For students pursuing pdu online in the area of time management, it is very important to understand tools and techniques needed to define activities. PMI pdu requires an hour of learning for each pdu pmp. An example of information on pdu online for time management is shown below:
Tools & Techniques Used to Define Activities
The project manager is tasked in reducing the deliverables listed on the WBS and break them down further or decomposing them.
- Decomposition
PMBOK defines decomposition as subdividing the project work packages into smaller, more manageable components called activities.1 There is a distinct difference between a deliverable, which is what the WBS outlines, and an activity, which is what the project manager must define in order to make estimations in time and resources.
The goal in defining activities is to identify the final output of a task that contributes to a deliverable. For example, installing software on a server is a deliverable. However, the activities involved to complete this deliverable could include reformatting the data to the new fields of the program, testing, training, etc. These items are activities the project manager must be aware of so they can estimate time more accurately.
- Rolling Wave Planning
The method of planning work that is to be completed sooner and in more detail than work scheduled for a later time. Later work can be set as milestones, and as the time draws near for the work to be completed, the project manager can define or decompose the activity in more detail. This is helpful for those expedited projects, where starting the project by a specified date is crucial to the success of the project.
PMI PDU learning should include this.
- Templates
As with any project document, creating an activity template that facilitates the annotation of the activities along with its attributes (discussed in the output section) is helpful in establishing a uniform way of communication and project record keeping. A project manager could use a document used in a past project or create a new one. In any case, it is a good practice to have the activity listed on a template for consistency.
- Expert Judgment
For newer project managers, enlisting the help of more experienced project team members and/or experts in the area of schedule development are excellent resources in helping define the activities. Use them when you have them.
PDU PMP should include expert judgement for time management.
