Abstract This paper discusses Turnkey ProjectManagement and the factors involved in managing a high-speed railroad project. In the paper, political, social and economic implications are discussed, as well as each projectmanagement step to follow. Ideas for winning and shaping public opinion and promoting the railroad are included.
From the Paper "Turnkey Project Management. A turnkey project provides a deliverable to the customer that is fully tested and ready to use upon delivery. This can be a tremendous advantage to the customer since it eliminates the need for the customer to manage the project. Projects that are time and resource-intensive can seriously impair a company's ability to continue with normal business while executing the project, since many key people are necessarily engaged in working on the project."
Tags:projectmanagement, turnkey, railroad, railway, train, intermodal, promotion, web site, rolling stock, tracks, Maglev, TGV, bullet train, shinkansen, site evaluation, feasibility study, project plan, contractors, subcontractors, equipment list, test plan
Abstract This paper explains that the process of global projectmanagement has much in common with domestic projectmanagement; however, global projectmanagement does add a number of requirements and cautions to the mix. The author points out that global projectmanagement and domestic projectmanagement are similar in that, in both cases, the project is defined as a sequence of tasks that must be completed with an established end result. The paper relates that they may differ in the means of achieving the goal because of cultural, language and other differences.
From the Paper The process of global project management has much in common with domestic project management while also adding a number of requirements and cautions to the mix. The similarities between domestic and global project management show how alike management is in different countries, while the differences show added requirements for a global perspective and the influence of cultural differences on the manager. A project in both cases if the same and is defined as "a sequence of tasks that must be completed with an established end result. It differs from daily work in that there is a definite beginning and an ending to the sequence of tasks. When a project ends, managers and workers move on to other work or projects. Different talents are required for effective project management compared with daily managerial activities" (Nie and Young 109).
Abstract This paper describes the qualities necessary to be an effective projectmanager. In particular, the paper emphasizes the "dreaded triple constraints" of time, money (resources) and quality, and a projectmanager's juggling act. The paper gives a bulleted list of the five areas of expertise a projectmanager must possess. The author concludes by stating that the projectmanager should adhere to the precept that he must always strive to be a good leader and manager.
From the Paper "The Project Management Institute or PMI (www.pmi.org) is considered the de facto pioneer in the field of project management and they have a publication entitled "A Guide to the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK)", which is now on its third edition. Any person aspiring to take up a career as a project manager or any person for that matter handling project management tasks should look at the PMI and the PMBOK first to get a good start and have a solid foundation in the project management career or job track. This is a good initial premise because for one, the principles evangelized by the PMI are in line with the standards set by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) and therefore are considered generally recognized and accepted global standards and industry best practices. Second, the PMBOK is also an accepted standard by the American National Standards Institute. Having stated the points on ISO and ANSI recognitions, one can never go wrong by starting with the PMI and the PMBOK."
Tags:project, management, Project, Management, Institute, PMI, leadership
Abstract This paper explains that the projectmanagement is a separate function of an organization. The author points out the reason that the projectmanager's responsibilities vary from company to company. The paper describes projectmanagement software.
From the Paper "Although companies have long engaged in project management on some level, it has only been in the last years or so that companies have recognized that project management is a separate function that can have a significant impact on a company's ability to achieve its short and long-term objectives, Part of this is due to the availability of software that supports the project management function and that provides the tools through, which project management can be accomplished with greater ease than in previous years. "
Abstract Projectmanagement is a management tool where by project activities are planned, scheduled, and controlled to achieve performance, cost, and time objectives. This one-page paper determines the skills required in managingprojects effectively.
Tags: BUSINESS / MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RESOURCES, projectmanagement tool
Abstract The writer of this paper details and discusses the various strategies that could and should be implemented by the projectmanager to successfully manage and maintain a productive relationship amongst the team members. This paper examines the views and opinions of several experts in the field who contend that the projectmanager's goals must be well defined and clearly communication to the team. This paper addresses the role of the projectmanager in delegating tasks while also empowering and encouraging each team member to effectively perform to the best of his or her ability.
