Category: Essays

Syllabus outline:

History of project management. The project life cycle. Feasibility studies and project selection. Key stages in project management. Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE 2). The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), Role of the project manager.
Project Planning techniques. Bar charts. Activity-on-arrow network. Precedence diagrams. The Programme Evaluation and Review Technique. Time-cost optimisation.

Project procurement. Procurement strategy and contractor selection. Partnering, framework agreements, PFI/PPP procurement, alliance contracts and collaborative procurement.

Project Risk management. Risk identification. Risk analysis. Risk allocation.

The Work Breakdown Structure. Project cost estimating techniques. Project cost control. Earned value analysis.
Assessment Criteria Marks Awarded Marks Available
1 Accurate calculation of the expected completion time for each activity using the PERT. 5
2 Accurate drawing of the activity-on-node network and critical path analysis showing EST, LST, EFT and LFT for each activity
15
3 Accurate calculation of the total float, free float and independent float for each of the activities in the network. 15
4 Accurate drawing of the early start Gantt Chart for the project.
10
5 Creative discussion of key features of the PERT, strengths and limitations and accurate calculation of the probability of completing the project in 270 days. 20
6 Creative discussion of the implications of project crashing on projects risks and accurate calculation of the costs and procedure to reduce the project duration to 250 days and 240 days respectively. 15
7. Relevant assessment of the role of IT in project planning and control 15
8 Post-graduate style and correct use of Harvard referencing
5

 

MBA ? Project Management Module

Assignment Two:
Issue date: 19.04.2014 Hand-in date: 30.04.2014

Case Study: Wigan University Stadium Construction
After six months of study, much political arm wrestling, and some serious financial analysis, Professor Sean Steel, Vice Chancellor of Wigan University, had reached a decision. To the delight of its students, and to the disappointment of its athletic boosters, Wigan University would not be relocating to a new football site but would expand the capacity of its on-campus stadium.

Adding 21,000 seats, including dozens of luxury skyboxes, would not please everyone. The influential football coach, Mr Tony Timber, had long argued the need for a first?class stadium, one with built?in dormitory rooms for his players and a palatial office appropriate for a coach of a future premia league football champion team. But the decision was made, and everyone, including the coach, would learn to live with it.

The job now was to get construction going immediately after the 2014 season ends. This would allow exactly 270 days until the 2015 season opening game. The Contractor, Concrete Construction Ltd (Mr Christopher Concrete being an alumnus, of course), signed the contract. Mr Concrete looked at the tasks his engineers had outlined and looked the Vice Chancellor in the eye. ?I guarantee the team will be able to take the field on schedule next year?, he said with a sense of confidence. ?I surely hope so,? replied Professor Steel. ?The contract penalty of ?10,000 per day for running late is nothing compared to what the Coach Mr Timber will do to you if our opening game with Omskirk International University is delayed or cancelled. Mr Concrete, sweating slightly, did not respond. In football?crazy Britain, Concrete Construction Ltd would be mud if the 270?day target were missed.

Back in his office, Mr Concrete again reviewed the data. See table 1 below and note that optimistic time estimates can be used crash times. He then gathered his foremen. ?People, if we?re not 75% sure we?ll finish this stadium in less than 270 days, I want this project crashed! Give me the cost figures for a target date of 250 days ?also 240 days. I want to be early, not just on time!?
Table 1: Activities for Constructing the Wigan University Stadium Project

 

Activity Activity Description Predecessors Optimistic Duration
(days) Most Likely
Duration (days) Pessimistic
Duration (days) Crash
Cost/
day

