...Achieving Project Goals Simulation Businesses use projects to focus on the way strategies can be put into action to meet the objectives of a business. Through project management, businesses can establish stated objectives and perform the tasks on the project with the knowledge in completing the strategies that aligned with goals of leadership. Project management is designed to make better use of existing resources by getting work to flow horizontally as well as vertically within the company (Kerzner, 2006, pg. ). As part of project management I had the chance to understand how to apply the proper decision-making techniques by completing this simulation. The simulation provided a variety of different situations that I had to make as the Project Manager for this project. By completing this simulation it allow for me to understand the different methods that are involved in proper decision to perform a task in a project. How did completing this simulation change your perspective of project management? After completing this simulation, it has changed my perspective of project management. Initially I was under the impression a project manager primary job was to manage the process that was established through the job scope and a statement of work. Completing the simulation has proven that even if everyone understands the objectives it takes effective planning, execution, monitoring, and controlling methods to complete a project successfully (University...
Words: 1479 - Pages: 6
...The Achieving Project Goals Simulation is a supplement used to emphasize the study of project management. This simulation consisted of managing a project involving rescue and rehabilitation of overpopulated elephants in Zakinaka National Park to a special conservation area in Ungabo National Park to avoid the scarcity of feeding these animals. This project requires management of the work breakdown structure and project network of the project while reconsidering original plans due to unexpected exposed situations (Achieving Project Goals Simulation, 2012). Four of the key points from the readings that are emphasized in the simulation include network fundamentals, scheduling techniques, project success, and the work breakdown structure (WBS). The subject of scheduling techniques and fundamentals are utilized to form the basis of planning and predicting and to help management decide how to use its resources to achieve time goals. Network fundamentals are composed of events and activities in understanding the duration, efforts, and critical path amongst making sequential decisions. The WBS is one of many important documents tailored for use of a project as used in the simulation through a linear responsibility chart listing the task breakdown in successively finer levels of detail. Project success is emphasized in the simulation since project success was modified to include completion of the project within a certain time frame, at the proper performance, and without disturbing...
Words: 351 - Pages: 2
...Achieving Project Goals Simulation Maria Algarin University of Phoenix MGT 437 Project Management Simulation It is important for project managers to not only make the best project plans, but to be also suitably prepared to tackle contingencies and minimize their impact on the project (Achieving Project Goals Simulation, 20011). In my opinion, there is a misconception as to the role of a project manager. The main challenge is to ultimately achieve the defined goals for the project. Another challenge is maximize the integration of inputs to meet the objectives. Realistically it is important to understand all the processed that relate to the project. Once these items are identified the actual management of the project becomes apparent. My perspective of project management was limited to the construction industry. The simulation changed my perception because I realized that project management is even required in the most unconventional situations. For example, the simulation consisted of preparing a plan to move eight elephants to centralized location. The assignment called for proper planning and logistics to ensure that the cargo arrived safely. Throughout the trip there were unforeseen circumstances and in some cases the animals were at risks. My overall perception is that the project manager is very important. A successful Project Manager must simultaneously manage the four basic elements of a project: resources, time, money, and most importantly, scope (Reh, 2009)...
Words: 858 - Pages: 4
...Running head: ACHIEVING PROJECT GOALS SIMULATION Achieving project goals simulation Marty Gordon University of Phoenix Project Management MGT/437 Dr.William Dickie May 06, 2010 Achieving project goals simulation The Operation Elephants’ Ark simulation was quite a learning experience. Never being involved in a well designed and orchestrated project such as this before, I found the simulation to be a very instrumental tool in helping to understand the concept and theories behind the project management practice. It helped to realize the thorough and in-depth planning that goes into managing a project, well before the plan goes into action. Perspective of project management Understanding what the main focus of the project is and the expected desired outcome, is very important. A project that is properly staffed not only with enough resources but also appropriate, and knowledgeable resources can ensure the project is well covered. Project Transport eight elephants safely from the Zakinaka National Park, to a special conservation area located in Ungoba. The trip will involve the use of two recovery trucks, four trailer trucks (two at the Zakinaka site and two at the Ungoba site), and one airplane. Resources Hiring a team to operate a helicopter for identifying the eight elephants within the herd. This team will also be armed with tranquilizer guns to bring down the elephants. Hiring veterinarians to administer health assessment...
Words: 1313 - Pages: 6
...How Strategic Portfolio Management relates to Project Management Derilene McCloud CPMGT/301 January 11, 2016 Michael Koma How Strategic Portfolio Management relates to Project Management Strategic portfolio management is the centralized management of one or more portfolios. A portfolio is a collection of programs, projects and operations managed as a group. These programs, projects, and services may not necessarily be related or interdependent, however, they are managed together as a group to achieve the strategic objectives of the organization. Strategic portfolio management includes selecting the right programs and projects, prioritizing the work, assigning resources, authorizing, managing, and controlling other related work to achieve the organization's strategic business objectives (Kerzner, 2013). Conversely, project management develops and implements plans to achieve a particular scope that is driven by the goals of the program and portfolio that aligned to the specific organizational strategy. While both strategic portfolio management and project management need to align with the organizational goals and objectives, it is important to understand the similarities and differences between the two disciplines, and how each one contributes significantly to the organization's strategic objectives. Project management is focused solely on achieving specific deliverables that support key organizational objectives. The deliverables could be to create a unique...
