Chapter 2: Understanding Project Management

Overview

When you have completed the problem identification and definition stages (see Chapter 1), you’re ready to begin designing your project. In this chapter, we’ll use a training project scenario to illustrate project design, and cover these topics:

  • Analyzing project activities

  • Breaking down activities into work packages

  • Identifying tasks and times

  • Estimating project costs

  • Scheduling a project

  • Using performance standards

  • Communicating project information

  • Managing project security

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Scenario

Train2K, Inc. is a software training company with 10 trainers. Most of the company’s training is conducted within 200 miles of its Georgia office. XYZ Corporation, one of Train2K’s clients, is creating software templates and applications for use throughout the company to replace paper-based forms. Many of the 120 employees at XYZ’s four branch offices (Detroit, Kansas City, San Francisco, and Dallas) are expected to resist using the software templates and applications; however, they want to continue using the paper-based forms that XYZ wants to phase out.

Problem Identification and Definition In their first meeting about the training project, the Train2K and XYZ Corporation managers examined the problem and created the following definition:

It is difficult for branch office employees to embrace the software tools developed at corporate headquarters in Atlanta. The problem isn’t software or hardware—it’s training. There are frequent training opportunities for Atlanta-based staff that focus on the skills that XYZ employees are expected to have. Compared to the employees at headquarters, branch office employees receive less training, and the training they receive from local companies is less focused.

XYZ managers talked to employees at the corporate Help desk and branch offices. These employees agreed with the problem definition.

Project Objectives and Deliverables At the second meeting, XYZ and Train2K managers agree on a plan. Training will be held near each branch office, with each branch office employee encouraged to attend a total of 20 hours of training in Windows, Word, and Excel—similar to the training provided at the Atlanta offices. Employees will take a pretest and a posttest to be developed by Train2K. Pretest results will be used to schedule employees for classes. Posttest results will be used to measure training effectiveness. The Train2K managers have agreed to create a training proposal for XYZ Corporation, and implement the training proposal if it is accepted.

Project Constraints All training must be completed by the end of the budget year, three months away. Train2K maintains a trainer-to-trainee ratio of 1:12 or fewer in applications courses.

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Mastering Microsoft Project 2002
Mastering Microsoft Project 2002
ISBN: 0782141471
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 241

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