Approaches to Project Planning and Control: Benefits and Limitations

The assignment is intended to bring out the benefits and limitations of different approaches to project planning and control by relating these to the circumstances in the cases outlined. It is also intended to allow students to demonstrate their learning and competence in respect of the management of resources generally, but in particular, elements of scope, schedule, quality, and cost.
Task 1 (40% marks) 700 words (+/- 10%). Each short answer question requires a response in a few sentences and paragraphs.
1) Explain the quotation by a project management author by the name of G. Reiss: He says, “Project management is like juggling three balls – time, cost and quality. Program management is like a troupe of circus performers standing in a circle, each juggling three balls and swapping balls from time to time.”
2) There nine project management functions from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) course material for the Pennsylvania Project Management Professional certification. Name three of the functions that form the very essence of project management and describe each briefly. (6 marks)
3) There are many advantages and disadvantages of project management. Give three (3) of each and explain with examples. (10 marks)
4) An independent airline flying short-haul routes is keen to improve efficiency and believes that one aspect of its operations that can be improved is the time it takes to service planes between flights. The following are the compiled activities involved and their corresponding precedent activities:

Task 2: (60% marks) (2,300 words +/- 10%).
Read and analyse the following case study, “Aaron Goes To Teams”. Then answer the questions at the end of the case study write-up. The aim is to learn how to do a work related task, something that will benefit you and your employer. The extent to which the assignment reresents an effective report; this will be judged on:

Appearance: Is a word count included at the end of the report? Is it within the specified amount? Is the text double spaced?
Structure: Does the report follow the conventions of the format? Does it have a clear introduction, explaining how it answers the questions? Do the sections of the report develop ideas in a logical sequence? Are diagrams or other subsidiary information shown in appendices?
Spelling and grammar: Are all words spelled correctly and is the meaning of sentences clear?
Referencing: Have appropriate references been included in the report. Has a recognised referencing system been used for notation? (See relevant section in the Guide to Basic Study Skills)
Use of relevant theory (40%) (24 marks)
Has the right theoretical content been chosen as the basis for answering the questions? Is there evidence of the use of course notes and books? Is the theory that is selected significant to the questions?
Analysis (40%) (24 marks)
This measures the extent to which students develop a structured argument for the points they make, by combining relevant theory with the information provided in the questions.