Module 2 Review Questions: 1. Discuss some major causes of project failure.
One reason is that many systems analysts are unfamiliar with, or undisciplined in how to properly apply, tools and techniques of systems development. But most failures are attributed to poor leadership and management. This mismanagement results in unfulfilled or unidentified requirements, cost overruns, and late delivery. 2. Discuss the major functions of management: scoping, planning, estimating, scheduling, organizing, directing, controlling and closing.
Scoping- Scope defines the boundaries of the project. A project manager must scope project expectations and constraints in order to plan activities, estimate costs, and manage expectations
Planning- Planning identifies the tasks required to complete the project. This is based on the manger’s understanding of the project scope and the methodology used to achieve the goal.
Estimating- Each task that is required to complete the project must be estimated. How much time will be required? How many people will be needed? What skill will be needed? What tasks must be completed before other tasks are started? Can some of the tasks overlap? How much will it cost? These are all estimating issues.
Scheduling- Given the project plan, the project manager is responsible for scheduling all project activities. The project schedule should be developed with an understanding of the required tasks, task duration, and task prerequisites.
Organizing- The project manager should make sure that members of the project team understand their own individual roles and responsibilities as well as their reporting relationship to the project manager.
Directing- Once the project has begun, the project manager must direct the team’s activities. Every project manager must demonstrate people management skills to coordinate, delegate, motivate, advise,