Chapter 11: Project Management

Question 1

Features of a well-run project

Answer 1

• clear AIM reflecting the needs of the customer
• thorough planning and full analysis of the risks involved
• a schedule of milestones should be produced, and progress against these milestones monitored
• the project should move along at an appropriate pace
• critical paths should be managed
• the success of the project should be measured against performance and quality standards
• thorough testing should take place at all stages
• excellent communication between those involved, with the team working in a supporting way
• relationship with external suppliers should be stable but challenging.
• if conflicts arise, they should be dealt with positively to act as a source of ideas and as a tool for development

Question 2

Who would be in a project team?

Answer 2

• Project owner / sponsor
• Project manager

Other people involved in:

• designing
• building
• specifying
• implementing the project

The end users of the project should also be involved from the start.

Question 3

What roles should the members of the team play:

Project owner

Answer 3

Should concentrate on the agreed milestone review points ensuring that they are properly scheduled and that the project is fully reviewed each time a milestone is met.
The project owner should make sure that critical questions are asked at these points.

Question 4

What roles should the members of the team play:

Project manager

Answer 4

More hands-on.
Must be a strong, experienced individual.

Able to 
- establish direction,
- decide on action,
- organise resources 
- and motivate 
the project team.

Question 5

What does the written strategy document contain (at a high level)?

Answer 5

At a high level:

• sets out the aims of the project
• any implementation issues
• the risks involved
• ways of managing the risks

Question 6

What does the written strategy document contain (at a detailed level)?

Answer 6

sections on

• what the OBJECTIVES are (including economic)
• – how these objectives will be met
• – acceptable quality standards against which to assess the objectives
• ROLES of the parties involved (project sponsor & 3rd parties)
• a BREAKDOWN of the work to be completed
• MILESTONE REVIEW points
• EXPECTED COST of the project
• need for INSURANCE or reinsurance
• VARIOUS POLICIES.

Question 7

Various policies contained in the written strategy document

Answer 7

• financing policy
• legal policy
• technical policy
• communications policy
• risk management policy
• IT policy
• policy dealing with conflicts of interest