Hi there.

In this video, you'll learn to analyze project documentation, including documents from
previous projects, to identify tasks for a new project. This documentation includes project
charters, emails, and old project plans which a business may have available when you join a new
organization or switch to a new project. Then, in the upcoming activity, you'll begin building the
project plan for Sauce and Spoon's tablet rollout by adding project tasks to a spreadsheet that will
serve as your project plan. I recommend that you use the provided project plan template to start
your document, but you're also welcome to create your own spreadsheet or use your preferred
project management software.

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Let's get started. First, we'll review the purpose and function of a project plan. A project plan is
useful for any project, big or small, since it helps you document the scope, tasks, milestones,
budget, and overall activities in order to keep the project on track. At the center of the project
plan is the project schedule. The schedule is your guide for making time estimates for project
tasks, determining milestones, and monitoring the overall progress of the project. One of your
main jobs as a project manager is to identify all of the project tasks, estimate how much time each
task will take, and track each task's progress. So how do you go about adding tasks and milestones
to the plan for the very first time? The first thing I do is review the goals and deliverables in the
project charter. Then, I make a list of all the items that have tasks or milestones associated with
them. As a reminder, milestones are important points within the schedule that indicate progress.
They usually signify the completion of a deliverable or phase of the project. And project tasks refer
to activities that need to be accomplished within a set period of time. They're assigned to different
members of the team according to each person's role and skills.

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In order to reach a milestone, you and your team must complete certain tasks. For example, one
of the deliverables of the Sauce and Spoon project is promoting the new tablet menus with table
signs and email blasts. In this instance, a milestone could be the completion of this deliverable,
which would include all of the tasks that are required for getting sign offs on the final versions of
the marketing materials and confirming the dates of the email blasts. Some of these tasks would
include writing multiple drafts of the different marketing materials, generating an email list, and
programming the emails to be sent on the correct dates. For each deliverable, ask yourself: What
steps do we need to take in order to achieve this? The steps will become the individual tasks that
need to be completed. Let's turn our attention to another deliverable for Sauce and Spoon: the
implementation of a post-dining survey to assess customer satisfaction.

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What steps do you need to take in order to achieve this deliverable? You might need to assign a
team member to develop a survey. You'll also need to determine how you'll deliver the survey and
create a process for carrying it out.

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These are just a couple of examples of the many tasks you'll need to complete in order to achieve
the deliverable. It's your job to help uncover the rest of the tasks. How do you uncover more
tasks? In addition to the project charter, there are other common forms of documentation that
can help you identify tasks. For example, you might ask your stakeholders or colleagues to share
emails or an older project plan for a similar project. Let's discuss how these might be useful as you
build your list of tasks. Emails that relate to the project can provide lots of helpful information for
you to pull tasks from. Since so much communication in the workplace happens over email, ask to
have relevant emails that contained discussions about the project's details forwarded to you.
These emails can help you uncover tasks, and they can also help you identify team members to
connect with further if you have additional questions.

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It's also helpful to review an older project plan for a similar initiative to find out what kind of tasks
were included. For example, if you are a project manager tasked with launching a new product,
you might ask a colleague with experience launching other products for the same company to
share their project plan as an example. Or, if your project includes some construction work, you
might ask colleagues about unrelated projects that also had construction components.

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Previous project plans can provide helpful inspiration as you create your own list of tasks. They can
also help you identify possible task durations, subject matter experts, and even suppliers that may
be helpful to your project. As you review project documentation, take note of information that
suggests other tasks your team will need to complete in order to execute on project deliverables.
During this process, ask yourself questions like: Is there a large task being worked on by many
people that could be broken into smaller tasks assigned to individuals? Are there signals that imply
prior tasks need to be completed first? For example, a deliverable like "install tablets" might imply
selecting a tablet vendor as a prior task. Great! We've covered a lot in this video, so let's review.
The project plan helps document the scope, tasks, milestones, budget, and overall activities in
order to keep the project on track. To add tasks to your plan, search for useful information from
existing project documentation, such as the project charter, email threads, and old project plans
from a similar project. As you review project documentation, take note of information that
suggests additional tasks and milestones that your team will need to complete in order to meet
project deliverables. Great! In the next activity, you'll review the supporting materials to start
building the Sauce and Spoon project plan. Once you're finished, I'll meet you in the next video.

Which documentation can a project manager review to uncover project tasks?

Select all that apply.

Project charter
Correcto
To uncover tasks, you can review the goals and deliverables in the project charter
and list all the items that have tasks or milestones associated with them. Other
helpful documentation for uncovering tasks includes old project plans and emails
that relate to the project.
Emails that relate to the project
Correcto
Relevant emails can help you uncover tasks and identify team members to connect
with if you have questions. Other helpful documentation for uncovering tasks
includes project charters and old project plans.

Previous project plans

Correcto
Previous project plans can provide inspiration as you create a list of tasks. They
can also help you identify task durations, subject matter experts, and suppliers.
Other helpful documentation for uncovering tasks includes project charters and
emails that relate to the project.

Tips for defining project tasks

The process of identifying project tasks and defining them is one that requires practice.
Breaking tasks down into workable parts is challenging because you have to decide which
tasks may require additional subtasks and which tasks do not. For instance, if you are
managing a cross-country move, you do not need to break down the task of unloading boxes
from the car into which box should be moved first. However, you may need to break down the
movers’ tasks into smaller, more detailed steps. As you progress in your career, you will get
better at breaking tasks down. In the interim, here are some guidelines to help you improve this
very important project management skill. 

Define project tasks in one or two sentences

When writing descriptions of project tasks, keep them to one or two sentences long. If you find
that a certain task description needs to be longer than one or two sentences, this indicates that
the task is complex and could be broken down into smaller tasks or that it may need further
clarification.

Look at project task dependencies

When looking at how you might break certain parts of the project down into tasks, consider
task dependencies, or what has to be completed or handed off from one person to another
before work on each task can begin. Identifying dependencies can help you decide how much
a task needs to be broken down. For instance, if you are managing a project that includes an
awards ceremony and one of the tasks is to set up the stage, the dependencies for this task
could include getting estimates from an audiovisual (AV) contractor, procuring necessary
equipment, and constructing the stage backdrop.
Enlist help from team members
It is often helpful for your team to be involved in the task breakdown process. You might have a
meeting where you discuss each broad goal or major task with the team. This way, team
members can present varying perspectives as they work together to break down tasks. For
example, if someone on your team has had experience on a similar project, they may suggest
a certain task actually be broken down into three different tasks. 

Define project tasks by the amount of time they will take to complete
Defining project tasks by the amount of time they’re expected to take will reveal any especially
lengthy tasks. If a task is expected to take a long time, it could indicate that there are additional
subtasks that need to be defined. Identifying tasks by time is helpful for scheduling other tasks
or events around the longer tasks. This strategy also helps you determine appropriate
milestones, as milestones are often the culmination of a series of tasks. Acknowledging the
completion of a large and lengthy task is also a great way to celebrate success, learn from the
process, and keep the project on track.

Identify project tasks by their “done” factors

Begin with the end in mind: What does it mean for the task to be considered “done”? From
there, you can work backwards to see if you’ve missed any steps and identify checkpoints for
completion along the way.

Next, review the sample project charter:

Project Charter: Website Redesign for a Restaurant

Project Summary: Launch a website redesign that now features online ordering to
expand ordering options and increase revenue.

