Chapter 6: Other Planning Processes

Overview

THE COMPTIA PROJECT+ EXAM TOPICS COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER INCLUDE:

• 1.9 Given a proposed scope definition and based on the scope components , assess the feasibility of the project and the viability of a given project component against a predetermined list of constraints.

• 2.4 Given a team-building scenario, including a scope definition and work breakdown structure (WBS), identify selection criteria for particular team members . Demonstrate the ability to ask interview questions that will assist the team selection process.

• 2.19 Demonstrate the ability to identify project team organization roles and responsibilities required for the execution of the project.

• 2.22 Demonstrate an understanding of the components of a project quality management plan (e.g., measured quality checkpoints, assignments for architectural control, systems test, and unit tests, user sign-off, etc.).

• 2.23 Demonstrate the skills to develop a quality plan.

• 2.24 Demonstrate the ability to perform risk assessment and mitigation (given a scenario including the appropriate project documentation).

• 2.25 Demonstrate the ability to create a project communications plan that clearly indicates what needs to be communicated during a project, to whom, when, and how (using formal and informal approaches).

• 2.31 Be able to secure staffing commitments and resolve staffing issues.

• 3.21 Recognize the relevance of the organization's quality policy to project quality.

It might appear that we should be done with planning and ready to move into project execution. We have planned our scope, cost, and schedule. What more could there be?

Although scope, schedule, and cost are the foundation of project planning, several other components of project management need to be addressed in the planning process. For instance, human resources planning means deciding how to staff your project-acquiring the people you need to complete the project. Quality planning involves setting the project quality standards. It includes determining what quality variables you will measure and how you will measure them. Risk planning identifies possible risks to your project, quantifies the magnitude and probability of these risks, and defines how to respond if the risk occurs. Communications planning is necessary to identify what people or groups will need information about your project and how you will provide information. Finally, procurement planning becomes necessary if you will be purchasing goods or services for your project from outside vendors . It covers defining a statement of work and vendor selection criteria, as well as the various types of contracts. We'll discuss all of these planning methods in this chapter.