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1. Explain the importance of the main processes performed during project integra

ID: 361502 • Letter: 1

Question

1. Explain the importance of the main processes performed during project integration management.

2. Discuss the importance of the scope and WBS in the project execution stage?

3. Using MS Project (or another software of your choice), produce a WBS for building a new house. Other software options:
• WBS Tool (free),
• WBS Schedule Pro (30-day trial)
When creating your WBS include the project summary and Task ID 0. Assume that the WBS Level 2 categories include managing the project, finding property, securing a loan, designing the entire home, building the entire home, and providing landscaping and external items, including a hot tub and swimming pool. Break at least two Level 2 items down to Level 4.

4. Describe the planning tasks performed as part of project time management and give an example of at least 3 outputs related to the scheduling effort.

5. Consider Figure 5-20 (page 183 in your textbook) to answer the following questions. All duration estimates are in days, and the network proceeds from Node 1 to Node 9.
a. Draw an AOA network diagram representing the project. Put the node numbers in circles and draw arrows from node to node, labeling each arrow with the activity letter and estimated time. See example on page 164, Figure 5-13.
b. Identify all the paths on the network diagram and note how long they are.
c. What is the critical path for this project and how long is it?
d. What is the shortest possible time it will take to complete this project?
e. Examine the network diagram and activity schedule to analyze the critical path and float or slack for each activity. Why is it important to monitor the critical path throughout the project?

6. Identify the significant planning activities completed during project cost management. Compare and contrast a cost performance baseline and a cost estimate.

Explanation / Answer

To ensure the successful completion of a project, a project manager must accomplish the following task:

Task scheduling

Address risk

Reschedule task

Purchase products

Replace project team members etc.

Sometimes different project activities overlap each other. In such a case project manager must integrate these activities in such a way that the outcomes of a project are effectively managed.

Project integration management thus becomes a crucial part of any project. It helps a project manager to integrate various project activities. Project integration touches all the five stages of a project. The activities performed during the project integration management are:

Developing project charter

Develop project management plan

Direct and manage project work

Perform integrated change control

Close project

Importance of the activities:

Project charter development: It is a brief description of the project goals. With help of a properly defined project charter a project manager can allocate the resources effectively. For example, a person who calls a mechanic to repair his broken bike will effectively tell where the problem is. This will help the mechanic to bring with him the accessories needed to repair that fault.

Project management plan: It is a master plan which has all the information of a project. It includes budget, resources available, scope of the project, and schedule of a project. With all this information, a project manager can have a quick recap of the entire project.

Direct and manage project work: A project manager can direct the work as per the needs (wherever is required the most) such that the project is completed in the scheduled time frame.

Perform integrated change control: With the implementation of overall integrated changes, the project will be more likely to be carried out as expected. Such a way the deliverables specified in the project will be effectively managed.

Close project: The [project must be treated as closed only after receiving the acknowledgement of the customer. After the completion of project, the agreement with the associated person must be closed. A proper closure of the project will help the organization to maintain its rapport.