TIME ESTIMATION
What are some resources you can consult to find tasks to add to a project plan? Select all that apply.
These are some of the items you can consult to identify project tasks. Explanation: This is one of the items you can consult to identify project tasks.
Which of these tasks might you identify from your Sauce & Spoon menu tablets project charter? Select all that apply.
As a core deliverable of the project, this is one of the tasks that might be identified from the project charter. Explanation: As a core deliverable of the project, this is one of the tasks that might be identified from the project charter. Explanation: As a core deliverable of the project, this is one of the tasks that might be identified from the project charter.
Which of the following tasks from the historical project plan could be helpful for the tablet project? Select all that apply.
The tablet project likely involves working with external vendors, so this is a task you can pull from the historical project plan. Explanation: Generating quotes and reviewing costs ensures that a project stays within budget, so this is a task you can pull from the historical project plan. Explanation: The tablet project needs a launch day plan, so this is a task you can pull from the historical project plan.
Which of the following project tasks can you identify from the email exchange about tablet logistics? Select all that apply.
This is one of the tasks you can identify from the email exchange. ACTIVITY: IDENTIFY PROJECT TASKS: CONDUCT ONLINE RESEARCH
How does domain knowledge help project managers with new projects? Select all that apply.
This is one of the ways domain knowledge helps project managers.
Imagine you come across the following information in your online research: “Our restaurant keeps our devices safe by always locking them up at the end of service, and making sure we keep track of them at all times.” What tasks could you create from this finding that would help with the tablet rollout project? Select all that apply.
Enabling GPS services could be part of the tablet configuration process, so this task would help with the project. Explanation: Creating a procedure to secure tablets could be part of the staff training, so this task would help with the project.
Imagine you come across the following information in your online research: “Tablets increase customer confidence that their credit card information won’t be stolen when they understand that transactions take place through a secure portal at the table.” What tasks could you create from this finding that would help with the tablet rollout project? Select all that apply.
Payment security talking points could be part of the staff training, so this task would help with the project. Explanation: Creating messaging about tablet security could be part of the tablet configuration process, so this task would help with the project.
What are the benefits of providing accurate time estimates for individual tasks? Select all that apply.
By adding up each task’s duration, you get an informed idea of when you and your team will complete the project. Accurate estimates also clarify if a milestone may go over deadline and help to track task progress. Explanation: Knowing tasks’ time estimates allows you to better understand how far along a team is with a particular phase of a project. Accurate estimates also help to establish a better sense of the project timeline and clarify if a milestone may go over deadline. Explanation: If a milestone is likely to go over an important deadline, you can quickly make adjustments to the size of the tasks or team members) workloads to fit within a required deadline. Accurate estimates also help to establish a better sense of the project timeline and track task progress.
As a project manager, you try to get an accurate time estimate for a task by communicating with an expert. After considering their time estimate, you are unsure if it includes all steps of a task, so you ask them to explain each step in detail. What strategy for getting an accurate time estimate did you choose?
You won’t include every detailed step in the project plan, but it may help the expert come to a time estimate by thoroughly explaining each step in a task.
As a project manager, you try to get an accurate time estimate for a task by communicating with an expert. After receiving their time estimate, you ask questions like, “What equipment do you suppose you’ll have?” and “How many people do you expect to work on the task?” What strategy for getting an accurate time estimate did you choose?
Asking the expert about their specific assumptions can help uncover areas where they may be misguided in the project.
As a project manager, you try to get an accurate time estimate for a task by communicating with an expert. You ask them to think back to a task that resembles the one for this project and describe what was the same, what was different, and if thinking about this previous task changes their estimate. What strategy for getting an accurate time estimate did you choose?
You can estimate task time by reviewing the time it took an expert to complete a similar task on a previous project.
What type of time estimate considers how long it takes to complete a task, plus the time it takes to test the product?