A Bonding, Insurance, tax structuring. START 20 30 40 17
B Foundation, concrete footings for boxes A 20 65 80 16
C Upgrading sky boxes, stadium seating A 50 60 100 557
D Upgrading walkways, stairwells, elevators C 30 50 100 47
E Interior wiring, lathes B 25 30 35 28
F Inspection approvals E 1 1 1 650
G Plumbing D, E 25 30 35 63
H Painting G 10 20 30 820
I Hardware/air conditioning/metal workings H 20 25 60
J Tile/carpeting/windows H 8 10 12 975
K Inspection J 1 1 1 720
L Final detail work/cleanup I, K 20 25 60 13
REQUIRED
A: Using the Programme Evaluation and Review technique, determine the expected completion time for each activity. Use this information to draw an activity on node diagram and an early start Gantt chart for the project. Analyse the activity on node network and determine the expected project completion time and the critical activities. For each activity in the project, determine the total float, free float, and the independent float available if any.

B: Discuss the key features, strengths and limitations of the Programme Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and determine the probability of completing the project in 270 days.

C: If it were necessary to crash to 250 or 240 days, Evaluate how Concrete Construction Ltd could do so and the costs involved. As noted in the case, assume that optimistic time estimates can be used as crash times.

D: Discuss, with examples, in the context of the above case study how Information Technology could be deployed to assist in project planning and control.

 
NOTES

1. Your report should not exceed 3000 words.

2. All textbooks, journal papers, articles, websites accessed etc, should be included in your Bibliography, and any subject matter which is used in your submission should be included in your reference section using the Harvard system.

3. Marks will be allocated for Content, Structure, Coherence, References, and Bibliography (depth of research and currency) and overall presentation.

4. Reference to the student?s experiences in the industry (if any) and professional perspectives is encouraged, where it serves to support or illustrate the arguments and discussions within the text.

 

Bibliography
(please submit in Harvard referencing format)

Essential reading:
(teams should note that essential reading would not normally exceed 3 or 4 texts/journals)

Burke, R (2008) Project Management, Planning and Control Techniques, 5th Edition, John Wiley.

Nicholas J M and Steyn H (2012) Project Management for Business, Engineering and Technology, 4rd Edition, Routledge.

Gardiner, P (2005) Project Management: A strategic Planning Approach,
Palgrave-MacMillan.

Other indicative reading:

Lientz, B P (2013) Project Management: A problem-based approach,
Palgrave-MacMillan.

Project Management Journal
International Journal of Project Management

Teams should ensure that electronic resources are also listed in the Bibliography

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Need help with a Business Research Class Discussion Questions. Please write 150 words on each Discussion Question Below:

1) Samples are subgroups of populations. Populations refer to the larger group of individuals from whom you want information (this is not the same as the U.S. Census). Of course, it’s not always possible to contact all members of a population.So, there are a variety of methods used to select sample members from the specific population under consideration. Under what conditions would you recommend the following:

Probability sample
Non–probability sample
Describe a specific study in which you would use each.

2)There are multiple methods for collecting data for research purposes. Please do not confuse these with research designs or sampling methods.. Data collection is the process of gathering the information that will be statistically evaluated to test the hypothesis. The book outlines a number of the more commonly used types (mostly in chapters’ 8, 9, 10 and 13).. Please choose one example of a method of collecting data for a quantitative study and one for a qualitative study. Explain the method and why it makes the most sense for the particular type of research you will be obtaining. Try to provide a research question that would be best addressed by data collected using your chosen methods. (Please don’t confuse this with sampling methods; the focus is on data collection methods).

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The aim of this assignment is to learn how to analyze and evaluate complex information and form logical arguments based on that analysis.

Your assignment is to read the assigned article and address the following questions:

a.    What is the theory that is being tested?
b.    What is the evidence for or against this theory?
c.    What are the merits of this evidence?
d.    What is the most logical conclusion based on the evidence presented?

CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (CTA):

ONLY one page and no more than 150 words. The key here is to learn how to translate complex information into clear, concise statements.

Sample / Template 1:

(a) Hypothesis: Different language functions are located in different parts of the brain.

(b) Null: Different language functions are located in the same parts of the brain.

