Concepts
Chartering and Initiating constituent projects is a key component of the Program Management Professional (PgMP) exam. It involves the process of assigning project managers and allocating appropriate resources to achieve program objectives. This is done through a series of steps to ensure that different projects work in sync to accomplish the overall program goals.
The Chartering Process
The chartering process involves the creation of a project charter— a document that formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to use organizational resources to project activities. This charter includes everything from the project’s objectives, key stakeholders, roles and responsibilities of the project team, and overall project scope.
For example, if an organization aims to upgrade its IT infrastructure, a project charter could formally initiate projects for software and hardware enhancement, network expansion, and training development. Each of these constituent projects would be formally chartered with a defined scope, resources, timeline, and designated project manager.
Assigning Project Managers
It’s crucial to have experienced and skilled project managers lead each constituent project. Based on the project’s nature, select project managers who are well-versed in the relevant domain and are comfortable managing the project’s scale and complexity.
For instance, in the IT infrastructure upgrade example, a project manager with a background in network engineering would be ideal for the network expansion project, whereas a project manager with experience in HR or training program development could be perfect for the training development project.
Allocating Resources
After creating the charter and assigning project managers, the next step is resource allocation. This ensures that each project has the necessary human and material resources to reach its goals. The resource allocation should be done keeping in mind the project requirements and the overall budget of the program.
In our example, the software enhancement project might need software engineers and new software licenses, while the network expansion project could possibly need network engineers and new hardware.
Here, it helps to have a chart illustrating the resources allotted to various projects:
| Project | Human Resources | Material Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Software Enhancement | Software Engineers | Software Licenses |
| Network Expansion | Network Engineers | New Hardware |
Setting Clear Objectives
The final step involves setting clear, measurable, and achievable objectives for each constituent project. The objectives should align with the overall goals of the program and should signal success when met.
For instance, for the software enhancement project, the objective could be to upgrade to the latest software version across all organizational systems within a defined timeframe. Similarly, for the network expansion project, the goal could be to expand the network to accommodate more users while maintaining network security and efficiency.
While the processes and concepts mentioned above make up just part of the broader picture in the Program Management Professional (PgMP) exam, they are essential for success. By mastering these aspects, one takes a significant step forward in effectively managing projects within a program.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Chartering a project involves assigning project managers and allocating appropriate resources.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Chartering a project indeed includes the assignment of project managers and the allocation of necessary resources to ensure the project can proceed effectively.
True or False: Initiating a constituent project does not include defining responsibilities and authority.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Initiating a constituent project involves defining the responsibilities and authority of all those who are part of the project, including the project manager.
The main goal of chartering and initiating constituent projects is to:
- A. Achieve program objectives
- B. Create extra workload
- C. Avoid resource allocation
- D. Delay the project execution.
Answer: A. Achieve program objectives
Explanation: The primary goal of chartering and initiating projects is to strategically align the project with program objectives and ensure efficient use of resources to achieve these objectives.
The most important responsibility of a project manager during the charter and initiate phase is:
- A. Taking coffee breaks
- B. Allocating appropriate resources
- C. Gathering team members
- D. None of the above
Answer: B. Allocating appropriate resources
Explanation: One of the key duties of a project manager during the charter and initiate phase is to allocate the appropriate resources to tasks to ensure the project’s success.
True or False: The project charter is typically created by the project manager alone.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While the project manager plays a key role in creating the project charter, it is commonly a collaborative effort involving other key stakeholders.
In a project charter, which of the following is NOT usually defined?
- A. Project scope
- B. Key performance indicators
- C. The lunch schedule
- D. Project risks
Answer: C. The lunch schedule
Explanation: While the project charter includes essential items like the project scope, key performance indicators, and risks, it doesn’t usually include superfluous details like the team’s lunch schedule.
The initiating phase of a project mainly involves:
- A. Ramp down of project activities
- B. Planning the project timeline
- C. Gaining formal recognition that the project should begin
- D. All of the above
Answer: C. Gaining formal recognition that the project should begin
Explanation: The initiating phase of a project is all about getting the project officially approved or recognized to start.
True or False: Initiating a project makes the project manager accountable for delivering the outcomes defined in the project’s charter.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Once a project is initiated, it becomes the project manager’s responsibility to deliver the outcomes defined in the project’s charter, making him or her accountable.
True or False: The allocation of resources has no impact on the success of a project.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Resource allocation plays a critical role in project management as it ensures that the necessary resources are made available when they are needed, which ultimately impacts the success of the project.
One of the primary responsibilities of a Program Manager using a Project Management Plan (PMP) is:
- A. Assign project managers for chartering and initiating constituent projects
- B. Design the office interiors
- C. Conduct daily standup meetings
- D. All of the above
Answer: A. Assign project managers for chartering and initiating constituent projects
Explanation: One of the main duties of a Program Manager is delegating tasks and responsibilities, which includes assigning project managers to oversee chartering and initiating constituent projects.
Thanks for this detailed post on chartering projects. It clarified many doubts I had for the PgMP exam.
Great insights on assigning project managers to constituent projects!
Allocating appropriate resources is crucial. Can someone share more strategies on this?
The section on achieving program objectives through chartering was very helpful!
This blog post is gold for anyone prepping for the PgMP exam. Thanks!
Understanding the roles of project managers in constituent projects clarified many of my concepts.
I was looking for more detailed examples or case studies. Can anyone recommend where I might find some?
I appreciate this post. Very insightful!