There are two types of time estimates: effort estimates and total duration estimates. The main difference between effort estimate and total duration estimate is adding time for factors such as prep, approvals, and testing. ACTIVITY: IDENTIFY TIME ESTIMATES FOR YOUR PROJECT PLAN
Peta spoke with Seydou about how long it would take for the tablets to arrive. What are some risks that might affect the time estimate for shipping and receiving the tablets? Select all that apply.
Seydou indicates that a shipping delay of 2-3 days is unlikely, but possible, so it could affect this time estimate. Explanation: Terrific Tablets occasionally ships broken devices, which could affect this time estimate.
Peta spoke with Deanna about how long it should take to finalize menu items and coupon values. What are some risks that might affect the time estimate for uploading menu and coupon content? Select all that apply.
It could take Carter a few days to a few weeks to revamp the menu, so this is a risk that might affect this time estimate. Explanation: Depending when Carter finishes the menu revamp, it might affect this time estimate.
Peta spoke with Seydou about how long it would take to integrate the tablets with Sauce & Spoon’s POS system. What are some risks that might affect the time estimate around POS integration? Select all that apply.
If the tablets aren’t compatible with the software, it could affect the tablet integration estimate. Explanation: If Sauce & Spoon needs to update their software, it could affect the tablet integration estimate.
Based on the tablet shipping estimate transcript, what time estimate is appropriate for the tablet shipping schedule?
Since shipping should take about a week, and a 2-3 day delay is possible, this is a reasonable time estimate.
Based on the scheduling software installation transcript, what time estimate is appropriate for the software installation schedule?
The update could take a few days, but the integration should only take a few hours, so this is a reasonable time estimate. ACTIVITY: ADD CONFIDENCE RATINGS
The meeting notes state that training will happen in two phases—one for managers and one for staff. Which of the following three-point time estimates would you choose for fully training the team (including planning, training the managers, and training the staff at each location)?
Since the meeting notes mention separate training sessions for managers and staff, this is a reasonable three-point estimate.
Which of the following pieces of information should Peta consider when determining the confidence rating for the wiring time estimate? Select all that apply.
The team’s level of confidence in the estimate should impact the confidence rating. Explanation: The electrician)s opinion should impact the confidence rating. Explanation: The restaurant’s past experience with similar tasks should impact the confidence rating.
The meeting notes state that Sauce & Spoon has never integrated tablet software with their POS system before and may need to upgrade the system before starting the integration. What confidence rating is appropriate for the POS system time estimates?
Sauce & Spoon has no experience integrating tablet software with their POS system, so the confidence rating should be Low.
The meeting notes state that the electrician could complete the wiring for both locations in two business days (or 16 hours). Because the restaurants cannot close for a full day for the upgrade, the team estimates four business days (two half-days at each location) to complete the wiring. Based on this information, what notes could you make to add context for this task in the project plan? Select all that apply.
Based on the information, this is a useful note to add to the project plan. Explanation: Based on the information, this is a useful note to add to the project plan.
Which documentation can a project manager review to uncover project tasks? Select all that apply.
To uncover tasks, you can review the goals and deliverables in the project charter and list all the items that have tasks or milestones associated with them. Other helpful documentation for uncovering tasks includes old project plans and emails that relate to the project. Explanation: Relevant emails can help you uncover tasks and identify team members to connect with if you have questions. Other helpful documentation for uncovering tasks includes project charters and old project plans. Explanation: Previous project plans can provide inspiration as you create a list of tasks. They can also help you identify task durations, subject matter experts, and suppliers. Other helpful documentation for uncovering tasks includes project charters and emails that relate to the project.
Fill in the blank: _____ refers to knowledge of a specific industry, topic, or activity.
When unfamiliar with a new project’s domain, you may need to analyze supporting documentation to help broaden your knowledge.
As a project manager, what steps can you take to identify tasks through conversations with your project team? Select all that apply.
