Project Management
Project managers serve a very important role at the beginning of the project that sets the stage for the successful delivery of the project outcomes with the customer. This role is that of helping the customer to very prescriptively define the specifications that will be used to measure the success of the project and then to provide mechanisms that will both a) measure the project’s ability to meet the specification at every stage and b) provide a clear linkage to the customer through communication methods that the deliverables for the project are meeting the original customer expectations. In short, the project manager must clearly and jointly define with the customer what “success” looks like at the completion of the project and ensure each is on the same page of understanding at inception, during execution, and finally at implementation.
Instructions
You have been assigned as lead project manager on the development of a new space shuttle which will carry colonists to Mars. Discuss the questions below:
What are the 3 most critical specifications you must gain consensus on from the conglomerate funding the development, and why do you believe these are the most critical?
What methods do you plan to use to track these specifications as the project unfolds, and how will you communicate the progress on the deliverables to the stakeholders in the conglomerate?
What is your responsibility plan or in other words, how do you intend to ensure that information and decisions are made by the people with the authority to make them? What kinds of conflict are likely to occur if you don’t establish these ownership responsibilities up front?