Understanding the project life cycle

Intro: The project management life cycle and

methodologies (Video)
Lifecycle of a project
Explain and follow the life cycle of a project
Define and outline a project’s phases and each phase’s tasks
Compare different project management methodologies
Determine which methodology is effective for a project
Organize how a project is staged according to different program
management methodologies
Exploring the phases of the project life cycle
Project life cycle
Initiate the project
Make a plan
Execute & complete tasks
Close the project
Video Questions
Identify the correct order of the project life cycle.
Initiate the project, make a plan, execute and complete tasks, close the
project
Ex: That's correct! Most project life cycles have four major phases, with each
building on the one before it.
Case study: The significance of each project phase
(Reading)
The consequences of rushing through a project phase
On Friday night Jason, a project manager, at a company specializing in virtual
reality software, receives an urgent call from his manager, Mateo. Mateo tells
Jason that he needs a cost and timeline for virtual reality training program for
flight stimulation, Inc., A company does aircraft maintenance, by end of the
weekend.

Jason’s weekends are working through proposals for flight stimulators, Inc.
He quickly throws together proposals for estimating the cost of $200,000 and
taking six-week development course. Standard cost and time frames for
developing training on the company platform. Sending proposals over to
Flight Simulators, Inc. so, the deadline is met.

Mateo reprimands Jason on Monday morning for not following the company's
process for developing a proposal and excluding the engineers from the
process. Based on the information presented by Flight Simulators, Inc., the
engineers discover that their platform cannot support the software. After six
months of developing, testing, and integrating the platform, the platform will
be ready to support the organization's software. Over a million dollars will be
spent on developing and testing this software.

The project was doomed from the start. Attempting to fulfill the request from
Flight Simulators, Inc. will have a negative impact on the budget, quality, and
schedule.
What should have happened

When his manager calls, Jason explains that while he appreciates Mateo's
desire to satisfy the customer by delivering a proposal quickly, he believes it
would be beneficial to have additional time to ensure the proposal is
accurate and well-crafted. Jason offers to draft an email to Flight Simulators,
Inc. to request an extension for developing a thoughtful and reasonable
proposal. Although Mateo is initially hesitant, he ultimately agrees with
Jason's approach.
On Monday morning, Jason noticed that Flight Simulators, Inc. has responded
to his request. They express their appreciation for his communication
regarding the tight timeline for the proposal. They have granted him an
additional week to collaborate with his team and prepare an estimate for the
project.
Now Jason has time to involve all key players in estimating the effort needed
to complete the project, including costs, schedule, and resources.
Let’s apply the project life cycle to this project.
Initiating the project
This is the phase Jason rushed through in the first scenario. Ideally, in this
phase, Jason discusses project goals with Flight Simulators, Inc. to gain a
clear understanding of what they are asking for. Once Jason has defined the
project goals, he can gather the stakeholders and project team members to
define what needs to be done to successfully create this training for Flight
Simulators, Inc. Jason identifies the skill sets required, the timeline, and the
cost to develop the training. He identifies and documents the value that this
project creates for the company. He presents all of the information he has
put together to his company’s leadership team, who approves Jason’s
proposal. Jason then submits the proposal to Flight Simulators, Inc., and they
accept it. In the initial phase of the project, Jason accelerated his efforts.
Ideally, during this phase, he engages in discussions with Flight Simulators,
Inc. to gain a clear understanding of their requirements. Once Jason has
defined the project goals, he brings together the stakeholders and project
team members to outline the necessary steps for successfully creating the
training for Flight Simulators, Inc.
He identifies the required skill sets, establishes a timeline, and estimates the
costs involved in developing the training. Additionally, he documents the
value this project will create for the company. After gathering all this
information, Jason presents his proposal to his company’s leadership team,
who then approves it. Finally, he submits the proposal to Flight Simulators,
Inc., and they accept it.
Making a plan
Now that Jason has the green light to work on the project, he makes a project
plan to get from start to finish. Having a plan in place ensures that all team
members and stakeholders are prepared to complete their tasks. Jason
outlines the important deadlines and tasks for the project to be successful.
He creates a schedule to account for all resources, materials, and tasks
needed to complete the project. With the go-ahead to work on the project,
Jason develops a comprehensive project plan to guide it from start to finish.
This plan ensures that all team members and stakeholders understand their
responsibilities and are prepared to complete their tasks. Jason highlights the
key deadlines and tasks necessary for the project's success. He also creates
a schedule that accounts for all resources, materials, and tasks required to
complete the project effectively.
Executing and completing tasks
During this project phase, Jason's team initiates his plan by executing the
necessary work. As the project manager, Jason's responsibility is not to
complete individual tasks but to facilitate the process by removing any
obstacles that may hinder the team's progress. Additionally, he is
accountable for communicating the schedule and quality expectations
effectively. Jason employs his communication skills to keep Flight Simulators,
Inc. informed about the project's status and to solicit their feedback. This
proactive approach ensures that the project remains on schedule and within
budget.
Closing the project
Jason’s team has successfully completed the training, and he has delivered
the final product to Flight Simulators, Inc., who are very pleased with the
outcome. With this project now nearing closure, Jason and his team take the
time to discuss and document the lessons learned. They reflect on what went
well and identify areas for improvement in future projects. To celebrate their
achievements and recognize their hard work, Jason also organizes a small
lunch gathering for his team.
Practice Quiz: Test your knowledge: Understanding
the project life cycle
Question 1
What are some potential consequences of rushing through the initiation
phase of a project?
Impact timeline
Impact to budget
Impact to quality

