
B)
project scope management.
C)
project risk management.
D)
project cost management.
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
15)
A ________ is a person who has an interest in a new or existing project.
15)
A)
federal investigator
B)
professional
C)
stakeholder
D)
projector
Answer:
C
A)
B)
C)
D)
16)
A technique that uses optimistic, pessimistic, and realistic time to calculate the expected time for a
particular task is called:
16)
A)
OPR method.
B)
expected completion time analysis.
C)
program evaluation and review technique.
D)
critical path method.
Answer:
C
A)
B)
C)
D)
17)
All of the following are examples of project failures EXCEPT:
17)
A)
completion of the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
B)
the human resources management initiative of New York's thruway authority.
C)
Sobey's ERP project.
D)
FedEx's attempt to integrate its supply chain.
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
18)
The project management core area including solicitation, source selection, and contract
administration is called:
18)
A)
project risk management.
B)
project procurement management.
C)
project scope management.
D)
project integration management.
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
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19)
The Project Management Body of Knowledge contains ________ core areas.
19)
A)
five
B)
twelve
C)
nine
D)
eight
Answer:
C
A)
B)
C)
D)
20)
During the ________ process, potential projects are identified and evaluated.
20)
A)
closeout
B)
initiating
C)
execution
D)
planning
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
21)
The project management core area including communications planning, information distribution,
and performance reporting is called:
21)
A)
project communications management.
B)
project integration management.
C)
project human resources management.
D)
project quality management.
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
22)
During the ________ process, scope, time, cost, and risk planning take place.
22)
A)
closeout
B)
execution
C)
initiating
D)
planning
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
23)
IT project teams can include:
23)
A)
programmers.
B)
systems analysts.
C)
end users.
D)
all of the above.
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
5
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24)
The project management core area including activity definition, activity sequencing, and schedule
control is called:
24)
A)
project time management.
B)
project scope management.
C)
project quality management.
D)
project integration management.
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
25)
Selecting the wrong project is a potential cause for failure happening during the:
25)
A)
planning process.
B)
execution process.
C)
initiation process.
D)
control process.
Answer:
C
A)
B)
C)
D)
26)
The project management core area including quality planning, quality assurance, and quality
control is called:
26)
A)
project cost management.
B)
project quality management.
C)
project scope management.
D)
project risk management.
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
27)
The project management core area including scope planning, scope definition, and scope
verification is called:
27)
A)
project time management.
B)
project scope management.
C)
project quality management.
D)
project integration management.
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
28)
Analyzing the scope of a project and determining the probability of success is called:
28)
A)
feasibility study.
B)
scope-success study.
C)
scope determination.
D)
success analysis.
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
6
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29)
During the ________ process, the actual work related to the project takes place.
29)
A)
closeout
B)
execution
C)
planning
D)
initiating
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
30)
The project management core area including risk management planning, risk identification, and
risk response planning is called:
30)
A)
project integration management.
B)
project scope management.
C)
project communications management.
D)
project risk management.
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
31)
What is NOT unique about IT projects?
31)
A)
The solutions being attempted may never have been done before.
B)
A variety of different stakeholders has to be managed.
C)
The technological context is in constant flux.
D)
Extensive amounts of user involvement need to be managed.
Answer:
B
A)
B)
C)
D)
32)
Project management process groups include all EXCEPT:
32)
A)
abandoning.
B)
executing.
C)
initiating.
D)
planning.
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
33)
A chart showing the start and end dates for the activities of a project is called a:
33)
A)
Project activity chart.
B)
Work breakdown structure.
C)
Network diagram.
D)
Gantt chart.
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
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34)
The project management core area including organizational planning, staff acquisition, and team
development is called:
34)
A)
project human resources management.
B)
project quality management.
C)
project communications management.
D)
project integration management.
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
35)
There are ________ major project management process groups.
35)
A)
five
B)
three
C)
four
D)
six
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
36)
Failure can take place ________ of a project.
36)
A)
during the execution process
B)
during the initiation process
C)
during the planning process
D)
during any process
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
37)
Projects are:
37)
A)
temporary.
