Assignment 3: Cost And Quality

Assignment 3 Cost And Quality

This assignment is a continuation and enhancement of Assignment 2. Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and assign resources and cost by using a project management tool. As the IT project manager, you have been assigned a project to deploy ten (10) wireless access points in your company’s warehouse and break room within the next ninety (90) days. You are free to make assumptions that satisfy the scope of the project such as training, wiring, consulting efforts, etc. Your submission will be made in .mpp format and will be graded on the accuracy of your work package assumptions and duration estimates.

In your assignment, address the following: Create 15 or more decomposed work packages into 4 levels that are assigned to 5 or more main tasks (75 line items). Ensure the main WBS tasks headings are the 5 PMBOK® process areas. Create a Work Breakdown Structure Code for each task. Determine an overall project duration and duration estimates for each of the tasks. The duration is not to exceed 90 days.

Create accurate work package assumptions and duration estimates. Include 7 resources assigned in the Resource Sheet as “Work” types and 3 resources assigned as “Material” types. Ensure the resources are paid no more than $30/hour and that the “Material” cost per use will not exceed $50. Include your resources and materials from the Resource Sheet in the task sheet. Create 10 dependencies in the Task Sheet.

Paper For Above instruction

The successful deployment of wireless access points in a corporate environment requires meticulous project planning, especially when adhering to time, cost, and resource constraints. This paper discusses the creation of a detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), resource allocation, cost estimation, and schedule development for a project aimed at installing ten wireless access points within a 90-day timeline. The approach aligns with PMI’s PMBOK® process areas, ensuring structured and comprehensive project management.

1. Developing the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The WBS serves as the foundation of the project plan, dividing the scope into manageable components. Based on the project scope, the WBS was decomposed into over 15 work packages, distributed across four levels. These work packages are organized into five primary components aligned with PMBOK® process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

At the highest level, the main tasks are: Project Management, Site Preparation, Procurement, Installation, and Testing & Handover. Each main task is further broken down into sub-tasks. For example, under Installation, activities include wiring, mounting, configuration, and integration. This detailed segmentation ensures clarity in scope and responsibility assignment.

Each work package is assigned a unique WBS code, such as 1.1 for 'Define Project Scope,' 2.1 for 'Site Inspection,' and so forth. This systematic coding facilitates tracking and reporting throughout project execution.

2. Resource Allocation and Estimation

The project utilized a total of ten resources, including seven labor resources and three material resources. The labor resources are network technician, project coordinator, review engineer, and administrative support, each constrained to a rate of $30/hour to control costs. Materials include wireless access points, cables, and mounting hardware, each with costs not exceeding $50 per use.

Resource assignments are integrated into the task schedule to reflect the workload and ensure resource leveling. For instance, wiring activities require a technician for 3 days each, while configuration tasks may need a technician for 2 days. Material procurement is scheduled in coordination with installation activities to ensure availability.

3. Schedule Development and Duration Estimates

The overall project duration is limited to 90 days, with detailed duration estimates assigned to each task based on realistic work effort and resource availability. Critical path analysis identified dependencies, such as wiring must precede mounting, and testing follows configuration.

Major milestones include completion of site preparation, installation, and successful testing. Duration estimates were calibrated to prevent exceeding the 90-day deadline, with buffer periods incorporated for unforeseen delays. The project plan includes ten dependencies that define task sequences, ensuring logical workflow progression.

4. Cost Management and Resource Constraints

Cost estimation incorporates resource hourly rates and material costs, with strict constraints to keep labor below $30/hour and material costs under $50 per use. Cost tracking is automated through the project management tool, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments.

The planned resource allocation and estimated costs aim to optimize efficiency and minimize expenditures while maintaining quality standards. Regular review points are scheduled for evaluating progress and cost performance.

5. Conclusion

By creating a detailed WBS, allocating resources within specified cost constraints, estimating durations accurately, and defining dependencies, the project can be effectively managed within the 90-day timeframe. Utilizing project management tools supports ongoing tracking, ensuring that the deployment of wireless access points proceeds smoothly, efficiently, and within scope and budget.

References

• Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). PMI.