Welcome to the comprehensive guide on how to conquer the Project Management module WGU C722 at Western Governors University (WGU). If the thought of navigating through this course seems daunting and you find yourself feeling lost amid the wealth of course material, fear not—we’re here to help. This article is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need to confidently tackle the module. We’ll offer a detailed study guide that will lead you through each section with ease, ensuring that you are well-prepared to succeed in the Objective Assessment (OA) at the end of the module. In this article we will discuss the following;
- What to expect from the module C722
- Study guide to pass the OA
- Key topics in module C722
- External Resources to Study
- FAQ
So, gear up and get ready as we delve into the specifics that will pave your way to success in Project Management C722.
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What to expect from the module WGU C722 📖
The Project Management module (C722) at WGU is designed to equip you with the essential skills needed to manage projects effectively from start to finish, regardless of the organizational structure. Throughout this course, you will explore various project management methods and gain a comprehensive understanding of project profiling and phases, constraints, team building, scheduling, and risk management. This module will help you grasp the full scope of projects you may encounter in your career and apply appropriate management strategies to ensure successful project completion.
In this process of learning, you will acquire skills on how to effectively manage each phase within a project which encompasses initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. You will also learn about applying specific methodologies that are necessary for project management in organizations. For this course, by the course end, you will have learned how to identify proper constraints, assemble the right project team, construct realistic project schedules, and handle risks appropriately. This allows for a practical approach to studying project management, and you will be able to learn the theories and practices of project management as well.
By completing this module, you’ll acquire the following competencies;
Competency 1.1: Project Management Concepts
Competency 1.2:The Project Life Cycle
Competency 1.3:Project Selection Criteria and Methods
Competency 1.4:Project-Management Methods
Competency 1.5:Project Planning
Competency 1.6:Project Time Management
Competency 1.7:Executing, Monitoring, and Controlling, Closing Project Work
As for the preparation tips for the final exam, it is recommended to prioritize the memorization of each topic discussed in the course. You should focus more on the practical aspects of PM tools and techniques because they will be extremely helpful not only in the OA stage but also in your work practice. Closely review each of the project phases, use the study materials given, and practice on standard exercises that are offered. If you follow a strategic study plan and get acquainted with all the materials covered in the course, you will adequately prepare for the final exam and become a successful project manager.
Study Guide to Pass the OA 📝
The C722 module is widely recognized as a theory-heavy course that demands a substantial amount of study time. To help you succeed in this module as efficiently as possible, we have thoroughly researched and identified the most effective study strategies. Now, we are excited to share the results of our work with you in “The Ultimate Study Guide.” Note that the timeline shared in the study guide is only a reference. As everyone has their unique techniques to study, pace yourself through the course content as it suits your study style. Without further ado, let us dive in…
Week 1 – Understand the outcomes of each chapter
Without diving into the course content blindly, first, we will be focusing on understanding what lies ahead of us in this module. By understanding the overview of the module, you will be able to pace yourself through the module and be better equipped to tackle the course material. To accomplish this task, navigate as mentioned below to download the document “C722 Study Guide 2nd Attempt”
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module Project Management WGU C722 > Go to “Course Search” > Click on “C722-Project Management Course Resources” > Click on “C722 Resources”
From this location download the document named “C722 Study Guide 2nd Attempt” . This document will outline the outcome of each chapter in the Textbook of module C722. Go through the document once and keep this document in an easy-to-access location to refer back to when going through the study material.
Week 2 – Read the Textbook
To build the initial foundation for the knowledge in C722, we will be going through the WGU provided Textbook for this module. As the OA is built upon this Textbook, it is important to go through it at least once from the beginning to the end. By going through the Textbook, you will be able to get a deep understanding of the key concepts of project management and take down detailed notes on each chapter. Once you read through a chapter, make sure to attempt the chapter-end quizzes to solidify your understanding. Complete the entire Textbook before moving to the next step.
Navigate to the below-mentioned location to locate the Textbook of C722;
Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module Project Management WGU C722 > Click on “Go to course materials”
Week 3 – Go through the video lectures
After you have completed the Textbook, let us revise the course content once more to give you the best chance of memorizing the key concepts of this module. As this module is theory-heavy, this step will assist you in retaining the knowledge you require to pass the OA at the end of the module. Instead of going through the same study resource, in this step, we will utilize the video lectures to revise each of the chapters. To locate the video lectures, navigate as mentioned below.
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module Project Management WGU C722 > Go to “Course Search” > Click on “C722-Project Management Course Resources” > Click on “C722 Recordings”
These video lectures are conducted by the course instructors of WGU. So the content of these videos will help you not only understand the course material but also it will provide you with advice on how to tackle the OA and how to best prepare for it. So instead of skimming through the videos, we recommend that you go through each video from the beginning to the end.
