Page 246 - DMGT521_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Unit 13: PERT, CPM and Time Estimation

 “The project team is not functioning as a team,” Notes
 “There is a lack of clear executive sponsorship, and”
 “Steve from Marketing is trying to manipulate this project for his own political
gain.”
“I’m not going to sugar coat this for you Brandon,” Jack explained. “I’ve seen this
situation far too often in my career, and if we don’t change the situation this project
will fail in glorious fashion.”
2. Foundations for Success
Brandon knew that what Jack said was true, and he also knew that changing the
situation would be difficult, painful, and potentially costly. He reluctantly agreed
with Jack, and together they laid out several key changes.
“Thanks for working with me on this Brandon,” Jack said. “Just to confirm, let me
summarise the changes that we agreed to implement:
 “First, we’re going to stop the current project and recreate a clear and well-
defined scope and get consensus buy-in on the new scope.”
 “Second, we’re going end the architectural holy wars by assigning key IT
architects to the project on a full time basis.”
 “Third, we’re going to collocate the team and assign members to a full-time
basis on the project. No more part-time participation.”
 “Fourth, Brandon, you agree to be much more visible and an active participant
to drive key decisions for the project.”
 “Finally, Brandon - you are going to have a heart-to-heart with Steve and if
necessary his boss - to eliminate any political agendas that could derail the
project.”
Brandon and Jack both agreed with the plan. Jack knew that some of these changes
would be unpopular, but without them the project would be doomed. He left
Brandon’s office with a sense of relief and apprehension. There was still a lot of hard
work and heavy lifting yet to be done.
3. Celebrations
Six months later, Jack ran into Brandon in the break room as they both were angling
for their morning coffee refill. “Jack!”, Brandon shouted while patting Jack on the
back. “Congratulations on getting the Customer Master File project into pilot. By
all accounts, it has been a resounding success!” Brandon crowed.
“Thank you,” Jack smiled and answered, “but you know it was pretty touch and go
after we met in your office to plan the project turnaround. There were a lot of
unhappy campers and several of them didn’t like the idea of being assigned 100% to
the project if you recall.”
“But we quickly converted them - and now I see a project team that is hitting on all
cylinders,” Jack added. “In fact, Sharon told me she was ready to quit six months ago
- and now she’s happier than ever and up for promotion.” Jack explained.
“I love it when a plan comes together,” Jack said proudly as he turned to walk away
and take on his next big project.
Question:
1. Analyse the case and discuss the case facts.

Source: http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/a-tale-of-two-projects.html

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