MGMT 404 MGMT 404 Project Management Discussions,iLabs & Final Project
Project Management
Week 1
Week 1 DQ 1
Case Study: A Day in the Life (Graded)
Read the case study on pages 19-21 in the textbook. Answer the two questions at the end of the case:
- How effectively do you think Rachel spent her day?
- What does the case tell you about what it is like to be a project manager?
When responding to this case, DO NOT rely on your impressions.
If you think about it, all business problems are case studies. To effectively manage the situation, you must approach the problem in a methodological manner. A proven technique to do this is to:
- list the facts;
- identify the issues;
- based on the facts of the case and your knowledge, analyze the issues of the case;
- prepare recommended solutions and their possible outcomes;
- implement the optimal solution (not always the one with the best outcome, since the cost or other things could be impractical); and
- monitor the implementation and the outcomes.
So when you read and prepare to respond to this case, please follow the above guidelines. I don’t necessarily expect you to perform steps 4-6, but I do expect your response to be based on the facts and your knowledge.
Week 1 DQ 2
Case Study: Moss and McAdams Accounting Firm (Graded)
The Moss and McAdams Accounting Firm case study, on pages 92-94 of the text, is a case of organizational structure and culture clash that has created problems in the organization and for a new project manager.
Answer the questions at the end of the case, being as specific as possible. Use the facts of the case to support your answers. When you answer these questions, think about the roles of each of the players: Sands, Palmer, Olds, and Crosby. How did each of them contribute to this situation?
Remember: Start with an unbiased analysis. As with the “Rachel” case, please start with the facts before you do your analysis. We can always choose sides later!
Week 1iLabs:
MS Project Lesson1B Review Questions
My Lab 1a Your Name.mpp
My Lab 1b Your Name.mpp
Week 1 Printouts Your Name 1b
Week 1 Printouts Your Name
Week 2
Week 2 DQ 1
Project Scope (Graded)
The project scope defines what will be delivered as part of the project, and in some ways, it can be likened to the term vision. That said, whose view and needs should be expressed in a project’s scope? What items need to be addressed in defining the scope? Why are these items important to define?
Week 2 DQ 2
Case Study: Sharp Printing, AG (Graded)
This is a classic example of the differences between a macro and micro estimate. You are the project manager and need to respond. What would you do? What might be some of the reasons why the macro estimate is off? For what reasons should you trust the micro estimate as being more reliable than the macro estimate?
Week 2 Assignments:
MGMT 404 Week 2 Project Selection (The opening of a coffee shop)
MGMT 404 Project Instructions
MGMT 404 Week 2 iLab
MGMT404 Week 2 Project Selection
Week 3
Week 3 DQ 1:
Project Network and Risk Management – Discussion
Project Schedule (Graded)
To develop a schedule for a project, we will use the concept of a project network, which shows work activities taken from the work breakdown structure and organized according to the logical flow in time and relationships governing when the work will be performed. By combining this network of work activities with estimates of the time duration for performing each of the activities, we can create a schedule for the project work. What types of information can we learn about the project by reviewing the project schedule and all the information used to generate it?
Week 3 DQ 2
Week 3: Project Network and Risk Management – Discussion
Risk Management (Graded)
Assume you have just been assigned to a project risk team of five members. Because this is the first time your organization has formally set up a risk team for a project, it is hoped that your team will develop a process that can be used on all future projects. Your first team meeting is next Monday morning. Each team member has been asked to prepare for the meeting by developing, in as much detail as possible, an outline that describes how you believe the team should proceed in handling project risks. Each team member will hand out their proposed outline at the beginning of the meeting. Your outline should include but not be limited to the following information:
Week 3 Assignments & Ilabs:
MGMT 404 Week 3 Scope Statement
Week 3 Printouts Your Name
Week 4
Week 4 DQ 1: Project Resources and Reducing Duration – Discussion
Managing Resource Constraints (Graded)
Review the Power Train, LTD case on pages 293-295 of your text. How would you create a system to manage the resource constraints? Your answer must be supported with the facts of the case.
Week 4 DQ 2 : Week 4: Project Resources and Reducing Duration – Discussion
Reducing Project Duration (Graded)
Is it possible to shorten the critical path and save money? Explain how.
Week 4 Assignments & iLabs:
MGMT 404 Week 4 iLab
MGMT 404 Week 4 WBS and Network Diagram Solution
MGMT 404 Week 4 Coffee Shop
Week 5
Week 5 DQ 1: Project Monitoring and Control & Managing Project Teams – Discussion
Project Baseline (Graded)
We have now moved from the planning stage to the doing part of project management. Following good project management practices, we have set a baseline. How is a project baseline used to guide the execution of the project’s work, to evaluate progress and performance, and to control the project?
Also, as you continue to think about monitoring and controlling the project, specifically consider the question: How can the project baseline and the earned value approach for variance analysis be used to monitor and report project progress?
Week 5 DQ 2: Project Monitoring and Control & Managing Project Teams – Discussion
Project Communication (Graded)
Discuss the importance of communication and information exchange to project success. What are the crucial features and elements of effective communication and information exchange in successful projects?
Week 5 Assignments & iLabs:
MGMT 404 Week 5 Risk Management Plan
MGMT404 Week 5 Course Project; Risk Management Plan
MGMT 404 Week 5 iLab
Week 6
Week 6 DQ 1: Project Leadership and Outsourcing & Project Procurement – Discussion
Case Study: Western Oceanography Institute (Graded)
Review the case study on pages 366 – 370. Answer the three questions at the end of the case. Your answers must be supported by the facts of the case. You will be graded on the content of your answers as well as your feedback to other responses.
Week 6 DQ 2 : Project Leadership and Outsourcing & Project Procurement – Discussion
Case Study: Kerzner Office Equipment (Graded)
Review the case study on pages 409 – 411. Answer the four questions at the end of the case. Your answer must be supported by the facts of the case. You will be graded on the content of your answers as well as your feedback to other responses.
Week 6 Assignments:
MGMT 404 Week 6 Resource Management Plan
MGMT 404 Week 6 Coffee Shop Leveled
MGMT 404 Week 6 iLab
Week 7
Week 7: Project Audit and Closure & International Projects – Discussion
Case Study: Buxton Hall (Graded)
Read the Buxton Hall case study on pages 442-445 in the text. At the end of this case, we actually have good news! The project was completed on time and all involved seemed to be happy. Answer the two questions at the end of the case, supporting your answers with the facts of the case.
Week 7 DQ 2: Project Audit and Closure & International Projects – Discussion
Case Study: A Day in the Life (Revisited) (Graded)
Reread the A Day in the Life case study in chapter 1 (pages 19-21). This case is worth revisiting after studying project management for the last session. Has your opinion of Rachel’s work changed since the first time you read the case. If so, how? If not, why not?
Week 7 Assignments & iLabs:
MGMT 404 Week 7 Communication Plan
MGMT 404 Week 7 iLab
Week 8
The Coffee Shop Final Project
Lessons Learned Document
Business Memo: Coffee Shop Project Plan Package
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