Project Planning & Control: Network

Project Planning, Control, Schedule, Budget, and Management Methodologies

Answered

Â 1. Identify and discuss the methods of project planning and project control that can be used.

2. Construct a network schedule for the project, will the project be able to be completed by the May 20 deadline?

â€¢ How long will it take and what is the critical path for the project?

â€¢ Based on the schedule would you recommend that Interactive Software Ltd pursue this contact? Why?

â€¢ What steps might be taken to improve the timing schedule if the project were required to be completed in 100 days earlier?Â

Include a Gantt chart for the project schedule. Higher marks awarded if done using appropriate software and correct with no errors. Higher marks are awarded using the software Microsoft Project.

3. What are the estimated costs of the deliverables? What weaknesses are inherent in this estimating approach? Develop a proper project budget. Justify your choices and estimates. The best and most thorough way to do this is to start with your WBS task hierarchy (task 2) and go down each task and make an estimate of labour hours and direct costs (e.g., travel expenses, equipment costs, etc.) associated with that task. The best tool to use is Microsoft Project ,however a spreadsheet like Excel can also be used .?

You will need to set "billable rates" for your project team members (identified in task 3) and make estimates for direct expenses (purchase of equipment or software, travel expenses, etc.) that are likely to be needed for this project. Take some time to apply some formatting to make the budget presentation attractive and easy to read (apply appropriate fonts types, spacing, borders, etc.). Higher marks are awarded using the software Microsoft Project.

4. What project management methodologies can be used for implementing this project successfully?Â You are permitted to upload 4 files. Please DO NOT use win.rar files (only MS Office or PDF please).

You will have the opportunity to test your knowledge on project management through the use of a quiz that has to be submitted on Moodle byÂ it has a duration of 45 minutes and will consist of 35 questions. You only have one attempt. Â

Marking Criteria:

Your Individual report and Quiz will be marked to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Table of Assessment Criteria and Associated Grading Criteria

Assessment Criteria Â	Â Part 2a Â Individual report	Â Part 2b Quiz
Â Weighting:	Â 60 % of assessment	Â 15 % of assessment
Grading Criteria Â 0 â€“ 29% Â	A badly failed piece of work. No real attempt to answer the questions. There are poor arguments and lack of relevance. Inadequate reference to relevant project management methodologies, tools and softwares and approaches to human resource management for implementing a successful project.	Not attempted / incomplete or very poor.
30 â€“ 39% Â	A failed piece of work. This report shows some understanding of the general but there are major errors and inadequate reference to all or some key concepts (i.e. project management methodologies, tools and softwares and approaches to human resource management for implementing a successful project). Contents partly or substantially irrelevant. Poorly structured.Â Displays little knowledge or understanding of the subject matter.	A little evidence of knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in discipline.Â
40 â€“ 49% Â	Material is largely relevant, but muddled, lacking focus and structure. Important elements are missing or there are significant errors of understanding of all or some key concepts (i.e. project management methodologies, tools and softwares and approaches to human resource management for implementing a successful project).	Attempts made but not sufficient to pass.
50 â€“ 59% Â	General sound attempt and questions answered that shows adequate knowledge of subject. However, there are some elements missing (i.e. project management methodologies, tools and softwares and approaches to human resource management for implementing a successful project) and there is a limited evidence of independent thought or further reading.	Adequate knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in discipline.Â
60 â€“ 69% Â	Comprehensive and coherent answers to the questions. Evidence of significant reading beyond the basic texts.Â Displays a good knowledge of the subject matter and an ability to discuss concepts (i.e. project management methodologies, tools and softwares and approaches to human resource management for implementing a successful project) intelligently and analytically.	Good knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in discipline.Â
70 â€“ 79% Â	Well-focussed answer and comprehensive. Strong evidence of reading beyond the basic texts and lecture materials, displays mastery of the subject matter and ability to discuss project management methodologies, tools and softwares and approaches to human resource management for implementing a successful project in an intelligent and penetrating manner. No major errors though some minor errors.	Very good knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in discipline.Â
80 - 90% Â	Well-focussed, carefully structured and thorough answer.Â Cogent and clearly argued around project management methodologies, tools and softwares and approaches to human resource management for implementing a successful project. There is originality and/or independent critical analytical ability that shows mastery of the subject matter to an exceptional degree. No major errors and only occasional minor errors.	Excellent knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in discipline.Â
90 â€“ 100% Â	Outstanding and insightful work. All major and minor objectives achieved. Containing evidence of significant independent research and it is well-structured. Aptly focussed and well-written. Free of errors or some minor errors	Outstanding knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in discipline.Â