PRO4801 Project Management Question Bank with well explained Answers | Updated Version | UNISA

1. Explain the main elements of the PCAS and the three areas of emphasis of
project control. (5 – 10)
The focus is on project costs. The system also assists tracking and controlling
schedules and work packages. During the project conception and definition, cost
estimates of work packages are accumulated through the PCAS to produce a cost
estimate for the project. After work on the project begins, the PCAS is used to
accumulate credit and report project and work packages expenditures. The PCAS
generates reports periodically or as needed for each work package, department and
the entire project.
2. With reference to the project charter and project plan explain why they are
vital and indicate how the charter relates to the project plan. Briefly identify and
explain the contents of each. Comment on the extent to which some contents of
a project plan may be used in small projects. (5-20).
Project scope is the keystone interlocking all elements of a project plan. The term
project charter has emerged to have a special meaning in the world of project
management. A project charter refers to a document that authorizes the project
manager to initiate and lead the project. This document is issued by upper
management and provides the project manager with written authority to use
organizational resources for project activities. Often the charter will include a brief
scope description as well as such items as risk limits, customer needs, spending limits,
and even team composition. Many projects suffer from scope creep, which is the
tendency for the project scope to expand over time—usually by changing
requirements, specifications, and priorities. Scope creep can be reduced by carefully
writing your scope statement. A scope statement that is too broad is an invitation for
scope creep. Scope creep can have a positive or negative effect on the project, but in
most cases, scope creep means added costs and possible project delays. Changes in
requirements, specifications, and priorities frequently result in cost overruns and
delays.
The project master plan includes:
 A scope statement or SOW that includes high-level user requirements and
systems requirements.
 Work breakdown structure and work packages or tasks
 Project organization and responsibility assignments
 Assignment of key personnel to work packages
 Project schedules showing events, milestones or points of critical action
 Budget and allocation to work packages
 Quantity plan for monitoring and accepting project deliverables
 Risk plan and contingency or work mitigation measures
 Procurement plan
 Work review plan
 Change control plan