1. Explain what the PMI outcomes are and how they were addressed in this class.
In project management, PMI outcomes are set of standard measurements, plans and status reports that are utilized in project development. There are five main sections of PMI outcomes: initiation process, project control and execution, project closure, and professional and ethical responsibilities. Two assignments, which include a term project and a case review were carried out to address PMI outcomes. Under case review, project initiation, control and execution, and closure were addressed. Under project initiation outcomes, we assessed business strategies, come up with best business practices, and scrutinize all possible alternatives. For project control and execution we corrected current issues and evaluated the results. Finally, under project closure, we acknowledged lessons learned throughout the case.
The term project was structured addressing all the five main sections of PMI outcomes. In the initiation section, a schedule, budget, quality, and resources for the project were developed. Under project planning, we checked on outcomes through developing a quality plan, risk management, communication plan, and resource management plan. Outcomes on project close were addressed through the description on the way to acquire acceptance from stakeholders and the way to make sure project transit successfully to operation. Finally, under professional responsibility and ethics outcomes, cultural, personal and ethnic difference was discussed.
Outcomes associated with PMI serves as guidelines to execute a project successfully. They can also be applied in developing strategies to complete each level of a project life cycle. The organization and distribution of outcomes allow the creation of a thorough action plan for a specific project which eradicates risks associated with project delay at the same time improving the quality of the project.
2. Discuss an end-of-chapter question you addressed in the discussion board that impacted youmost and explain why.
The question that had a great influence on me was at the end of the third chapter. The question was talking about driving forces and if these forces can be defined about the industry type. In relation to Kerzner, driving forces are based on the needs of the business and use solid practices of project management. However, driving forces are not fully defined by industry type. Common driving forces include capital projects, competitiveness, executive understanding, development of the new product, and customer’s expectations. The driving forces are applied in some industries and not others depending on the requirements of that industry. Based on my knowledge gathered from books, articles, and classes, driving forces do not define the type of industry but are influenced by them.
Companies operating in a similar industry faces similar driving forces even though this can also vary from company to company. The goals and objectives of an organization and implementation of its processes define the way driving forces impact on project maturity. The impact of this question was intense since I did know the exact driving forces that have an impact on project management. It was also clear to me that even though two companies in the same industry can have the same processes, it does not necessarily mean similar driving forces will affect them. Therefore, it is important for companies to identify their driving forces and come up with the best strategies to manage them. Otherwise, not acknowledging these forces will have a negative outcome in project development.
3. What were the problems you addressed in the chosen term project? What alternatives were discussed? What detailed recommendations did you provide in your action plan?
The term project paper was about Westgate Resorts which had applied most of the strategies of project management and was already in the maturity stage. However, the business needed to expand its territory to other countries, which needed proper project management strategies. The two problems that I addressed in my term paper were lack of incentive programs with a standard corporate culture and less involvement in making decisions. To ensure their employees are motivated to carry on their required tasks it is important to introduce incentive programs. Involvement of employees in decision-making will improve customer service which is vital for any hospitality venture.
The alternatives that I discussed were: change organization structure, modifying corporate culture, and come up with incentive programs. Organization structure could be changed in that employees are allowed to present innovative ideas and make a tough decision and not only the top management. The corporate culture such as new employees restricted access to specific information should be reviewed to ensure that they are treated as equal to other employees and facilitate communication between employees and top management.
In my action plan, the recommendations I provided for Westgate resort were coming up with incentive programs and changing corporate culture. Incentives will increase overall profits and reduce downtime since employees will take more shifts. Corporate culture needs to be checked regularly to ensure workers are motivated all the time to provide the best services for the customers.
4. Explain the relationship between the maturity process and project management excellence.
Maturity process is systems and processes development, which are repetitive and provide a high chance that the project will be successful. There are two benefits associated with maturity process: one, the task is completed with few changes on scope and two, there will be less disturbance on ongoing business. Maturity process instructs the company to know the importance associated with integrating cost and time, which includes the amount of money used to finish a certain activity. Maturity phase must come up with long-term informative systems to help the organization maintain its systems. This includes documenting lessons learned to avoid company falling into immaturity for project management.
Project management distinction or excellence means that tasks or projects undertaken were successfully managed. However, this does not guarantee that the projects will be successful in the long run. The companies take risks by scrutinizing risks worth taking and which result in losses. Terminating a project early due to right reasons can be rendered as successful if the resources to be used are assigned to more profitable and important activities. Decisions created on every project is in the interest of the project and company. Companies proficient in project management come up with cultures whereby the project managers are encouraged and trained to decide based on sound judgment and not provincialism. Maturity process and excellence in project management are related in that; there should be successful and repetitive development of project systems with strategic processes documented to be used for strategies in the future.
5. Explain the case review process you completed this semester.
The case review was on the First National Bank (FNB) case. The case had six major sections namely: findings summary, background, problem statement, alternatives analysis, recommendations, and evaluation and implementation. After a detailed review on the FNB case, I found out database project failure occurred even with an amazing selection process of the project. Lack of communication between stakeholders and poor project manager is the distinct reasons behind database project failure. At the background section, there is a description of changes the company has gone through time and a graphic showing project selection process of the company.
The main issue with FNB database project was the implementation and control of the project during its life cycle. In the alternatives analysis section, I considered essential variables, assumptions, restrictions and the objectives of the organization before addressing alternatives. My recommendations for FNB was to improve their selection process for a project manager, create a supportive environment via adequate communication, and the organization is fully involved in the selection of team members. In the section of implementation, my recommendations were to use PERT model analysis, which will develop a path for the project and evaluate every task. After the project is completed, FNB can compare estimates with actual time taken to complete a given task. Other than time, PERT analysis can be applied to other important aspects of a project.