Project Overview: The Scenario For The Course Project ✓ Solved

Project Overview Below is the scenario for the course project

You are assuming the role of the project manager for a company 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). You will be required to submit a final paper on the project addressing all of the objectives described in the project summary.

Your company was recently awarded a delivery contract on a new product. 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:

  • Company Name: AMR Defense Contractors
  • Company Size: 100 employees
  • 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 ARO (after receipt of order). 50 units every 3 months after the first delivery.
  • Milestone Schedule:
    • First Delivery: September 1, 2016
    • Second Delivery: December 1, 2016
    • Last Delivery: March 1, 2017
    • First Milestone Payment: October 30, 2015
    • Second Milestone Payment: January 30, 2017
    • Final Milestone Payment: May 30, 2017
    • Initial Program Review: November 16, 2015
    • Subsequent Program Reviews: 6 months after the initial review

Paper For Above Instructions

As the project manager for AMR Defense Contractors overseeing the development and delivery of a backpack with a built-in refrigerated pouch and radio module for the U.S. Army, Ground Forces, and Special Operations, the key to success lies in effective project management practices. This paper outlines the project management strategies and methodologies that will be employed to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the standards required by the end-user.

Project Planning and Development

The project will begin with a detailed planning phase, including a comprehensive analysis of the statement of work (SOW). The SOW will outline the expectations and requirements of the U.S. Army, providing a roadmap for deliverables and milestones. Developing a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is essential for maintaining clarity and organization throughout the project. The WBS will include high-level work packages, associated milestones, and lower-level tasks that need to be completed to achieve the overall project goals.

Risk Management

Identifying potential risks is crucial in project management. In this context, risks could range from technical challenges in developing the backpack’s refrigeration system to supply chain disruptions. A risk management plan will be enacted to assess and prioritize risks, followed by strategies for mitigation, ensuring any issues that arise do not derail the project timeline or budget.

Resource Allocation

Effective resource allocation is critical as AMR Defense Contractors has a limited workforce of 100 employees. Key team members, including engineers, production staff, and project coordinators, will be assigned designated roles. Lines of communication will be established to streamline collaboration between team members and maintain clarity on responsibilities. Regular meetings will be held to encourage feedback and update team members on project progress.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance processes must be integrated throughout the project lifecycle. Each component of the backpack, particularly the refrigeration and radio modules, will undergo rigorous testing procedures to meet military standards. This includes functional testing, reliability testing under various environmental conditions, and final inspections prior to delivery.

Budget Management

With a program budget of $1,500,000, it is vital to maintain stringent budgetary controls. A budget breakdown will be created to track expenditures and ensure the project remains within financial constraints. Transparent financial reporting practices will be established to provide stakeholders with timely updates on the budget status. Regular financial audits can help identify any discrepancies early in the project lifecycle.

Milestone Tracking

The project includes critical milestones such as initial payments and delivery schedules. Each milestone will be tracked using performance metrics to assess progress. For instance, the first milestone payment is scheduled for October 30, 2015, and is contingent upon timely completion of initial project phases. Meeting these milestones is essential for maintaining stakeholder confidence and ensuring ongoing funding.

Final Deliverables

The final deliverable will be a completed project ready for delivery to the U.S. Army by March 1, 2017. The backpack should not only meet functional requirements but must also adhere to the U.S. Army's durability and reliability standards. The project will conclude with a formal presentation to the Army, showcasing the features of the product and the effectiveness of the project management strategies employed during the development process.

Conclusion

In assuming the role of the program manager for AMR Defense Contractors, the focus is on meticulous planning, risk assessment, resource allocation, quality assurance, budget management, and milestone tracking. Each of these components will play a significant role in delivering the new product to the U.S. Army on time and within budget, ensuring that the needs of the Ground Forces and Special Operations are met effectively.

References

  • Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Control. John Wiley & Sons.
  • PMI. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Project Management Institute.
  • Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Kendrick, T. (2015). Results-Oriented Project Management. AMACOM.
  • Saylor, J. (2017). Project Risk Management. Association for Project Management.
  • Verzuh, E. (2015). The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management. Wiley.
  • Youker, R. (2014). Project Management Success: A Practical Guide. Fig Publishing.
  • Wysocki, R. K. (2019). Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme. Wiley.
  • Harrison, F. L. (2016). Project Management for Engineering and Technology. Routledge.
  • Lock, D. (2018). Project Management. Gower Publishing, Ltd.

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