One step you can take is to brainstorm with the group. Beyond that, you can hold one-on-one conversations with team members to discuss the tasks they will be responsible for and leverage the expertise of your team members to help fill out your list of tasks Explanation: Experts on your team and in your organization can offer helpful insights. Beyond that, you can hold one-on-one conversations with team members to discuss the tasks they will be responsible for and brainstorm as a group with team members who will likely work on these tasks. Explanation: As a project manager, it can be helpful to hold one-on-one conversations. This can clarify the project tasks each team member will likely be responsible for. Beyond that, you can brainstorm as a group with team members to discuss their tasks and leverage the expertise of team members to help fill out your task list.
What is the right level of detail for each item in your list of tasks?
Tasks should be detailed enough that you can monitor progress and identify challenges. It is also important that tasks are not so detailed that you)re endlessly revising your project plan and constantly asking for team updates.
Which of the following are techniques to identify milestones? Select all that apply.
You may want to identify tasks with high risk, such as a test, as a milestone. Explanation: These types of milestones may be the same as some of your deliverables. Explanation: You may want to consider these tasks as a milestone because they have a major impact on the project’s overall progress. Explanation: To do this, review your notes from previous conversations with stakeholders. Identify tasks that stakeholders were eager to know more about or wanted to review when complete.
Which of the following are strategies for getting accurate time estimates from your task experts? Select all that apply.
To get accurate time estimates, you can ask for substep estimates and add them up to affirm total time needed to complete a task. You can also check an expert’s understanding of the task and discuss their assumptions. Finally, you can compare expert estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks in previous work. Explanation: You can discuss an expert’s assumptions and ask them to consider how likely it might be that these assumptions impact the estimate. You can also check an expert’s understanding of the task and ask for estimates of the task’s substeps. Finally, you can compare expert estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks in previous work. Explanation: One strategy is to ask an expert to explain all the detailed steps involved in the task to think through the work involved. You can also ask for estimates of task substeps and discuss the expert’s assumptions. Finally, you can compare expert estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks in previous work. Explanation: Ask the expert to think about a similar project they worked on and describe what was different and what was the same. You can also check an expert’s understanding of the task and ask for estimates of the task’s substeps. Finally, discuss an expert’s assumptions and ask them to consider how likely it is they will impact the estimate.
Which three calculations does a project manager use when doing a three-point estimate?
Three-point estimating helps to determine the most realistic time estimate for a task. It uses optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic calculations. Together, these offer a clearer sense of what)s possible with each task. Explanation: Three-point estimating helps to determine the most realistic time estimate for a task. It uses optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic calculations. Optimistic and pessimistic calculations are based on the best-case and worst-case scenarios. Explanation: Project managers can use three-point estimating to help determine the most realistic time estimate for a task. The estimate is based on optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic calculations.
As a project manager, a team member gives you a time estimate that’s different from what you hoped for. You ask the team member to provide neutral information, such as research findings, to support their estimation. Which time estimation negotiation technique did you use?
This technique gets the team member to remove any biases in their estimation and rely on objective information.
In addition to avoiding distractions, which of the following are ways to bring empathy to conversations? Select all that apply.
You can demonstrate empathy by trying to connect with another person’s experience and making it clear that you want to support their work. You should also listen with curiosity and repeat what you think you heard. Finally, you need to recognize your own judgments and ask about time buffers. Explanation: A helpful way to practice empathy is to recognize buffering and encourage team members to open up about any extra buffer time they add to estimates. You should also listen with curiosity, repeat what you think you heard, and connect with the experience of the person you’re talking with. Finally, it is important to recognize your own judgments. Explanation: You should listen with curiosity and ask questions to demonstrate your interest in what people have to say. You can also repeat what you think you heard and connect with the experience of the person you’re talking with. Finally, you should try to recognize your own judgments and ask about time buffers when discussing estimates. Explanation: To encourage empathy, you can restate the message of the person you are talking to in your own words. You can also listen with curiosity and connect with the experience of your team members. Finally, you should try to recognize your own judgments and ask about time buffers. Explanation: One approach to embracing empathy is to recognize your judgements and try to put yourself in the other person’s position. You should also listen with curiosity, repeat what you think you heard, and connect with the experience of the person you’re talking with. You also need to ask about time buffers.