Goals of Project:

 Increase revenue by 15% in the first six months

 Increase visitor time on the website by 10% in the first three months
 Increase customer email collection by 50% in the first 12 months
 Expand online ordering to four third-party delivery platforms in the first three
months
 Resolve all urgent technical issues reported by customers in the first three
months
Deliverables:

 Digital photograph collection of food and business location

 Online content archive, including written content and existing graphics/media
 Online ordering embedded in the landing page
 Online ordering loyalty program
 Available on third-party delivery platforms (e.g., Uber Eats, Postmates,
DoorDash, and GrubHub)
 Staff training on new ordering process
Scope and Exclusion:

In-scope:

 New design of website

 Add new photos to website
 Add rewritten and new content to website
 Online ordering functionality and payment options
 Staff training
 Information and content for third-party delivery platforms
Out-of-scope:

 Social media management

 Rebranding of the company logo and colors
 Implementing online chat
 Online-only menu
Benefits and Costs

Benefits:

 New options for customers to order food

 Increase in sales through this new medium of online ordering
 Persuade more customers to purchase food with better quality photos and copy
 Increase search engine rankings with website improvements
  Grow email list from opt-ins to online promotions
 Increase online awareness through third-party delivery platforms
Costs:

 Website designer: $6,500

 Photographer: $1,000
 Staff training: $250

Week 2 - Email: Tablet Logistics

Below is the email thread between the following people: 

 Peta (Project Manager)

 Seydou (Restaurant Consultant)

From: Peta

To: Seydou

Subject: A few questions about tablet logistics

Hi Seydou,

I hope you’re doing well! I have a question for you from Gilly: What’s involved with the
installation? We know that the tablets will be sending orders to the kitchen via WiFi. But
how do restaurants typically handle keeping them charged in during service? Or will
they be plugged in the whole time? Do we need to contact an electrician to wire up the
tables?  Should I add "schedule an electrician" to the project plan? 

Thanks!

Peta

Hi Peta,

Actually, yes—wiring the tables is exactly what happens. Once I know the extent of the
installation at each location, I'll work with the tablet vendor to get an electrician in. 

Let me know if there’s anything else!

Seydou
Hi Seydou,

Another question, coming from Carter this time. How will the kitchen be able to update
the menus? Can they do it in real time? Like, for instance, if they run out of a certain dish,
can they remove it from the tablets immediately so customers don’t order it?

Thank you!

Peta

Hi Peta,

Yes, this is a standard feature on all current tablet models. If an item is no longer
available you’ll be able to update the menu in real time from the admin back-end of the
software, which you can access on the office computer. We just have to run the staff
through some training so they know how to do it.

Keep the questions coming!

Seydou

Hi Seydou,

One more question! Will you be involved with setting up our customization and
branding? Deanna asked again about making sure the tablet menu interface looks and
feels like our printed hardcopy menus. Do we provide you with a printed version and you
design the tablet version? Or do we get blank software and program the tablet menus
ourselves?

Thanks again!

Peta

Hi Peta,

Custom branding, design, and upload are  separate vendor offerings. Terrific Tablets
offers these services with some of their packages. If you choose one of those packages,
then I’ll connect with your marketing department and update the menu interface to
match the branding and layout of your menus. 
Happy to help!

Seydou

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Ir al siguiente elemento

1.
Pregunta 1

To pass this practice quiz, you must receive at least 80%, or 4 out of 5 points, by completing the
activity and answering corresponding quiz questions. You can learn more about the graded and
practice items in the Course Overview.

Activity Overview

In this activity, you will identify project tasks by reviewing project and company documents. Then
you will draft the project plan for Sauce & Spoon’s tabletop menu tablets project.

Scenario

Review the scenario below. Then complete the step-by-step instructions.

Peta, the new in-house project manager for Sauce & Spoon restaurants, has finished drafting the
project charter for their tabletop menu tablets project. Her next step is to identify tasks to include in
a project plan that will help her team reach the project’s goals. 

To identify project tasks, Peta spends some time reviewing project documentation for the current
tablet project. She also examines the project plan from a completed Sauce & Spoon project for
information that could help the team complete the tablet rollout.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access the template

Click the link to create a copy of the template. If you don’t have a Google account, download the
template directly from the attachment below.
Link to template: Project Plan Template

OR

Download template:

Activity Template_ Project plan

XLSX File

Step 2: Access the supporting materials

The following supporting materials will help you complete this activity. Keep them open as you
proceed to the next steps. Each link will open a new Coursera tab.

 Project Charter: Review your completed project charter from Week 1 

 Historical Project Plan
 Email Exchange: Tablet Logistics
Note: To review supporting materials introduced in earlier activities, you can find them in the
Resources section.

Step 3: Make a list of 10 tasks

Review the project charter, historical project plan, and email exchange and identify 10 tasks that
might be required for the tablet rollout project. Identify at least one task from each supporting
document. Remember that project tasks refer to activities that need to be accomplished within a set
period of time, which eventually lead to the completion of a milestone. 

Then, add the tasks to the Task Brainstorm tab of your project plan in the Task column.

As you add your tasks, ask yourself the following Guiding Tips and Questions:

 Are there multiple tasks implied by a single sentence? For example, "Launch a reservation
system" implies that the team selected, installed, tested, and then launched the reservation
system.
 Always ask yourself what decisions might need to be made before an action is taken and
what testing might need to be done to verify the success of that action. These decisions and
tests might also be considered tasks for the project plan.
Step 4: Save your work 

Be sure to save the project plan you updated for this activity. You will revise and refine project
artifacts, including the project plan, as you progress through the course. 

Pro Tip: Save the template

Finally, be sure to save the template you used to complete this activity for further practice or to use
in your own personal or professional projects. These templates will be useful as you put together a
portfolio of project management artifacts that you can speak to in an interview to demonstrate your
experience to potential employers. 

What to Include in Your Response

Be sure to include the following elements in your project plan:

 At least 10 project tasks from the supporting materials (including at least one task from each
supporting document)

Did you complete this activity?

1 / 1 punto

Yes

No

Correcto

Thank you for completing this activity! Reviewing documentation from past and current projects can
help you identify important tasks. Review the quiz feedback below to find out how you did.

2.
Pregunta 2

What are some resources you can consult to find tasks to add to a project plan? Select all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Relevant work documents, like emails or meeting notes

Correcto

These are some of the items you can consult to identify project tasks.

The project charter

Correcto
This is one of the items you can consult to identify project tasks.

Customer surveys

Project plans used in the past for similar projects

Correcto

These are some of the items you can consult to identify project tasks.

3.
Pregunta 3

Which of these tasks might you identify from your Sauce & Spoon menu tablets project charter?
Select all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Implement a post-dining survey to assess customer satisfaction

Correcto

As a core deliverable of the project, this is one of the tasks that might be identified from the project
charter.

Install tablets in the bar areas at the Downtown and North restaurant locations

Correcto

As a core deliverable of the project, this is one of the tasks that might be identified from the project
charter.

Add a reservation booking feature to the tablets

Train management, FOH staff, and BOH staff

Correcto

As a core deliverable of the project, this is one of the tasks that might be identified from the project
charter.
4.
Pregunta 4

Which of the following tasks from the historical project plan could be helpful for the tablet project?
Select all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Create contracts and statements of work for vendors

Correcto

The tablet project likely involves working with external vendors, so this is a task you can pull from the
historical project plan.

