A lever is a simple machine. Let’s see how to apply leverage to studying for the PMP® Exam: How can a little effort in studying result in a great benefit during the exam?
We can use common items in the process framework to gain from leverage. We have already discussed the very common input (34 instances) of Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) in a previous post. Similarly, we have discussed the very common tool (19 instances) of Expert Judgment. Knowing the characteristics of this input and this tool creates leverage! Knowing OPAs just once can be applied to 34 different project management processes! 1:34 is a great ratio of leverage!
Let’s focus today on the leverage of common process outputs. There are a total of four, but three of the four are very similar – more leverage on the way!
1. Change Requests
I once had a project management professor who stated that change permeates our projects. In fact, the way he stated it was, “Change happens everywhere except a vending machine!”
This output of Change Requests occurs in:
- 0 of 2 Initiating processes
- 1 of 20 Planning processes
- 5 of 8 Executing processes
- 9 of 10 Monitoring & Controlling processes, and
- 0 of 2 Closing processes
Updates is another category of common outputs. Let’s break this down into three types of updates:
2. Project Document Updates
There are many (38) documents defined in PMI’s Guide to the PMBOK®, such as the Issue Log, Change Request Log, Stakeholder Register, etc. There are 23 instances of updates to project documents:
- 0 of 2 Initiating processes
- 11 of 20 Planning processes
- 4 of 8 Executing processes
- 8 of 10 Monitoring & Controlling processes, and
- 0 of 2 Closing processes
3. PM Plan Updates
As we progress through projects, we learn what adjustments are needed in the Project Management Plan. There are 15 instances of this output:
- 0 of 2 Initiating processes
- 1 of 20 Planning processes
- 6 of 8 Executing processes
- 8 of 10 Monitoring & Controlling processes, and
- 0 of 2 Closing processes
4. OPA Updates
During the execution and control of projects, we create many updates to the historical information provided for improvement of the current and future projects in our organizations. This output occurs in 13 instances:
- 0 of 2 Initiating processes
- 0 of 20 Planning processes
- 4 of 8 Executing processes
- 7 of 10 Monitoring & Controlling processes, and
- 2 of 2 Closing processes
So, this simple machine of leverage allows a smaller effort of studying these common outputs to be applied to a greater advantage in sitting for the PMP® Exam! Be sure you know the traits of these common outputs and in what process groups they are most commonly seen as outputs!
OK, other simple machines are the wheel and the inclined plane… Most likely, you won’t see any questions on the exam related to the science of these machines!