P

paralingual

The pitch, tone, and inflections in the sender s voice that affect the message being sent.

Parametric Modeling

A mathematical model based on known parameters used to predict the cost of a project. The parameters in the model can vary based on the type of work being done. A parameter can be the cost per cubic yard, cost per unit, and so on.

Pareto diagram

A Pareto diagram is related to Pareto s Law: 80 percent of the problems come from 20 percent of the issues (this is also known as the 80/20 rule ). A Pareto diagram illustrates problems by assigned cause, from smallest to largest.

Parkinson s Law

Parkinson s Law states that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.

participative decision-making process

In this ideal model, all team members contribute to the discussion and decision process. Through compromise, experience, and brainstorming, the project team and the project manager can create a buzz of energy, excitement, and synergy to arrive at the best possible solution for a decision.

peer review

Peer review, as its name implies, is the process of allowing team members to review each other s work.

PERT chart

PERT is short for Program Evaluation and Review Technique. In plain language, this means a PERT chart can graphically illustrate tasks, their durations, and dependency of other tasks in the work unit.

phase

A portion of the project that typically must be completed before the next phase can begin. Each phase has a set deadline.

pilot team

A collection of users who agree to test the project deliverables before the rest of the organization sees the implementation. Their input to the project allows the project manager to realize if the project deliverables are on target or not.

Planned Value (PV)

The worth of the work that should be completed by a specific time in the project schedule.

planning group

This process group is iterative. All planning throughout the project is handled within the planning process group.

PMBOK Guide

The book, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge , which includes all knowledge and practices within the endeavor of project management.

postmortem

Also referred to as post-project audit.

post-project audit

The purpose of this audit is to analyze the completed project, the effectiveness of the project team, the success of the project, the value of the deliverables, and the overall approval from the clients .

Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM)

This method requires the project manager to evaluate each work unit and determine which tasks are its successors and which tasks are its predecessors to create the PND.

problem management meeting

A meeting to resolve problems as they arise on a project.

process groups

The five process groups, initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing, comprise projects and project phases. These five process groups have sets of actions that move the project forward toward completion.

procurement

The process of a seller soliciting, selecting, and paying for products or services from a buyer.

procurement audits

The successes and failures within the procurement process are reviewed from procurement planning through contract administration. The intent of the audit is to learn from what worked and what did not work during the procurement processes.

Procurement Management Plan

This subsidiary project plan documents the decisions made in the procurement planning processes. It specifies how the remaining procurement activities will be managed.

product scope

The attributes and characteristics of the deliverables the project is creating.

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

A scheduling tool that uses a weighted average formula to predict the length of activities and the project. Specifically, the PERT formula is (O + 4ML + P)/6.

programs

A collection of related projects working in alignment toward a common cause.

progress reports

These reports provide current information on the project work completed to date.

progressive elaboration

The process of providing or discovering greater levels of detail as the project moves toward completion.

project

A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service.

project acceptance agreement

A document that is typically written very early in the project timeline and in alignment with the defined project deliverables. The document is a clearly written explanation of what qualifies for an acceptance of the deliverables. These are typical of application development projects and often consist of a checklist of the required features of the project.

project calendar

A calendar that defines the working times for the project. For example, a project may require the project team to work nights and weekends so as not to disturb the ongoing operations of the organization during normal working hours. In addition, the project calendar accounts for holidays, work hours, and work shifts the project will cover.

Project Change Request form

This form formalizes requests from anyone to the project manager. It requires the requestor to not only describe the change, but also to supply a reason why this change is appropriate and needed. Once the requestor has completed this form, the project manager can determine if the change is indeed necessary, should be rejected, or should be delayed until the completion of the current project.

project charter

A project charter is similar to the goal, but more official, more detailed, and in line with your company s vision and goals. The project charter authorizes the project.

project closure phase

This phase of project management is the sigh of relief. It requires proof of the project deliverables, approval from management, and satisfaction from the customers or end users.

project control phase

This phase of project management is a continuous cycle to oversee the project. It allows the project manager to manage task reporting, team meetings, reassignment of resources, change, and quality through software, communications, and the project team.

project deliverables

Project deliverables are the end result of the project. They are what the project produces.

project execution phase

Once the project has been approved, the project manager may then create a PND to map out the required tasks, assign resources, and organize the project team.

project genesis

In the origin of the project, there is a reaction to a need or an idea to improve operations within an organization. This realization of an opportunity to fulfill a need is the concept of the project.

project goal

The clearly stated result a project should meet or deliver.

Project Information Center

This centralized room is a collection of all materials related to the project. The size of your project and the available real estate within your office building will determine your ability to create a Project Information Center.

project kickoff

A project kickoff is a meeting or an event to introduce the project, the management backing the project, the project manager, and the team members. It should be casual, organized, and used as a mechanism to assign ownership of the project to the team.

Project Management Information System (PMIS)

PMIS is typically a computer-program that assists with project management activities, recordkeeping, and forecasting.

Project Management Office (PMO)

The role of the PMO is twofold: it offers traditional project management services for an entire organization, and it serves as governing committee for all projects throughout an organization.

project manager

The individual accountable for all aspects of a project.

Project Network Diagram (PND)

A fluid mapping of the work to be completed. PNDs allow the project manager and the project team to tinker with the relationships between tasks and create alternative solutions to increase productivity, profitability, and the diligence of a project.

project planning phase

The cornerstone of a successful project is the planning phase. The project manager and project team must identify the required activities and estimate the time required to complete the activities in order to reach the project goal.

project resources

Project resources can be employees , contractors, or equipment that is used on a project.

project scope

The defined range of deliverables a project will produce. The project scope is concerned with the work and only the required work necessary to complete the project.

project sponsor

Typically the initiator of the project and the project manager s direct link to management.

project vision

In project management terms, the ability to clearly see the project deliverables and recognize the actions required to produce them.

projectized structure

An organizational structure where the project manager has the greatest amount of authority. The project team is assigned to the project on a full-time basis. When the project is complete, the project team members move on to other assignments within the organization.

purpose statement

A statement indicating why the research was initiated and reflecting the proposed project.