Project Organisation and Life Cycle BEN610

Assessment Item No. 1

Short Case Study Exercise

Description: The objective of the assignment is to test your general understanding of the theory as presented in the first five weeks of the unit. You are to write a 1500 word Brief to your CEO identifying three major project management problems, analysing the impact of these problems, and then, recommending and justifying changes to rectify these problems.
Feedback will be given approximately one week after your completion of the exercise. Relates to learning outcomes: Higher-order analysis and critical thinking pertinent to a particular discipline area Defining and solving problems in a discipline area Weight: 25% Internal or external: Internal Group or Individual: Individual Due date: Week 6

Matrix Structure

Executive Manager

Project Manager

Program Manager

Project Manager

Project Manager

Project Manager

Project Manager

Project Manager

Organisational Structure

Organisational Structure Influences on Projects

Project Life Cycle

Projects are divided into phases to provide better management control Collectively, these phases are known as the project life cycle. Many organisations identify a specific set of life cycles for use on all of their projects Each project phase is marked by completion of one or more deliverables. The conclusion of a project phase is generally marked by a review of both key deliverables and project performance The project life cycle defines the beginning and the end of a project

Project life cycles generally define:

What technical work to do in each phase When the deliverables are to be generated in each phase and how each deliverable is reviewed, verified and validated Who is involved in each phase How to control and approve each phase. Project life cycle descriptions can be very general or very detailed. Highly detailed descriptions of life cycles can include forms, charts and checklists to provide structure and control.

Project Life Cycle

Project Phase Deliverables

A deliverable is a tangible, verifiable work product such as a feasibility study, a detail design, or a working prototype. Deliverables from the preceding phase are usually approved before work starts on the next phase.

Typical sequence of phases in a project life cycle

Group Activity Does you organisation specify or mandate a particular project lifecycle structure? To what extent is it compatible with the nature of projects undertaken? How faithfully is it observed by project managers? What are advantages and disadvantages of life cycle? Are there any problems with the project life cycle in your organisation?

Mapping Of Project Management Processes and PMBOK Knowledge Areas