(Chapter 5, pp 327 - 329) This week\'s assignment consists of a case study from
ID: 345396 • Letter: #
Question
(Chapter 5, pp 327 - 329)
This week's assignment consists of a case study from the text. Read the case study and prepare answers to the essay questions listed here. If the question is asking your opinion, you must provide a rationale or evidence from the case to justify your position.
For all of the case studies that you are reviewing and analyzing, you are expected to exercise good observation and thorough critical thinking skills. You are also expected to use good writing skills, with good grammar and spelling. You should prepare your answers in Microsoft Word.
Be sure to submit your completed assignment.
Case Study Questions:
Provide a synopsis of the Trophy Project case study. Highlight your observations about the project.
Did the project appear to be planned correctly? Why or why not? Relate your answers to the expected documents for proper project planning.
Citing evidence from the case, do you think functional management teams was were committed to the project? What evidence do you have from the case study to substantiate your views?
Citing evidence from the case, do you think senior management managers was were supportive and committed? What evidence do you have from the case study to substantiate your views?
What would you have done differently?
Explanation / Answer
The Trophy Project case study talks about a project that was contracted out by a customer to a company. The company assigned a project manager for the Trophy project besides allocating resources for the project. Despite this the project was not successful as it was always behind schedule and the work was never completed as assigned. Another reason for the failure of the project was lack of authority and control on the part of the project manager. Despite having ownership and responsibility for the project, the project manager lacked ample authority of control over people assigned to the project. Subsequent attempts to revive the fortunes of the project and bring it back on track also failed. Eventually the project manager was blamed for the failure of the project and was replaced. The project was finally completed a year behind schedule and with significant cost overruns. The case highlights the fact that for a project to be successful all stakeholders and contributors have to deliver.
No, the project was clearly not planned correctly. It lacked a good plan and this led to its failure. There was no project charter and no project plan. Thus there was no document against which the project was being tracked. Presence of these documents would have ensured that there is proper planning in place, with issues being identified and resolved proactively, the absence of which lead to project failure.
No, the functional management team was not committed to the project. Moreover the team was not inclined to ensure that the project gets accomplished as per the plan. The functional managers, several times during the project, diverted project resources to other project. This led to unwarranted delays. The evidence from the case is that in the initial days they used to file/bill their allocated hours as per plan but continued to user those hours in other pet project. This clearly goes on to show their attitude and intensions.
No, the senior management was neither supportive nor committed. To site evidence from the case for the period of first six months there was no senior management involvement. The solutions that senior management came up with were not concrete and failed to address the problem effectively.
I would have done several things differently. Firstly I would have ensured that the resources are working full time and dedicatedly on the project. Secondly I would have used documents like project plan, Gantt charts and other tools to track the project on a regular basis. Thirdly I would have done weekly status review so as to ensure that all problems are addressed on a real time basis.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.