Test out reservation systems

Create a launch day plan: staffing, troubleshooting, etc.

Correcto

The tablet project needs a launch day plan, so this is a task you can pull from the historical project
plan.

Generate quotes and review costs

Correcto

Generating quotes and reviewing costs ensures that a project stays within budget, so this is a task
you can pull from the historical project plan.

5.
Pregunta 5

Which of the following project tasks can you identify from the email exchange about tablet logistics?
Select all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Train the staff to update the menu

Correcto
This is one of the tasks you can identify from the email exchange.

Schedule an electrician

Correcto

This is one of the tasks you can identify from the email exchange.

Train general managers how to enter payroll

Connect the Sauce & Spoon marketing team with Terrific Tablets for branding

Correcto

This is one of the tasks you can identify from the email exchange.

Welcome back! By now, you should have analyzed existing project documentation to identify a list
of tasks related to the Sauce and Spoon tablet pilot. In this video, I'll share a few tips for
conducting online research, which is a helpful strategy for gathering domain knowledge. Domain
knowledge refers to knowledge of a specific industry, topic, or activity. If you're unfamiliar with a
new project's domain, then analyzing supporting project documentation will help you broaden
your knowledge. There will be times throughout your career when you'll be new to an
organization or industry. You might be assigned to a project that's unlike anything you've ever
managed before, and that's okay. New challenges can be a really exciting part of the job. So how
do you identify tasks and monitor progress for a project or industry that you're not familiar with?

Reproduce el video desde ::54 y sigue la transcripción0:54

Another key to success when working on an unfamiliar project is knowing where to find useful
information that can help you increase your domain knowledge. Here's an example. Let's say
you've been hired to manage projects in the private banking industry. In order to successfully
manage these projects, you'll need a basic understanding of how private banking works. This
includes things like how clients open accounts, back office operations, and how trade
confirmations are verified. And, in the case of Sauce and Spoon, you'll need a base level
understanding of the restaurant industry, some of which you've already come across during this
course, like knowing about guest averages and table turn times. Again, you don't need to be an
expert on your project, but becoming more familiar with different industries and types of projects
is a valuable skill that demonstrates your versatility. Having industry knowledge can also save you
time on future projects within that industry, since you won't have to ask as many questions or do
as much research. That said, if you're new to an industry or organization, no one will expect you to
have all the answers right away. One way to help build up your domain knowledge when you get
started with project planning is through online research. Online research can help increase your
knowledge of industry terms, techniques, processes, and more, all of which can be helpful as you
embark on a new project. This allows you to read up on how other organizations have managed
similar projects. It's also an opportunity to draw inspiration from their successes and to learn from
their mistakes. So what should you be aiming for as you do research for a given project? Let's go
over a few tips that can help you get started. First, try searching online for news coverage of
similar projects at other companies. For example, you might search for news articles that focus on
restaurant groups who've added tablet ordering capabilities to their restaurant locations.
Experiment with search terms like "menu tablet news" or "restaurant tablet news" to find relevant
news articles. As you read, take notes on interesting findings. Did the company experience any
surprising outcomes following their product's launch? Did they come across any unanticipated
roadblocks? If so, make note of these, and decide if there are tasks that you should add to your
project in order to achieve similar results or to avoid similar roadblocks. Identifying where similar
successes or mistakes might play out in your own project can help you uncover tasks that you may
have otherwise overlooked.

Reproduce el video desde :3:32 y sigue la transcripción3:32

It's also helpful to search online for research on topics related to your project. For example, you
might search for phrases like "restaurant tablet research" or "digital menu ordering." Adding
search tags like "best practices" or "key takeaways" can help streamline your search results.

Reproduce el video desde :3:50 y sigue la transcripción3:50

Then, you can review the relevant research for information that might help inform your project
planning.

Reproduce el video desde :3:56 y sigue la transcripción3:56

You could also try researching similar projects in other industries. This can be especially helpful
when you're new to a project or industry. For example, even though your project may center
around tablet usage in a restaurant setting, you can also learn about the installation process from
research on tablet usage in similar settings, like retail stores or coffee shops. The details will be
different, but similar projects in other industries can be a helpful source of ideas.

Reproduce el video desde :4:25 y sigue la transcripción4:25

Once you've done some initial online research, review the list of tasks that you've identified so far
and research the specifics of executing that work. For example, maybe one of the tasks on your list
is choosing the tablet model that you'll ultimately install in the restaurants. Are there any smaller
sub-tasks your team will need to complete to decide on a tablet model? Searching online can help
to uncover any additional tasks you'll need to account for. Well done! Let's recap what we learned
in this video. Online research can help you increase your domain knowledge of industry terms,
techniques, processes, and more. When you conduct your online research, keep the following tips
in mind. Search for news articles about similar projects in other companies. Research similar
projects in other industries. And finally, review your list of tasks and research the specifics of
executing that work. Ready to get started? Head over to the next activity, where you'll perform
online research to identify more tasks and milestones for the Sauce and Spoon tablet rollout. I'll
meet you in the next video.
Fill in the blank: _____ refers to knowledge of a specific industry, topic, or activity.

Project knowledge

Milestone knowledge

Domain knowledge

Stakeholder knowledge

Correcto
When unfamiliar with a new project’s domain, you may need to analyze supporting
documentation to help broaden your knowledge.

¡Felicitaciones! ¡Aprobaste!

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Ir al siguiente elemento

1.
Pregunta 1

To pass this practice quiz, you must receive at least 75%, or 3 out of 4 points, by completing the
activity and answering corresponding quiz questions. You can learn more about the graded and
practice items in the Course Overview.

Activity Overview

In this activity, you will conduct online research to identify additional tasks to add to your project
plan.

Scenario

Review the scenario below. Then complete the step-by-step instructions.

Peta wants to identify more project tasks for the tablet rollout—but first, she needs to expand her
domain knowledge of the restaurant industry. Peta decides to conduct online research on similar
projects, which should help her identify additional tasks. This research also allows Peta to draw
inspiration from other projects, and to learn from their successes and mistakes.
Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access your draft

Begin by opening the project plan draft you started in the last activity, Identify project tasks: Analyze
project documents.

Step 2: Conduct online research

Go online, and research projects like Sauce & Spoon’s menu tablet rollout to identify more project
tasks. You may want to search for: 

 News coverage of similar projects at other companies

 Research on topics related to your project
 Similar projects in other industries
To find the information you need, use keywords from the videos or the following list:

 Restaurant tablet research

 Restaurant tablet how to
 Restaurant tablet ordering
 Digital menu ordering
 Menu tablet news
 Menu tablet key takeaways
 Restaurant tablet best practices
 Restaurant table rollout project plan
 Restaurant POS launch plan
 Restaurant tablet implementation plan
Step 3: Add your research to the project plan

In your project plan draft, add at least two online resources you found under the Additional
Resources tab. These could be articles, blogs, web pages, or something else. Include the link, today’s
date, and any notes in the corresponding columns. 

Step 4: Add tasks to the project plan

Identify two tasks you identified through your online research that could be helpful for the Sauce &
Spoon project. Add them to the Task column in the Task Brainstorm tab in your project plan draft.

What to Include in Your Response

Be sure to include the following elements in your project plan:

 At least two resources from your online research

 2-5 new tasks identified from your online research
Did you complete this activity?

