Part 21: Project Information

  • A lot of project data is gathered/analyzed/transformed/distributed during the project
  • There is a difference between Work Performance Data, Information, and Reports

  • Work Performance Data
    • Data is raw observations and measurements
    • Data is an OUTPUT OF (Produced by) the Direct & Manage Project Work Process
    • We record this data, we never use Work Performance Data to make decisions

  • Work Performance Information
    • You can’t use Work Performance Data to make decisions, only Work Performance Information
    • When we analyse Work Performance Data, we end up with Work Performance Information
    • Analysis takes place in the Monitoring & Controlling Project Work Process
    • Work Performance Data is an INPUT to the Monitoring & Controlling Process
    • Work Performance Information is an OUTPUT of the Monitoring & Controlling Process

  • Work Performance Reports
    • Physical/electronic copy of Work Performance Information

  • Project Business Case
    • Study that shows the potential benefit of a project
    • Gives us reasons for starting the project
    • Developed before the project begins
    • Includes
      • What is the problem we are trying to solve
      • Stakeholders affected
      • Goals and objectives
      • Root cause of the problem
      • How the project will solve this problem
      • Risks
      • Items that we need for the project to be successful
      • Criteria for deciding whether the project is successful
      • Criteria can be Required, Desired, or Optional
        • Required criteria must be present for the project to be successful
        • Desired criteria are ideally present but not required
        • Optional criteria are not required
      • Possible solutions, which can be categorized into three areas
        • Do nothing (won’t go ahead with project)
        • Do the minimum amount of work to solve the problem
        • Do more than the minimum work.  Why do more than the minimum?  We might develop a successful product or result that brings in increased revenue or improves our reputation.
      • Recommended solution
      • Plan for measuring benefits that the project delivers

  • Needs Assessment
    • Developed before the business case
    • Lists the goals and objectives of the business and the way to achieve them

  • Project Benefits Management Plan
    • Describes how and when the benefits of the project will be delivered
    • Describes a way to measure the benefits that the project delivers
    • Includes
      • The expected benefits and their financial value
      • How the benefits will be measured
      • How the benefits align with the organization’s strategy
      • Timeframe for obtaining the benefits
      • Who is accountable for the benefits
      • Assumptions and risks