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Essay Available:
Pages:
3 pages/≈825 words
Sources:
4 Sources
Style:
MLA
Subject:
Management
Type:
Term Paper
Language:
English (U.S.)
Document:
MS Word
Date:
Total cost:
$ 17.5
Topic:

Work Breakdown Structure, Statement of Work, and Integrated Master Schedule

Term Paper Instructions:

Mid-Term Exam

INSTRUCTIONS ‑‑ PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

  • This exam consists of 3 questions.  As in all exams, it is important to read each question carefully. There may be multiple parts. Please answer all parts in your own words
  • You are expected to demonstrate critical and broad thinking. We are looking for your comprehension of, and ability to apply the topics vs. a regurgitation of the class materials
  • Succinct, impactful answers which focus on key points are better than long, flowing sentences 
  • Use of diagrams, tables and figures is encouraged to make your answers succinct and clear
  • Do not spend time looking for hidden meanings in the questions.  There are no trick questions.  Think before you write – outline your answer first
  • This is an individual exam.  Do not collaborate with other students.
  • The exam is open book, including all class materials

Question 1: Work Breakdown Structure - WBS (40 points)  - 1 page max (single spaced)

  1. 1.      Explain the role of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in Project Management.  Think broadly across the entire project life cycle, to all project aspects that the WBS influences.  
  2. 2.      Describe one issue that can arise throughout the lifecycle when a WBS is not created accurately or completely.  Use an example to make your case.
  3. 3.      Discuss what impacts a poor WBS can have on the project, and what you, as the project manager can do to rectify the situation.  

Question 2: Statement of Work  - SOW (30 points)  - 1 page max (single spaced)

  1. 1.      Explain the role of the Statement of Work (SOW) in Project Management.  In your explanation describe the legal aspects of an SOW within the context of a contract.
  2. 2.      Describe one issue that can arise throughout the lifecycle when an SOW is not complete or is inadequate.  Use an example to make your case.
  3. 3.      Discuss what impacts a poor SOW can have on the project, and what you, as the project manager can do to rectify the situation.  

Question 3: Integrated Master Schedule - IMS (30 points)  - 1 page max (single spaced)

  1. 1.      Discuss the two major elements that are the basis of an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).  Describe the relationship between the WBS and the IMS.
  2. 2.      Describe the importance of the Critical Path and how and why it can change throughout the lifecycle.   Use an example to make your case.
  3. 3.      In the event the Critical Path is projected to extend past the planned completion date of the project, what would you as the project manager do to rectify the situation?  
Term Paper Sample Content Preview:
Name
Tutor
Unit
Submission Date
Mid Term
Question 1: Work Breakdown Structure
1 Explain the role of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in Project Management. Think broadly across the entire project life cycle, to all project aspects that the WBS influences.
In project management, WBS is the product of a stepwise process that involves the subdivision of the project scope and deliverables into manageable work elements. To this end, WBS is a tool that assists project manager to identify the various product and work elements involved in a project, integrate a project with their current organization, and gain a certain level of control over the project at hand (Larson and Grey 114). Beginning with the overall project, the manager subdivides the scope and deliverables into small work packages that can be managed by one person using a WBS. Consequently, WBS places the project manager in a position where they can monitor a given project by deliverable work, cost, and responsibility as it facilitates the definition of project elements. Over the life of a given project, the use of WBS places the project manager in a position where they can effectively evaluate the cost, time, and technical expertise required to deliver a given project.
2 Describe one issue that can arise throughout the lifecycle when a WBS is not created accurately or completely. Use an example to make your case.
An issue that can arise throughout the lifecycle when using a WBS that is not accurately developed is instances where a project manager includes a level of details that is too great to manage a given program. An example is in instance where the various work packages are broken down to levels where a project manager may end up becoming overwhelmed with details of the project. In such a case, the project manager has to address the details that are beyond their scope as opposed to a properly designed WBS where workers address small details. The issue is likely to come up throughout the lifecycle as the project manager will become overwhelmed from addressing minute details that could be addressed by workers.
3 Discuss what impact a poor WBS can have on the project, and what you, as the project manager can do to rectify the situation.
The impacts of a poor WBS include the overrun of the budget; an unclear work assignments, deliverables, objectives, goals, or deliverables; unclear project scope; timeline slippage; unusable product feature; and delivery failure. As a project manager, one can rectify the situation by ensuring that time, cost, and manageable work elements are properly configured. Upon realizing an impact of a poor WBS, one should review the WBS to identify the cause of the poor WBS impact and adjust accordingly.
Question 2: Statement of Work
1 Explain the role of the Statement of Work (SOW) in Project Management. In your explanation describe the legal aspects of an SOW within the context of a contract.
The main role of a statement of work in project management is specifying the work that will be completed in a given project. To this end, SOW plays four major roles. First, SOW tracks the progress of a project as it details the various tasks that should be accomplished (Harrison and lock 15). Second, SOW facilitates inte...
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