1 / 1 punto

Yes

No

Correcto

Thank you for completing this activity! Performing research to identify project tasks is an essential
project management skill. Review the quiz feedback below to find out how you did.

2.
Pregunta 2

How does domain knowledge help project managers with new projects? Select all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Provides information about a given industry and types of projects in that industry

Correcto

This is one of the ways domain knowledge helps project managers.

Means they don’t need to know anything about an industry in order to work in it

Saves time on future projects within that industry

Correcto

This is one of the ways domain knowledge helps project managers.

Makes them experts in a given industry and types of projects in that industry

3.
Pregunta 3

Imagine you come across the following information in your online research:
“Our restaurant keeps our devices safe by always locking them up at the end of service, and making
sure we keep track of them at all times.” 

What tasks could you create from this finding that would help with the tablet rollout project? Select
all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Create a procedure for securing tablets at the end of the night (at the table or in a safe)

Correcto

Creating a procedure to secure tablets could be part of the staff training, so this task would help with
the project.

Upgrade the restaurant's security system

Enable GPS location services on each tablet

Correcto

Enabling GPS services could be part of the tablet configuration process, so this task would help with
the project.

Run tests on the tablet software

4.
Pregunta 4

Imagine you come across the following information in your online research:

“Tablets increase customer confidence that their credit card information won’t be stolen when they
understand that transactions take place through a secure portal at the table.”   

What tasks could you create from this finding that would help with the tablet rollout project? Select
all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Create messaging about payment portal security to display on the tablets

Correcto
Creating messaging about tablet security could be part of the tablet configuration process, so this
task would help with the project.

Partner with a credit card company to offer discounts

Encourage all customers to use cards even when seated at tables without tablets

Include payment security talking points in waitstaff training

Correcto

Payment security talking points could be part of the staff training, so this task would help with the
project.

As a project manager, what steps can you take to identify tasks through conversations
with your project team? Select all that apply.

Share your list of tasks in collaboration software and hope the team offers insights.

Brainstorm as a group with team members who will likely work on those tasks.

Correcto
One step you can take is to brainstorm with the group. Beyond that, you can hold one-
on-one conversations with team members to discuss the tasks they will be responsible
for and leverage the expertise of your team members to help fill out your list of tasks.

Hold one-on-one conversations with team members to discuss tasks they will be
responsible for.

Correcto
As a project manager, it can be helpful to hold one-on-one conversations. This can
clarify the project tasks each team member will likely be responsible for. Beyond that,
you can brainstorm as a group with team members to discuss their tasks and leverage
the expertise of team members to help fill out your task list.

Leverage the expertise of teammates to help fill in the gaps in your list of tasks.

Correcto
Experts on your team and in your organization can offer helpful insights. Beyond that,
you can hold one-on-one conversations with team members to discuss the tasks they
will be responsible for and brainstorm as a group with team members who will likely
work on these tasks.

What is the right level of detail for each item in your list of tasks?

Tasks should be detailed enough that your role as a project manager is no longer
relevant and the team can manage itself.

Tasks should be detailed enough that you are able to check in on progress and identify
problems early on.

Tasks should have the level of detail that is requested by the project’s high-influence
stakeholders.

Correcto
Tasks should be detailed enough that you can monitor progress and identify challenges.
It is also important that tasks are not so detailed that you're endlessly revising your
project plan and constantly asking for team updates.

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1.
Pregunta 1
As a project manager working on a new project, you need to identify potential tasks for the team. For
this project, there are many roles that require specific expertise and many distinct tasks.
Additionally, some team members will have similar tasks. You’d like to have the team generate a full
list of detailed tasks and get agreement on the tasks and owners. What interaction should you have?

1 / 1 punto

Discussion with experts not on the team

One-on-one conversations with team members

Group brainstorm with the team

Leadership check-in with key stakeholders

Correcto
With a group brainstorm, you can get the team to think through tasks together and establish a group
consensus. You can also save time by talking with the team at once instead of having one-on-one
conversations.

2.
Pregunta 2
As a project manager working on a new project, you need to select a graphic designer on your team
to work on a marketing campaign. You’re unsure of each designer’s background and skill set. Which
type of interaction would be best to learn more about each teammate's background and identify
potential tasks? 

1 / 1 punto

One-on-one conversations with team members

Group brainstorm with the team

Meeting with key stakeholders

Consultation with experts not on the team

Correcto
You should have one-on-one conversations with the team members to learn their background and if
they can help you better understand how to complete the task.

3.
Pregunta 3
As a project manager working on a new project, you need to identify potential tasks for the team. For
a deliverable, you need to create marketing materials, but your team’s primary expertise is product
development. Which type of interaction would be best to identify marketing-related tasks?

1 / 1 punto

One-on-one conversations with team members

Meeting with key stakeholders

Consultation with experts not on the team

Group brainstorm with the team

Correcto
You may need to consult with other people in your organization who are not on your team. They can
provide valuable expertise and help fill in knowledge gaps.

4.
Pregunta 4
As a project manager working on a new project, you need to identify potential tasks for the team. For
this project, you plan to get input from the team’s leadership about tasks. Which type of interaction
would be best to identify tasks?

1 / 1 punto

One-on-one conversations with team members

Group brainstorm with the team

Consult with experts not on the team

Meeting with key stakeholders

Correcto
Stakeholders with high- or medium-level interest or influence in the project are most likely to
provide the information you need.

5.
Pregunta 5
As a project manager, you’re going to meet with a stakeholder to discuss potential project tasks.
What are two best practices to prepare for the meeting?

1 / 1 punto

Wait to gather task information so you can be more open minded during the meeting.

Schedule a pre-call before the official meeting.

Gather as much task information as possible before the meeting.

Correcto
When meeting with a stakeholder, you should have as much information about the project as you
can gather. This will help you ask informed questions about the project and its tasks.

Outline clear questions that still need answers.

Correcto
When meeting with a stakeholder, you should prepare clear and well-defined questions about the
project and its tasks.You should also gather as much task information as possible before the meeting
to help you craft meaningful questions.

Week 2 - Meeting: North Location

Below is the transcript of a phone conversation with the following people: 

 Peta (Project Manager)

 Gilly (General Manager, North)
To open an accessible document with the conversation, you can reference this doc.
Week 2 - Meeting: Waterfront Location

Below is the transcript of a phone conversation with the following people: 

 Peta (Project Manager)

 Nia (General Manager, Waterfront)
To open an accessible document with the conversation, you can reference this doc.
Week 2 - Meeting: Tablet Training

Below is the transcript of a phone conversation with the following people: 

 Peta (Project Manager)

