Discussion #1
The Project Scope Statement provides a documented basis for making future project decisions and for defining a common understanding of the project scope among the various stakeholders. The scope statement includes all of the work required to complete the project and only the work required. The Project Scope Statement is comprised of many components, but for purposes of this discussion we shall focus on four elements:
IN-SCOPE that work which is required to complete the project
OUT-OF-SCOPE that work which is not required to complete the project
ASSUMPTIONS assumptions are made during the planning process to fill gaps in knowledge. Assumptions are considered to be validated prior to project execution. If assumptions are unable to be validated, they must be treated as risks. Example assumptions are that ample skilled resources will be available for the duration of the project, no prevailing regulations or laws will change during the course of the project that will alter the project’s ability to deliver the project deliverable on time, etc.
CONSTRAINTS are restrictions that will affect the performance of the project. Any known constraints imposed by the environment or by management should be noted. Typical constraints may include: fixed budget; limited resources, imposed interim and/or end dates, predetermined technology, use of specific software systems, federal/state/local regulation compliance, or other such predetermined solutions.
PROJECT PEGASUS
Due to your previous project successes and work history at ABC Enterprises, you have been assigned to manage a new project Project PEGASUS. The effort involves the development of an aviation communications device that is compliant with all aeronautical specifications and federal interoperability mandates. This project is typical in content and complexity to other projects that are routinely performed by ABC Enterprises and its contractor team. The average duration for this genre of project is typically two to three years. Project PEGASUS, however, has an exceptionally high priority and, because of a limited window of opportunity to get the product to the customer, the product has to be developed, tested, and delivered in four months.
You have available a team of full time internal and contractor resources that are very experienced in this type of project work and they have successfully worked together as a team on previous ABC Enterprises projects.
In a meeting today, the primary customer demonstrated a genuine eagerness to start working with your team to discuss requirements. The customer assures you that they will do whatever is necessary to help you meet their quickened delivery date.
You must deliver this product by the due date specified (four months). If the product is not delivered on time the opportunity for the customer to use the product will have passed and the product will have no other present or future use.
TASKS
Identify the IN-SCOPE work on the project
Identify the OUT-OF-SCOPE work on the project
List the project ASSUMPTIONS
List the project CONSTRAINTS
Please enter your responses in the Discussion area and be prepared to substantiate your choices to your classmates. As is the standard protocol, all classmates are expected to comment on at least two (for the minimum grade) of the postings of your fellow classmates and to continue any ensuing discussions.
Discussion #2
PMBOK Chapter 12 discusses the concept of Control Procurements – simply restated equates to managing the efforts of contracts / contractors delivering services / products / capabilities to your project. You as Project Manager will invariably manage these relationships/ deliverables. PMBOK Section 12.3.2 notes several of the many tools and techniques useful in managing contracts / contractors. If you could only use two of the techniques mentioned which two would you choose as the most critical to this particular aspect of your project. Please state why you picked the tools / techniques you did and why you believe these two tools / techniques are the most critical.
