R

receiver

The recipient of the message. The receiver is part of the communications model.

referent power

Power that is present when the project team is attracted to, or wants to work on the project with, the project manager. Referent power also exists when the project manager references another, more powerful person, such as the CEO.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

A formal request from your company to a client to create a proposal for the work to be completed and provide you with a cost estimate. An RFP does not guarantee anyone the job; it simply formalizes the proceedings of the selection process.

Request for Quote (RFQ)

A document from the buyer to the seller asking the seller to provide a price for the procured product or service.

residual risks

Risks that are left over after mitigation, transference, and avoidance . These are generally accepted risks. Management may elect to add contingency costs and time to account for the residual risks within the project.

resource calendar

The resource calendar shows when resources, such as project team members , consultants , and Subject Matter Experts, are available to work on the project. It takes into account vacations , other commitments within the organization, restrictions on contracted work, overtime issues, and so on.

resource constraints

A project manager may elect to schedule two tasks as FS rather than SS based on a limitation of a particular resource.

resource histogram

A bar chart reflecting when individual employees, groups, or communities are involved in a project. It is often used by management to see when employees are most or least active in a project.

resource leveling heuristics

A method to flatten the schedule when resources are over-allocated or allocated unevenly. Resource leveling can be applied in different methods to accomplish different goals. One of the most common methods is to ensure that workers are not overextended on activities.

resources

Resources can be both workers and physical objects such as a bandwidth, faster computers, and leased equipment.

return on investment (ROI)

Return on investment is the attitude that IT projects are not an expense but an investment that will allow an organization to become more profitable.

reward power

The project manager s authority to reward the project team.

risk

An unplanned event that can have a positive or negative influence on the project success.

risk database

A database of recognized risks. The planned response and the outcome of the risk should be documented and recorded in an organization-wide risk database. The risk database can serve other project managers as historical information. Over time, the risk database can become a risk Lessons Learned program.

risk management plan

A subsidiary project plan for determining how risks will be identified, how quantitative and qualitative analysis will be completed, how risk response planning will happen, how risks will be monitored , and how ongoing risk management activities will occur throughout the project lifecycle.

risk owners

The individuals or groups responsible for a risk response.

runaway project

A project that starts out well and then gains speed, momentum, and scope, causing runaways with your budget and increased man hours, and possibly hurting your reputation or career. The biggest element of a runaway project is the budget.