B)
never successful.
C)
indefinite.
D)
to be avoided.
Answer:
A
A)
B)
C)
D)
38)
Project management is the application of ________ and techniques to project activities to meet
project requirements.
38)
A)
skills
B)
knowledge
C)
tools
D)
all of the above
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
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39)
A set of procedures used by organizations to manage organizational activities is called:
39)
A)
systems development life cycle.
B)
project initiation.
C)
project management life cycle.
D)
rapid application development.
Answer:
C
A)
B)
C)
D)
40)
A ________ provides high level support for a project.
40)
A)
projector
B)
stakeholder
C)
project manager
D)
project sponsor
Answer:
D
A)
B)
C)
D)
SHORT ANSWER. Write the word or phrase that best completes each statement or answers the question.
41)
The entities that have a vested interest in a project are called ________.
41)
Answer:
stakeholders
42)
A comprehensive system designed to integrate systems from diverse parts of a business is
called ________.
42)
Answer:
enterprise system (or enterprise resource planning system)
43)
The project sponsor has the responsibility of making sure that the project is given the
________ to successfully complete its task.
43)
Answer:
necessary resources
44)
A repository on the key project management knowledge areas is called ________.
44)
Answer:
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
45)
The Project Management Body of Knowledge contains ________ core areas.
45)
Answer:
nine
46)
The ________ involved in projects may change during a project, making IT projects unique.
46)
Answer:
technologies
47)
The ________ in which companies operate in today's business environment is in a state of
constant flux, making IT projects unique.
47)
Answer:
technological context.
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48)
A diagram that shows the ordering of activities by connecting predecessor and successor
tasks is called ________.
48)
Answer:
network diagram
49)
A method used for determining the sequence of task activities that directly affect the
completion of a project is called ________.
49)
Answer:
critical path method
50)
During the ________ process, the actual work related to the project takes place.
50)
Answer:
execution
51)
A chart showing the start and end dates for the activities of a project is called ________.
51)
Answer:
Gantt chart
52)
As a project manager, your environment is one of ________.
52)
Answer:
continual change and problem solving
53)
The fifth factor making IT projects unique is that there are ________ to rely on.
53)
Answer:
few guidelines
54)
To be considered a success, a project has to finish on ________, budget, and meet
stakeholder expectations.
54)
Answer:
time
55)
The second factor making IT projects unique is the difficulty of ________.
55)
Answer:
hiring and retaining experienced IT project employees
56)
Senior-level support of projects is provided by a ________.
56)
Answer:
project sponsor
57)
The project management core area including scope planning, scope definition, and scope
verification is called ________.
57)
Answer:
project scope management
58)
The need to understand established ________ is the fourth factor making IT projects
unique.
58)
Answer:
systems development methodologies
10
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59)
During the initiating process, projects are evaluated in terms of ________.
59)
Answer:
importance to the organization
60)
The project management core area including risk management planning, risk
identification, and risk response planning is called ________.
60)
Answer:
project risk management
61)
A listing of the activities necessary for completion of a project is called ________.
61)
Answer:
work breakdown structure
62)
Key management evaluated potential projects in terms of their alignment with company
________.
62)
Answer:
strategy and goals
63)
Information systems projects are undertaken to take advantage of business opportunities
and to ________.
63)
Answer:
solve business problems
64)
Increases in project scope are ________ for IT projects.
64)
Answer:
commonplace
65)
The project management core area including quality planning, quality assurance, and
quality control is called ________.
65)
Answer:
project quality management
66)
A company that provides application software hosting is called ________.
66)
Answer:
application service provider (ASP)
67)
The project management core area including cost estimating, cost budgeting, and cost
control is called ________.
67)
Answer:
project cost management
68)
The project management core area including organizational planning, staff acquisition, and
team development is called ________.
68)
Answer:
project human resources management
69)
A technique that uses optimistic, pessimistic, and realistic time to calculate the expected
time for a particular task is called ________.
69)
Answer:
program evaluation and review technique (PERT)
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70)
The project manager is responsible for ________ of a project.
