Project Management Process questions & Strategic Application in Project Planning

Strategic Application in Project Planning

Chapter. 1 Modern Project Management

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand why project management is crucial in today’s world

2. Distinguish a project from routine operations

3. Identify the different stages of project life cycle

4. Understand the importance of projects in implementing organization strategy

5. Understand that managing projects involves balancing the technical and sociocultural dimensions of the project

Reflection and Discussion Forum Week 1

Reflect on the assigned readings for the week. Identify what you thought was the most important concept(s), method(s), term(s), and/or any other thing that you felt was worthy of your understanding.

Also, provide a graduate-level response to each of the following questions:

1. Individually identify what you consider to be the greatest achievements accomplished by mankind in the last five decades. Now share your list with three to five other students in the class, and come up with an expanded list. Review these accomplishments in terms of the definition of a project. What does your review suggest about the importance of project management?

 Respond to the post of at least two peers, using 100 words minimum each.

[Your initial post should be based upon the assigned reading for the week, so the textbook should be a source listed in your reference section and cited within the body of the text. Other sources are not required but feel free to use them if they aid in your discussion].

 [Your initial post should be at least 450+ words and in APA format (including Times New Roman with font size 12 and double spaced). Post the actual body of your paper in the discussion thread then attach a Word version of the paper for APA review]

Activity 1.

Read the Case " A Day in the Life" at the end of chapter 1 and response to the following questions:

Rachel, the project manager of a large information systems project, arrives at her office early to get caught up with work before her co-workers and project team arrive. However, as she enters the office, she meets Neil, one of her fellow project managers, who also wants to get an early start on the day. Neil has just completed a project overseas. They spend 10 minutes socializing and catching up on personal news.

(Rest of case not shown due to length.)

How effectively do you think Rachel spent her day?

What does the case tell you about what it is like to be a project manager?