Critically evaluate how a new project planning approach can lead to better cost plan and improved project performance (including academic references)

Description

In the role of the Chief Project Planning Manager you are required to develop a report (including academic references), structured along the following lines:

Part A – General Overview (60%) – approx. 1,600 words [LO1; LO2; LO4]

Critically evaluate how a new project planning approach can lead to better cost plan and improved project performance (including academic references), specifically:

Explain how the different approaches to costing can benefit cost planning in a project;

Suggest several specific project planning techniques for improved project performance;

Evaluation several risk management approaches in project planning for improved project performance; and

Explain the relationship between project planning and the controlling of budgets and time schedules in project management.

Part B – Project Planning Gantt Chart Report (20%) – approx. 200 words of added explanation [LO1; LO3]

Given the importance of your report, develop a one-page project plan in Gantt chart. The chart should clearly indicate the start date, the critical tasks, milestones and the planned end date. Include the Gantt chart in the content of your report.

Part C – Budget Creation (20%) – approx. 200 words of added explanation [LO1; LO 2; LO3]

Assuming that the project will run perfectly to the schedule outlined by you in Part B with all contract personnel working as defined on the tasks indicated, generate an overall budget planning for your report, including:

Your own salary at £5,250 p.c.m. (per current month), the 2 secretaries and 2 consultants, and accommodation costs £150 per day per person;

All new PC hardware (total fixed cost: £35,000) and project planning software (total fixed cost: £27,000), and total miscellaneous fixed costs of £25,000;

Create budget positions for meetings, travel costs and other activities at your discretion within the overall budget limit; and