You have completed updating your project status in Microsoft Project and posted your completed file to your company’s web server for everyone to access. Is this project communication? Why or why not?
Project communication requires that, there be proper coordination between several parties prior to making the project information available to the public. It is prudent that after updating one’s project status in Microsoft word, the same should be forwarded to the project manager, the executive committee, and other organizational departments and even outside resources such as consultants, suppliers, and agencies that may have helpful information to be integrated. Therefore, posting the completed project information to the company’s web server for everyone to see before presenting the same to these other parties may not be regarded as project communication (Gray and Larson, 2008).
Identify and briefly describe the three types of constraints that can affect how you schedule resources
Constraints may refer to a factor that may hinder the options of executing the project. Constraints may comprise performance requirements including being able to meet environmental guidelines and recycling targets. They may also entail schedule and budget shortcomings as well as contractual, human resource, accounting, and legal provisions. The three types of constraints include, first, a schedule constraint. This is where a date of completion is imposed. Second, there’s a resource constraint that could arise from the availability of the main equipment or personnel. Third, there are budget constraints that may emanate from the availability of finances (Gray and Larson, 2008).
What are the four types of resource constraints? Please list them and provide an example of each
Resource constraints refer to lack of, inadequate or unique correlation or interaction aspects of resources that require project activities to be sequenced in a certain way. The four kinds of resource constraints include people, equipment, materials, and working capital (Gray and Larson, 2008). People can be in form of the human resources and personnel required to perform some project-related functions. They provide manpower to various activities that enhance the completion of a project.
Also, staffing and management of a project can only take place through people. Equipment may include, for instance, the machines required in performing project activities. Without them, most of the project-based activities such as in a construction project may not be accomplished. Materials include raw products, tools, and physical deliverables used in making the entire project successful. For example, raw materials used during the project’s manufacturing stage will determine the end product.
Working capital mainly includes the current assets that can easily be converted into liquid cash should the need arise. These may include cash in hand or at a bank, bank overdraft, and sundry creditors, among many others. Adequate working capital does not only maintain the solvency of the project process but also enhances the continuous supply of raw materials as well as a perpetual production process.
List and briefly discuss six (6) reasons why scheduling resources is an important task
First, through scheduling resources, project managers are able to evaluate the availability of resources. It’s not possible to have all the required resources at all times. For instance, an engineer who is supposed to work on more than one project is supposed to be scheduled for availability. Second, scheduling resources enables several projects that may share some or all of the resources to be worked on at the same time.
Third, through scheduling resources, managers of various projects will be able to control the costs of projects. Money can be an important resource when it comes to some projects that are resource-constrained. Fourth, by means of scheduling resources, project managers are able to express their flexibility with respect to the resources in their hands. This may include, for example, being able to borrow resources from another project. Fifth, project managers are able to allocate work to human resources. Therefore, work will be completed with the necessary expertise. Sixth, through scheduling resources, project managers are able to weigh the effect that unforeseen risks. These may include shipping delays and employee turnover (Gray and Larson, 2008).
Identify and briefly describe the two classifications of scheduling problems
Whether a project is resource or time-constrained can be determined using a priority matrix. The first classification is a time-constrained project. This is where a date is imposed by which the project should be completed. Whereas time is fixed, there’s flexibility in resources and more resources could be needed to complete the project. Second, we have a resource-constrained project. This is where the resources required to complete the project are fixed while the time is flexible. The project may be delayed by inadequate resources (Gray and Larson, 2008).
What are the important elements of a Project Communication Plan? Please identify these elements, and briefly discuss their importance
There are four main elements of a project communication plan. First, there’s a goal-setting. Goals should be written down and are there to guide the project team members on the expectations. Second, there are coordinating people. This involves the organization of various people to complete the project. Third, we have policies that should be written and be made available to all individuals involved in the project. There should be policies in all areas. Additionally, we’ve resources that should be made available to the recipients of the project. They are helpful in the education and empowerment of all partners (Gray and Larson,)
Reference
Gray, C.F., and Larson, E.W. (2008). Project Management (The Managerial Process). NY: Mc-Graw Hill/Irwin.