Determining Initial Sequence and Durations in Project Management

Best Practices for Determining Initial Sequence and Durations

Question

After identifying all known tasks, the project manager has started to sequence and set durations.

Which of the following describes how the project manager should BEST determine the initial sequence and durations?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

A.

When sequencing and setting durations for a project, the project manager must consider various factors to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. The best approach to determine the initial sequence and durations would depend on the project's specific requirements and constraints.

Let's take a look at the options given:

A. Use milestones identified in the project charter.

The project charter is a high-level document that outlines the project's objectives, scope, and stakeholders. It may include some milestones, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that the project team needs to achieve. Using these milestones to sequence and set durations can be a useful starting point. However, it may not be sufficient for complex projects that require more detailed planning.

B. Use data based on past knowledge.

Using historical data from similar projects can be an effective way to determine the initial sequence and durations. This approach can help the project manager to identify potential risks, estimate resource requirements, and predict the project's timeline accurately. However, if the current project is significantly different from previous projects, this approach may not be applicable.

C. Hold a full team workshop to review the complete WBS.

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the project into smaller, manageable components. Holding a team workshop to review the complete WBS can be a collaborative way to identify dependencies between tasks and estimate durations. This approach can also help to ensure that all team members have a shared understanding of the project's scope and requirements. However, this approach may be time-consuming and may require significant effort to coordinate.

D. Collaborate with other project managers.

Collaborating with other project managers who have experience in similar projects can be a valuable way to determine the initial sequence and durations. They can share their insights, best practices, and lessons learned, which can help to identify potential risks and opportunities. However, this approach may not be feasible if there are no other project managers available or if the project's requirements are highly specific.

In conclusion, there is no single best approach to determine the initial sequence and durations. The project manager should consider the project's specific requirements and constraints and choose the most appropriate approach accordingly. It is also essential to involve the project team in the planning process to ensure that they have a shared understanding of the project's objectives and requirements.