If possible, we also recommend you attend live cohorts. This will allow you to widen your knowledge and also give you a chance to directly communicate with your course instructors and clear any doubts you might have related to the module.
Week 4 – Put your knowledge to the test
Now that you have gone through the course content twice, you are equipped with all the knowledge you require to attempt the OA. So let us evaluate your knowledge and see if you are up to the task of aceing the OA. In this step, we will utilize practice quizzes and the Pre-A of C722 to test your skills in this module. First, attempt the practice quizzes by accessing the location mentioned below, and try to answer each of them by referring to the notes you have taken in your studies.
To find the practice quizzes;
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module Project Management WGU C722 > Go to “Course Search” > Click on “C722-Project Management Course Resources” > Click on “C722 Units 2 to 8 OA Styles Q&A 052522”
(Refer to the image in Week 1)
Once you complete these quizzes, find the Pre-A of Project Management WGU C722 and attempt the assessment. When you are attempting the Pre-A, make sure you treat it as a real assessment. This will allow you to better evaluate your performance and get an accurate understanding of your knowledge.
Once you complete the Pre-A, a coaching guide will be generated in the same location you found the Pre-A. This coaching guide will show you your performance in the Pre-A and allow you to identify the chapters where you lack the knowledge. Revisit these chapters to refresh your knowledge and retake the Pre-A to attempt to achieve a better score than your first attempt. Repeat this process until you achieve a score of 80% or higher before proceeding to the next step.
Week 5 – Attempt the OA
By passing the Pre-A, you have proven to yourself that you are competent enough to pass the OA of Project Management WGU C722. Without hesitation, schedule the OA at your earliest convenience and give it your best. Make sure you are attempting the assessment in a calm and quiet environment where you are able to focus on the exam. Carefully read through the proctoring guidelines and be confident in yourself. You will ace the OA in no time!!
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Key Topics in Modul C722 🔑
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a fundamental project management tool that involves breaking down a project into smaller, more manageable components. It serves as a visual representation of the entire project scope, making it easier to organize and define the total work needed to complete the project. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Key Features of a Work Breakdown Structure:
Hierarchical Decomposition : The WBS is hierarchical, meaning it starts with the overall project at the top and progressively breaks it down into smaller, more detailed components or tasks.
Levels of Detail : Top Level: Represents the final deliverable or project goal.
: Sub-levels: Break down the project goal into major deliverables or work packages.
: Lowest Level: The most detailed level of the WBS, which consists of individual tasks or activities that need to be completed.
Work Packages : The smallest units in a WBS are called work packages. Each work package can be assigned to a team or individual and has a specific scope, budget, and timeline.
Purpose and Benefits of a WBS:
Clarity and Focus : Provides a clear structure of what needs to be done, helping teams understand their specific tasks and responsibilities.
Scope Management : Helps in defining and controlling the project scope by detailing every deliverable and task required to complete the project.
Resource Allocation : Facilitates the assignment of resources, including time, budget, and personnel, to specific tasks or work packages.
Progress Tracking : Enables project managers to track progress by monitoring the completion of individual tasks and deliverables.
Risk Management : Helps identify potential risks by breaking down the project into detailed tasks, allowing for better anticipation and mitigation of risks.
Example:
Project Management Office (PMO)
The PMO or project management office is defined as a center for project management within an organization that is charged with the responsibility of overseeing compliance to the standards of practicing project management in an organization. The processes within this knowledge area ensure that projects are delivered systematically and effectively; establish a connection between projects and the organization’s strategic plan; and offer assistance to project managers and their project teams. Here’s a detailed overview of the PMO in project management:
Key Functions of a PMO:
Standardization : Methodologies and Processes: Develops and enforces standardized project management methodologies, processes, and tools across the organization.
: Templates and Guidelines: Provides templates, guidelines, and best practices to ensure uniformity and efficiency in project execution.
Governance : Project Oversight: Monitors and reviews the progress and performance of projects to ensure they align with organizational goals and comply with established standards.
: Risk Management: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates project risks to ensure successful project delivery.
Resource Management : Allocation and Optimization: Manages the allocation of resources, including personnel, budget, and equipment, to ensure optimal utilization across projects.
: Capacity Planning: Plans and forecasts resource needs to avoid over-allocation and ensure availability for critical projects.
Support and Training : Project Support: Provides support to project managers and teams, including project planning, scheduling, and execution assistance.
: Training and Development: Offers training programs to enhance the skills and competencies of project managers and team members.
Performance Management : Metrics and Reporting: Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure project performance and success.
: Dashboards and Reports: Creates dashboards and reports to provide visibility into project status, progress, and outcomes for stakeholders and senior management.