Question 2
Imagine that a project manager has just begun working on a project for a
trucking logistics company. The customer wants to see a proposal as soon as
possible, but it is taking the project manager longer than expected because
he needs more input from stakeholders and the project team. What should
the project manager do to turn the project into a success?
Ask the customer for more time to consult with stakeholders and the
project team to deliver an accurate cost and timeline proposal.

Question 3
What are the main phases of the project life cycle? Select all that apply.
Initiate the project
Make a plan
Execute and complete tasks
Close the project

Question 4
What are three benefits of closing a project? Select all that apply
Share the team’s accomplishments with people outside the team
Evaluate what worked and what didn’t work
Celebrate the team’s success
Phases in action: Initiating and planning (Video)
Project life cycle
Initiate the project
Make a plan
Execute & complete tasks
Close the project
Initiate the project
Define project goals
Determine resources, people, and other project details
Get project approval
Video Question
What does a project manager do in the project initiation phase of the project
life cycle? Select all that apply.
Determine resources, people, and project details
Define project goals
Get project approval
Ex: During initiation, project managers organize all of the information they
have available to them about a project. This includes defining project
 goals; determining resources, people, and project details; and getting
project approval.
Make a plan
Create a budget
Set the schedule
Establish your team
Determine roles and responsibilities
Plan for risk and change
Establish communications
Phases in action: Executing and closing
Execute & complete tasks
Manage the progress
Communicate
Make adjustments
Communicate results with stakeholders
Celebrate completing the project
Formally move on from the project
Close the project
Ensure all tasks have been completed
Confirm acceptance of the project outcome
Reflect on lessons learned

Retrospective is a chance to note best practices and learn how managing a

project more effectively the next time.
Video Question
Which of the following activities are part of the “execute and complete tasks”
project phase? Select all that apply.
Make adjustments to the project
Ex: Project managers make adjustments to the project as necessary. This can
include updating the schedule, budget, and allocation of resources. In this
phase, project managers also manage progress and communicate with the
team and stakeholders.
Communicate with the project team
Ex: Project managers should err on the side of overcommunication when
sharing information with the team through meetings, emails, memos, and
more. In this phase, project managers also manage project progress and
make adjustments to the project as necessary.
Manage project progress
Ex: To manage project progress, project managers oversee the team's efforts
and make sure everyone understands what's expected of them and how and
when to complete key tasks. In this phase, project managers also make
needed adjustments and communicate with the team and stakeholders.
Summary of the project phases
Throughout your project's life cycle, you must follow a certain path. Each
phase forms a foundation for the next, establishing the project's structure.
Project life cycles are divided into four phases: initiating, planning, executing
and completing tasks, and closing.

