Week 3 Project Instructions: Communication, Risk, And Human

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The course has major project assignments due in Weeks 3 and 5, which require extensive research and preparation. This week's submission includes three key components: the communications plan, risk assessment and mitigation plan, and the organization and human resources plan.

For the communications plan, identify stakeholders from the requirements determination section. Add a new stakeholder and specify their information needs, the messages to communicate, the timing and frequency of communication, the responsible person, and the communication medium.

The risk assessment involves identifying potential risks that could prevent the project from meeting its objectives on time and within budget. Develop a risk mitigation plan with severity rankings for each risk, and for the most severe risk, include triggers and responsible team members for response.

The organization and human resources plan require an organizational structure for the project, highlighting skills needed, team members, their roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and placement within the structure based on the project stage. Create a responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) and summarize key insights gained, including important ideas, challenges, and practical applications of the learning.

Prepare a comprehensive 6- to 8-page document in APA style, titled SU_PMC6601_W3_LastName_FirstInitial.doc, and submit it via the designated Submissions Area by the deadline.

Paper For Above instruction

The successful management and execution of projects within organizational settings rely heavily on effective communication, diligent risk management, and a well-structured human resources plan. Each component interplays to ensure project objectives are achieved within scope, time, and budget constraints. This paper discusses these critical aspects in the context of a typical project and illustrates how they collectively contribute to project success.

Communication Plan Development

Crafting an efficient communication plan is foundational to stakeholder engagement and information dissemination throughout the project lifecycle. Initially, identification of key stakeholders derived from the requirements determination phase sets the stage for targeted communication. For example, stakeholders can include project sponsors, team members, end-users, vendors, and regulatory bodies.

Adding a new stakeholder, such as a regulatory agency, requires specifying their information needs—such as compliance reports—and the messages to be communicated, like project updates on regulatory approvals. Establishing their preferred communication methods (e.g., email or meetings), the frequency (bi-weekly updates), and assigning a responsible communicator (project manager or compliance officer) ensures clarity and accountability.

The medium selected—such as email, meetings, or collaboration platforms—should suit the stakeholder’s preferences and the nature of information. Regular updates foster transparency, mitigate misunderstandings, and facilitate swift decision-making.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies

Proactively managing risks is vital for safeguarding project objectives. Risks may arise from technical challenges, resource limitations, scheduling conflicts, or external factors like regulatory changes. Identifying these risks involves thorough analysis of project activities, past experiences, and potential external influences.

Each identified risk is assigned a severity ranking—low, moderate, high, or critical—based on its potential impact on project scope, schedule, and budget. For instance, a critical risk could be the loss of a key technical resource. Developing mitigation strategies involves outlining specific actions, such as cross-training team members, establishing contingency funds, or scheduling buffer periods.

For the most severe risk, such as project scope creep, triggers might include scope change requests exceeding a certain threshold. Responsible team members, such as the project manager and change control board, are tasked with monitoring and responding to these triggers promptly.

Organization and Human Resources Planning

An effective project organization structure clarifies reporting relationships, delineates roles, and ensures the right skills are aligned with project needs. Creating a hierarchical chart, such as a functional, matrix, or projectized structure, provides visual clarity on these relationships.

Identifying core skills—including technical expertise, communication proficiency, and leadership—is essential to assign qualified team members efficiently. For example, software developers, QA specialists, and project coordinators must be engaged according to the project phase. At initiation, a core team may include a project manager, business analyst, and technical lead, while later stages add testers and deployment specialists.

Developing a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), commonly a RACI chart, assigns roles such as Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task, fostering accountability and clarity.

Reflecting on established insights, key ideas emphasize the importance of clear stakeholder communication, risk preparedness, and structured team organization. Challenges include balancing stakeholder expectations and managing unforeseen risks. Applying these principles practically involves setting up structured communication channels, conducting risk assessments regularly, and maintaining flexible organizational structures that adapt to project needs.

Conclusion

Integrating a comprehensive communication plan, proactive risk management, and a well-organized human resources framework is crucial for project success. These elements ensure transparent communication, mitigate threats, and mobilize the right talent effectively, enabling projects to meet their objectives efficiently and effectively.

References

• Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
• PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). Project Management Institute.
• Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
• Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2017). Project Management: The Managerial Process. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Heldman, K. (2018). PMP: Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide. Sybex.
• Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2014). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.
• Clements, J., & Gido, J. (2017). Successful Project Management. Cengage Learning.
• Kennerly, M., & Capaldi, N. (2013). Applying Project Management to the Development of Construction Projects. International Journal of Project Management, 31(4), 430-440.
• Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of Project Management. AMACOM.
• Turner, J. R. (2014). Gower Handbook of Project Management. Gower Publishing.