Chapter 2 Ideas

1.  Some of the challenges that project managers face come about personnel, estimating expenses, authority, and controls.  Where to pull people from and the skills required in completing the tasks must be taken into account across the organization.  More assumptions may be used then facts in the estimation of the project because of its uniqueness.  How are the authority levels determined when dealing with management across the board?  The project manager must chart out a chain of command the best they can and always keep communication open.  In controls, normal accounting practices have to match and be on pace with the project to adjust for budget constraints.  With the remodel, my challenges will mainly be on the scheduling and budget.  Contingencies could occur if there proves to be pipe issues or water damage that needs to be addressed.  Authority is shared among all members, expenses are at acceptable levels, and costs will run up-to-minute. 

2.  Project management is independent of industry and the managers are not.  The discipline requires the manager to excel in three areas, project management, business management, and harbor the technical skills required for the specified project.  With my project I lack pretty much all of those three mentioned skills above.  I have never managed a project financially before, I am good with estimating and budget, and I lack the technical skills of plumbing and tiling.  I will trust the team members with their expertise. 

3.  The success of the project is very important.  It is measured in three ways: on time, within budget, and quality expectations have been met.  Quality is further classified by scope and performance.  My project will have its own equilibrium.  I am willing to sacrifice some quality meaning the design doesn’t have to mimic the Sistine chapel.  My costs are a factor so the most expensive materials need not be used.  Timing is crucial because we only have one bathroom in the condominium. 

4.  The three major functions are definition, planning, and control.  Each of these areas are equally important.  In the definition phase it’s up to the project manager to answer all the questions that pertain to the purpose, goals, and constraints of the project.  The planning phase puts together the details on how to reach the project goals with the given constraints.  Project control is the glue that keeps the project moving forward toward completion.  It will be my responsibility as project manager to ensure that each of these phases are managed appropriately.  Doing so will streamline the process and provide more desireable results for all stakeholders.

Chapter 1 Ideas

1.  The techniques of project management cover a vast amount of topics that I was not aware of.  Estimating the time, efforts, cost of the projects delivery, and then comparing that to a cost to benefit analysis to justify taking on the project is one of them.  Coordinating the functions of your workforce which could be pulled from various departments across an organization can be complex.  The project you currently are assigned to may be one of many other projects you are dealing with.  The ability to multitask and more importantly keep track of your work and progress is crucial.  According to my project, taking it on was completely adhered to the fact that it would be very cost efficient to complete and the benefits would be enjoyed and used for a long time.  The functions have to be coordinated because of barriers.  One major barrier is we only have one bathroom, so leaving the toilet intact for the first phase of the project will make life easier.  Plus putting in the new floor will require the tub to be installed anyway.

2.  The demand of utilizing projects in conjunction with continual operations is increasing.  Companies now employ multiple projects simultaneously which adds more complexity and challenges for the project manager.  The amount of growing project based applications causes the language of project management to be understood by more and more members of management all across the board.  From the top executives, to the functional management, and team members, everyone plays a role where communication and comprehension are crucial for success.  My project, fortunate for me, is the only project I will be undertaking at that time.  Having to handle multiple projects simultaneously can be a daunting task especially if your career depends on it.  

3.  I was not aware that strategically project management can lead the way.  It makes sense in industries such as technology, where the latest and greatest product or service needs to be out first for exposure and use.  Due to such fierce competition in those industries, being late on a product launch can have dire effects on a company in missing out on “hyped” market share frenzy.  If the consumer base is that anticipating of a next move or application, then if profitable, companies that contribute to that segment or under much pressure to launch the next production.  Now my project does not compete with another.  There is no market share lost or brand compromised if we go over schedule.  I can say however, should things turn out as perceived, then in a few years when “monetary” resources allow, the next project will be the kitchen.

4.  Support of management can be detrimental in the success of a project.  A project manager needs this support system to employ and carry out the tasks necessary with the resources available.  With support, any resources that may be made readily available would be effective as well.  Sometimes a project manager has to manage upward effectively to get a task accomplished or move forward from an obstacle.  My support system is my self, my wife, and my crew.  The crew has the experience necessary to tackle any obstacles and both of us have the patience to deal with contingencies. 

                As far as any rebuttal to the book so far, I have to say I have none at this time.  The structure seems concise and practical for handling and managing a project from start to finish in a constructive way.

SMART goal evaluation

Evaluation of Goal using S.M.A.R.T



            To recap what I transcribed as my goal for the bathroom remodeling project, I will provide a copy of what I wrote then evaluate it according to the S.M.A.R.T criteria.