In the reading, we will summarize each phase of the project’s life cycle.

The project life cycle

Initiate the project
In this phase, ask questions to help set foundations for projects, such as:
Who are the stakeholders?
What are the client’s or customer’s goals?
What is the purpose and mission of the project?
What are the measurable objectives for the team?
What is the project trying to improve?
When does the project need to be completed?
What skills and resources will the project require?
What will the project cost? What are the benefits?

Make a plan
In this phase, make a plan to get your project from start to finish.
Create detailed project plans. What are the major milestones? What
tasks or deliverables make up each milestone?
 Build out schedules so it can properly manage resources, budget,
materials, and timeline. Here, it creates and itemized budget.

Execute the project

In this phase, put all hard work from the first two phases into action.
Monitor your project team as they complete project tasks.
Break down any barriers that would slow or stop the team from
completing tasks.
Help keep the team aware of schedule and deliverable expectations.
Address weaknesses in your process or examine places where your
team may need additional training to meet the project’s goals.
Adapt to changes in the project as they arise.

Close the project

In this phase, close out the project
Identify that your team has completed all of the requested outcomes.
Release your team so they can support other projects within the
company.
Take time with your team to celebrate your successes!
Pass off all remaining deliverables and get stakeholder approval.
Document the lessons you and your team learned during the project.
Reflect on ways to improve in the future.

Identify: Phases of the project life cycle

Understanding project life cycles: Categorization exercise

Associate the project phase to core tasks in a

typical project
life cycle
In this categorization exercise, you’ll assign tasks to their project phase.
1) Initiate the project
Identify stakeholders
Identify Resources
Define goals
2) Make a plan
Create list of individual tasks
Create a schedule
Manage budget breakdown
3) Execute & complete tasks
 Respond to changes and make adjustments
Update team on project status
Manage project progress
4) Close out the project
Document what worked, what didn’t
Confirm stakeholders accept the completed work
Confirm project outcome is delivered and complete

Test your knowledge: Analyzing the different

project phases (Graded Assignment)
1) What is the project manager’s primary job in phase three (execute and
complete tasks) of the project life cycle?
 Monitor the project team as they complete tasks and break down
any barriers

2) Phase two of the project life cycle (make a plan) includes which two of the following tasks?
 Set the project schedule
 Identify milestones and tasks

3) During which phase of the project life cycle does a project manager hand off
all remaining deliverables?
 Close the project

4) Imagine a project manager oversees their company’s transition to a new

financial management system. They determine that the project goal is to
make the financial portal easier for employees to use. They also identify key
stakeholders and outline project objectives. During which phase of the project
life cycle do these activities take place?
 Initiate the project

Comparing project management methodologies

and approaches
Introduction to project management methodologies

Project management methodologies: A set of guiding principles and

processes for owning a project through its life cycle.

Linear means the previous phase or tasks has to be completed before the
next can start.
Iterative means some phases and tasks will overlap or happen while other
tasks are being worked on.

Video Question
What is a project management methodology?
 A set of guiding principles and processes for owning a
project through its life cycle
Ex: A project management methodology is a set of guiding
principles and processes for owning a project through its life
cycle. The method can be linear (with one task completed before
the next can begin) or iterative (with some tasks happening at the
same time).
Overview of Waterfall and Agile (Video)
Waterfall
Agile
Waterfall project life cycle: Initiating, planning, executing, includes
managing, and completing tasks, and closing.
When would you want to use a Waterfall approach to project management?
When all phases of the project are clearly defined or when changes to the
project are very expensive to implement once it’s started.