(c) Evidence: (1) speech production in located in Broca’s Area in frontal lobes, (2) speech perception is located in Wernicke’s Area in the posterior temporal lobes, (3) Word categories/meaning of words is located in the anterior temporal lobes (i.e., temporal pole).

(d) Conclusion: Results reject the null hypothesis and support the hypothesis that different brain functions are located in different/specialized brain areas.

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its writing an assignment. and this is the directions
and Im college student willing spend less than 20 on the assignment
thank u and I’m waiting for your responds

ACTIVITY SHEET #5: Casablanca

Rick: Because you’re getting on that plane.
(Ilsa: “I don’t understand. What about you?”)
Rick: I’m staying here with him [Renault] ’til the plane gets safely away.
(Ilsa: “No, Richard. No. What has happened to you? Last night…”)
Rick: Last night, we said a great many things. You said I was to do the thinking for both of us. Well, I’ve done a lot of it since then and it all adds up to one thing. You’re getting on that plane with Victor where you belong.
(Ilsa: “But Richard, no, I’ve…”)
Rick: Now, you’ve got to listen to me. Do you have any idea what you’ve have to look forward to if you stayed here? Nine chances out of ten, we’d both wind up in a concentration camp. Isn’t that true, Louis?
(Renault: “I’m afraid Major Strasser would insist.”)
(Ilsa: “You’re saying this only to make me go.”)
Rick: I’m saying it because it’s true. Inside of us, we both know you belong with Victor. You’re part of his work, the thing that keeps him going. If that plane leaves the ground and you’re not with him, you’ll regret it. Maybe not today, and maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life.
(Ilsa: “What about us?”)
Rick: We’ll always have Paris. We didn’t have – we’d – we’d lost it until you came to Casablanca. We got it back last night.
(Ilsa: “When I said I would never leave you..”)
Rick: And you never will. I’ve got a job to do too. Where I’m going, you can’t follow. What I’ve got to do, you can’t be any part of. Ilsa, I’m no good at being noble, but it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that. Now, now. Here’s looking at you, kid.

If you were playing this scene at the end of the film Casablanca and you had to say goodbye to a person that your character and the audience knew you would never see again, answer the following:

1.    What physical choices could you make?
2.    What choices either external or internal would you make to show emotion.

DONT LOOK AT THE MOVIE – WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

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The review must be written in narrative form, without subheadings, or numbered sections.

In one paragraph, give a brief statement about the author including place and date of birth, educational background, place of employment, professional experience, and selected other works. Cite the source of this information in a footnote using the proper format.

In one paragraph identify the topic, scope, and thesis of the book.

In one paragraph, identify any possible or potential bias on the part of the author. Do not simply claim that the author is objective or unbiased. If you do not see the author as biased, discuss how another rational person might detect bias.

In one paragraph, describe sources used by the author in preparing the book, including three specific sources of information, where and how the author used it, and noting whether the source is a primary or a secondary source. In another paragraph, discuss the quality and quantity of the author’s sources and specifically address, with pertinent examples, whether the author’s sources are generally sufficient and proper to enable the author to prove his or her point. a. Primary sources are first-hand accounts. They include most diaries, letters, manuscript collections, newspapers, government documents, oral interviews and archaeological evidence b. Secondary Sources are produced by persons not participating in the actual events described. They include most magazine articles, journal articles, and books.

Write a 500-750 word summary of the book. Any page references to the actual work under review should be cited in parentheses in the body of your review. (A page is typically 250 words.)

In two paragraphs, evaluate the quality of the book. In one of these paragraphs, cite, footnote discuss and analyze two reviews of the book from scholarly journals. In the next paragraph, explain, using specific examples from the book, why you did or did not like the book. Photocopy these journal reviews and turn them in with your own review of the book.

