TOPIC: PMBOK Guide Chapter6

Hello,
I'm currently studying Chapter 6 of PMBOK Guide and had a few questions.

1. As mentioned on Pg136, Activity Attributes is one of the outputs of "Define Activities" process. On Pg137, "Activity Attributes" is one of the inputs for "Sequence Activities" and on Pg141, it is mentioned that one of the outputs of "Sequence Activities" is Project Document Updates, which may contain Activities Attributes also.

I'm a bit confused at this because at one place "Activity Attributes" is considered as a "Project Document Update" whereas it's treated somewhat differently in the other process. Is there a link? and how should "Activity Attributes be considered in a general form?

2. On Pg145, it is mentioned that Project Management Software is one of the TT for "Estimate Activity Resources" process. So, what's the difference between PMIS and Project Management Software?

Thank you.
Ashish

Ashish,

Here are my answers for you:

1.) The activity attributes are originally created in 6.1 Define Activities. Once we define the activities, we also describe many of their activities. They are then used as inputs to 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 because these attributes contain a lot of information that will help us to sequence, estimate resources & duration as well as developing the schedule.

In 6.1 the Activity Attributes are listed as a specific output to call attention to them. The PMBOK is saying "They are created here". In the following processes they are utilized and updated. That is why they are "only" mentioned as part of the "Project Documents". (See Table A1 / page 350, where you can see that the attributes are considered as part of these). By calling them out specifically in 6.1 the editors just wanted to make it clear that they are an important creation/output.

2.) PMIS is the overall terminology for ALL the manual and automated systems used to manage your project. Software is just one part of that. Please read the PMIS definition in the glossary on page 443.