Video question
When would a project manager want to use the Waterfall approach? Select
all that apply.
 When there are tasks to complete before another can begin
Ex: Waterfall has a linear approach. It follows an ordered set of steps that are
linked to clearly defined expectations, resources, and goals that are not likely
to change. This is a helpful approach when there are tasks to complete
before others can begin.
 When the phases of the project are clearly defined
Ex: Waterfall has a linear approach. It follows an ordered set of steps that are
linked to clearly defined expectations, resources, and goals that are not likely
to change. This is a helpful approach when the phases of the project are
clearly defined.
 When project changes are expensive to implement once it's started
Ex: Waterfall has a linear approach. It follows an ordered set of steps that are
linked to clearly defined expectations, resources, and goals that are not likely
to change. This is a helpful approach when project changes are expensive to
implement once it's started.

Agile
Able to move quickly and easily
Willing to change and adapt easily
Done in pieces
Agile project phases overlap, and tasks are completed in
iterations, which in scrum are called sprints.
Comparing Waterfall and Agile approaches
(Reading)
The more some different approaches and frameworks associated with project
management, compare specific aspects of waterfall (also commonly called
traditional) and Agile approaches.
It is important to be familiar with the fundamentals and differences between
these common project management approaches before you participate in an
interview. Using a tool like this can also assist you in evaluating a project to
determine which approach to take.
Various aspects of both Waterfall and Agile can be used in different projects,
and they can be implemented in different ways. A brief comparison of
Waterfall and Agile approaches can be found in the chart below. Despite its
usefulness as a quick reference, you must be aware that in practice, there
isn't always an obvious distinction between the two approaches.

Waterfall and Agile Comparison

Waterfall Agile
Project manager’s As a project Basically, the Scrum
role manager, your role Master facilitates
is to prioritize and the team, removing
assign tasks to all any obstacles they
members of your might encounter.
team.
Work management
is more shared
between members
 of the team.
Scope When initiation During planning,
and planning are shorter iterations
in their infancy, take place, and the
project goal is to deliver
deliverables and value as quickly as
plans are well- possible.
established and
well-documented.
Changes follow a Subsequent
formal change iterations are
request process. effectively refined
based on feedback
and any emerging
challenges.
Schedule The project Time is structured
adheres to a into intervals known
predominantly as Sprints. Each
linear trajectory, Sprint is
encompassing the characterized by a
phases of predetermined
initiation, duration and a
planning, specific set of
execution, and deliverables that are
closing. outlined at the
commencement of
the Sprint.
Cost Costs are Costs and schedules
managed may change with
effectively through each iteration.
precise initial
estimations and
ongoing
monitoring during
 the project's life
cycle.
Quality The project The team actively
manager creates seeks ongoing input
plans and from stakeholders
establishes quality and gathers user
measurement feedback through
criteria at the field testing. We are
project's outset. committed to
regularly
implementing
enhancements
based on this
valuable
information. The
team continuously
collects stakeholder
input and user
feedback by testing
products in the field
and regularly
making
improvements.
Communication Project manager The team prioritizes
consistently customer
communicates satisfaction,
progress toward ensuring consistent
milestones and communication
key indicators to between users and
stakeholders, the project team.
ensuring the
project aligns with
customer
expectations.
Stakeholders The project Our team regularly
manager actively delivers outcomes
oversees to stakeholders
stakeholder during the project.
engagement to Achieving
keep the project milestones relies on
on track. receiving feedback
from stakeholders.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of the differences between

Waterfall and Agile project management approaches, you can apply this
knowledge to determine which is most effective for your projects.

