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Project Management

Angela C BenziesSchool of EngineeringNapier University

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Definition of Project

An undertaking that has a beginning and an

end and is carried out to meet established

goals within cost, schedule and quality

objectives

a finite activity in use of resources -

time, people, money, equipment

needs resources on a part-time basis

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What Sort of Project?

Focus is on academic projects mainly MSc can be PgD projects, or other

Typical elements academic rigour demonstration of practical skills use of research skills

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The Project Manager

Brings together and optimises the resources necessary to complete the project successfully

Responsible for whole of the project lifecycle

Works across functional boundariesKey resource for successful project

completion

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Key Players - MSc Projects

The researcherThe supervisor(s)

academic industrial

The examiners internal external

The client, if applicable

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Project Parameters

Project Parameters

Quality

Specifications Budget

Cost Time

Schedule

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Project Management Model

A five-step model may be considered:

Define

Plan

Implement

Control

Complete

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Project Selection

Student and/or Institution’sLong-Term

Goals

Analysis of Resources

ProposalEffort

All the projectsin the world

Projects consistentwith long-term goals

Projects nowaddressable

Solid proposals

Filter Filter

Resources

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Project Definition

Why are you doing this project?

Who is involved?

What are the objectives and

constraints?

What are the alternatives?

Write it down, discuss and agree

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Project Planning

Establish objectiveFormulate basic strategyDevelop the work breakdown structureProduce estimates

resources, schedules, budgetResource requirements planningUse policies and procedures - School,

Uni

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Work Breakdown Structure

Hierarchical chart of project’s structure

Identifies activities and

interrelationships

Start to examine the three parameters

Helpful to those less familiar with

project details

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MSc Project WBS

Do MSc Project

Select a topic

Make aplan

Gather &analyse data

Perform literaturesearch

Write up

Decideobjectives

DevelopWBS

Produceestimates

Planresources

Create Ganttchart

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Project Planning Techniques

CPM & PERTGantt Charts

horizontal bar chart displays time relationship of project steps sequence and concurrency shown actual and planned progress may be charted

Computer-based tools incorporates above techniques

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Key Issues in Planning

Task frameworkResource allocation

human financial other

Time budgetQuality standards

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Planning for Quality

Specify performance standards to be met performance measurement criteria means of verifying quality

Write specifications for each element refer to School publications for guidance

Use specifications to control project

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Time Estimation and Planning

Decide shortest time necessary to complete project

Estimate time for each element of WBSDecide task sequence and identify

concurrency possibilitiesOverall, aim to determine for each task:

duration, earliest and latest start timeNeed experience of same or similar tasks

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Risk

Cannot be eliminated but must be managed and resolved

Three steps for risk management: identify the risks assess the likelihood of occurrence

and impact develop risk management plans

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Project Implementation & Control

Project manager co-ordinates all aspects of work

Key activities are: controlling work in progress providing feedback negotiating for resources (materials,

services)

Variety of skills required

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Helpful Techniques

ChecklistsTo do listsClear sense of priorities - yours and

other people’sCategories of time usePareto analysis - the 80/20 rulePersonal schedulingTime logs

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Providing Feedback

To all involved in the project

Timing and frequency should be

appropriate

Be accurate, specific, realistic

Performance adjustment, if required

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Project Completion & Handover

Client acceptance is main aim based on agreed specifications need objective and measurable criteria

Some aspects of project may follow after handover of main part

Completion usually involves: project staff reassignment disposal of materials and supplies release of facilities final reporting and evaluation

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Key Attributes of the Successful MSc Student

problem solver

decision-maker

intelligent

competent

methodical

observant

perceptive

positive

resilient

reliable

active

communicator

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References

Sharp, J and Howard, K The Management of a Student Research Project Gower, Aldershot, 1996 (2nd ed.)

Haynes, M E, Project Management Kogan Page, London, 1990

Lock, D Project Management Gower, Aldershot, 1992, 5th ed.

Gash, S Effective Literature Searching for Research Gower, 2000, (2nd ed.)

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The Management of a Student Research Project

Part A Preparation

Research & the Research Student

Selecting and Justifying a Research Project

Planning the Research Project

Literature Searching

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The Management of a Student Research Project

Part B Data Analysis and Gathering Analysing the Data Gathering the Data

Part C Producing the Research Results Executing the Research Presentation of the Research Findings

EpilogueAppendices