Project Overview: Is The Scenario For The Course Project ✓ Solved

Project Overviewbelow Is The Scenario For The Course Project Assignmen

Project Overviewbelow Is The Scenario For The Course Project Assignmen

Below is the scenario for the course project assignment. You are assuming the role of the project manager for a company (you select the name) to provide a new product (Backpack with built in refrigerated pouch and radio module) to a customer (U.S. Army, Ground Forces and Special Operations).

Your company was recently awarded a delivery contract on a new product (see below). You were newly hired by the company; you will assume the role as the assigned program manager overseeing the design, development, production and delivery of the new product.

The details below provide a summary to the course project:

  • Company type (name your company): A small defense contractor located in the United States of America
  • Company size (employees): 100
  • Product: Backpack with built in refrigerated pouch and radio module
  • Awarded quantity: 200 units (100 assigned to Ground Forces / 100 assigned to Special Operations)
  • Program Budget: Proposed award: $1,500,000
  • Customer: U.S. Army, Ground Forces and Special Operations
  • Award date: September 1, 2015
  • Completion date: March 1, 2017
  • Delivery schedule: 100 units 12 months after receipt of order (ARO). 50 units every 3 months after first delivery

Milestone Schedule:

  • First delivery: September 1
  • Second delivery: December 1
  • Last delivery: March 1
  • First milestone payment (from customer): October 30
  • Second Milestone payment: January 30
  • Final Milestone payment: May 30
  • Initial Program review (at the customer's site): November 16
  • Subsequent Program reviews: 6 months after the initial review

Expected Result from Senior Management:

  • On-time delivery for the three stated product deliverables
  • Complete the total program under the stated budget of $1,500,000
  • All milestones accomplished by due dates listed
  • Secure a follow-on contract for future additional units (backpacks)

Memo to: [Recipient Name]

From: [Your Name]

cc: [Name]

Date: [Click to select date]

Re: Project update

Introduction:

An overview of the project scope, including the customer contract, key deliverables, budget, timeline, and project goals.

Customer:

U.S. Army, Ground Forces and Special Operations

Initial program action items

  • Develop detailed project plan with schedules, costs, and resources
  • Assemble project team and assign roles
  • Conduct risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies
  • Establish communication plan and reporting processes

Project Risks / Risk Mitigation Strategies:

  1. Risk 1: Delay in component procurement due to supplier issues. Mitigation: Establish multiple suppliers, early engagement, and buffer stock.
  2. Risk 2: Technical challenges during integration. Mitigation: Conduct early prototype testing and cross-functional reviews.
  3. Risk 3: Cost overruns exceeding budget. Mitigation: Regular cost monitoring and scope control measures.
  4. Risk 4: Meeting delivery deadlines. Mitigation: Develop detailed schedule, monitor progress weekly, and adjust resources as needed.
  5. Risk 5: Non-compliance with customer specifications. Mitigation: Continuous quality assurance checks throughout the development process.

Memo Conclusion:

The project team will focus on adhering to milestones, managing risks proactively, and ensuring budget compliance to meet customer expectations and secure future business opportunities.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction and Project Scope

The project involves the development and delivery of a specialized backpack equipped with a built-in refrigerated pouch and radio module for the U.S. Army's Ground Forces and Special Operations. As the project manager, my primary responsibilities include establishing a comprehensive project plan, overseeing design, procurement, manufacturing, and ensuring timely delivery within the assigned budget of $1.5 million. The project aims to satisfy the customer requirements with on-time deliveries, adherence to milestones, and quality standards, with the ultimate goal of securing future contracts.

Project Planning and Stakeholder Engagement

Initial steps involve forming a dedicated project team, defining roles, and conducting a detailed scope analysis. The team will develop a work breakdown structure (WBS) to facilitate precise scheduling and resource planning. Active engagement with the customer during initial reviews is essential for aligning expectations and gathering feedback, especially in the first program review scheduled for November 16.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan

Effective risk management is crucial for project success. Five primary risks have been identified:

  1. Supply chain delays: Addressed by establishing multiple suppliers early in the process and maintaining buffer stock of critical components.
  2. Technical integration challenges: Mitigated through early prototyping, iterative testing, and cross-team collaboration.
  3. Budget overruns: Managed through ongoing cost tracking, scope management, and contingency reserves.
  4. Delivery schedule pressures: Ensured via regular progress monitoring, schedule adjustments, and resource reallocation if necessary.
  5. Regulatory and compliance issues: Prevented by implementing rigorous quality assurance procedures and liaison with regulatory bodies.

Implementation and Monitoring

The project execution phase involves procurement, manufacturing, quality control, and logistics management. A detailed schedule aligns with the milestone dates, including the delivery of 100 units by September 1, 2016, followed by incremental deliveries. Regular project reviews and status meetings will facilitate early identification of issues and corrective actions.

Cost Control and Budget Management

Maintaining the project within budget requires continuous monitoring of expenditures and effective scope management. Variances will be analyzed, and corrective measures implemented promptly to prevent budget overruns.

Communication and Reporting

Transparent communication channels are vital for stakeholder engagement. Monthly reports, milestone reviews, and formal updates will be provided to the senior management and customer to ensure alignment and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

Conclusion

Successfully delivering this project on time, within scope, and within budget necessitates robust planning, proactive risk management, and consistent stakeholder communication. Achieving these objectives will position the company favorably for future collaborations and contract extensions with the U.S. Army.

References

  • Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
  • PMBOK Guide. (2021). Sixth Edition. Project Management Institute.
  • Heldman, K. (2018). PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide. Sybex.
  • Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Leach, L. P. (2014). Critical Chain Project Management. Artech House.
  • Patel, K., & Taneja, S. (2020). Risk Management in Projects. International Journal of Project Management.
  • Meredith, J. R., & Mantel Jr., S. J. (2017). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.
  • Zwikael, O., & Smyrk, J. (2011). Project Management for the Creation of Organisational Value. Springer.
  • Gido, J., & Clements, J. (2018). Successful Project Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Gray, C. F., & Larson, E. W. (2017). Project Management: The Managerial Process. McGraw-Hill Education.

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