 Seydou (Restaurant Consultant)
To open an accessible document with the conversation, you can reference this doc.
Welcome back. So far you've identified and added tasks to your project plan. You've gathered
information from relevant project documentation, online research, and other people on the
project team. In this video, I'll discuss how to order your task list and share several techniques for
identifying milestones. Maybe you've already identified a few milestones on your own. These
techniques will be helpful to keep in mind when you're working through the activity after this
video. Let's start with ordering your task list. By now, you should have a long list of project tasks.
To finalize the list, review what you have so far. Check for any remaining larger tasks that could
still be broken down into smaller subtasks, and add those tasks to your list. When you think you've
listed all the necessary project tasks in your project plan, the next step is to arrange the tasks in
the order that they need to be completed. Determining the proper task order will help you assign
start and end dates for each task. When determining priority, first consider the basic order of
operations. In other words, what is the natural sequence of tasks? Are there any dependencies or
prerequisites? For example, you can't train staff on how to use the tablets before they've been
installed and tested. To help you order tasks, you can have a conversation with your team to
uncover dependencies or prerequisites from each person who owns a task. You might ask each
person what needs to happen before they can start their work. Similarly, you can search the
internet for information with terms such as "prerequisites for launching new hardware." After
you've thought through the order, adjust the tasks in your project plan to reflect this. To do this,
simply rearrange the spreadsheet rows to set the order for your tasks. For example, the task of
researching different models of menu tablets needs to happen before the task of signing a
contract with the menu tablet supplier. Makes sense, right? You probably wouldn't want to sign a
contract with the supplier before you'd researched every possible option. Once your tasks are in
order, you'll begin identifying milestones. Remember that milestones are important points within
the project schedule that indicate progress. Milestones usually signify the completion of the
deliverable or phase of the project. To determine milestones within your list of tasks, identify
points in the project plan where you and your team can evaluate the work completed so far. For
example, if there are multiple tasks related to menu tablet installation, a milestone might be the
first internal test run of the tablet's ordering capabilities. These types of milestones may be the
same as some of the deliverables you listed earlier. Another way to determine milestones is to
identify important tasks that your stakeholders have a particular interest in. To do this, review
your notes from previous conversations with stakeholders, and identify tasks that stakeholders
seemed eager to know more about or wanted to review when complete. If your stakeholder has a
high interest in a given task or point in the project, label that task as a milestone. For example, one
of the Sauce and Spoon stakeholders might be interested in knowing when a tablet supplier has
been selected since that decision will impact the budget. As you review your list, you should also
identify tasks that carry a high risk or signal the completion of a phase or major task. These tasks
are often considered milestones because they have a major impact on the project's overall
progress. For example, the first successful test run of the menu tablet's ordering capabilities might
be considered a milestone. Amazing job. Let's review. Once you've listed all of the necessary tasks
in your project plan, you'll need to rearrange the tasks in the order in which your team needs to
complete them. It's also important to consider the natural sequence of tasks, as well as the
dependencies or prerequisites for each task. Once your tasks are in order, you'll need to identify
milestones. When determining milestones, it's crucial to identify the points in the project plan
where you can evaluate the work completed so far, identify the tasks that stakeholders have a
particular interest in, and identify tasks that carry a high risk or signal the completion of a phase or
major task. Okay, ready to get back into your project plan? Head to the next activity to reorder
your list of project tasks and identify your project milestones. Then, meet me in the next video
where I'll take you through adding time estimates to each task.

Which of the following are techniques to identify milestones? Select all that apply.

Identify the easiest tasks and batch them together.

Identify points in the project plan where you and your team can evaluate the work
completed so far.

Correcto
These types of milestones may be the same as some of your deliverables.

Identify important tasks that your stakeholders have a particular interest in.

Correcto
To do this, review your notes from previous conversations with stakeholders. Identify
tasks that stakeholders were eager to know more about or wanted to review when
complete.

Identify tasks that signal the completion of a project phase or major task.

Correcto
You may want to consider these tasks as a milestone because they have a major impact
on the project’s overall progress.

Identify tasks that carry a high risk.

Correcto
You may want to identify tasks with high risk, such as a test, as a milestone.

Which of the following are strategies for getting accurate time estimates from your task
experts? Select all that apply.

Ask for estimates of the substeps and make note of them.

Correcto
To get accurate time estimates, you can ask for substep estimates and add them up to
affirm total time needed to complete a task. You can also check an expert’s
understanding of the task and discuss their assumptions. Finally, you can compare
expert estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks in previous work.

Ask for time estimates after the team completes its work so the expert can consider
team performance.

Compare the experts’ estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks in
previous work.

Correcto
Ask the expert to think about a similar project they worked on and describe what was
different and what was the same. You can also check an expert’s understanding of the
task and ask for estimates of the task’s substeps. Finally, discuss an expert’s
assumptions and ask them to consider how likely it is they will impact the estimate.

Check their understanding of the task.

Correcto
One strategy is to ask an expert to explain all the detailed steps involved in the task to
think through the work involved. You can also ask for estimates of task substeps and
discuss the expert’s assumptions. Finally, you can compare expert estimates against the
actual time spent on similar tasks in previous work.

Discuss the assumptions the expert makes when they give you an estimate.

Correcto
You can discuss an expert’s assumptions and ask them to consider how likely it might be
that these assumptions impact the estimate. You can also check an expert’s
understanding of the task and ask for estimates of the task’s substeps. Finally, you can
compare expert estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks in previous
work.

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1.
Pregunta 1
What are the benefits of providing accurate time estimates for individual tasks? Select all that apply.
1 / 1 punto

They help you predict if a milestone may go over a deadline.

Correcto
If a milestone is likely to go over an important deadline, you can quickly make adjustments to the
size of the tasks or team members' workloads to fit within a required deadline. Accurate estimates
also help to establish a better sense of the project timeline and track task progress.

They establish a better sense of the overall project timeline.

Correcto
By adding up each task’s duration, you get an informed idea of when you and your team will
complete the project. Accurate estimates also clarify if a milestone may go over deadline and help to
track task progress.

They help you accurately track task progress.

Correcto
Knowing tasks’ time estimates allows you to better understand how far along a team is with a
particular phase of a project. Accurate estimates also help to establish a better sense of the project
timeline and clarify if a milestone may go over deadline.

They enable you to avoid purchasing expensive project management software.

2.
Pregunta 2
As a project manager, you try to get an accurate time estimate for a task by communicating with an
expert. After considering their time estimate, you are unsure if it includes all steps of a task, so you
ask them to explain each step in detail. 

What strategy for getting an accurate time estimate did you choose?

1 / 1 punto

Check the expert’s estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks in previous work.

Ask the expert how likely they think it is that an assumption might not work out and how it would
affect their estimate.

Check the expert's understanding of the task.

Assess the expert’s confidence level in their estimate.

Correcto
You won’t include every detailed step in the project plan, but it may help the expert come to a time
estimate by thoroughly explaining each step in a task.

3.
Pregunta 3
As a project manager, you try to get an accurate time estimate for a task by communicating with an
expert. After receiving their time estimate, you ask questions like, “What equipment do you suppose
you’ll have?” and “How many people do you expect to work on the task?”

What strategy for getting an accurate time estimate did you choose?

1 / 1 punto

Check the expert’s estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks in previous work.

Discuss the assumptions the expert may be making when they give an estimate.

Ask the expert how likely it is that assumptions they have might not work out and how it would affect
their estimate.

Assess the expert’s confidence level in their estimate.

Correcto
Asking the expert about their specific assumptions can help uncover areas where they may be
misguided in the project.

4.
Pregunta 4
As a project manager, you try to get an accurate time estimate for a task by communicating with an
expert. You ask them to think back to a task that resembles the one for this project and describe
what was the same, what was different, and if thinking about this previous task changes their
estimate. What strategy for getting an accurate time estimate did you choose?

1 / 1 punto

Discuss the assumptions the expert may be making when they give an estimate.

Check the expert’s estimates against the actual time spent on similar tasks.

Ask the expert how likely they think it is that their assumptions might not work out and how it would
affect their estimate.
Check their understanding of the task.

