Scope, Schedule and Cost of the Project, Essay Example

Abstract

Project management incorporates many tools and techniques to facilitate the opportunity for the success of a project implementation. When developing a project there are three areas of concern including scope, schedule and cost of the project. By utilizing the best practice framework outlined by the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) the project team will have the best environment to adhere to the client’s requirements while also meeting the time and cost demands.  Leading a project requires the ability to lead, manage, facilitate and mentor all aspects of the project in order to successfully complete the deliverables.

Project Leadership

According to the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) a project is an effort taken on by a particular group to achieve a goal or objective.  This is temporary in nature and has a definitive start and finish, both of which are critical to the success factors managed and led by the project manager.  In order to increase the ability to take that project from beginning to end there needs to be a framework in place as a set of guiding principles.  The PMBOK is that guiding principle and the project manager is the leader of that set of policies, procedures and framework to increase the ability for success.  This guide provides the insight and structure for the project team in the multiple areas of project management including the nine knowledge areas and the five phases throughout the project management lifecycle. Each phase of the project requires a structured set of entry and exit criteria which build upon one another. Each of these focal points contributes to managing and executing the project to maintain the three constraints on the project. Project management incorporates many tools and techniques to facilitate the opportunity for the success of a project implementation.  When developing a project there are three areas of concern including scope, schedule and cost of the project. Each of these areas is specifically managed by the project manager and without that insight there is greater opportunity for resource attrition, inefficiencies and project failures.

Leadership within the project management framework is broken down into four distinct areas that include different responsibilities, accountabilities and purposes within the project.  These areas include leader, manager, facilitator and mentor.  The primary objective of each of these pillars include the definition and enforcement of the processes, influence on project performance and objectives and ultimately the success factors in which the project is measured.  The control of the project is completed by focusing the project contributors on specific objectives and holding them accountable for those objectives is accomplished by multiple forcing functions.  With little or no formal authority over the key contributors to the project there are other ways for the project manager to establish authority and drive results.  The project leader can lead and control the project through project reporting, reviews, milestones and measurements based on the progress on the project.

The oversight of the project lies within multiple levels throughout the project.  The purpose and value of project oversight resides in the ownership of the entire project or program by a sponsor.  The project sponsor signs off on the project proposal process, champions the project in the terms of leadership support, and is the ultimately the decision maker for the project.  This project sponsor has the ability to make all critical decisions based on the scope and budget of the project.  The oversight of the project and the expansion or contraction of the project’s scope and budget reside with the project sponsor but are heavily influenced by the project manager and his or her ability to provide the information necessary to make those critical business and project decisions.  The oversight of the project provides governance to the project and enables the progress of the project when critical decisions and support is required from leadership of the organization (PMI, 2008).

The oversight of a project by a steering committee and project sponsor enables the adherence to the organizations project management framework. This includes enabling the allocation of the appropriate resources for the project including properly trained and certified team members as well as the funding necessary to meet the scope and schedule of the project. The oversight of the project also oversees that key metrics, parameters and tollgates are met which are established by the project framework of the organization (Schmidt, 2009). The oversight enables a level of accountability to accomplish the tasks necessary to promote an environment for successful project completion. The oversight of a project is a form of checks and balances to ensure the scope of the project is meeting the expectations and requirements of the project sponsor and in the same token meeting the financial and budgetary objectives of the organization. The oversight also ensures the proper protocol for the best practices of project management are accomplished by the project team.

The prominent roles within the area of project management span multiple levels responsibility and encompass all four areas: leader, manager, facilitator and mentor.  As the leader of the project, the project manager has the responsibility to guide and direct the team to obtain the milestones throughout the project’s lifecycle.  This process of leading the team through the project manager’s referent power, in which the team trusts and respects the project manager and their capability, provides the driving force to achieve the project success (Hughes, Ginnett, and Curphy, 2012). Managing the project relies on the ability to track, monitor and control project activities and is enhanced by the project manager’s capability to use the best practice framework outlined by the PMBOK. Facilitating the project includes managing logistics, establishing meetings, conducting successful meetings and creating an environment for project success.  This is done by creating a constructive working environment with guidance and purpose throughout.  As a mentor, a seasoned project manager can impart their wisdom and experience in key project areas that will enhance the team’s ability to perform or mitigate risks inherent with project work.

References

Hughes, R., Ginnett, R., & Curphy, G. (2012). Leadership: Enhancing the lessons of experience. (7 ed.). Montouri, Amsterdam: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Project Management Institute. (2008).A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) Fourth Edition. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.

Schmidt, T. (2009). Strategic project management made simple. (1 ed.). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.