Disc 7

D1: When a Project Gets Risky

This activity will provide you with an opportunity to engage in discussion on a project management topic that was covered in this module. The class interaction will foster a learning environment in which you will learn from each other's experiences and opinions. In addition, you will practice using the project management jargon and expressing your opinions in a professional manner. The options available in this discussion have ethical considerations that are important to consider as a project manager.

Risk is a part of every business and project. Identifying and eliminating as much risk as possible are the duties of the project manager. Maintaining change/version control documents to validate changes in project scope is essential to ensure that the project will be paid for and the customer will accept the project upon completion.

Respond to the following:

You are the project manager for a new restaurant. The project includes construction of the physical building, equipping the kitchen to commercial standards, and ensuring that the kitchen has all essential elements and may be safely used to produce cuisine for customers. As the project progresses, you identify several areas with increased risk and approach the customer with suggestions for addressing the new risk. One area of concern is the change of management at a supplier. Historically, you have done business with AAA Concrete and the husband and wife owners, Marvin and Betty. Unfortunately, they have decided to retire and have turned the business over to their three children. You have heard rumors that the children do not offer the same quality materials as their parents, which could pose a significant problem given that the restaurant will have a large concrete balcony for alfresco (fresh air) dining. Would this be considered a risk to the project? Why or why not? What, if anything, should you do as the project manager?

One of the employees on the project has been approached by someone they know about purchasing a second-hand (used) commercial freezer and oven. The savings could be significant (around $50,000) compared to purchasing the new items. What should you as the project manager do in this situation? What support do you have for that decision? Does the availability of used appliances pose risk to the project? If accepted, would a change document be necessary? Justify your answer.

Provide a third scenario relating to risk. How would you handle the new instance as project manager? Please provide details.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on the "Reply". Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click "Post Reply." 

To respond to a peer, click “Reply” beneath her or his post and continue as with an initial post.

Evaluation

This discussion will be graded using the discussion board rubric. Please review this rubric, located on the Rubrics page within the Start Here module of the course, prior to beginning your work to ensure your participation meets the criteria in place for this discussion. All discussions combined are worth 15% of your final course grade.