Correcto
You can estimate task time by reviewing the time it took an expert to complete a similar task on a
previous project.

5.
Pregunta 5
What type of time estimate considers how long it takes to complete a task, plus the time it takes to
test the product?

1 / 1 punto

Conservative estimate

Effort estimate

Timeline estimate

Total duration estimate

Correcto
There are two types of time estimates: effort estimates and total duration estimates. The main
difference between effort estimate and total duration estimate is adding time for factors such as
prep, approvals, and testing.
Which three calculations does a project manager use when doing a three-point estimate?

Optimistic

Correcto
Three-point estimating helps to determine the most realistic time estimate for a task. It uses optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic
calculations. Together, these offer a clearer sense of what's possible with each task.

Most likely

Correcto
Project managers can use three-point estimating to help determine the most realistic time estimate for a task. The estimate is based on
optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic calculations.

Pessimistic

Correcto
Three-point estimating helps to determine the most realistic time estimate for a task. It uses optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic
calculations. Optimistic and pessimistic calculations are based on the best-case and worst-case scenarios.

Least likely

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Transcripción
The three-point estimating technique
Estimating is a crucial aspect of project management. Project managers are expected to
accurately estimate essential elements of the project, such as costs, scope, and time.
There are many different estimation techniques that can be used, depending on what
aspect of the project needs an estimate. Estimation techniques allow project managers
to provide better forecasts to stakeholders and clients and more accurately budget the
funds and resources they need for project success. 

The three-point estimating technique can be used to help determine the most realistic
time estimate for a task. It uses optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely calculations,
meaning calculations are based on the “best case” (optimistic), “worst case”
(pessimistic), and most probable scenarios. 

Three-point estimation

In this technique, each task receives three estimates: optimistic, most likely, and
pessimistic. Each of these three estimates is then associated with the corresponding
amount of time that task is expected to take.
Optimistic Assumes the best case scenario that issues will not occur Most Likely Assumes
some issues might occur and based on how long the task usually takes under normal
circumstances Pessimistic Assumes the worst case scenario that issues will definitely occur

The three-point estimating process

For each task, add a duration estimate in each category: optimistic, most likely, and
pessimistic. You can get these estimates by doing research on the task or by asking a
task expert. As a best practice, add notes about the conditions that determine each
estimate.

Optimistic = Vendor is well-qualified, has all the materials, and shows up on time; Staff shows
up in time and successfully completes training within scheduled amount of time; All equipment
works. 4 Hours Most Likely = Vendor is qualified but might not have all the materials; Vendor is
new and needs extra time to prepare; Extra training time has to be scheduled for absentee
staff; Minor glitches with equipment; Training has to be rescheduled. 6 Hours Pessimistic =
Original vendor quits; New vendor has to be hired; Staff no-shows or turnover right before the
training; Equipment isn’t delivered on time or doesn’t work; Training can’t happen until new
equipment arrives. 6 Days

Determining a final estimate

To determine your final estimate—the estimate you’re going to use in your project plan
—examine the optimistic and pessimistic timing, then compare it with the most likely
timing. Consider the conditions that are likely to exist while the task is being completed.
Does it seem reasonable that the most likely time can be met? If your team has never
completed this task before, or if dependencies for the task are unknown, then the final
estimate should be closer to the pessimistic estimate. If your team is familiar with the
task and you’re able to confirm the conditions for an optimistic estimate, then the final
estimate can be closer to the optimistic estimate. Alternatively, simply use the most
likely estimate, especially if the difference between the optimistic and pessimistic
estimates is minimal (a few hours or no more than one or two days). A good practice is
to build in a “buffer” that accounts for risks that are likely but still keeps the project
progressing at an efficient rate.

Three-point estimation formulas

Some projects will require you to calculate specific numeric values for task time
estimates. There are many online resources that provide more instruction for how to
calculate estimates, but we’ve provided two popular formulas: the Triangular
Distribution and the Beta (PERT) Distribution.

For each formula: E is Estimate (the final estimate you’ll assign to the task), o =
optimistic estimate, p = pessimistic estimate, and m = most likely estimate.
The Triangular Distribution

The weight of each estimate in this equation is identical, which means the most likely
case does not affect the final estimate more than the optimistic or pessimistic estimates.

The Beta (PERT) Distribution

The Beta (PERT) distribution is a weighted average. The most likely estimate receives a
multiplier of four, while the overall divisor is increased to six. 

This method takes into account that the most likely case is more likely to occur, so it’s
given more weight. The added weight is reflected in the multiplier of four.

Placing more weight on the most likely estimate increases the accuracy of the estimate.
In most cases, the Beta (PERT) Distribution has been proven to be more accurate than
three-point estimating and is often used to calculate both cost and time estimates.
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1.
Pregunta 1

To pass this practice quiz, you must receive at least 80%, or 4.8 out of 6 points, by completing the
activity and answering corresponding quiz questions. You can learn more about the graded and
practice items in the Course Overview.

Activity Overview

In this activity, you will identify time estimates and add them to your project plan. To do this, you will
review Peta’s conversation from the last activity, Part 1: Identify time estimates for your project plan,
and two additional conversations about time estimates. 

Scenario

Review the scenario below. Then complete the step-by-step instructions.

Once Peta ordered project tasks and identified milestones, she called Seydou to determine how long
certain project tasks should take. The next step is to check in with Deanna and follow up with Seydou
to clarify some of her estimates. She also reviews some project documentation, like emails and the
historical project plan, to gather more task time estimates.

Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Access your draft

Begin by opening the project plan draft you worked on in the last activity, Order tasks and milestones.

Step 2: Access the supporting materials

The following supporting materials will help you complete this activity. Keep them open as you
proceed to the next steps. Each link will open a new Coursera tab.

 Meeting: Tablet Shipping Estimate (from the last activity, Part 1: Add time estimates to your
project plan) 
 Meeting: Menu and Coupons
 Meeting: Scheduling Software Installation
Step 3: Determine time estimates from the conversations

Review the conversation transcripts and determine likely time estimates that the tasks being
discussed will take. Will it take a few days? A week? Add your time estimates under the Estimated
Duration column on the Task Brainstorm tab of your project plan. If you’ve identified a task from
one of these conversations that was not already included in your project plan, you can add the new
task and the time estimate to the Task Brainstorm tab.

Step 4: Add time estimates for other tasks in the project plan

Review past project documentation and supporting materials. Then add time estimates for 5-10
additional tasks to the project plan.

What to Include in Your Response

Be sure to include the following elements in your project plan:

 Time estimates for the new tasks referenced in the conversation transcripts (there are at
least six tasks discussed in the supporting materials)
 Time estimates for 5-10 previously listed tasks

Did you complete this activity?

1 / 1 punto

Yes

No

Correcto
Thank you for completing this activity! Now you have an updated project plan with time estimates to
use as you move forward with the project. Review the quiz feedback below to find out how you did.

2.
Pregunta 2

Peta spoke with Seydou about how long it would take for the tablets to arrive. What are some risks
that might affect the time estimate for shipping and receiving the tablets? Select all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

A shipping delay

Correcto

Seydou indicates that a shipping delay of 2-3 days is unlikely, but possible, so it could affect this time
estimate.

Tablets shipping with outdated software

A repair fee to fix broken devices

Broken devices

Correcto

Terrific Tablets occasionally ships broken devices, which could affect this time estimate.