70)
Answer:
initiation, planning, executing, and closing
71)
The project management core area including solicitation, source selection, and contract
administration is called ________.
71)
Answer:
project procurement management
72)
A ________ is conducted to determine the resources required for the project's completion.
72)
Answer:
feasibility study
73)
A system that finishes on time and budget but fails to meet stakeholder expectations is
considered a ________.
73)
Answer:
project failure
74)
The project management core area including communications planning, information
distribution and performance reporting is called ________.
74)
Answer:
project communications management
75)
During the ________ process, scope, time, cost, and risk planning take place.
75)
Answer:
planning
76)
The third factor making IT projects unique is the need to manage extensive amounts of
________.
76)
Answer:
user involvement
77)
The project management core area including project plan development, project plan
execution, and change control is called ________.
77)
Answer:
project integration management
78)
During the ________ process, all paper work is finalized and the project is signed off.
78)
Answer:
closeout
79)
A set of procedures used by organizations to manage organizational initiatives is called
________.
79)
Answer:
project management life cycle
80)
The project management core area including activity definition, activity sequencing, and
schedule control is called ________.
80)
Answer:
project time management
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TRUE/FALSE. Write 'T' if the statement is true and 'F' if the statement is false.
81)
Failure can only take place during later stages of a project.
81)
Answer:
True
False
82)
A diagram that shows the ordering of activities by connecting predecessor and successor tasks is
called work breakdown structure.
82)
Answer:
True
False
83)
A technique that uses optimistic, pessimistic, and realistic time to calculate the expected time for a
particular task is called OPR method.
83)
Answer:
True
False
84)
Projects can last a maximum of several weeks.
84)
Answer:
True
False
85)
Failure to correctly estimate costs, time, or complexity of the project usually happens during the
planning process.
85)
Answer:
True
False
86)
The project management core area including cost estimating, cost budgeting, and cost control is
called project scope management.
86)
Answer:
True
False
87)
There are three major project management process groups.
87)
Answer:
True
False
88)
Any project that is delivered on time and budget can be considered a success.
88)
Answer:
True
False
89)
Project scope is likely to change during IT projects, as people believe that changing a few lines of
code is sufficient.
89)
Answer:
True
False
90)
The project management core area including project plan development, project plan execution, and
change control is called project integration management.
90)
Answer:
True
False
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91)
The project manager is the most instrumental person to the successful completion of a project.
91)
Answer:
True
False
92)
Information systems projects are undertaken to reduce costs.
92)
Answer:
True
False
93)
The technological context in which companies are operating is relatively stable.
93)
Answer:
True
False
94)
A method used for determining the sequence of task activities that directly affect the completion of
a project is called activity sequence determination.
94)
Answer:
True
False
95)
The need to understand systems development methodologies makes IT projects unique.
95)
Answer:
True
False
96)
During the planning process, scope, time, cost, and risk planning take place.
96)
Answer:
True
False
97)
According to a study by the Standish group, 60% of all IT projects fail to meet business
requirements.
97)
Answer:
True
False
98)
As a project manager, you environment is one of continual change and problem solving.
98)
Answer:
True
False
99)
A chart showing the start and end dates for the activities of a project is called Gantt chart.
99)
Answer:
True
False
100)
Project management process groups include initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and
abandoning.
100)
Answer:
True
False
ESSAY. Write your answer in the space provided or on a separate sheet of paper.
101)
There are many aspects that make IT projects unique. Describe three aspects and provide examples.
Answer:
The book describes seven differences. Possible answers include:
First, the technological context in which companies operate in today's business environment is in a state
of constant flux. As new technologies are introduced, firms must quickly decide whether to invest in
them or risk the chance of losing a potential competitive advantage, or simply to match the capabilities of
competitors who have already adopted a new technology. The number of new technologies also means
14
Answer:
that firms may find themselves juggling the resources required to manage not just one, but many projects
focused on technological innovations. Both of these factors certainly create an exciting, yet stressful,
environment for both the businesses involved, as well the project teams that do the work.
