Deliverable 5: Finalize Project Schedule And Mitigate Risks

Deliverable 5 Finalize Project Schedule And Mitigate Any Delayscompe

Evaluate the concepts of work breakdown structure, coding, forecasting, and scheduling as project control functions. Scenario Information You are assuming the role of the project manager for a company called SuperPacks to provide a new backpack product with a built-in refrigeration pouch and radio module. Your customer for this project is the U.S. Army, Ground Forces and Special Operations. As the project manager for your team, you will be submitting to your manager a project management report.

Instructions As the Project Manager, your manager has asked you to prepare a report on unplanned events that have occurred. You have been asked to present this report to a group of managers, and should discuss your course of action for two unplanned events (below) that have occurred for SuperPacks. You will need to analyze the impact of these events in your project management report as a presentation; this can be PowerPoint, Prezi, or any presentation tool. Make sure you address the following questions in your presentation as you will be giving it to the management team. Discuss your analysis on the following events: 1. It is discovered the refrigerated module is too large for the designed refrigerated backpack pouch. What is your course of action? 2. The subcontractor assigned to build the radio module for the backpack has shut down. What is your course of action? 3. Discuss four areas affected by these unexpected events. Three of the areas of the project affected by the events should include changes to budget, human capital, and impact to schedule. Identify one additional area affected by these events.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of project scheduling and mitigation of delays is essential in ensuring the success of complex projects such as the development of innovative military backpacks equipped with refrigeration and radio modules. Effective scheduling not only involves creating a detailed work breakdown structure (WBS) and coding system, but also forecasting potential risks and establishing control mechanisms to manage unforeseen events that could disrupt project timelines and budgets. This paper discusses the concepts of scheduling and specific strategies to mitigate delays caused by unanticipated issues, within the context of a project undertaken by SuperPacks for the U.S. Army’s Ground Forces and Special Operations.

Firstly, an accurate work breakdown structure (WBS) is critical in dissecting the project into manageable components. It provides clarity on task dependencies, resource allocation, and timelines, facilitating effective project control (PMI, 2017). Coding systems linked to the WBS enable tracking progress and costs at granular levels, which helps in early detection of deviations and prompt corrective actions. Forecasting techniques, including trend analysis and Monte Carlo simulations, assist project managers in predicting potential delays and resource shortages, thus enabling proactive planning (Meredith & Mantel, 2014).

Scheduling tools such as Gantt charts and Critical Path Method (CPM) are paramount in illustrating task sequences, durations, and identifying critical tasks that directly impact the project finish date. Regular updates and continuous monitoring of schedules are necessary to detect delays early and implement mitigation strategies. For example, in the event of a size mismatch of the refrigerated module, the project team should enact a contingency plan that involves redesigning or resizing the pouch, potentially altering the project timeline and resource distribution.

Mitigation of delays requires a multifaceted approach. When the refrigerated module is found too large for the pouch, an immediate course of action includes re-evaluating the design specifications and engaging engineering teams to develop a compatible solution rapidly. Additionally, adjusting the project schedule to incorporate extra design and testing phases minimizes further delays (Kerzner, 2013). If redesigning is not feasible within the existing timeframe, a scope trade-off may be considered, but this could impact project quality and customer satisfaction.

The shutdown of the subcontractor responsible for the radio module presents another risk scenario. The project manager must promptly assess alternative options, such as onboarding a new subcontractor or accelerating in-house capabilities. A risk mitigation plan should include establishing relationships with multiple suppliers and maintaining contingency resources, which enhances flexibility in managing supplier-related delays (Bowers & Kirsch, 2011). Moreover, contract clauses should specify performance and penalty provisions to prevent future disruptions.

Beyond impacted schedule, budget, and human capital, one additional area affected by these unplanned events is stakeholder communication. Transparent and timely communication ensures that management and clients are updated on delays and mitigation strategies, thus maintaining trust and reducing uncertainty. Contingency planning and risk management frameworks support effective stakeholder engagement, which are integral to project success (Hillson, 2017).

In conclusion, integrating work breakdown structures, effective coding, forecasting, and scheduling techniques with robust control mechanisms is essential for mitigating delays in complex projects. Developing detailed contingency plans for unanticipated events, such as equipment mismatch and supplier shutdowns, ensures project resilience and aligns outcomes with strategic objectives. Proactive scheduling and ongoing risk management not only safeguard project timelines but also optimize resource utilization and stakeholder confidence.

References

• Bowers, J., & Kirsch, L. (2011). Managing supply chain risks: A review and implications for project management. International Journal of Production Economics, 131(2), 430–439.
• Hillson, D. (2017). Managing Risk in Projects. Routledge.
• Kerzner, H. (2013). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
• Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2014). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.
• PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). Project Management Institute.