This term project is designed to allow you to take the knowledge you have gained through the course texts and put that knowledge into practice. You will rely on both texts (Cachon and Larson) which will include both chapters “covered” and “not covered” as well as your outside research. You will create key planning deliverables and either work on a project you choose (approved by me) or use a suggested project. You will begin the project by writing part of the project charter/scope. You will build on that information to define your project, and then ultimately create a schedule, a (rough) budget, and responses (fixes) for the risks you identify. The goal is for you to use what you have learned and to perform your own research on how to best move forward with your project. Key points (1) write a narrative charter statement, (2) create a work breakdown structure, (3) sequence project activities,(4) build a project schedule, (5) create a project budget, (6) create a responsibility assignment matrix, (7) identify project risks and (8) define responses for those risks. You can choose to have team members who report to you (You can give them names, and explain their discipline/specialty (i.e. Ms. Jones, lead software engineer, Mr. Smith, Marketing Manager, etc) or have a virtual organizational model where you act like a general contractor and manage your virtual organization’s project. Upon completing this course, you will be able to: 1. Write a narrative charter statement including scope 2. Create a work breakdown structure 3. Sequence project activities 4. Build a project schedule 5. Create a project budget 6. Create a responsibility assignment matrix 7. Identify project risks and define responses for those risks Remember: APA formatting (font, in-text citations, reference list) Your project can be for-profit or for a non-profit Start early as you will have extra reading (especially from Larson) Some project examples: Creating a Covid-19 testing and tracking team for NJCU to get students back on campus Open-up a pizzeria in your town (hint: I am not looking for a business plan as such, but a business plan template from Score might inspire you) Other Start-up ideas: Ice Cream shop, 3-D rapid prototyping service, Building a custom home and you are the General Contractor (i.e. you would work with architects, town zoning, the client, and various trades, etc), Opening an office in a non-English speaking country. Wedding or other LARGE events requiring project management. For example 50th Anniversary Party, A trade Show in Germany, Japan, or China (with large shipping requirements and logistics Whatever else you are passionate about…just get it approved by me. So your project should be in 5 Phases: Phase 1 Project Initiation – This is the start of the project and where you will define the scope of the project and business case. Is it feasible? Are the stakeholders on board? Is it a go or no go? See MindTools or other sites for templates or ideas: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newPPM_85.htm Phase 2 Project Planning – Here you will develop and map out your path. Use SMART goals to create goals and intermediary goals. This also where you assign roles and responsibilities for your team. You will also have a Scope Statement, Work Breakdown Schedule, Milestones (use a Gnatt Chart), and Discuss risk and mitigation. Phase 3 Project Execution – You will want to have a kick-off meeting for your team, with periodic update meetings (simply list the number of meetings and what would theoretically be discussed. At the kick-off you’ll want to discuss resources, resources, procurement management if needed, tracking systems. There is sometimes some overlap in the phases depending upon the type of project, so be logical and sensible. Phase 4 Performance Management- Pick 2 to 5 KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to track. You’ll want to know if the project objectives are being completed on time, the quality is being met, track costs/budget, and over-all project performance. Phase 5 Project Closure – Here you can do several things like recognizing he team’s hard work (perhaps at the grand opening, etc), do a Post Mortem (to review lessons learned), and prepare a final report. Yes, some of this in imagined, so Phase 1 and 2 will be the heaviest lifting. Use charts i.e. Gnatt Chart Create your own (using excel) or find a free template online.