Words: 667 - Pages: 3
...Approaches to Process Performance Modeling: A Summary from the SEI Series of Workshops on CMMI High Maturity Measurement and Analysis Robert W. Stoddard II Dennis R. Goldenson January 2010 TECHNICAL REPORT CMU/SEI-2009-TR-021 ESC-TR-2009-021 Software Engineering Measurement and Analysis Unlimited distribution subject to the copyright. http://www.sei.cmu.edu This report was prepared for the SEI Administrative Agent ESC/XPK 5 Eglin Street Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2100 The ideas and findings in this report should not be construed as an official DoD position. It is published in the interest of scientific and technical information exchange. This work is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. The Software Engineering Institute is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. Copyright 2010 Carnegie Mellon University. NO WARRANTY THIS CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INSTITUTE MATERIAL IS FURNISHED ON AN "AS-IS" BASIS. CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY MAKES NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO ANY MATTER INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, EXCLUSIVITY, OR RESULTS OBTAINED FROM USE OF THE MATERIAL. CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO FREEDOM FROM PATENT, TRADEMARK, OR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. Use of any trademarks in this report is not intended in any way to infringe on...
Words: 27376 - Pages: 110
...being a part of something bigger than myself. I am applying for admission to MSc program in engineering business management because I want a career in the field of servicing, consultancy and marketing. My undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at University College London have given me a strong foundation of analytical skills, since the variety of courses I took, such as applied mechanics and stress analysis, involves a lot of complex and intricate calculations and the application of physics and mathematical skills. These skills and theories were put into practice in my final year project, which involved designing and creating a working three-dimensional simulation of the dynamic and static behaviour of a cricket bat when subjected to applied force. This virtual simulation was then evaluated by comparing it with a real life prototype. The results indicated that computer simulation can be very useful for testing and developing innovative designs without wasting vital resources, like time, money and manpower, which is an important managerial responsibility. These results symbolise how better engineering translates into better management and vice versa. Only through the effective management of resources can a company flourish. Furthermore, I’ve further developed managerial skills, such as communication and leadership, through social aspects. I organized a Thai Network within UCL, of which I was Vice President, whereby social events and activities, like UCL Thai Night and...
Words: 622 - Pages: 3
...Business MGT/437 Version 4 Project Management | Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2004 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course examines project management roles and environments, the project life cycle, and various techniques of work planning, control, and evaluation for project success. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Kerzner, H. (2006). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling (9th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Meredith, J. R. & Mantel, S. J. (2006). Project management: A managerial approach (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Software Microsoft® Project® 2007 (Virtual Desktop) Week One: Project Definition | | Details | Due | Points | Objectives | 1.1 Determine the importance of project management in the current...
Words: 1839 - Pages: 8
...parties must have the ability to communicate and have the patience to work through many of the complications that may occur during the process. This paper will discuss the analysis of the contract problems between Span systems and Citizen – Schwarz AG. After reviewing the simulation we have to come to the following response and conclusion to the issues at hand. Being the project manager in this simulation it would show that I would be trying to keep this contract with C-S so that we will be in the running for the other contract that may be in play. The problem that has occurred is the fact the process has not being completed at a quick enough pace for C-S and they want to get out of the contract and look into changing to another company located in India. This process is not a good move for C-S due to the fact that they have made changes and Span has compiled with every move that have made. The only problem is that Span has also had some internal programming issues that will have to be handled so that C-S can see that we are moving forward with the process. “Good negotiators do their homework. Here are some tips for making your next negotiation session productive for both you and your potential project partner” (Raterman, 2005). That is what needs to be done so that both companies can try and negotiate what can be done to ensure that this contract can be saved. Understanding what C-S needs to keep this contract and keep the communication open will help the negotiations...
Words: 668 - Pages: 3
...Abstract Based on the Leadership in Action simulation, this paper will describe the current established methods of control and current culture in Smith & Falmouth (S&F). As a Chief Operational Office (COO), Hadi will provide recommendations for restructuring the department to become more profitable by the end of the fiscal year. Affecting Change As a new COO, existing staff will have resistance to the upcoming change and the new organizational structure. It is important to gain their trust to improve the culture and empower employees to achieve the new goals. The leadership style should be situational and adapt to the different situational factors. Delegation and supportive leadership will provide control and power to the existing leaders and supply them with whatever their teams need to accomplish the end goals. Smith & Falmouth (S&F) Smith & Falmouth is a mid-size tele-shopping company operating in the US and Canada. The company established S&F Online as part of its strategy to expand online. This division is a major element in S&F strategy to grow over the next three years. S&F Online CEO, Irene Seagraves, put in place three main teams; a logistics team, web development team, and a marketing manager to coordinate marketing efforts. Irene set a clear goal for the COO and that is to streamline online operations, increase the each of Online Sales Channel and increase profits. As a new COO, existing senior staff and teams showed resentment and lukewarm reception...