3.
Pregunta 3

Peta spoke with Deanna about how long it should take to finalize menu items and coupon values.
What are some risks that might affect the time estimate for uploading menu and coupon content?
Select all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Carter’s schedule can be unpredictable

Correcto
It could take Carter a few days to a few weeks to revamp the menu, so this is a risk that might affect
this time estimate.

Carter wants to revamp the menu before he finalizes the menu and coupon information

Correcto

Depending when Carter finishes the menu revamp, it might affect this time estimate.

Restaurant customers are not interested in coupons

Waitstaff have not yet been trained to use the tablets

4.
Pregunta 4

Peta spoke with Seydou about how long it would take to integrate the tablets with Sauce & Spoon’s
POS system. What are some risks that might affect the time estimate around POS integration? Select
all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

Sauce & Spoon may need to update their POS system

Correcto

If Sauce & Spoon needs to update their software, it could affect the tablet integration estimate.

The waitstaff hasn’t been trained on the tablets yet

The updated POS software has a yearly licensing fee

Sauce & Spoon may not be running version 3.0 of their POS software

Correcto

If the tablets aren’t compatible with the software, it could affect the tablet integration estimate.
5.
Pregunta 5

Based on the tablet shipping estimate transcript, what time estimate is appropriate for the tablet
shipping schedule?

1 / 1 punto

5 days

3 days

10 days

14 days

Correcto

Since shipping should take about a week, and a 2-3 day delay is possible, this is a reasonable time
estimate.

6.
Pregunta 6

Based on the scheduling software installation transcript, what time estimate is appropriate for the
software installation schedule?

1 / 1 punto

5 days

7 days

3 days

10 days
Correcto

The update could take a few days, but the integration should only take a few hours, so this is a
reasonable time estimate.

Week 2 - Meeting: Project Update

Below are the meeting notes from a video call with the team:

Project Team Meeting Notes

Purpose: Project Tasks Update

5 min: Review new tasks in project plan

5 min: Discuss shipping and installation time estimates: 

 Seydou projected 7-10 days shipping timeline, 3-4 hours to integrate the POS systems
 Possible need to upgrade the POS system if S&S is running an older version (3-4 days)
 Electrician is confident they can wire both locations in two business days (16 hours), but
since we can’t close the restaurants for a full day we need to schedule two half-days at each
location
5 min: Discuss menu and coupon upload time estimates:

 Still waiting on Carter for the finalized menu and coupon value mock-ups for upload (aiming
for one week but could extend to two)
 Once mock-ups are received, 3-4 hours to upload
5 min: Discuss training time estimates:

 Pre-training meeting to introduce tablets and changes to staff before training them on the
tablets (1 hour at each location)
 Seydou will train managers first (2 hours), then managers will train all the staff at each
location (2 hours for each training plus one hour before and after each training for facilitator
prep/debrief)
 Gilly and Alex will coordinate with Peta to schedule staff trainings at each of their locations.
Each part of the training (pre-training, manager training, staff training) will take place on
different days.
 The preparations and planning for the trainings should take about one week.
15 min: Assess which tasks (or similar tasks) the team has completed before (notes copied from
whiteboard):

 Team has high level of confidence in the estimates on the Project Plan
A table with three columns. The first column, which is titled "never attempted," says: Integrating
tablet software with POS (need to upgrade current system)? Training waitstaff on new software
system. And, regularly updating menu via software. The second column, which is titled
"attempted at least once," says: wiring through tables (for light fixtures in booths, but not for
tables). The third column, which is titled "attempted regularly," says: staff training (in general,
but now on a new directive like this).

10min: Next steps:

 Follow-up with Carter on menu 

 Follow-up with Gilly and Alex about staff meeting scheduling
 Check on POS status
 Determine how many tablets we need to order for each location 
 Book electrician for specific dates
 Set a date for staff training at each location and update staff calendars
 Start drafting a training plan
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1.
Pregunta 1

To pass this practice quiz, you must receive at least 80%, or 4 out of 5 points, by completing the
activity and answering corresponding quiz questions. You can learn more about the graded and
practice items in the Course Overview.

Activity Overview

In this activity, you will assess the time estimates in your project plan and add confidence ratings
based on notes from a project team meeting.

Scenario
Review the scenario below. Then complete the step-by-step instructions.

By now, Peta has added a number of tasks to the project plan and assigned them time estimates.
Now Peta wants to get a sense of how confident the team is that those time estimates are accurate.
This information will allow her to update the timeline for completion and be fully prepared to launch
the project.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access your draft

Begin by opening the project plan draft you worked on in the last activity, Get accurate time
estimates.

Step 2: Access supporting materials

The following supporting materials will help you complete this activity. Keep them open as you
proceed to the next steps. Each link below will open a new Coursera tab.

 Meeting: Project Update

For this activity, you may also want to access the following supporting materials from earlier
activities:

 Historical Project Plan

 Email Exchange: Tablet Logistics
 Meeting: Tablet Training
 Meeting: Waterfront Location
 Meeting: North Location
 Meeting: Tablet Shipping Estimate
 Meeting: Menu and Coupons
 Meeting: Scheduling Software Installation
Note: To access additional supporting materials introduced in earlier activities, you can find them in the
Resources section.

Step 3: Review the supporting materials 

Review the notes from the project team meeting. As you review, take notes on the feedback Peta
asks for on certain tasks, keeping in mind you will be responsible for updating confidence ratings in
the project plan. Make note of details related to best-case and worst-case scenarios, and how
confident the team is with the task estimates discussed at the meeting. 

If you identify any new tasks from this meeting that were not already included in your project plan,
you can add them to the Task column under the Task Brainstorm tab of your project plan.

Step 4: Add three-point time estimates

Next, select at least four tasks and add three-point estimates for each task. Use the supporting
materials provided in this and previous activities to determine an Optimistic time estimate, a Most
Likely time estimate, and a Pessimistic time estimate for the task. Add these estimates to the
corresponding columns under the Task Brainstorm tab in the project plan.

Step 5: Add confidence ratings

Next, add confidence ratings to at least four of your tasks in the Confidence Ratings (H/M/L)
column under the Task Brainstorm tab.

Step 6: Add notes

Finally, add notes to at least four tasks. Notes can include any information on a task critical to time
estimates or its completion. You can pull them from the project team meeting notes or any previous
supporting materials.

What to Include in Your Response

Be sure to address the following criteria in your project plan:

 Three-point time estimates for at least four tasks in the project plan
 Confidence ratings for at least four tasks in the project plan
 Notes for at least four tasks in the project plan

Did you complete this activity?

1 / 1 punto

Yes

No

Correcto

Thank you for completing this activity! Time estimates and confidence ratings are vital to keeping a
project plan on track. Review the quiz feedback below to find out how you did.

2.
Pregunta 2

The meeting notes state that training will happen in two phases—one for managers and one for staff.
Which of the following three-point time estimates would you choose for fully training the team
(including planning, training the managers, and training the staff at each location)?
1 / 1 punto

Optimistic: 15 days; Most Likely: 30 days; Pessimistic: 45 days

Optimistic: 20 days; Most Likely: 14 days; Pessimistic: 10 days

Optimistic: 2 days; Most Likely: 1 day; Pessimistic: 4 days

Optimistic: 10 days; Most Likely: 14 days; Pessimistic: 21 days

Correcto

Since the meeting notes mention separate training sessions for managers and staff, this is a
reasonable three-point estimate.

