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Youcef Ibrahim - Module 6 Critical Thinking - Project Management Simulation Scenario A

The document provides an analysis of the author's experience as a project manager for Scenario A. Key decisions included choosing a Level 3 project scope that included duplex printing and 3-in-1 functionality. The team size was kept small at three people with basic skills, supplemented by outsourced tasks, to control costs. Challenges with timelines and motivation were addressed through adjustments like dropping prototypes and increasing coaching. Ultimately the project was successful, delivering beyond expectations, though it went over budget and timeline. The author reflects on lessons learned about the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making for project success.

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75 views

Youcef Ibrahim - Module 6 Critical Thinking - Project Management Simulation Scenario A

The document provides an analysis of the author's experience as a project manager for Scenario A. Key decisions included choosing a Level 3 project scope that included duplex printing and 3-in-1 functionality. The team size was kept small at three people with basic skills, supplemented by outsourced tasks, to control costs. Challenges with timelines and motivation were addressed through adjustments like dropping prototypes and increasing coaching. Ultimately the project was successful, delivering beyond expectations, though it went over budget and timeline. The author reflects on lessons learned about the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making for project success.

Uploaded by

youcef.ibrahim
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 6 Critical Thinking: Project

Management Simulation Scenario A

Youcef Ibrahim

Colorado State University Global

Introduction to Project Management

Professor Melinda Hollingshed

January 27, 2024


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Introduction

In the dynamic realm of project management, the journey of steering a team


towards success involves a myriad of decisions and adaptations. This essay delves into a
comprehensive analysis of my journey as the project manager in Scenario A, highlighting
the pivotal choices made regarding project scope, team size, resources, and team
processes. The narrative reflects on the challenges encountered, strategies employed,
and the ultimate outcomes achieved.

Project Scope Decision

The journey begins with the selection of Level 3 as the project scope,
encompassing duplex printing and 3-in-1 functionality. The decision aligns with the
management's expectations of retaining rough parity with the competitor's new printer.
However, as the initial estimation projected a completion timeframe of 22 weeks, a
critical decision to drop one prototype was made in a bid to expedite the project.

Team Size and Resources

Strategically opting for a team of three individuals with basic skills, supplemented
by outsourcing certain support tasks, aimed at maintaining a balance between cost-
effectiveness and productivity. Weekly costs were meticulously managed to stay below
the targeted budget, showcasing the project manager's adept financial acumen.

However, as challenges emerged, such as the struggle to understand tasks,


adjustments were made by increasing one-on-one coaching and outsourcing primary
tasks.
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Team Process and Adaptations

Accordingly, the establishment of a well-defined meeting structure, including


one-on-one coaching, standup meetings, and status reviews, aimed at enhancing team
coordination and skill development. As challenges unfolded, such as insufficient
communication and struggling team members, adaptations were made by introducing
additional standup meetings and dropping one-on-one coaching. Notably, the decision t
o cancel coaching and maintain only weekly standup meetings in later stages reflected a
dynamic response to the team's evolving needs. In Project Management: A Strategic
Managerial Approach we see ties between communication, coordination, and
constructive tones and the impact on morale (Meredith et al., 2019).

Navigating Project Timeline and Challenges

A research conducted in 2020 for the journal Risk Management & Healthcare
Policy highlighted the significance of organizational support and the reduction of
workplace hindrances as crucial factors for project success (Wang et al., 2020). Thus, my
journey encountered various challenges, including timeline deviations and motivational
issues. Decisive actions were taken, such as dropping prototypes and adjusting the skill
level, to realign the project with the targeted completion timeframe. The introduction of
prototypes at a later stage proved beneficial in mitigating problems and maintaining the
estimated completion target.

Reflection on Project Management Experience

The essay concludes with a reflective note on my experience as the project


manager, acknowledging the challenges faced and the lessons learned. The
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acknowledgment of areas for improvement and the aspiration for enhanced


performance in future projects reflect a commitment to ongoing growth and
development in the realm of project management. Moreover, in the spirit of continuous
improvement, this project management experience lays the groundwork for future
endeavors. As I have acknowledged for the need for enhanced budget and schedule
management serves as a compass for future decision-making. The commitment to
leveraging experience for more precise course corrections reflects a growth-oriented
mindset.

Project Evaluation Ratings

The essay concludes by providing a concise summary of the project's evaluation


ratings in terms of scope, schedule, resources, and team processes. Despite deviations
from the original plan, the project manager achieved success in delivering a product that
exceeded expectations, showcasing the ability to navigate challenges and make
informed decisions.
In essence, the narrative encapsulates the intricate journey of project management,
underscoring the significance of adaptability, strategic decision-making, and continuous
learning in achieving project success.

Conclusion

In retrospect, my journey as a project manager in Scenario A was marked by


adaptability, strategic decision-making, and a relentless pursuit of the management's
objectives. While the project concluded with the successful delivery of a Level 3
product, surpassing initial expectations, it did extend beyond the targeted 18 weeks and
exceeded the budget. The narrative underscores the complex nature of project
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management, emphasizing the importance of continuous assessment, flexibility, and


responsiveness to achieve success. Also, the project's trajectory showcased the adeptness
in steering the team through a multifaceted landscape. The initial decision to opt for
Level 3 in the project scope, while ambitious, set the stage for a product that would
eventually surpass management expectations. However, the realization that the estimated
completion timeframe extended beyond the initial projection prompted a recalibration of
strategies.

References
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Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management Case Studies (Vol. Fifth edition).

Pinto, J. K., & Slevin, D. P. (1987). Critical Success Factors in Effective Project
Implementation. Project Management Journal, 18(3), 67–75.

Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.

Turner, J. R. (2019). The Handbook of Project-Based Management (5th ed.). McGraw-

Hill

Meredith, J. R., Mantel, S. J., & Shafer, S. M. (2019). In


Project Management: A strategic managerial approach. essay, Wiley.

Wang, Z., Zaman, S., Rasool, S. F., Zaman, Q. uz, & Amin, A. (2020). Exploring the
relationships between a toxic workplace environment, Workplace Stress, and
project success with the moderating effect of organizational support: Empirical
evidence from Pakistan.Risk Management and Healthcare Policy Volume 13,
1055-1067. https://doi.org/10.2147/rmhp.s256155

Appendix
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