Exam Question 3.1

Hi Paul

First Attempt at Exam question…

Explain the term project and describe four characteristics of a project?

A project is a unique, transient endeavour undertaken to achieve a desire outcome

Cost is a budget that is agreed by the sponsor & should be adhered to.

Time is the start to finish period of the project cycle.

Benefit is the measurable improvement perceived by the stakeholder as a direct result of the project deliverables being completed.

Quality is measured from checking if all the specifications are met & fit for purpose.

Differentiate between a project and business as usual; make five points in your answer

A project is unique, but a business as usual begins as a project the first time but is then repeated each time for the company benefit.

A project has a definite time constraint but a business as usual is an on-going operation.

Business as usual goes through a product cycle as its starts from a build all the way through to complete, a project  goes through a life cycle which only has a certain number of steps.

A project has a specific scope so we know what the job is; a business as usual is a project for the first few protocols of the mass production.    

A project is a way of change but a business as usual is used for the suitably of the organisation and there production.          

Explain the problems an organisation may have in implementing a project way of working.

People – you may need to retrain staff to be able to implement the project’s way of working. If Members of your team don’t work directly for the Project Manager then it may be hard to motivate them to carry out the job that is needed as there manager has other top priorities for them to be carrying out. 

Process – the organisation may think they have a better idea of keeping the project by following the organisation’s rules, but a Project Manager has a different view & find this rules frustrating but these are needed for the organisation to manage Risk.

Sometimes Organisations lack control, projects needs structure/stability to be completed within its restraints. 

Technology –  projects often bring in new technology which then could lead to risks as for example a new computer system could be unreliable/not work or be delayed, all of these can impact on the time and the cost of the project.

When new technology is implemented more knowledge is needed beyond what the staff at the organisation can offer, this often leads to it been subbed out to another company which leads to a high level of contract staff.  A good working relationship is required and very important.

thanks