CompTIA Project+ PK0005 Cert Guide, 2nd edition By Robin Abernathy
Email: Richard@qwconsultancy.com
Instructor’s Guide to Accompany COMPTIA PROJECT+ PK0-005 CERT GUIDE 9780138074425 CHAPTER 1 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS, METHODOLOGIES, AND FRAMEWORKS CHAPTER OBJECTIVES When students have finished reading this chapter, they will be able to: •
Explain the characteristics of a project.
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Identify the difference between a project, program, and portfolio.
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Understand different project management frameworks.
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Find the best project management framework for a given project.
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Compare and contrast Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies.
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Build a successful project team.
CHAPTER OVERVIEW This chapter, as well as the entire textbook, introduces students to the concepts of project management. This first chapter defines a project and how it is different from day-to-day operations, programs, and portfolios. In this chapter, students will learn about the most popular methods of project management in the IT sector. After learning about the different methodologies, students will learn how to choose the most appropriate project management methodology for any given project.
CHAPTER OUTLINE 1. Characteristics of a Project 2. Methodologies and Frameworks Used in IT Projects
TEACHING NOTES AND TIPS PER TOPIC 1. Characteristics of a Project Teaching Note: This section introduces project management and discusses the foundational topics of project management. The topics in this section include: • • • •
The definition of a project Projects versus day-to-day operations Programs Portfolios
Teaching Tip: Conduct a brainstorming session with students to decide if certain activities constitute a project or not. For each project on the list, have students create their own version of Table 1-2 to identify day-to-day operations for each project Teaching Tip: To help students understand the difference between a project, day-to-day operations, programs, and portfolios, have them create a list of activities in their daily life. Then, have students decide if each activity is part of a project, day-to-day operation, program, or portfolio. 2. Methodologies and Frameworks Used in IT Projects Teaching Note: In this section, several different methods of project management are introduced and defined. The text includes recommendations for selecting the appropriate methodology for a project based on project requirements, budget, schedule, product ownership, team size, and other factors. • • • • • • • • • • • •
Predictive project management Adaptive project management Hybrid project management Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) Waterfall model Agile DevOps and DevSecOps Kanban Scrum Extreme Programming (XP) Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
Teaching Tip: Help students understand the difference between predictive and Agile project management by providing an example of a project. Then, discuss how the project would be approached using Agile project management versus predictive project management. Teaching Tip: Ask students to create a list of different projects. For each project on the list, brainstorm what project management methodology would be most appropriate. Ensure students
consider the project requirements, budget, schedule, product ownership, team size, roles, and resource allocation when selecting the best methodology for a given project. Teaching Tip: Compare and contrast the different project management methodologies. Discuss the pros and cons of each methodology to help students understand when each method is most applicable.
ACTIVITIES FOR CLASS I.
Discussion Questions A. Discussion Question 1 What is the difference between a project, day-to-day operation, program, and portfolio? Answer: Students should identify that a project is temporary, unique, has a start and finish, and is completed for a reason. Day-to-day operations are tasks and activities that must be completed routinely. A program is a collection of projects and day-to-day activities that, when combined, create a larger business benefit than any project or activity would on its own. Lastly, a portfolio is a combination of projects, operations, and programs. Unlike a program, items in a portfolio do not have to support the same larger goal. B. Discussion Question 2 How do you know the right project management methodology to use? Answer: Students’ answers may vary. There should be a discussion of project requirements, budget, schedule, company culture, industry standards, product ownership, roles, responsibilities, team size, and resources available.
II.
Class Projects A. Class Project 1 Kanban charts are a common tool in project management. Create a Kanban chart with the class. This chart could be physical, using a whiteboard and sticky notes, or digital, using Excel or another project management tool. There is also several free Kanban board software available online that could be used for this project. This project will further students’ understanding of Kanban charts and how to break down a project into manageable tasks. Additionally, the chart can be a study tool for students to help them stay on track as they progress through the class. B. Class Project 2 Most companies utilize projects, programs, operations, and portfolios to support business operations and business growth. Have students work together (or on their own) to find companies they may be interested in working for one day. Then, the students should research the company and identify projects, operations, and programs that the company is currently
pursuing. Students could also create project ideas that align with the company’s business goals. This project involves researching a company to determine its business goals and needs. Since every project should support business goals, this class project helps students see the impact a project can have as well as determine the difference between projects, programs, operations, and portfolios. C. Class Project 3 To help students understand how to identify project requirements and choose a project management methodology that is tailored to the project, have them select a project they identified in Class Project 2. What requirements are necessary for that project? Students should use tools such as user stories or story mapping to identify project requirements. Once the requirements are chosen, what project management methodology would be best for that project? Students will need to discuss the project budget and schedule, as well as the company culture, team size, roles, and responsibilities. This project helps students understand the process of identifying requirements for a project. They should utilize tools discussed in the text, such as user stories and story mapping. This project also helps students review the different project management methods available and how to select an appropriate method for the given project. Answers will vary based on the project students choose.
uCertify If you are using the uCertify course and labs product, be sure to review the associated online labs for this chapter. Students can do these labs as homework or during class time for hands-on practice to reinforce core learning objectives.