N-P

needs stage

See problem identification.

negative float

The amount of time by which the early date of an activity exceeds its late date.

network analysis

The process of identifying early and late start and finish dates for activities within a project.

network diagram

A chart that represents the relationships between activities in a project; each activity is represented by a node on the diagram. Also called a PERT chart or flowchart.

network path

A series of connected activities in a project network.

nonrecurring costs

One-time expenditures.

nonworking time

Days or hours designated in a schedule when work should not be scheduled.

object linking and embedding (OLE)

A computer technology used to share information between different programs.

objective

A result toward which effort is directed.

Office Watson

A new utility in Project 2002 that enables troubleshooting of program problems.

OLE

See object linking and embedding.

optimize

To adjust resources, costs, and schedule while maintaining the quality standards specified in the project plan.

overhead

Costs that cannot be directly related to products and services being produced.

overload

The amount of required resources that exceeds the resource limit.

overrun

Costs incurred in excess of budgeted or contracted costs.

parallel activities

Unrelated activities that can be executed simultaneously.

parent

A higher-level element in a hierarchical structure.

path

A series of connected activities.

per-use cost

A set fee for the use of a resource.

performance

An evaluation of the success of a project, based on how much of the budget has been spent, how much work has been done, and a comparison of actual costs vs. baseline costs.

personalized menu

See adaptive menu.

PERT

See Program Evaluation and Review Technique.

PERT chart

See network diagram.

phase

A group of related tasks that completes a major step in a project.

planned activity

An activity that has not yet started.

planned cost

An expenditure set at the planning stages of a project.

PMI

See Project Management Institute.

portfolio

A collection of projects, typically grouped by a common component or theme.

Portfolio Analyzer

A component in Project Server that enables senior management and stakeholders to view graphical depictions of project resources and performance.

Portfolio Modeler

A component in Project Server that enables you to interactively examine changes to projects or resource staffing and then view the impact of these changes on a project portfolio.

positive float

The amount of time that an activityís start can be delayed without affecting the project completion date.

post-implementation review

Meeting held at the end of a project to gather and summarize information about the project.

postmortem

See post-implementation review.

precedence diagrams

See network diagrams.

predecessor

An activity that must occur before another activity can begin.

problem identification stage

The initial stage of the project cycle where the problem is first recognized.

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

A network scheduling method for project management, created by the U.S. Navy to manage the building of the first nuclear submarine; used to detemine how much time a project needs before it is completed.

project

A temporary endeavor undertaken to achieve a particular aim; a job that has a beginning and an end, a specified outcome, and a stated level of quality.

project cycle

The stages that a project typically goes through from beginning to completion. A typical six-stage project cycle includes problem identification, definition, project design, development, implementation, and evaluation.

project design stage

That stage of the project cycle where projectís objectives are defined, the scope finalized, individual activities identified and broken into logical components, resources assigned, and time and cost estimates created. The outcome of the design stage is a project budget and timeline.

Project Guide

A new sidepane in Project 2002 that helps you navigate through and (via wizard-like, step-by-step instructions) complete key project management operations.

project management

The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to a broad range of activities to meet the requirements of the particular project.

Project Management Institute (PMI)

The leading professional association devoted to the field of project management. Their website is located at www.pmi.org.

project lifecycle

The events, from beginning to end, necessary to complete a project.

project manager

The individual in charge of a particular project or subproject; large projects can have multiple project managers for different aspects of the project.

project proposal

A document that describes a project in detail for all project team members and managers; the proposal should include details of the projectís scope, costs, performance standards, and timelines.

project review

See post-implementation review.

project triangle

The triple constraints of time, money, and scope.