“This project is specifically tailored to replace all existing features and items that currently occupy

our home bathroom.  Since our home is only equipped with a single bathroom unit, the timing of the project is critical.  I have estimated three days for completion in which consultation with my workforce has confirmed the timeline.  The budget allotted for has been capped at $2,500 and is mostly possible due to a discounted labor rate I have been fortunate enough to utilize.  The budget is a mixture of both materials and labor collectively.  I have split up the project into three sections of tasks in order to efficiently speed up the process and allow for smoother transitions into each phase.  The end result will provide both esthetic satisfaction and overall functionality of the existing unit.”

            In the “S” section of the acronym I believe I was specific in what I described as removing all fixtures that are in the bathroom, with exception of the toilet which we are keeping, and replacing those fixtures with newly purchased ones.  By splitting the project up into sections allows for measurability of the projects duration; the “M” in the acronym.   As for the “A” section, all parties of the project have agreed upon starting, finishing, and the amount of time it would take to complete the project.  The agreement was realistic, “R”, because of the experience of the crew in their evaluation, and the size of the bathroom itself.  The project can be placed on a time-frame “T”, from start to finish it can be recorded and quantified.

                I look forward to the project for many reasons and personally feel it is greatly needed.  Behind the goal lies a lot of personal satisfaction and also on the real-estate aspect an appreciation of equity value also.  I feel it will be an exiting task to take on and the results will be enjoyed for years to come.

Project

                 

Residential Bathroom Remodeling Project

Project Manager: Justin Frank

June 6, 2011

This project is specifically tailored to replace all existing features and items that currently occupy

our home bathroom.  Since our home is only equipped with a single bathroom unit, the timing of the project is critical.  I have estimated three days for completion in which consultation with my workforce has confirmed the timeline.  The budget allotted for has been capped at $2,500 and is mostly possible due to a discounted labor rate I have been fortunate enough to utilize.  The budget is a mixture of both materials and labor collectively.  I have split up the project into three sections of tasks in order to efficiently speed up the process and allow for smoother transitions into each phase.  The end result will provide both esthetic satisfaction and overall functionality of the existing unit.

                The materials being used will be purchased by me from a local home improvement retail chain.  They include: pedestal sink, vanity mirror, vanity light fixture, ventilation fan, tiles, wall fixtures for storage, faucet accessories, towel racks, toilet paper holder, paint, and vent guard.  All other mixing materials and piping will be purchased by the contractors, which include the plumber and mason.  I will take on the role of painter in order to cut costs on my end and also for non monetary satisfaction.  Cleanup and disposition of replacement materials will be taken to local facilities in our complex that will not incur a charge. 

                Structuring the project into three areas will be the optimal approach. All measurements and initial planning will be done previous to the start of the project.  The first area, which will be day one, will include demolition and excavation of previous fixtures, tearing down shower/tub wall and tiling, replacing water piping for shower and tub, sealing up drywall and backerboard., disposing of old tub basin, and laying of shower tile.  Day two will construct of finishing work on shower area, then removing the toilet, tear out old flooring, lay in new flooring, replace toilet, put in new pedestal sink, and painting.  The third phase will include any residual touch up from previous day, adding in additional fixtures, and touch-ups. 

                The three days proves adequate only because the size of the bathroom is around 7 and ½ feet by 5 feet.  Plus proportioning the time when we remove the toilet allows for us to keep it in use for as long as possible, assuming its placement does not interfere with the project.  As far as any contingencies that could arise, we are fortunate to live close to my parents and utilize their facilities if needed.  Having only a single bathroom unit does place limitations on a project like this.  The contractors I have chosen are reputable from close friends and family, so I am confident in the outcome of the project and the lasting quality it will endure.

First Posting

My name is Justin Frank and I am a graduate from San Jose State University.  I majored in Finance and currently work for a large U.S. bank as a personal banker.

I chose this class because I have never studied project management before. I feel that this course will provide many faucets that I can build upon.  The tools that I can gain and incorporate into a professional work environment will make me a more effective employee currently and a better candidate for promotionary asperations. 

Since I am sophmoric to the subject of project management my expectations will be premature.  That being said I would look forward to learning framework, tracking of progress (Gantt & Flow Charts), budgeting techniques, scope requirements, quality control, and all other aspects I am not aware of.

I greatly look forward to this course and engaging into it anyway I can.