3.
Pregunta 3

Which of the following pieces of information should Peta consider when determining the confidence
rating for the wiring time estimate? Select all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

The team's level of confidence in the time estimate

Correcto

The team’s level of confidence in the estimate should impact the confidence rating.

The restaurant has attempted table wiring at least once before

Correcto

The restaurant’s past experience with similar tasks should impact the confidence rating.

The team is still waiting for the menu update

The electrician is confident in the amount of time they need to complete the wiring

Correcto

The electrician's opinion should impact the confidence rating.

4.
Pregunta 4

The meeting notes state that Sauce & Spoon has never integrated tablet software with their POS
system before and may need to upgrade the system before starting the integration. What confidence
rating is appropriate for the POS system time estimates?

1 / 1 punto

High

Medium

Low

Correcto

Sauce & Spoon has no experience integrating tablet software with their POS system, so the
confidence rating should be Low.

5.
Pregunta 5

The meeting notes state that the electrician could complete the wiring for both locations in two
business days (or 16 hours). Because the restaurants cannot close for a full day for the upgrade, the
team estimates four business days (two half-days at each location) to complete the wiring. Based on
this information, what notes could you make to add context for this task in the project plan? Select
all that apply.

1 / 1 punto

“Contact internet service provider to ensure the network can handle tablet WiFi traffic"

“Notify GMs when their locations need to close for wiring”

Correcto
Based on the information, this is a useful note to add to the project plan.

“Check with electrician on whether mornings or afternoons work better with their schedule”

Correcto

Based on the information, this is a useful note to add to the project plan.

“Find money in the budget for an electrician”

Hi. Now that you've added tasks, time estimates, and confidence ratings to your project plan, let's
prepare for upcoming negotiations concerning time estimates. Peta has to negotiate with team
members about some of the tasks that have low confidence level ratings or that are estimated to
take longer than she'd hoped. You'll help by analyzing the supporting materials, recording notes,
and identifying some effective negotiation techniques. Earlier, you applied some negotiation skills
to discussions about the project scope. Negotiation skills can also help you get accurate time and
effort estimates, but the skills you use and the approach you take will be a little different. In this
case, you're negotiating with a task expert, not a stakeholder. Your goal is to try to determine an
accurate time and effort estimate for a task, instead of persuading them to agree with a certain
outcome. You're trying to arrive at an objectively accurate estimate together. On any project,
you'll have to work with people who have a tendency to over or underestimate time, costs, or
resources. People don't do this intentionally. Usually, they're just being optimistic or trying to
please you by providing what they think you want to hear, rather than what's realistic. Or
sometimes they might be overly cautious and give you an extreme estimate in case something
doesn't go according to plan. In some situations, using negotiation skills to get accurate time
estimates might be critical to the success of the project. There are lots of different negotiation
techniques out there, but let's focus on a few that are specific to negotiating a time estimate. They
are: say no without saying no; focus on interests, not positions; present mutually beneficial
options; and insist on objective criteria. If a task expert gives you a time estimate that's different
from what you hoped for, there are a few techniques you can use to try and reach an estimate
that works for both of you. Let's start with the first technique: saying no without saying no. The
idea behind this technique is to get the other person to start working out an alternative solution
with you. Here's how. First, think about the ways we usually tell someone no: "That won't work."
"That's not going to happen." "I can't do that." Or, "There's no way." Statements like these can
make the person you're communicating with feel defensive and shut down the conversation.
Instead, ask open-ended questions like: How would you like me to proceed? How can we solve this
problem? And, what can I do to help? Questions like these invite the other person to collaborate
with you. This keeps the conversation focused on reaching a resolution that works for both of you.
Let's explore the next technique. Focus on interests, not positions. Here, the goal is not to win.
Instead, try to identify the other person's interests, their basic needs, wants, and motivations
around completing a certain task. You might be working with a task expert who cares deeply about
completing the task with a high degree of quality, but you're concerned that if you don't meet the
deadline, the quality of the work won't matter. You can ask if there are any areas of quality they'd
be willing to compromise on that would shorten the schedule estimate but still allow them to
complete the task to an acceptable degree. A third technique is to present mutually beneficial
options. We covered this a little already, but here's how you can apply this concept when
negotiating time estimates. Imagine both you and your task expert want to complete the task as
quickly as possible, but the expert's time estimate is still longer than you'd like. Asking some open-
ended questions, like the ones listed earlier, can help you figure out if there's a solution that will
satisfy both of your goals. Maybe there's information the expert is missing or a resource that you
could commit to finding and supplying to make the estimate lower. The last technique is to insist
on using objective criteria to define a time estimate. Objective criteria is based on neutral
information like market value, research findings, previously-documented experience, or laws and
regulations. When you use objective criteria, you're basing the agreement on known, or shared,
principles. The key is to agree in advance about which objective criteria to consult, and then to use
the information to determine your estimates. You might have an expert who insists on following
their instincts when coming up with time estimates. If you ask them in advance to provide clear,
objective data that supports their instincts, you can get them to arrive at a more accurate
estimate. Okay, let's review what we've covered. There are many scenarios where negotiation
skills for a time estimate might be critical to the success of the project. A few techniques that are
specific to negotiating a time estimate are: say no without saying no; focus on interests, not
positions; present mutually beneficial options; and insist on objective criteria. Great. Now you
have a few new negotiation techniques for your project management toolbox. In the next activity,
you will apply what you've learned to time estimate negotiations for the tablet rollout project.

As a project manager, a team member gives you a time estimate that’s different from
what you hoped for. You ask the team member to provide neutral information, such as
research findings, to support their estimation. Which time estimation negotiation
technique did you use?

Insist on objective criteria.

Say “no” without saying “no.”

Focus on interests, not positions.

Present mutually beneficial options.

Correcto
This technique gets the team member to remove any biases in their estimation and rely
on objective information.

In addition to avoiding distractions, which of the following are ways to bring empathy to
conversations? Select all that apply.
Listen with curiosity.

Correcto
You should listen with curiosity and ask questions to demonstrate your interest in what
people have to say. You can also repeat what you think you heard and connect with the
experience of the person you’re talking with. Finally, you should try to recognize your
own judgments and ask about time buffers when discussing estimates.

Recognize buffering.

Correcto
A helpful way to practice empathy is to recognize buffering and encourage team
members to open up about any extra buffer time they add to estimates. You should also
listen with curiosity, repeat what you think you heard, and connect with the experience
of the person you’re talking with. Finally, it is important to recognize your own
judgments.

Observe and frequently remind people of the work they've been assigned.

Connect with people’s experience.

Correcto
You can demonstrate empathy by trying to connect with another person’s experience
and making it clear that you want to support their work. You should also listen with
curiosity and repeat what you think you heard. Finally, you need to recognize your own
judgments and ask about time buffers.

Repeat what you think you heard.

Correcto
To encourage empathy, you can restate the message of the person you are talking to in
your own words. You can also listen with curiosity and connect with the experience of
your team members. Finally, you should try to recognize your own judgments and ask
about time buffers.

Recognize judgments.

Correcto
One approach to embracing empathy is to recognize your judgements and try to put
yourself in the other person’s position. You should also listen with curiosity, repeat what
you think you heard, and connect with the experience of the person you’re talking with.
You also need to ask about time buffers.