A second feature associated with IT projects is the difficulty encountered by human resource personnel
charged with hiring and retaining experienced IT project employees. In other words, not only may
technologies change during projects, but a project team may also experience a certain level of turnover as
valued employees seek new opportunities. This is made even more challenging by the fact that the
demand for employees with good IT project experience may be particularly high, thus companies may
need to design lucrative compensation packages to prevent the recruitment of these employees by other
organizations.
A third feature is the need to manage the extensive amount of user involvement necessary in information
technology projects. Unlike many other types of projects, an information system may be replicated across
different parts of an organization, possibly in different parts of the world. As a result, particular
attention needs to be focused on each subset of potential users as the system is built. In addition, a
project development team must also be aware that an information system is likely to be used by people
with very different levels of technical proficiency. As a result, many different types of users need to be
involved in the development process to ensure system success. Systems designers charged with the
development of an IT system must ensure that the end users of the system are involved throughout the
project. This includes involvement not only during planning, but also during both implementation and
maintenance.
A fourth feature involves the need to understand established systems development methodologies and
how these can be integrated into a project management framework. There are literally dozens of
published methodologies for developing and maintaining systems available to organizations and project
teams. These methodologies may be similar to the traditional systems development life cycle (SDLC), or
closely aligned with rapid application development (RAD) and/or prototyping. In any event,
understanding how these methodologies relate to the standard techniques available in the project
management domain is a unique aspect of managing information technology related development
efforts.
A fifth feature that may distinguish an IT project from many other types of projects is that the solutions
that are being attempted may never have been done before. Whereas building a new house is certainly a
project, it is a project that is likely very similar to past projects your general contractor has attempted. IT
projects, and the other hand, may be focused on building a system that has entirely new functionality. In
such a case, there may be few guidelines or past lessons learned for the project team to rely on.
A sixth feature relates to scope management. While project scope¹which relates to the planned definition
and size of a project¹is likely to change in many projects, in many cases a progressive, uncontrolled
increase in project scope is commonplace in many IT projects. In many instances, this may relate to the
fact that the product being produced may have never been developed before, as mentioned in the
paragraph above. In such a situation, users may be less definite on what characteristics they want in the
final project output. In addition, users may naively believe that software projects are easily modified
even after they have began¹after all, it is just changing a few lines of code.
The seventh unique feature of IT projects is that the technologies involved in projects may change during
the project itself, presenting a moving target for a project team. As an example, a company may be
involved in the deployment of an Enterprise System, such as SAP, for the purpose of connecting various
functional areas of the business, such as production, sales, and accounting. During the middle of such a
project, a new version of the system may be released, and the company may find itself faced with a
decision regarding whether or not to continue on with the original product, or adopt the new technology.
Such changes in technology are commonplace, adding to the complexity of managing projects of this
nature. In some cases, this may result in the technology becoming obsolete before a project is even
15
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Answer:
finished.
102)
There are now a variety of project management software tools that help in planning and visualizing project
tasks and activities. Discuss four key differences of these packages.
Answer:
The first classification can be made based on the number of users. Some types of project management
software have the capability of involving more than one member of a project team to do various project
activities. This sort of collaboration is necessary for very large projects and when project members are
not in the same location. Since IT projects frequently have project members in distributed locations (and
in many instances team members may even be located in other countries), project management software
that supports collaboration gives project members up to date information on the status of various project
tasks.
The second classification is based on the software platform on which the PM package runs, such as
Microsoft Windows, Unix, or the Macintosh environment. In addition, a new trend is the hosting of
project management software by companies on the Web, in essence the use of an application service
provider (ASP) environment.
The third classification is based on industry specificity. While some packages are designed to support
projects in a wide variety of industries, other project management software can be industry specific.
Software specific to a particular industry may have built-in templates for activities that are common for
that environment. These templates may help reduce the time required for a user to input and generate a
project plan and the associated project activities. It may also guide the user to better practices in that
specific industry.
The fourth classification of project management software is based upon the target market and price of the
product. Products range from low-end software packages targeted at small companies, to high-end,
multi-user licensed packages targeted at enterprise organizations.
