project management process groups.

Explain what happens within the five project management process groups.

Which process groups typically take the least amount of time? Which takes the longest?

Planned, executed, monitored, and closed are the five process groups. The procedures, actions, and abilities needed to precisely define the beginning of the project make up the initiating-process group. The successful implementation of the remaining phases depends on the acquisition of authorizations, permits, and preliminary work orders. The project begins by entering the planning phase after the planning phase has been finished. During this phase, the project managers define the scope, establish strategic plans, and put together the needs and priorities of the team. Here, the expectations and objectives of the project are identified alongside laying the infrastructure required for achieving these goals.

The execution process group involves effective management of teams to carry out the work done on time and within the set budget. After executing the project, the monitoring and control process group involves the use of experienced managers to check the ability of the project to meet the initial expectations, while guarding it against halting. This also includes using foresight and quickly responding to challenges posed.

The closing process group the termination of the other more active phases on time and within budget. All aspects must be closed and the necessary paperwork submitted on time, and to the appropriate parties.

While the execution process takes up the longest time, followed by planning group processes, the initiating and closing group processes are seen to take the least amount of time (Schwalbe, 2016).

What is the value of using a project management methodology?

Using a project management methodology provides the structure, procedures, guidelines, and techniques required in managing the people and tasks which make up the project. Therefore, when the project manager uses a sound methodology, they reduce the chances of failure, therefore providing value to the company, the project, and the people involved as they aim to convey value at every step while mitigating potential risks faced by the project (Sullivant, 2007).

Explain the reasoning for a business case and the importance of the main contents.

A business case is a formal and well-structured document that tells the narrative of a business initiative from the start to the end. The reasoning behind a business case is telling the story of the situation that triggered the business initiative, while the end tells of the benefits or returns expected from the action. It justifies the activities and also acts as a benchmark against which the benefits of the project are measured. The main contents include background, expected commercial gains, expansion goals, legal obligations, risks, and estimated costs (Sullivant, 2007).

Identify the role (s) of key stakeholders during a project kick-off meeting and the important agenda topics

The key stakeholders at a project kick-off meeting include the client, the project sponsor, the management, and the project manager. Here, the project manager introduces all the parties so that they get to know each other. The project manager also briefs all the participants regarding the objectives of the objectives, the assumptions, the constraints and challenges, the procedures and plans, the methodologies, and the working environment. At this point, the client should seek clarifications and confirm that they are satisfied with the planning before executing the project. The management is charged with the responsibility of verifying the availability of resources for the smooth running of all the phases of the project.

The important agenda items are:

Getting the stakeholders to know one another

Recapping important aspects of the project including purpose, scope, risks, assumptions, deliverables, probable efforts, and budget as well as timelines

Discussing roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, client, and project team

Discussing specific procedures of the project

Asking questions and getting clarity on issues (Heldman & Heldman, 2010).

After reading the Just-in-Time case study in chapter 3, choose at least two key topics that need further explanation, and at least one item that you feel should be added.

Topics needing further explanation:

Deliverables of the project

Creation of a project charter

The item that should be added is about the preparation of a business case.

References

Heldman, K. & Heldman, W. (2010). CompTIA Project + Study guide authorized software: Exam PKO-003. Wiley Publishing, Inc

Schwalbe, K. (2016). Information technology project management. Cengage Learning

Sullivant, J. (2007). Strategies for protecting national Critical infrastructural assets: A focus on problem solving. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.