Project Management

Problem Description

In this course I explored methods of project management, reviewed case studies and discussed business problems and how project management impacted outcomes both positively and negatively. I learned the fundamental principles, tools and best practices for successful project management.

Analysis Procedures

I created a Work Breakdown Schedule using Microsoft Project and compared that output to a traditional Gantt chart. I described the network sensitivity, identified the project slack and determined milestones.

Results

Building a Network Diagram

As part of this course of study, I studied cases of businesses that were facing challenges and made recommendations based on performing root cause analysis. I learned how to diagram a critical path and map a project’s most efficient course to completion. Doing this helped me understand ways of analyzing a project and planning for effective execution beyond my previous knowledge and experience.

Calculating Earned Value Statistics

Another valuable skill I gained was how to calculate Earned Value statistics. Given limited information, we were asked to develop status reports and calculate cost variance, cost performance index and percent complete index budgeted costs of a project.

Below is an example of an Earned Value Status report submitted showing status reports, cost variance calculations, cost performance index and percent complete index budgeted costs for the assigned project. Doing this work gave me a deeper understanding of business projects and caused me to consider other dimensions beyond technical work. Click the image to view the entire report.

Group Project

In addition to the individual work, at the end of the course we participated in a group project. Our team of five was tasked with developing and executing a project plan for a two-year initiative designed to acquire, transport, and distribute 1,000,000 books to libraries, public schools, and universities across four designated regions in Guatemala. The project’s goal is to promote education and literacy, providing access to quality learning materials for students and communities in need.

I performed the role of Project Manager, overseeing the entire project execution, ensuring alignment with objectives, managing team coordination, scheduling, and project timelines in addition to addressing risks, issues and overall project performance.

We worked together to develop our project scope and goals, communicate with stakeholders, create a work breakdown structure (WBS), budget, and schedule. Then we progressed our project through the exercise, changing our plans when unexpected events challenged our project plan, collaborating on timelines, tasks, and the final project deliverables.

Follow this LINK to review the final presentation, detailing our work.

Reflections

Working on a group project was an enlightening and educational experience. Our team came together to plan and execute our project, and we adjusted to the unexpected circumstances that were provided as part of the scenario gamification. I gained a great deal of practical skill and experience through this class.

I gained useful skills and professional knowledge by taking a course in Project Management, deepening my professional capacity, learning the technical aspects of project planning and execution.