Discussion prompt: Evaluating approaches

Evaluating approaches

Consider the different steps of the Waterfall and Agile project management
approaches and consider the benefits of each one. Then, reflect on a project
that you recently completed. Write 5-10 sentences on which approach you
would use if you were starting it from scratch, and why.
 Waterfall is a robust project management methodology that excels in
environments with clearly defined requirements and stability. It
involves a structured, linear approach where tasks are meticulously
planned and executed in sequence, ensuring that each task is
completed before the subsequent one begins. This method is ideal for
projects that demand precision and order.
Agile is highly effective for projects with uncertain requirements or a
need for swift adaptation. The team confidently develops a high-level
roadmap of tasks, followed by detailed plans for each sprint that can
be readily adjusted as necessary.
The most recent project I completed from start to finish was my Baby shower.
Waterfall & Agile both came in handy when planning and getting details in
order. Waterfall project management helped by having tasks planned
meticulously and executed in sequence, ensuring that we completed each
task before moving on to the next thing. Baby showers if you don’t know
already need lots demanded precision and order. Agile project
management came into play for us planning because when things didn’t
work out how we wanted them too, we would be able to adapt to doing
something else or coming up with a way for it to work. The closer we got to
the day of the party the more adaptable and easily adjusted to how we
wanted it to be or close to it. In the end everything turned out better than we
thought or close to it.

Introduction to Lean and Six Sigma (Video)

Positive Team Move Improve Save

work Collaboratio quickly quality Money
n through

Lean Six
Sigma
Six Sigma Lean

Lean Six Sigma: Five phases

 Define
Measure
Analyze
Improve
Control

Define the project goal and talk with stakeholders about expectations
for the project
Measure you’ll set a plan for how you’ll get that data, and how often to
measure it
Analyze you’ll begin to identify gaps and issues
Improve you’d present your finding and get ready to start making
improvements
Control is learning from the work you did up front to put new processes
and documentation in place

Defining
Tells you what to measure
Measuring
Tells you what to analyze
Analyzing
Tells you what to improve
Improving
Tells you what to control

Video Question
In which DMAIC step do project managers begin to identify gaps and issues?
 Analyze
Ex: In DMAIC, the analyze step is when project managers learn what to
improve by identifying gaps and issues.
Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (Reading)
You have already gained insight into Agile and Waterfall project management
approaches. Now, we will confidently delve into key concepts from Lean and
Six Sigma methodologies. These powerful frameworks will enhance your
ability to organize and manage projects effectively. We will also evaluate
which methodology proves most effective for various types of projects.

Lean
Lean methodology, often called Lean Manufacturing, has its roots in the
manufacturing sector. The core principle is the decisive elimination of waste
within operations. By optimizing process steps and removing unnecessary
elements, we ensure that value is added at every stage of production.
Today, the Lean Manufacturing methodology clearly identifies eight types of
waste in operations: defects, excess processing, overproduction, waiting,
inventory, transportation, motion, and non-utilized talent. In the
manufacturing industry, these waste types are directly linked to significant
inefficiencies that must be addressed for optimal performance.
Lack of proper documentation
Lack of process standards
Not understanding the customers’ needs
Lack of effective communication
Lack of process control
Inefficient process design
Failures of management

The same issues create waste in project management.

Project management uses limited resources, reduce waste, and streamline

processes that gain maximum benefits.

You can confidently achieve this by implementing the pillars of the Lean 5S
quality tool. The term "5S" represents five essential principles for effective
housekeeping: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. By
applying the 5S method, you will clean and organize the workplace,
significantly minimizing waste in time and materials. The 5S method includes
these five steps:

1) Sort: Remove all items that are not essential for current production
operations. Retain only what is necessary.

2) Set in order: Organize essential items for optimal accessibility and

usability. Clearly label each item to ensure anyone can easily find and
return them.

3) Shine: Maintain organization by ensuring everything is in its rightful

place. Commit to cleaning your workspace daily for optimal
productivity.

4) Standardize: Consistently follow the same procedure every time.

5) Sustain: Establish the habit of consistently following correct

procedures and instill this discipline within your team to ensure
success.
Lean methodology, 5s helps boost performances.

The final concept of Lean confidently utilizes a Kanban scheduling system to

manage production. The Kanban board serves as a powerful visualization tool
that optimizes your team's workflow. It clearly displays tasks, priorities, and
deadlines, making it easy to identify what needs to be done. By moving
cards from left to right, the Kanban board effectively showcases progress,
empowering your team to coordinate their work with precision.

