Extracts of assignments 1 and 2 of "Managing projects"

Extracts of assignments 1 and 2 of "Managing projects"

This is an individual assignment - complete both tasks 1 and 2 Background: The assignment is intended to bring out the benefits and limitations of different approaches to project planning and control by relating these to the circumstances in the cases outlined. It is also intended to allow students to demonstrate their learning and competence in respect of the management of resources generally, but in particular elements of time, finance and human resource.

Case 1: Fencefall Limited is an organisation which provides recycled specialist timber for fencing contractors. This timber includes different grades of wood. As part of your job as Fencefall Limited’s Special Projects Manager, you have produced a list of activities that need to be addressed to supply a range of different grades of timber to contractors. The details are shown in the table provided. Please note: You must use the methodology detailed above table 1 headed “essential methodology”.

Task 1 (40% marks) 1) Draw the network diagram (use activity on the node). (8 marks)

2) Explain how you determined the timing of activities and the total float. (6 marks)

3) Explain how you determined the project duration and the critical path. (6 marks)

4) If the project starts on the 1 st August 2014 what is the earliest date it can be completed using a 5 day working week? Assume no other holidays (explain how you calculated the figure). (4 marks)

5) If the following happened what would be the effect on the duration of the whole project? Explain the reasons. (6 marks)

a) A 1 day delay during activity P.

b) Activity Q is delayed 1 day.

c) A 4 day delay during activity N.

6) Explain and discuss the limitations of network diagrams. (10 marks)

Essential methodology (activity on the node): · All the timings (i.e. earliest start, earliest finish, latest start, latest finish, total float, duration and activity) must be included within each node of your diagram. This essential methodology is detailed in the text: Project Management, Field and Keller (2007. p. 197,p.198 & p. 391) · All timings must be in days – not dates · To complete your network diagram assume that: o If task A has a duration of 4 days (task A, earliest finish would be day 4), therefore, task B earliest start time will be day 4. · This essential methodology is detailed in the text: Project Management, Field and Keller (2007. p. 197,p.198 & p. 391)……

Case 2: Tennisright Limited is a SME company specialising in the supply of groundwork equipment and materials for the construction of tennis courts. At present they have a storage facility (warehouse) and an office in London and are planning on opening another storage facility in Sunderland. They also have a subsidiary company that provides the skilled personnel to repair or build the tennis courts. Tennisright Ltd already has confirmed orders for new courts for 4 tennis clubs in England and potential orders for several different international tennis clubs. At present, Tennisright Ltd has 1 General Manager, 2 Business Development Managers, and an Administration Team with 5 members. You have been appointed as a project manager to plan for the building of the new storage facility (warehouse) that will hold the tennis court materials and groundwork equipment to be packed and shipped to the different venues. It is envisaged this new venture will increase the turnover of the company and open up a new market.

Task 2 (60% marks) As Project Manager appointed by Tennisright Limited at the feasibility stage, you are required to prepare a report (2000 words). From a project management perspective outline the activities required to successfully manage this new initiative, ensuring that the new storage facility (warehouse) is completed on time and within budget. The analysis should include the skills and competencies required by the Project Manager, along with the project management process. Use examples of the concerns, stages, processes, leadership, and administration and control problems associated with managing the lifecycle of this major project.