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6.2. Quick Reference

🎯 Quick Reference: Classifying the Work

Question AskedAnswer
Temporary, unique result?Project
Ongoing, repeatable output?Operations
Related projects coordinated for shared benefit?Program
Grouped for strategic alignment, not necessarily related?Portfolio

🎯 Quick Reference: Predictive vs. Adaptive

PredictiveAdaptive
Planning happensMostly up frontEvery iteration
Change isControlled against baselineExpected input
Primary artifactWBS, schedule baselineProduct backlog
Tracking method% complete vs. baselineBurndown/burnup of delivered work

🎯 Quick Reference: BA Role Titles

TitleOwns
Process ownerA process's design and outcomes
Process managerDay-to-day process execution
Product managerProduct strategy and lifecycle
Product ownerBacklog prioritization for value

🎯 Quick Reference: Adaptive Frameworks

FrameworkSignature Feature
ScrumFixed sprints, defined roles and ceremonies
KanbanContinuous flow, WIP limits, no fixed iteration
XPEngineering practices (pairing, TDD, CI)
SAFeMulti-team scaling and synchronization

🎯 Quick Reference: EVM Formulas

FormulaCalculationPositive =
Schedule Variance (SV)EV − PVAhead of schedule
Cost Variance (CV)EV − ACUnder budget

Remember: "Same EV, different comparison — PV for time, AC for money."

Alvin Varughese
Written byAlvin Varughese
Founder18 professional certifications