One of the deliverables in your project involves marketing your new product with email blasts. Your team writes several drafts of the different marketing materials, generates an email list, and programs the emails to be sent on the correct dates. Which of the following represents a milestone in your project plan?
You are developing a schedule for your team’s project plan. Why might you ask your stakeholders or colleagues to share with you emails that relate to the project?
You start a new job as a project manager in the private banking industry. You need to have a basic understanding of topics such as how clients open accounts, back office operations, and how trade confirmations are verified. Which of the following terms refers to the knowledge you need?
You need to reach out to a high-influence stakeholder for help in identifying project tasks. You gather as much information as possible and outline clear questions for the stakeholder. Why is it important to complete this prep work before your conversation?
You have gathered information from project documentation and the project team. With this information, you identified and created a list of tasks for your project plan. What is the next step for completing your project plan?
Which of the following may indicate a milestone for your project?
What term refers to a time estimate that accounts for factors like getting approvals, prep work, testing, and so on?
You are making time estimates for your project plan. You ask your task expert to estimate how long the task would take if you assume you need to replace your vendor and you experience unexpected turnover right before the task begins. Which of the measures involved in “three-point” time estimations are you asking from your task expert?
Which of the following circumstances is likely to cause a low confidence rating for a task?
Which of the following is a good way to bring empathy to a conversation?
What is the purpose of your project plan?
Which of the following terms refer to knowledge of a specific industry, such as industry terms, techniques, and processes?
When populating your project plan with a set of tasks, when is the best time to hold a group brainstorming session with team members to help identify tasks? Select all that apply.
Which of the measures involved in “three-point” time estimations express how long you hope the task will take, assuming everything goes as planned?
Your team is building a website that will consist of four new pages of content. Your project plan has two team members work together to deliver one page of content: one will outline page content while the other does mockups of page layout. Then they will work together to produce the completed page. Which of the following represents a milestone in your project plan?
To identify project tasks for your project plan, you review project documentation and research your project online. You have connected with members of your project team and other experts in your organization to examine your list of tasks. You decide you need additional details about a key deliverable. Who should you speak to in order to receive the missing information?
Determining the proper task order will help you assign start and end dates for each task. When determining task priorities, what should you consider first?
You estimate time requirements for designing and launching a new page on the company website. Your page designer estimates that they can design and build a page for launch in three days. You determine that you will need an additional two days for copy editing, legal clearance, and launch authorizations. What is the effort estimate for this task?
Why is the three-point time estimating technique a good way to determine a confidence rating for your time estimates?
When you ask questions of your team members without showing empathy, you can leave them feeling too closely observed, controlled, or continuously reminded of the work they have been assigned. What is the term that expresses this negative impact your team members feel in this case?
You are managing a construction project and must pour the foundation before you can move on to the building phase of your project. You have ordered the required materials, selected the best team members to execute the pouring, and scheduled a day to when the foundation will be poured. Which of the following represents a milestone in your project plan?
You have created an ordered list of tasks for your project plan. What is the next step for identifying milestones?
When identifying a project milestone, which of the following describes what you are seeking?
What is a negative impact of micromanaging?
One of the tasks in your project involves setting up the stage for a talent show. Before the team can do this, you need estimates from an audiovisual contractor, and the construction crew needs to build the stage backdrop. What term refers to these preliminary needs?
You start a new job as a project manager in an industry that is unfamiliar to you. Which of the following are examples of domain knowledge that you will need to have a basic understanding of? Select all that apply.
What term refers to a time estimate that only takes into account the actual time it takes to complete a task?
As a project manager, you determine your time estimate confidence ratings. You notice that your confidence is low across a large percentage of task estimates. Who is the most important person to communicate your uncertainty about the project timeline to?
Which of the measures involved in “three-point” time estimations is based on how long the task usually takes under normal circumstances, with only slight adjustments to the best-case scenario?
Ready to test your recall?
What are some resources you can consult to find tasks to add to a project plan? Select all that apply.
How confident are you in this answer?