Based On Your Review And Analysis Of The Invisible Spons
Based On Your Review And Analysis Of The The Invisible Sponsors Case
Based On Your Review And Analysis Of The The Invisible Sponsors Case
Based on your review and analysis of the “The Invisible Sponsors” case study (Kerzner, 2017, pp. ), address the following key discussion topic elements: Describe the role and responsibilities of the project sponsor in the subject organization. Why did this affect the project schedule development? The project manager needs direction from the project sponsor concerning whether to base the schedule on best time, least cost, or least risk. Why is this important for developing the project schedule? Which project organizing or initiating documents, or artifacts, would typically provide an answer to the project manager’s question? Explain.
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The role and responsibilities of the project sponsor are critical components in the successful initiation and execution of a project. In the context of the "The Invisible Sponsors" case, the sponsor’s responsibilities extend beyond mere oversight to include championing the project, providing strategic alignment, securing necessary resources, and making high-level decisions that influence the project’s scope, timeline, and risk management strategies. The sponsor acts as a bridge between the project team and the organizational leadership, ensuring that the project remains aligned with organizational objectives and that potential issues are addressed at the senior level (Kerzner, 2017).
The influence of the project sponsor significantly affects the development of the project schedule because their directives shape fundamental project parameters. If the sponsor emphasizes the importance of completing the project as swiftly as possible, the schedule will likely prioritize speed, potentially at the expense of cost or risk considerations. Conversely, if the sponsor’s focus is on minimizing costs or managing risks, the schedule may incorporate more extensive contingency planning or extended timelines to ensure stability and budget adherence. This strategic direction determines the basis on which the project schedule is developed, impacting resource allocation, task prioritization, and milestone setting (PMI, 2017).
Clarifying whether the schedule should be based on the best time, least cost, or least risk is crucial because it provides a guiding principle for the project manager and the planning team. It helps in balancing trade-offs, managing stakeholder expectations, and establishing realistic deadlines and budgets. For instance, a schedule optimized for the shortest duration might involve increased costs due to overtime or additional resources, whereas a schedule emphasizing risk mitigation might allow for more flexible deadlines and additional buffers (Meredith & Mantel, 2017).
Typically, the project charter or project initiation document serves as the primary artifact providing the necessary guidance from the sponsor regarding the project's strategic focus. The project charter defines the project’s purpose, scope, objectives, and high-level requirements, including the sponsor’s preferences concerning schedule constraints and priorities (PMI, 2017). It also captures the sponsor’s authority and level of involvement, which are essential for aligning the project planning process with organizational objectives. Additionally, the stakeholder register or a project scope statement can further elucidate the sponsor’s expectations and strategic concerns, aiding in the development of a schedule aligned with overall organizational goals (Kerzner, 2017).
In summary, the project sponsor’s role is pivotal in shaping the project’s strategic direction, which directly influences schedule development. Clear articulation of whether the project should prioritize time, cost, or risk is fundamental for effective planning, and baseline documents like the project charter or scope statement provide the necessary guidance to project managers. Ensuring this alignment helps facilitate decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, thereby increasing the likelihood of project success.
References
Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). PMI.
Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2017). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.