Types of PMOs:
Supportive PMO :Provides a consultative role, offering guidance, best practices, and templates to project managers. It has low control over projects and is typically found in organizations where projects are loosely managed.
Controlling PMO : Exercises a moderate level of control by requiring compliance with specific project management methodologies and standards. It provides support while ensuring adherence to established processes.
Directive PMO : Has a high level of control and authority, directly managing and overseeing projects. Project managers report to the PMO, which is responsible for all project-related activities and decisions.
Benefits of a PMO:
Improved Project Success Rates : By standardizing processes and providing consistent support, a PMO increases the likelihood of project success and reduces the risk of project failure.
Enhanced Resource Utilization :Efficient resource management and allocation ensure that resources are used optimally, avoiding bottlenecks and over-allocation.
Better Alignment with Organizational Goals : Ensures that all projects are aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives, contributing to overall business success.
Increased Transparency and Visibility : Regular monitoring, reporting, and communication provide stakeholders with clear visibility into project status and performance, facilitating informed decision-making.
Continuous Improvement : By capturing lessons learned and best practices, a PMO promotes continuous improvement in project management processes and methodologies.
Four phases of project management
1. Initiation Phase
The initiation phase is where a project begins. The goal of this phase is to define the project at a high level and obtain authorization to proceed. Key activities include developing a project charter that outlines the project’s objectives, scope, and stakeholders. Initial risks, constraints, and assumptions are also identified during this phase. The project charter is the primary deliverable and serves as a formal approval to move forward with the project. This phase sets the foundation for all subsequent project activities.
- Planning Phase
In this phase, it is crucial to devise a schedule and a clear plan of how to accomplish the project goals. This phase involves identifying the inclusive and exclusive deliverables of the project, preparing a WBS, and establishing activity plans that will guide the project through key activities, time frames, and interdependencies. Budgeting and ability to allocate resources are also important factors within the resourcing strategy. Further, risk management planning is also done to know the likely risks and bearing measures in case of their occurrence. The communication plans and quality assurance plans are used to facilitate communication and conform to the standards of quality. The comprehensive project management plan is the major output of this phase as it contains details by which the project will be instituted and managed.
- Execution Phase
The execution phase is where the actual work of the project is carried out. During this phase, the project team is assembled and managed, project tasks are executed, and deliverables are produced. Effective communication with stakeholders is maintained, and quality assurance activities ensure that project outputs meet the required standards. This phase also involves monitoring and controlling processes that track project progress and performance, managing changes, and mitigating risks. The primary deliverables of the execution phase include the project deliverables/products, performance reports, and any necessary updates to the project management plan.
- Closure Phase
The closure phase is the final phase of the project, and it is officially completed at the end of this phase. This phase involves turning over products and services to clients or users, as well as completing documentation, and storing records. A project review is carried out to understand the successes and failures of a project in preparation for future projects. The resources are relinquished back and a report on the efficiency of the entire project is prepared. The outcomes of this phase include the final project report, the lessons learned, the client acceptance and sign-off, and the project closeout report. This phase is aimed at formally wrapping up the project and making sure that all the stakeholders are happy with the result.
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FAQ❓
Q: What is the main focus of the Project Management WGU C722 module?
A: One of the courses offered at WGU is the Project Management module (C722) whereby the students are prepared with knowledge and understanding of managing a project from conception to completion. This includes; theories of project management, project definition and structuring, defining limitations, people acquisition and assembly, project timelines, risk consideration and assessment, and the tools and instruments of project management.
Q: Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the C722 module?
A: No, there are no restrictions or requirements that are usually needed when entering the Project Management C722 module. As such, it is informal in its structure and intended for all students who want to learn about project management.
Q: Can I use external project management tools and software for my assignments?
A: Though the course may also familiarize you with certain tools and programs used in project management, it is crucial to adhere to the instructions given for each task. Make sure that any tools used from outside of the course meet the course requirements and the instructions given.
Q: What should I do if I encounter difficulties with the course material?
A: If you face any issues or problems, you can always consult your course tutor for assistance. Also, use available resources, including discussion forums, study groups, and other materials provided to help you in your learning process. Revising the content and going over the material from time to time will also assist in the reinforcement of the knowledge acquired.
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Conclusion 📄
As you progress through the Project Management module (C722) at WGU, we encourage you to take the advice provided in this article to enhance your study approach. Use the comprehensive study guide we have outlined to navigate the course material efficiently and focus on the key topics we’ve highlighted. By doing so, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the objective assessment and master the essential skills needed for successful project management. Remember, effective time management, consistent practice, and a clear understanding of project management principles are crucial to your success. Good luck, and we believe in your ability to excel in this module!