103)
Information systems projects are undertaken for two primary reasons. Name the two reasons and provide
examples.
Answer:
To take advantage of business opportunities and to solve business problems.
Answers to the second part will vary. Potential examples from the book:
Taking advantage of an opportunity might mean providing an innovative service to customers through
the creation of a new system. For example, a professional sports franchise may want to create a Web site
so that customers can easily access its catalog of sports apparel and place orders at any time or purchase
tickets for an upcoming sporting event online. Solving a business problem could involve modifying how
an existing system processes data so that more accurate or timely information is provided to users. For
example, this same professional sports franchise may want to provide ways for the potential customers to
see exactly what seats are available in a stadium prior to purchasing tickets, in order to solve a business
problem related to the number of telephone calls received by their sales staff.
104)
Briefly describe the history of project management.
Answer:
Depending on the level of detail, answers will vary. Possible answer from the book:
Some argue that project management originated in ancient Egypt during the building of the great
pyramids. Huge stone blocks that were formed, carved, and moved into place all without the benefit of
modern machinery would indeed seem to require a great deal of project management skills. Modern
project management, however, is often argued to have begun in the early 1900s or perhaps as early as the
late 1800s. For example, in 1857, T.D. Judah authored A Practical Plan for Building the Pacific Railroad in
which engineers and clerks prepared formal reports at the project office upon arrival of survey
information from field managers. The information was then analyzed, updated, and forwarded to field
managers and engineers. The project office was also responsible for relationships with investors, cost
estimation, feasibility studies, and field surveys (Kwak, 2003).
16
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Answer:
Henry Lawrence Gantt (1861 -1919) was a mechanical engineer, as well as a management consultant,
who, in 1917, developed what is now known as the Gantt chart, a tool used to plan and track project
activities that is still in use today. Gantt charts allowed for the visual display of project planning and
status information.
In 1931, the development and use of techniques closely akin to the project management techniques of
today was a necessary component for the construction of the Hoover Dam. This massive project required
the extensive use of both materials and human resources. Because the project involved six companies
integrated together as one general contractor, it was crucial for the companies to use project planning and
control techniques. While at this point, in time these project management techniques were still in their
infancy, the Hoover Dam project was not only successfully completed, but completed ahead of time and
under budget.
In 1942, the well-known Manhattan Project was where the modern concept of project management
originated, and provided some of the first evidence of the potential of modern project management
techniques. The Manhattan Project was the code name for the effort by the United States to develop an
atomic bomb during World War II. This Project lasted from 1942 to 1946, involved hundreds of scientists,
and was accomplished at a cost of approximately $1.8 billion, which in today's dollars would be well
over $20 billion. The planning and security needed for the Manhattan Project was so extensive that three
secret cities were built to support project activities. Coordinating the myriad of tasks necessary for this
undertaking was a huge endeavor, and the project management tools developed to do this are still in use
today.
Between 1958 and 1979, additional project management tools were introduced for use in project
management. These tools included both the critical path method (CPM), shown in figure 1-20, and the
program evaluation and review technique (PERT). Both the critical path method and PERT are used in
different ways to estimate project durations. Project management processes continued to evolve through
the 1980s, as the ability of project managers to exert local control over projects increased, due in part to
the shift from mainframe computing to personal computing technology.
105)
Information systems project failures can take place during any of the project management processes. Provide an
example of failure during each project management process.
Answer:
During the initiation phase, the wrong project may be selected. Managers in charge of selection may fail
to establish a clear connection between a given project and the company's business strategy, yet may still
select the project based on other less important factors. During the planning process of project
management, problems can occur due to failure to correctly estimate the cost, time, or complexity of the
project. During the execution process, mistakes can be made while carrying out the actual project
activities, which may also result in project failure. During the control process, errors can be made when
estimating either the expected or actual performance of the project. These incorrect estimations may
result in an inaccurate picture of the project status. Finally, failures during closure can include the close
down of the project before the agreed upon final deliverables have been handed over.
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