Chapter 5: Creating the Project Schedule extends planning to creation of a detailed project schedule. It covers the entire schedule planning process, beginning with identifying and sequencing the tasks to be performed and allocating resources. You’ll learn how to calculate task durations and the critical path through them, as well as determine milestones and set a baseline and obtain approval. Finally, you’ll see how to establish a governance process.
Chapter 6: Resource Planning and Management continues project management into the execution phase with management of the project team. You’ll learn about determining resource needs, personnel management, conflict resolution, and the role of the kickoff meeting in team building.
Chapter 7: Defining the Project Budget and Risk Plans covers cost estimating and cost budgeting and the risk activities and strategies for your project. You’ll learn the basic techniques of estimating and then tracking costs, along with risk analysis and planning.
Chapter 8: Communicating the Plan covers the role of communication – with stakeholders, team members, and others – in project management. You’ll learn what information needs to be communicated and how to do so most effectively.
Chapter 9: Processing Change Requests and Procurement Documents shows how to deal with changing project requirements, with a particular look at the Agile methodology devised for the rapidly evolving requirements of software development. It also looks at the types of organizational change that can affect a project and the specific documents used in dealing with vendors.
Chapter 10: Project Tools and Documentation looks at some of the project tools and documentation needed to inform stakeholders, to document action items and meeting minutes, and to analyze the performance and results of the work of the project. It also reviews the steps a project manager will take in closing out a project.
Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank
I’ve put together some really great online tools to help you pass the Project+ exam. The interactive online learning environment that accompanies the Project+ exam certification guide provides a test bank and study tools to help you prepare for the exam. By using these tools you can dramatically increase your chances of passing the exam on your first try.
The online section includes the following:
Sample Tests Many sample tests are provided throughout this book and online, including the assessment test, which you’ll find at the end of this introduction, and the chapter tests that include the review questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, there are two bonus practice exams. Use these questions to test your knowledge of the study guide material. The online test bank runs on multiple devices.
Flashcards The online text bank includes more than 150 flashcards specifically written to hit you hard, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t ace your way through them at first! They’re there to ensure that you’re really ready for the exam. And no worries – armed with the review questions, practice exams, and flashcards, you’ll be more than prepared when exam day comes! Questions are provided in digital flashcard format (a question followed by a single correct answer). You can use the flashcards to reinforce your learning and provide last-minute test prep before the exam.
Other Study Tools A glossary of key terms from this book and their definitions are available as a fully searchable PDF.
How to Use This Book
If you want a solid foundation for the serious effort of preparing for the CompTIA Project+ exam, then look no further. I’ve spent hundreds of hours putting together this book with the sole intention of helping you to pass the exam as well as really learn about the exciting field of project management!
This book is loaded with valuable information, and you will get the most out of your study time if you understand why the book is organized the way it is.
So to maximize your benefit from this book, I recommend the following study method:
1. Take the assessment test that’s provided at the end of this introduction. (The answers are at the end of the test.) It’s okay if you don’t know any of the answers; that’s why you bought this book! Carefully read over the explanations for any question you get wrong and note the chapters in which the material relevant to them is covered. This information should help you plan your study strategy.
2. Study each chapter carefully, making sure you fully understand the information and the test objectives listed at the beginning of each one. Pay extra-close attention to any chapter that includes material covered in questions you missed.
3. Answer all the review questions related to each chapter. (The answers appear in Appendix A.) Note the questions that confuse you, and study the topics they cover again until the concepts are crystal clear. And again – do not just skim these questions! Make sure you fully comprehend the reason for each correct answer. Remember that these will not be the exact questions you will find on the exam, but they’re written to help you understand the chapter material and ultimately pass the exam!
4. Try your hand at the practice questions that are exclusive to this book. You can find the questions at www.sybex.com/go/sybextestprep.
5. Test yourself using all the flashcards, which are also found on the download link. These are new and updated flashcards to help you prepare for the Project+ exam and a wonderful study tool.
To learn every bit of the material covered in this book, you’ll have to apply yourself regularly and with discipline. Try to set aside the same time period every day to study, and select a comfortable and quiet place to do so. I’m confident that if you work hard, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you learn this material.
If you follow these steps and really study in addition to using the review questions, the practice exams, and the electronic flashcards, it would actually be hard to fail the Project+ exam. But understand that studying for the CompTIA exam is a lot like getting in shape – if you do not go to the gym every day, it’s not going to happen!
Tips for Taking the Project+ Exam
Here are some general tips for taking your exam successfully:
■ Bring two forms of ID with you. One must be a photo ID, such as a driver’s license. The other can be a major credit card or a passport. Both forms must have a signature.
■ Arrive early at the exam center so you can relax and review your study materials.
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