Cheat sheet
PM words
The words of this course, one meaning each. New words join after each lesson.
From Lesson 1
| Word | Meaning | probat8 example |
|---|---|---|
| Project | Temporary work that makes something unique. | Build a new export for authorities before the next season. |
| Temporary | It has a start and an end. Not “short”: a project can last years. | Ends when the new export is accepted. |
| Unique | It makes something that was not there before. A copy in a new place counts too. | The new export did not exist. |
| Operations | Ongoing, repeating work that keeps things running. Plain word: routine work. | Monthly security updates. Support e-mails. |
Source: PMBOK Guide definition, “a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result”, as cited in Abdullah Oguz, 1.2 Project Characteristics.
Project or operations?
- Does it have an end? No end → operations.
- Does it make something new? Same result again → operations.
- Two yes → project. Now ask: “When is it done?”
One system, two lives
| Phase | Kind of work |
|---|---|
| Build it | Project |
| Use it, keep it running | Operations |
| Change it in a big way | New project |
A strong “done”
A result that you can check: yes or no.
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| Done when the app is faster. | Done when the main page loads in under 2 seconds. |
From Lesson 2
| Word | Meaning | probat8 example |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | All the work needed to reach the goal. | Export file, download button, test with real data. |
| Out of scope | Work the project will not do. Best: things people would expect. | Out: a PDF version. |
| Scope creep | Scope that grows, and nobody decides it. | “While you are at it, can it also sort by turbine?” |
| Must-have | Without it, “done when” is not true. | The download button. |
| Nice-to-have | The goal is reached without it. Cut first. | A preview of the data. |
| Fixed time, variable scope | The date stays, the scope bends. | Ready before the season: cut a nice-to-have, keep the date. |
Sources: Oguz, 4.4 Project Scope Management; Ryan Singer, Shape Up, ch. 3, ch. 6 and ch. 14; Wikipedia, “Scope creep”.
A scope on one page
| Feature | Its name, in a few words. |
| Done when | One result that you can check. |
| Must-haves | Pass the test: take it away, and “done when” is false. |
| Nice-to-haves | Done if there is time. Cut first. |
| Out | Things people would expect, but that are not part of it. |
When new work shows up
- Is it in the scope? On the “Out” list → “Not this project. I note it down.”
- Must-have or nice-to-have? Take it away: is “done when” still true?
- Ask: “What do we drop for it?” The time is fixed.
- Decided in the open, plan changed → scope change. Nobody decided → scope creep.