Words: 1476 - Pages: 6
...Credits) Version 6 Project Management Puerto Rico Campus - Guaynabo Copyright © 2009, 2008, 2006, 2004 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course examines project management roles and environments, the project life cycle, and various techniques of work planning, control, and evaluation for project success. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Kerzner, H. (2006). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling (9th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Meredith, J. R. & Mantel, S. J. (2006). Project management: A managerial approach (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Microsoft® Project® 2007 (Virtual Desktop) Week One: Project Definition Details Due Points Objectives 1.1 Determine the importance of project management in...
Words: 3035 - Pages: 13
...product, and examine the product.” (Burrill and Ledolter, 1999, p. 142). Each process must be completed in order as each is important. Once requirements and specifications have been determined, resources and standards can be evaluated to create and test the product. The means of creation will be different in various organizations but the process remains the same. During every part of each process, flow charts can be analyzed to make proper decisions; strategic plans must be considered; impact on all stakeholders must be evaluated; and appropriate quality management tools must be determined. Each member of the team involved in writing this paper completed a simulation exercise on “Quality Management and Productivity” to determine the ability to analyze data. Information on the above considerations, perceptions of the simulation and suitable quality management tools to improve processes in a health facility are furnished in this paper. Description of the Create Process “Create is the process of actually producing the required product. Whether the product is a house, a gourmet meal, a term paper, or a clean office, this stage involves the creation of a product according to the product requirements.” (Burrill and Ledolter, 1999, p. 148). The creator is simply creating something different, depending on what process is to be accomplished. Creation occurs in manufacturing of goods, delivery of services, and customer care. “Although the general process is the same, the actual work done...
Words: 2138 - Pages: 9
...SimProjectTM Player’s Manual SIMPROJECT™ A Project Management Simulation for Classroom Instruction PLAYER’S MANUAL V 1.2 JEFFREY K. PINTO, PH.D. AND DIANE H. PARENTE, PH.D. Player’s Manual for use with SIMPROJECT™ Jeffrey K. Pinto, PH.D. Diane H. Parente, PH.D. Published by McGraw-Hill/Irwin, an imprint of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Copyright © 2004 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in any network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 CUS/CUS 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 ISBN 0-07-248085-8 www.mhhe.com/simproject i McGraw-Hill/Irwin PREFACE This simulation is a dynamic business exercise designed for students enrolled in courses that emphasize the importance of developing project management skills. Because the simulation is designed to offer instructors maximum flexibility, we have included scenarios that bring into clear focus project management challenges within a variety of professions, including new product development, process conversion, construction, and information technology development and implementation. As such, the simulation can be used in academic settings within schools of business...
Words: 18443 - Pages: 74
...The project aims to digitally remodel the BITS Library as a case study and tries to apply the principles of ZEBs (Zero Energy Buildings) to it. Another phase of the project deals with establishing an ideal ZEB design in Rajasthan, taking into account all environmental factors. At the heart of the project is the belief that Renewable Energy can be integrated with infrastructure. Various types of sustainable analysis have been considered for the project, to be done on the BITS Library as well as a prototype ZEB. A few of them are passive and active solar studies, wind simulation, material variation and so on. Software used to do this are: Autodesk Project Vasari and Ecotect Analysis. Also used will be RETScreen. The project involves the use Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2013 and Autodesk Project Vasari as 3D modelling software that will help in designing of an ideal Zero Energy Building. The word “asymptotic” is used in the title of this project, because a ZEB is basically an ideal concept. It cannot be ideally achieved, the design can only tend towards achieving a net zero energy balance. Using the power of these 2 software, a case study of the “BITS Pilani Library, Pilani Campus” is to be implemented and remodelled according to the various codes defined by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for ZEBs. Also, an ideal Zero Energy Building will be attempted using the same software tools. Buildings have a significant impact on energy use and the environment....
Words: 846 - Pages: 4
...that would be required for these test programs, including assessing when they might be realistically available? Shonky Enterprises have identified a shortfall in the market between slow sea freight and expensive air freight. Market research and analysis of historical data conducted as part of the Needs Analysis has identified what the end-user (the customer) requires and how Shonky will meet the needs of this niche market. Information on how the vessel will be used and any risks that the project may or may not be financially viable for the company have be identified as a number of Critical Operational Issues (COIs). The COIs are the absolutes required for the project as they detail what is operationally expected of the system. Failure to meet any of the COIs can not be tolerated. Validation of the vessels suitability and effectiveness will occur during OT&E; however, there is a critical requirement for validation of the T&E resources, primarily Modeling and Simulation (M&S) systems, to ensure the results produced can provide sufficient...
Words: 5542 - Pages: 23
