Project Planning & Scheduling

Activity

Activity (and Activities)

Definition: A discrete, identifiable task or set of tasks within a larger project. Activities have a defined start and end point, consume resources, and contribute to the overall project goal.

Characteristics:

  • Defined scope: Clear boundaries outlining what the activity includes and excludes.
  • Specific deliverables: Tangible outcomes or results that mark the completion of the activity.
  • Resource requirements: Identifies the personnel, materials, equipment, and budget needed to execute the activity.
  • Duration: Estimated time required to complete the activity.
  • Dependencies: Relationships with other activities, indicating which activities must be completed before or after a particular activity.

Purpose:

  • Break down a complex project into manageable units.
  • Assign responsibility for specific tasks.
  • Track progress and identify potential delays.
  • Allocate resources effectively.
  • Facilitate communication and coordination among team members.

Examples:

  • Writing a report
  • Designing a website
  • Building a house
  • Conducting market research

Note: Activities can be further broken down into sub-activities for more detailed planning and management.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Activities in Project Management

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an activity? a) Defined scope b) Specific deliverables c) Unlimited resources d) Duration

Answer

c) Unlimited resources

2. What is the primary purpose of breaking down a project into activities? a) To make the project seem more complex. b) To assign responsibility to specific team members. c) To make the project more manageable and trackable. d) To increase the project's budget.

Answer

c) To make the project more manageable and trackable.

3. Which of these is NOT an example of an activity? a) Conducting a market research survey b) Writing a blog post c) Designing a new website d) Managing a company's social media accounts

Answer

d) Managing a company's social media accounts

4. What is the relationship between an activity and its deliverables? a) The activity defines the resources needed for the deliverables. b) The deliverables are the tangible outcomes produced by the activity. c) The deliverables are the estimated duration of the activity. d) The activity is the overall project goal, and the deliverables are its sub-tasks.

Answer

b) The deliverables are the tangible outcomes produced by the activity.

5. Why are dependencies important in activity planning? a) They help to ensure that activities are completed in the correct order. b) They allow for the efficient allocation of resources. c) They define the scope of each activity. d) They determine the duration of each activity.

Answer

a) They help to ensure that activities are completed in the correct order.

Exercise: Planning a Birthday Party

Task: Imagine you're planning a surprise birthday party for your friend. Break down the party planning into individual activities. For each activity, identify:

  • Scope: What does this activity include and exclude?
  • Deliverables: What tangible outcome(s) will this activity produce?
  • Resource requirements: What personnel, materials, and budget are needed?
  • Duration: How long will this activity take?
  • Dependencies: Which other activities must be completed before or after this one?

Example:

  • Activity: Send out invitations
  • Scope: Includes designing and printing the invitations, addressing them, and mailing them. Excludes the actual planning of the party theme, date, and time.
  • Deliverables: Printed and addressed invitations.
  • Resource requirements: Invitation design software, printing paper, envelopes, stamps.
  • Duration: 1-2 days.
  • Dependencies: Must be completed after deciding on the party theme, date, and time.

Your Turn: Create a list of at least 5 additional activities needed for your friend's surprise birthday party. Apply the same format as the example above to break down each activity.

Exercice Correction

There are many possible activities and their breakdown, here are a few examples: * **Activity:** Choose the party location * **Scope:** Deciding on a suitable venue for the party, considering factors like capacity, ambiance, and budget. Excludes booking the location and any further planning related to the venue. * **Deliverables:** Confirmed party location and contact information of the venue. * **Resource requirements:** Time for research, budget for venue rental. * **Duration:** 1-2 days. * **Dependencies:** Must be completed before sending out invitations and choosing the party theme. * **Activity:** Plan party menu and drinks * **Scope:** Deciding on the food and beverages to be served at the party, considering dietary preferences of the guests and the overall theme. Excludes purchasing ingredients and preparing the food. * **Deliverables:** Detailed party menu with recipes, ingredient lists, and estimated quantities. * **Resource requirements:** Cookbooks, websites, food blogs, budget for groceries. * **Duration:** 2-3 days. * **Dependencies:** Must be completed before grocery shopping and preparing the food. * **Activity:** Prepare decorations * **Scope:** Choosing and acquiring decorations that align with the party theme, including balloons, streamers, banners, and table centerpieces. Excludes setting up the decorations on the day of the party. * **Deliverables:** Purchased decorations, stored and ready for set-up. * **Resource requirements:** Budget for decorations, time for shopping, storage space. * **Duration:** 1-2 days. * **Dependencies:** Must be completed before the party day. * **Activity:** Coordinate with the guest list * **Scope:** Contacting all invited guests and confirming their attendance, ensuring smooth communication regarding any specific instructions or requests. Excludes setting up transportation or specific arrangements for individual guests. * **Deliverables:** Confirmed guest list and clear communication with all attendees. * **Resource requirements:** Communication tools like email, phone, or messaging apps. * **Duration:** 1-2 days. * **Dependencies:** Must be completed after invitations are sent and the party date is finalized. * **Activity:** Organize birthday cake and candles * **Scope:** Choosing a cake style, ordering it from a bakery or making it at home, and acquiring candles. Excludes decorating the cake and serving it. * **Deliverables:** Ordered or baked birthday cake, birthday candles. * **Resource requirements:** Budget for the cake, baking supplies, time for cake preparation or ordering. * **Duration:** 2-3 days. * **Dependencies:** Must be completed before the party day.


Books

  • Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of project management, including activity definition and management.
  • Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling (12th ed.). A classic text that provides detailed information on project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation, which includes activities.
  • Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2018). Project Management: A Managerial Approach (10th ed.). A highly-regarded book covering the principles and practices of project management, including the breakdown of projects into activities.
  • Cleland, D. I., & Ireland, L. R. (2006). Project Management: Strategic Design and Implementation (5th ed.). This book emphasizes the strategic aspects of project management, including activity planning and execution.

Articles

  • “Activity Based Costing: A Management Accounting Tool” by Robin Cooper and Robert Kaplan. This article discusses Activity-Based Costing (ABC), a method of cost allocation that is closely related to activity definition and management.
  • “The Importance of Activity-Based Management in Today’s Business” by David Norton. This article highlights the benefits of using activity-based management (ABM) to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
  • “Project Management: A Guide to Success” by John Wiley & Sons. This article discusses the importance of defining activities for successful project planning and execution.

Online Resources


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