Creating A Project From A Template Video And Working

Resourcescreating A Project From A Template Video And Working With

Create a work breakdown structure (WBS) and project schedule for the Learning Team project you selected in Week 2. Use Microsoft® Project to list the components and breakdown of the project's WBS (i.e., project phases, grouping of tasks, resource assignments, etc.). Develop a Gantt chart with the following: Project phase

Paper For Above instruction

The task of developing a comprehensive work breakdown structure (WBS) and a corresponding project schedule for a Learning Team project necessitates a systematic approach utilizing Microsoft® Project. This process involves outlining the project in terms of phases, task groupings, resource allocations, and timelines, which collectively facilitate effective project planning, execution, and monitoring. Based on the resources from the "Creating a Project from a Template" and "Working with Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Codes" videos, this paper explicates the steps to create an organized WBS and develop a detailed Gantt chart to visualize project progress and dependencies.

Introduction

Project management is a vital discipline that ensures complex initiatives are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Central to project management is the development of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), a hierarchical decomposition of the project into manageable components. The WBS serves as the foundation for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. Utilizing tools like Microsoft® Project, project managers can translate the WBS into actionable schedules and visualizations such as Gantt charts, which display task durations, dependencies, and milestones.

Developing the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The first step in creating a WBS for the Learning Team project is to identify major project phases. Typically, these phases include initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Each phase encompasses specific tasks grouped into logical categories that facilitate management and tracking.

For example, in the initiation phase, activities might include defining project objectives, stakeholder identification, and project charter development. Planning might involve creating schedules, resource planning, and risk assessments. Execution covers activities such as task implementation, team coordination, and deliverable development. Monitoring and controlling involve tracking progress, quality management, and issue resolution, while closing includes project documentation and final reviews.

Within each phase, tasks are further broken down into sub-tasks, which can be detailed with specific resource assignments. Assigning WBS codes to each element enhances clarity and enables efficient tracking of progress and budget management. By customizing WBS codes in Microsoft® Project, project managers can organize tasks hierarchically, ensuring clarity in reporting and control.

Developing the Project Schedule and Gantt Chart

Once the WBS is established, the next step involves developing a detailed project schedule. This entails estimating task durations, defining dependencies (e.g., finish-to-start, start-to-start), and assigning resources. Microsoft® Project offers an intuitive interface that allows for the input of task details, scheduling, and visualization.

The Gantt chart, a fundamental component, graphically represents the project timeline. It displays tasks along a horizontal time axis with bars indicating task durations, dependencies, and milestones. The Gantt chart aids in identifying critical paths, potential bottlenecks, and overlapping activities, which are vital for proactive project management.

Creating the Gantt chart involves entering all tasks from the WBS into Microsoft® Project, setting start and end dates, and linking tasks to define dependencies. Resources—such as team members, equipment, and materials—are allocated to each task. Resource leveling may be employed to prevent overallocation, ensuring realistic scheduling.

The integration of the WBS and Gantt chart facilitates effective oversight of the project. It enables project managers to monitor progress against planned schedules, identify delays early, and make informed decisions to steer the project towards successful completion.

Conclusion

A meticulous construction of the WBS and an accurately developed project schedule within Microsoft® Project are essential for the effective management of the Learning Team project. These tools provide clarity, structure, and visibility, which are critical for coordinating activities, managing resources, and ensuring timely delivery. Understanding the relationship between WBS components and the visual insights provided by Gantt charts empowers project managers to anticipate challenges and respond proactively, thereby increasing the likelihood of project success.

References

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Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.

Leach, L. P. (2014). Critical Chain Project Management. Artech House.

Phillips, J., & Soltys, M. (2015). Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2. The Stationery Office.

Verzuh, E. (2015). The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management. Wiley.

Marchewka, J. T. (2014). Information Technology Project Management. Wiley.

Heldman, K. (2018). Project Management jump start. Jossey-Bass.

Gido, J., & Clements, J. (2018). Successful Project Management. Cengage Learning.

Clear, A. (2020). Using Microsoft Project for project scheduling. Microsoft Press.