Glossary
- Acceptance Criteria - Conditions that must be met before deliverables are accepted.
- Backlog - A list of prioritized work items or tasks that need to be completed.
- Baseline - The original plan used as a basis for comparison to track project performance.
- Burndown Chart - A graph showing remaining scoped work across time. Used in agile projects.
- Change Control - The process for submitting, evaluating, approving or rejecting project changes.
- Change Management - Preparing and supporting people to adopt organizational changes.
- Communication Plan - Defines the strategy, audiences, content and methods for communicating about a project.
- Critical Path - The task sequence determining the shortest project duration. Impacts affect the end date.
- Dashboard - A display of critical project metrics and reports providing quick status insight. Uses visual graphs and charts.
- Deliverable - A tangible product or result produced and delivered as part of the project.
- Earned Value Management - A methodology integrating scope, schedule and cost to measure performance against the baseline plan.
- Gantt Chart - A visual representation of tasks against a calendar, depicting start/end dates and dependencies.
- Issue - A current problem or impediment requiring resolution.
- Lag Time - The delay between predecessor and successor tasks in the schedule.
- Lead Time - Time whereby a successor task can overlap processing of a predecessor.
- Lessons Learned - Knowledge gained through the project that can be usefully applied to future projects.
- Milestone - A significant event or accomplishment within the project, like completing a phase.
- Outreach - Connecting with stakeholders to inform them and build engagement. Includes communications, events, training.
- Portfolio - The collection of projects and programs aligned to business objectives.
- Predecessor - A task to be completed before another task can begin.
- Program - A group of related projects managed together to gain benefits.
- Progress Report - Compares work completed against the project plan. Tracks progress against baselines.
- Project - A temporary endeavor to create a unique product, service or result with defined start and end dates.
- Project Charter - Formally authorizes the project and sets out scope, objectives, stakeholders, approach.
- Project Coordinator - Supports project manager by managing schedules, resources, documentation and collaboration.
- Project Initiation - The formal kickoff and authorization of a new project.
- Project Lead - Leads cross functional project teams and is accountable for project deliverables.
- Project Management Office (PMO) - Provides standards, resources, oversight and monitors project performance.
- Project Manager - Responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and closing a project. Leads the team.
- Product Backlog - An ordered list of product requirements in agile methodologies.
- Project Sponsor - A senior executive who funds, supports, and champions the project. Authorizes the charter.
- Project Team - A cross-functional group responsible for project work and participating in outreach.
- Quality Assurance - Planned and systematic processes to ensure standards are adhered to.
- Regression Testing - Testing changes to ensure no new defects were introduced and existing functionality still works.
- Requirements - Business, functional or technical needs that must be met for project success. Drive the project.
- Resource Leveling - Adjusts resource assignments across tasks to avoid overallocations.
- Risk - An uncertain event that may impact project objectives positively or negatively if it occurs.
- Schedule - The project timeline displaying activities, durations, milestones and assignments.
- Scope - The defined boundaries of the project including deliverables, requirements, costs and tasks.
- Scope Creep - The tendency for project scope to grow beyond the original plan.
- Scope Statement - Documents the project objectives, deliverables, assumptions, constraints.
- Slack/Buffer - The amount of time a task can be delayed without impacting other tasks or the end date.
- Sprint - A timeboxed iteration to complete work in agile frameworks like scrum.
- Stakeholders - Individuals and groups impacted by or influencing the project outcomes.
- Status Report - Regularly reports on project progress, risks, issues, milestones, budget and schedule to stakeholders.
- Successor - A task that cannot start until another specified task completes.
- Tasks - Specific units of work to be completed as part of the project.
- Training - Developing skills and knowledge so people can use new systems and processes.
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) - Hierarchically decomposes deliverables and work into manageable components.
- Work Package - A group of related tasks within a project.
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Last updated: 08/29/2023