Project Management

Module Introduction

This module aims to develop management skills for us in the ever growing subject called Project Management. It has always been practiced informally, but began to emerge as a distinct profession in the mid-20th century.

The module introduces us to the principle, techniques and managerial issues, which form the process of project management. The area of study will focus in particular on project management in a construciton context but will also make considerable reference to the activity in other fields of commercial and business activity to emphasize the broad applicability of the principle.

Project Management is an application of knowledge, skills nad techniques for which to execute projects effectively and efficiently using strategic competency for organizations, enabling them to connect project results to business goals.

Module Objective

1. To appreciate the roles and functions of project participants and organizational forms.

2. To develop an awareness of the form and influence of leadership in the project process and the relationship toa project's success.

3. To understand the application of management techniques in the control and direction of project resources.

4. To evaluate the dynamic changes which occur during a project's life cycle and the nature of a project's success.

5. To understand the means of evaluating success and failure in a project's performance.

Project 1: Defining and Documenting A Project

Project 1 involves the application of the principles, issues and theories discusesed thus far in the Project Management module, and their application into a simple construction project.

In groups of six, the task is to design and manage simple construction projects in a way that emphasize cost, quality and time, with a measurable 'success criteria'.

There are four components which are needed to comply, for example:

- Introduction, Expanded organizational chart, conclusion with one case study

- Design (Analysis, Proposal), Success Criteria

- Project scheduling and monitoring - Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) / Gantt Chart

- Minutes of meetings, meeting agendas

In addition to the above components, we will be assessed via performance each week in the six mock client-consultant meeting (CCM) that will take place from week 2 to week 7. Each member will be required to conduct a meeting on a rotation basis.

Task

Project 1 Outcome

Learning Outcome

Based on the report, I have learnt how to define project characteristics, objectives, organization and success. Furthermore, I managed to apply project management tools and techniques to control and communicate to achieve a common goal. Lastly, I have also learnt how to summarize strategies for the execution of the development process in response to the client's objectives.

Project 2: Documentation of a Medium-Sized Project

Project 2 involves the documentation of my Studio 6 Architectural Design Project, to apply the principles learned in Project 1 to my final project.

Task

Since this is an individual project, my task is to document my own Design Studio Project from the point of view of a Project Manager.

There are a few components that is needed to comply, for example:

- Introduction of Project (Identifying clients, stakeholders, objectives and goals)

- Design Analysis, picking up issues of Design Suitability and Project Viability and specifically related to my design

- Risk Analysis and Maintenance Strategy (to achieve the identified success criteria and project deliverables). This must be in a table format.

- Success Criteria, WBS, Gantt Chart )showing the measurable success criteria for the overall implementation strategy, analysis of critical paths, floats, plotted against time). This chart will highlight Project Deliverables.

Project 2 Outcome

Learning Outcome

From this project, I have learnt how to define project characteristics, objectives, organization and success. Furthermore, I managed to apply project management tools and techniques to control and communicate to achieve a common goal. Lastly, I have also learnt how to summarize strategies for the execution of the development process in response to the client's objectives.