Kanban boards and 5S are essential tools in Lean methodology that enable
you to manage your project with confidence and efficiency. Now, let's dive
into the Six Sigma method and identify the optimal times for its application.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a powerful methodology designed to minimize variations by
ensuring that quality processes are consistently implemented. Originating
from statistical principles, the term “Six Sigma” signifies an impressive
quality level of 99.9996% for processes and products. Embracing this
approach drives excellence and reliability in every aspect of production.

Seven key principle sigma’s are:

1) Always focus on customer

 2) Identify and understand how work gets done. Understand how work
really happens.
3) Make process flow smoother
4) Reduce waste and concentrate on value
5) Stop defects by removing variation
6) Involve and collaborate with your team
7) Approach improvement activity in systematic way

Employ this methodology to pinpoint measurable aspects of the product or

process—such as time, cost, or quantity. Rigorously evaluate these metrics
and eliminate any products that fall short of Six Sigma standards. It is
imperative to improve any process that leads to unacceptable products.
Now that you have a solid understanding of both Lean and Six Sigma, let's
delve into how they can effectively work together to significantly enhance
the performance of your project!

Lean Six Sigma

After successfully implementing both Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, it is
evident that combining these approaches significantly enhances their
benefits. Lean tools, such as Kanban boards and the 5S method, are
designed to embed quality into processes from the outset. Once products are
developed using Lean techniques, they undergo rigorous inspection and
testing according to Six Sigma standards. Any products that fail to meet
these high standards are decisively rejected, ensuring excellence in
outcomes.
The primary distinction between Lean and Six Sigma methodologies lies in
their approach: Lean is designed to streamline processes, whereas Six Sigma
focuses on reducing product variation by building quality into the production
process and conducting thorough inspections to ensure compliance with
quality standards. Utilizing one of these methods—or an integrated approach
combining both—will undoubtedly enhance the efficiency of your projects.

Common project management approaches and how

to select one
You have made significant progress in exploring various project management
approaches and understanding their applications. In this reading, we will
confidently recap some of the most common methods and suggest valuable
articles for deeper insights. You will continue to expand your knowledge of
these approaches throughout this certificate program.
Popular project management approaches
Here is a confident recap of the project management approaches you have
been introduced to so far:
Waterfall is a proven traditional approach that emphasizes a linear,
sequential progression of tasks and phases. Each stage must be completed
before moving on to the next, ensuring thoroughness and clarity throughout
the project. The project manager takes charge of prioritizing and assigning
tasks to team members, effectively guiding the team toward success. Quality
criteria are explicitly defined at the outset, establishing clear expectations
from the very beginning of the project.
Agile is a dynamic approach that utilizes short phases of collaborative and
iterative work, marked by frequent testing and ongoing improvements.
Throughout this process, some phases and tasks are executed
simultaneously, enhancing efficiency. In Agile projects, teams confidently
take charge of managing their own work responsibilities. Notably, Scrum and
Kanban are prominent Agile frameworks, each offering a proven
methodology rooted in Agile principles that drive successful development.
Scrum is a powerful Agile framework that excels in developing, delivering,
and sustaining complex projects and products through a strong emphasis on
collaboration, accountability, and an iterative approach. Small, cross-
functional teams operate under the guidance of a Scrum Master, ensuring
efficient workflow. Projects are structured into concise intervals known as
Sprints, each with clearly defined deliverables, driving progress and
enhancing results.
Kanban is an essential tool in both Agile and Lean methodologies that
provides clear visual feedback on the status of work in progress through
Kanban boards or charts. Project managers effectively utilize sticky notes or
cards on either physical or digital Kanban boards to represent team tasks,
organized into well-defined categories such as "To Do," "In Progress," and
"Done." This structured approach ensures optimal workflow and enhances
team collaboration.
Lean confidently employs the 5S quality tool to eliminate eight types of
waste, significantly reduce costs, enhance quality, and streamline processes.
Its principles assert that more can be accomplished with fewer resources by
directly addressing the dysfunctions that lead to waste. Moreover, Lean
effectively implements a Kanban scheduling system to optimize production
management.
Six Sigma is a powerful approach for minimizing variation by rigorously
applying quality processes every time. Central to this methodology is the
DMAIC framework—define, measure, analyze, improve, and control—which
drives effective process improvement and ensures sustainable results.
Lean Six Sigma is a powerful combination of Lean and Six Sigma
methodologies that drives significant improvements in efficiency and quality.
This approach is a strategic choice for projects focused on reducing costs and
optimizing processes. It excels in addressing complex and high-risk
challenges. Key elements, such as the 5S organization framework, the DMAIC
process, and Kanban boards, are integral to its success, empowering teams
to achieve remarkable results.
All project management methodologies, regardless of their differences,
demand clear communication and strong collaboration among teams to
ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Selecting a project management approach

