Question - Need Clarification

Submitted by wantpmp on Sat, 11/23/2013 - 18:05

Hello,

What is the right answer - for where does PM spend most time? Initiating or Planning?

I have been seeing various conflicting answers.

Also, is there a trick for answering Communication Questions to include PM/Functional Manager?

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lucyhong75@gmail.com's picture

lucyhong75@gmail.com

Sat, 11/23/2013 - 21:25

Hi,

PM spent most time in COMMUNICATIONS. Planning process group has MOST PM processes. Communication chapter is relatively easier. Get to know the basics. There's only one formula: n x (n-1)/2 for channels. Just as the way to manage any project in real life, getting the big picture is the key to pass the exam. Details only determine how many "P" you will get, which is not that important. Wish this helps. Good luck--- Adam Ding, Author of PMP GUARANTEED (amazon.com/dp/B00ECLK6R0)

diba_perfect

Sun, 11/24/2013 - 06:50

The correct answer is Planning. That's where a PM has to dedicate 'more' (i.e. 'more' compared to Initiating, if not the 'most' overall) amount of time. 

~ Diba

 

P.S. Btw, I find Adam's answer amazingly to the point and articulate! :P

 

 

wantpmp

Mon, 11/25/2013 - 13:39

Thank You Adam & Diba. I guess I got confused cause while doing the practice exams from ESI:

2 questions below

1. during which of the phases will you most likely have the greatest influence on scope, time, cost, and quality of project?
a. initiating b. planning c. executing d. closing

answer: a

2. in which project phase would you have the greatest potential influence on project risk?

a. concept b. design c. execution d. closing

answer: a

I guess the difference is that these are asking where PM has greatest potential ability to influence and that's right from the onset - initiating but they spend most time in planning process.

Sandy10001

Wed, 10/08/2014 - 16:37

You are correct. At the beginning of a project, whether it's called initiating, concept stage, or something else, you have the greatest influence on the project design and risk.

Frances Tessler

Sat, 10/04/2014 - 13:48

The PM Role is to spend most of his time integrating and influencing of which he needs to be an excellent communicator! Therefor PMI sees the PM as spending the most time in Planning as his primary role is to integrate the requirements into a cohesive integrated Project Management Plan!