Project Management
Project Management
SET A
Every organisational structure has benefits and drawbacks of its own. The size
of the organisation, its strategic goals, the industry it works in, and its external
environment are some of the variables that influence the structure choice.
Through an understanding of these structures, organisations can create a
framework that maximises performance while aligning with their objectives.
2) Elaborate on the Development of Project Network.
An essential step in project management is the creation of a project network, which is a visual
depiction of the tasks and dependencies within a project. Project managers can more
efficiently plan, coordinate, and oversee project activities with the aid of this process.
An explanation of the essential procedures for creating a project network is provided below:
1. Calculate the Duration of Activities: Estimate the amount of time needed to finish
each task. This estimate may be supported by past performance, professional opinion,
or the application of particular estimation methods like PERT (Program Evaluation
and Review Technique).
2. Determine the Critical Path: The longest path in the network diagram, known as the
critical path, establishes the quickest time frame for finishing the project. Finding the
earliest and latest start and finish times for each task is necessary to determine the
critical path. This aids in identifying the tasks that must be finished on time in order to
prevent the project from being delayed.
3. Revise and Uphold the Network: As the project develops, the project network must be
updated on a regular basis because it is not static. Changes in the network's scope, the
availability of resources, or unanticipated problems might call for modifications. To
guarantee that the network continues to accurately reflect the state of the project,
regular monitoring and updating are conducted.
4. Describe the Project's Activities: Making a list of every task or activity needed to
finish the project is the first step. In order to do this, the project must be divided into
manageable chunks, frequently using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Every
task needs to be precisely specified, with deadlines and deliverables in mind.
5. Construct the Network Diagram: The project network diagram is created using the
data on tasks, orders, and durations.
Network diagrams come in two primary varieties:
a. Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) or Activity on Node (AON) is a
diagramming technique in which dependencies are represented by arrows and
activities are represented by nodes.
b. The Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM), also referred to as Activity on
Arrow (AOA), uses arrows to symbolize activities and nodes to symbolize
milestones.
6. Allocation of Resources: Resources (people, tools, and materials) are assigned to each
task after the critical path and network diagram have been determined. This step helps to
identify any potential resource constraints and guarantees that the required resources are
available when needed.
7. Revise and Uphold the Network: As the project develops, the project network must be
updated on a regular basis because it is not static. Changes in the network's scope, the
availability of resources, or unanticipated problems might call for modifications. To
guarantee that the network continues to accurately reflect the state of the project, regular
monitoring and updating are conducted.
A key component of project management that improves scheduling, planning, and control of
project activities is creating a project network. Managers are able to guarantee timely delivery
of project objectives and successful project execution by methodically defining, ordering, and
visualising project tasks.
3) What is scheduling and its benefits?
An efficient and successful way to plan, carry out, and close down a project is with the aid of
a Project Management Information System (PMIS) or set of procedures. PMIS includes
software tools and techniques that make it easier to manage project information, improving
stakeholder coordination, communication, and decision-making.
Benefits of PMIS:
1. Improved Decision-Making: PMIS facilitates well-informed decision-making by
providing real-time access to project data and performance metrics. Project managers
have the ability to recognize problems, weigh options, and put solutions into action
fast.
2. Effective Communication: PMIS encourages improved stakeholder and team member
communication and collaboration. It offers a centralised forum for discussing
problems, monitoring advancement, and exchanging information.
3. Better Reporting and Documentation: PMIS produces thorough reports and
documentation that give a clear picture of the performance and status of the project.
By improving accountability and transparency, this keeps stakeholders informed and
involved.
4. Enhanced Productivity: PMIS reduces manual labor and boosts productivity by
automating a number of project management tasks. Project managers are able to
concentrate on more strategic tasks as a result.
5. Improved Resource Management: By monitoring availability, allocation, and usage,
PMIS guarantees the best possible use of resources. It guarantees that resources are
used efficiently by assisting in the prevention of resource conflicts and bottlenecks.
When it comes to making sure that projects are finished on schedule, within scope, and
within budget, a project manager (PM) is essential. A project manager is responsible for a
wide range of tasks that call for a combination of leadership, communication, and technical
skills.
A project manager must possess a variety of skills, including technical knowledge, strategic
thinking, and interpersonal abilities. PMs are essential to attaining organisational objectives
and promoting project success because they plan, manage, and close projects efficiently.
3) What are the steps for Closing the project?
One of the most important stages of the project management lifecycle is project closure. It
guarantees that all project tasks are finished, deliverables are approved, and all paperwork is
finished.
In order to guarantee that all project components are appropriately completed, lessons are
learned for subsequent projects, and resources are reallocated effectively, the project closure
phase is essential. Project managers can ensure a smooth and successful project closure,
satisfying stakeholders and laying the groundwork for future project successes, by adhering
to these guidelines.