Selecting a project management approach

With a vast array of methodologies at our disposal, there are many effective
options for your project. Given the unique nature of both projects and the
organizations behind them, the approach you select will undoubtedly differ
from one project to the next. At Google, we confidently employ a blend of
approaches and frameworks to ensure we meet our project goals efficiently.
These methodologies can seamlessly integrate, allowing us to tailor our
strategy to the specific needs of each project.
Choosing the right project management approach for your project,
organization, and team is essential and takes time and practice. Throughout
this certificate program, you will gain valuable insights into selecting the best
methodology for your needs. In the meantime, explore this article, which
effectively outlines common methodologies and their optimal applications:
"Which project management methodologies should you use?"

Ungraded Plugin: Identify: Project management

methodologies
Categorize project management methodologies Approaches

Review a set of project characteristics. Categorize them as Agile / Scrum,

Waterfall, or Lean Six Sigma.

Agile/Scrum
Receptive to change
Tests products in the field and regularly implements improvement
Planning happens in short iterations to deliver value quickly
Time is organized into “Sprints” with a set list of deliverables
Teams share responsibility for managing their own work

Waterfall
Project manager is an active leader who prioritizes and assigns tasks to
the team
Project deliverables and plans are well-established and documented
early on
Change is often difficult to manage once the project begins
Project phases are clearly defined. They typically do not overlap or
repeat.
Follows a mostly linear path through the project phases.

Lean Six Sigma

Aims to eliminate 8 areas of waste
Uses the 5S quality tool
Ideal for fixing complex or high-risk problems
Primarily uses a Kanban scheduling system to manage production

Module 3 Challenge
Question 1
A project manager evaluates how the project went and celebrates the team’s
hard work. What phase of the project life cycle are they implementing?
 Close the project

Question 2
Why should project managers always make a plan (phase two) before
executing and completing tasks (phase three)?
 Because creating a budget, setting a schedule, and determining roles
and responsibilities is crucial to executing and completing tasks

Question 3
What project management methodology allows some of the phases and
tasks to overlap?
Agile methodology
Question 4
Which project management methodology describes the ability to move
quickly and easily through a project by working on many tasks at once?
 Agile methodology

Question 5
What is the main advantage of the Waterfall methodology over the Agile
approach?
 Waterfall has clearly defined expectations and helps teams avoid
expensive changes to a project once it has started.

Question 6
Which project management approach includes the following phases: define,
measure, analyze, improve, control.
 Lean Six Sigma methodology

Question 7
Which of the following are project manager responsibilities during the
initiation phase? Select all that apply.
 Define project goals
 Determine resources needed
 Get project approval

Question 8
After a team meeting, the project manager realizes there might be a delay in
delivery due to an unexpected obstacle. They reach out to the clients to
explain the situation. At what stage of the project would this event take
place?
 Execution

Question 9
In which project phase does it help to ask questions such as: “Who are the
stakeholders?”, “What skills and resources will the project require?”, and
“What are the client’s or customer’s goals?”
 Initiate the project

Question 10
Which project methodology is more traditional where tasks or phases are
completed in a linear, sequential manner?
 Waterfall