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Qualitative research paper.
Interact with a bilingual or multicultural family who has 0-5 years of age and observe their practices and method to encourage their child to be bilingual or multilingual. Write a short mini research paper about 6 to 8  pages describing your findings about how this family supports bilingual and multilingual literacy backed by theoretical bases from the readings given- morrow,  L.M., (2010) (2012) (7th Esition) Literacy development in the early years: Helping Children Read and Write. Pearson Inc. Boston, MA.
California department of education (2009) preschool English learners: principles and practice to promote literacy and learning  ISBN 9780801116674
Describe the family
Use pseudonyms in paper
Conduct appropriate interview
Describe the setting
Describe and analyze the process of interview in detail
Make appropriate reference

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Struggling to remain competitive in the medical devices industry, your firm has decided to begin sourcing components internationally. Though your firm’s current operations are only in the United States and Germany, you must assess the relative costs for manufacturing medical devices in a variety of cities worldwide. Your manager, previously a consultant with KPMG, indicates that the Competitive Alternatives surveys published annually by KPMG may assist you. Develop a brief report addressing the following questions:

1) Which three cities in the survey have the lowest and highest manufacturing costs for your firm’s specific industry?; and

2) Do you think that changing your firm’s sourcing strategy will resolve the current problems? Why or why not?

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 Teaching and Learning Methodology 
In this course the graduate business students will be challenged to create a systematic framework of analysis for enabling creative thinking in terms of understanding the dynamics of modern business and government. This course
is primarily Socratic in teaching style and relies on applications that are brought
forward by both the instructor and the students.
The GRI

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1.    Discuss the stages of change model in detail.
2.    Explain how the different stages of change can impact successful treatment of substance disorders
3.    Provide general recommendations for treatment at each stage based on the stages of change model.
4.    Develop a detailed treatment plan for a patient whom you assess to be at the contemplation stage. How might your treatment plan change depending on the setting (e.g. – in-patient versus out-patient)?
5.    Conclude with a brief discussion regarding the ethical, legal, individual or socio-cultural implications of your treatment recommendations.

Only use scholarly sources 6-9 sources and the references have to be within 5 yrs so no later than 2009

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Statistical Decisions Model
It is clear from the material in this course that descriptive and inferential statistics play a critical role in research in the behavioral and social sciences. Since students in this class will further their education via coursework and application in their respective fields, it is important to reflect on the knowledge gained and its applicability to one’s future in the profession. Utilizing all that you have learned and been exposed to in this course, write a paper providing an overview of your knowledge of basic and inferential statistics, specifically discussing how you would go about deciding upon the appropriate statistical tests to use for a study.

Include the following in your paper:

Create and present a decision tree, outline, or other model that includes a series of questions to help someone decide what statistical test is appropriate for a study.  Consider the number, type, and scale of measurement of the variables, as well as what you may want to know about the variables (e.g., relationship, difference, etc.).  This may be presented as a chart, table, mindmap, or other visual representation, or simply formatted as an outline.
Explain the steps involved in the model and how you created this model for making statistical decisions.  What were the easiest and most difficult parts of this process?
Describe two different studies of interest to you. (Note: Neither study should be one focused on in any of the assignments during the course.)  Include the following in the description:
Research Question – List the research question for each study.
Hypotheses – List the statistical notation and written explanations for the null and alternative hypotheses for each study.
Variables – Identify the variables and each of their attributes: discrete or continuous, quantitative or categorical, scale of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio), and independent or dependent.
Demonstrate how you would utilize the statistical decisions model you created to choose the appropriate, specific test(s) for each study.  What is your conclusion using this model?  Did the model lead you to the correct test(s)?  If not, how do you know and what changes might need to be made to the model?
Why might a statistical decisions model be useful in statistics and research methods?  What are its limitations?
What did you learn or gain from creating this model and applying it to the study of interest?  How might you use this model in the future?
Paper should be a minimum of 6-8 pages long (excluding title and references pages) and include a title page, introduction, conclusion, and references page.  APA formatting should be used for the paper.  Utilize at least two resources for this paper, which should be cited accordingly

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