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Build On The Project From Assignment 2 This Assignment Consists Of T

Build on the project from Assignment 2. This assignment consists of two (2) sections: MS Project Exercise Project Performance paper You must submit both sections as separate files for the completion of this assignment . Label each file name according to the section of the assignment for which it is written. Additionally, you may create and / or assume all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment. Section 1: MS Project Exercise Update the project schedule in MS Project to account for the following changes: 1. Develop a network schedule for your project using either the arrow diagramming method or the precedence method. Also, your project schedule should illustrate float/slack for each activity. Section 2: Project Performance Paper Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you: 2. Summarize your project. Note: Your summary should include, but not be limited to, the project’s key objectives, projected costs and resources, and high-level timeline. 3. Create a responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) for your project, and justify your response. 4. Outline the network schedule for your project. Include a narrative description of your network schedule. 5. Analyze the critical path of your project, and discuss the total float in the project. Next, suggest the primary measures that you would use in order to manage the critical path and reduce the float in the project. 6. Identify and discuss at least one (1) best practice from the PMBOK textbook for each process group that you would apply in order to manage the project schedule. Justify your response. Your assignment must follow these formatting guidelines: Typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Building on an earlier project from Assignment 2, this comprehensive report involves updating the project schedule in MS Project and analyzing project performance through a detailed paper. The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate effective project scheduling, resource allocation, critical path analysis, and application of PMI best practices for project management. These combined components will provide a clearer understanding of project planning, scheduling, and monitoring, vital for successful project execution.

Section 1: MS Project Exercise - Updating the Project Schedule

The initial step involves revising the project timeline using MS Project to incorporate recent changes, assumptions, or project variances. This update requires developing a network schedule employing the precedence diagramming method (PDM), which logically sequences activities based on their dependencies. The PDM approach provides a visible flow of tasks and helps identify critical and non-critical activities within the project.

Additionally, the network schedule will illustrate float or slack for each activity. Float represents the amount of time that a task can be delayed without impacting the project's overall deadline. Calculating and visualizing float allows project managers to prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and identify potential schedule risks. The updated schedule ensures that all tasks, dependencies, and float calculations are accurately represented, providing a solid foundation for quotation, resource management, and future monitoring.

Section 2: Project Performance Paper

The second component entails a comprehensive analysis of the project, encompassing several critical elements.

Project Summary

The project focuses on [Insert Project Name], aimed at achieving [briefly state key objectives], such as developing a new product, implementing a new process, or infrastructure enhancement. The projected cost is estimated at [insert budget], encompassing labor, materials, equipment, and contingency reserves. Human resources include skilled personnel such as project managers, engineers, technicians, and support staff. The high-level timeline extends over approximately [insert duration], with key milestones aligned with deliverable deadlines.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)

A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), particularly a RACI chart, will delineate roles and responsibilities among project team members and stakeholders. For example, the project manager will oversee all activities, while specific tasks like procurement or design will be assigned to designated team leads. Justification for the RAM is based on clarity of responsibility, avoiding overlaps, and ensuring accountability.

Network Schedule and Narrative Description

The network schedule maps the sequence of project activities, illustrating dependencies, durations, and float. For example, tasks such as design must precede procurement; construction cannot begin until design approval. The narrative describes how activities are interconnected, highlighting critical paths and decision points, ensuring stakeholders understand project flow and potential impact points.

Critical Path Analysis and Float Management

Analyzing the critical path identifies activities that directly influence the project's completion date. Any delay in these critical tasks will delay the entire project. Calculating total float on non-critical paths provides insight into scheduling flexibility. Effective management measures include resource leveling, adjusting task durations, fast-tracking, and crashing critical activities to reduce float and ensure timely project delivery.

Best Practices from PMBOK

For each project management process group—initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing—applying a best practice enhances schedule management:

- Initiating: Conduct thorough stakeholder analysis to align expectations (PMBOK, 6th Edition).

- Planning: Develop a comprehensive schedule management plan detailing role responsibilities and control procedures.

- Executing: Use performance measurement tools such as Earned Value Management (EVM) for ongoing tracking.

- Monitoring and Controlling: Regularly update progress and analyze schedule variances to mitigate delays.

- Closing: Perform a lessons-learned review specific to schedule adherence to improve future projects.

Justifying these practices emphasizes their role in risk mitigation, transparency, and ensuring project objectives remain achievable.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis integrates schedule updates, resource responsibilities, schedule network development, critical path assessment, and application of PMI best practices. Such integrated project management approaches help ensure project success through effective planning, execution, and control.

References

• PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). Project Management Institute.
• Kerzner, H. (2017). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. Wiley.
• Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of project management. AMACOM.
• Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
• Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2017). Project management: A managerial approach. Wiley.
• Heldman, K. (2018). Project management jumpstart. Wiley.
• Zwikael, O., & Smyrk, J. (2011). Project planning and control. Springer.
• Christie, R. (2018). Project management: The managerial process. McGraw-Hill.
• Fortune, J., & White, D. (2006). Framing challenges in project management. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 1(2), 145–163.