Project management concepts and applications

Project Management

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How does resource scheduling tie to project priority?

The purpose of the project priority system is to select projects that are in line with the plan and objectives of the organization. In order to select these projects, the project manager must know what resources are available to work with.

Present six reasons scheduling resources is an important task.

Resource scheduling before the start of the project can avoid the following pitfalls:

Resource deficiency at particular intervals of the project.

Increased project duration.

Shift of technical constraints.

Higher project costs.

Non-effective use of available resources.

Inability to secure necessary outside contracted help.

Explain the risks associated with leveling resources, compressing or crashing projects, and imposed durations or "catch-up" as the project is being implemented.

Leveling resources lowers the flexibility within the project. Using this method requires the project manager to decrease the number of activities so that only the critical" activities are implemented. This slack reduction could instead create more activities, which could extend the project duration.

Like leveling resources, the purpose of compressing or crashing projects and catch-up is to hasten or do away with activities so the project is completed sooner than predicted. This narrowed focus on key activities could promote the development of a new path, which could lead to higher project costs.

Imposed duration, although known as a low-cost method, could, due to its nature, cause more mistakes, which could potentially add to the project time and increase cost.

Chapter 9

What are five common reasons for crashing a project?

In order to keep up with external competition, the project team must quickly implement the activities that introduce new products and/or services to its market.

Before completing the project, the team may encounter unpredictable delays. After weighing the option of picking up where they left off in a particular activity or shortening the time to complete the overall project, the latter is a more logical, economical choice.

Early completion leads to some type of incentive.

Publicly imposed deadline (whether thoroughly considered or randomly spoken).

The project manager sometimes sees high overhead costs before the project begins and decides condensing the activity is a cost-effective solution.

3. Why is scheduling overtime a popular choice for getting projects back on schedule?

What are the potential problems for relying on this option?

Having normal employees work extra time could cost a lot less than hiring new people to work those hours. Because this work is done during hours when most people are not working, this could ensure more focus and less disruption.

On the other hand, working more hours could lead to less productivity because some employees experience fatigue and burnout.

How can a cost-duration graph be used by the project manager? Explain.

A cost-duration graph reminds project managers of the significance of indirect costs and how they impact the project. It can be used before or during the project implementation as a tool to evaluate options, and if necessary lessen activities to decrease cost.

It is possible to shorten the critical path and save money. Explain how.

Having indirect project costs that equal more than the extra cost to shorten the critical path, will save money.

Chapter 10

What is the difference between leading and managing a project?

As the leader of a project, the individual is responsible for the overall plan, making sure the project schedule and teams are clearly defined, and that all is progressing as it should. The manager is accountable for the efficiency and accuracy of activities and any personnel issues that may arise.

3. What does the exchange model of influence suggest you do to build cooperative relationships to complete a project?

No man is an island and at some point, everyone requires the assistance of others in order to complete a task. One way to make certain you have help when you need it is by providing others with your time and supplies when they need it.