From the Paper "What are some strategies that could be used by a project manager to successfully manage the relationships among project team members? According to James Chapman in an essay published online, for projects to succeed the goals need to be well defined and clearly communicated to the project team. A project manager would normally establish a clear direction for the team, create a shared vision, have a clearly defined target, assign clear task ownership and obtain commitment from each individual team member."
Tags:projectmanagement, dysfunctional, scenario, external resources, team building
Abstract This paper reviews and assesses two alternative projectmanagement methodologies. The conclusion reached is that Prince2 servers are better than CCPM (critical chain projectmanagement) as a best practice and therefore a better approach to projectmanagement.
From the Paper "This research examines two approaches to best practice in project management. The project management methodologies evaluated in this paper as alternatives for best practice are a the Prince project management..."
Abstract The paper explores in which particular industries, where projectmanagement is used, can women be successful in projectmanagement. The author points out the role of culture and gender expectations. The paper relates the elements that shape the organizational culture.
From the Paper "Some jobs tend to be dominated by women---teachers, secretaries and nurses --- and are commonly considered women's work. Conversely ,there are some jobs in which women do not participate in large numbers such as oil-rig workers. Similarly, there are some industries in which women are commonly found historically; these have been service industries. Participation by women in traditionally male-dominated industries, such as construction, has been slow to increase, despite increased numbers of women in the workforce overall. Increasingly project management is seen as ...'
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of budgeting to projectmanagement. Budgeting is critical to both the planning and implementation stage of projectmanagement as it gives a benchmark for management to compare real performance against.
From the Paper The construction of a realistic budget is the outcome of all planning in the project management phase. The more realistic this is the better planned the project is. Realistic may not mean the actual amount that the project ..."
Abstract The paper focuses on the role of the ProjectManager. The paper relates that historically the ProjectManager's position has had varied responsibilities and many researchers believe that the role of the manager should now be well defined. The paper discusses the different perceptions of various scholars, as well as drawing conclusions as to the writer's personal opinion on the matter.
From the Paper "Traditionally, the Project Manager's responsibilities have been varied in scope. While the inclusions of budgetary concerns and scheduling remain constants in the Project Manager job description, many Project Managers believe that they work within a loosely structured set of responsibilities that are ever changing. This is due for the most part on the involvement of both the Project Charter and the Project Sponsor. How these positions function within the scope of the project will determine what duties the Project Manager will ultimately perform. The authority to determine his or her own complete job functions has not necessarily been within the authority of the Project Manager. Nevertheless, a growing concern exists that the definition of a Project Manager's position should be defined in much more specific terms."
Abstract This paper discusses projectmanager characteristics and identifies which are learnable, which are personality-related, which are a necessity, and which are merely nice to have.
From the Paper "Of the many characteristics that a successful project manager needs most of them are learnable. A project manager must have good interpersonal skills and be able to provide good customer service since he works with ..."
Abstract The paper's report outlines the process for performance measurement to be used in the analysis of a garage apartment construction project. The report defines the performance measurement system to be used and conflict resolution procedures to be employed in the event that scheduling or budgeting conflicts become apparent. The report includes a project termination process for closing out the project and evaluating its success.
Outline:
Performance Measurement System
Conflict Resolution
Project Termination
From the Paper "Moyer-Angus (1993) claims that in construction management projects, it is important, among other items, to achieve the following objectives in the context of a performance review: (1) determine project goals; (2) determine type, scope, and depth of analysis; (3) define the methodology for analysis; (4) gather information and perform analysis; and (5) report recommendations based on the analysis. According to this view, it is key to know beforehand what will be measured, how it will be measured, with what data, and to what effect. This section will outline the performance measurement for this project to address such concerns."
Abstract This paper reviews the typical professional environments where one might expect to find projectmanagement techniques being implemented. This paper also discusses the constraints within each of these environments that require projectmanagement; why some practitioners have called projectmanagement a carefully created illusion and why they argue that an organization can only barely exist within a complex project.
Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Constraints Within the Environment Requiring ProjectManagement A Carefully Created Illusion
Organizations Can Only Exist in a Complex Project Charts and Benefits
Measurement of Goals and Three Critical Dimensions
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Whether referred to as an illusion or indeed a vision, the project manager is responsible to assist others involved in the project in their ability to see the project from the manager's view. In the earlier stages of the project this may be referred to as a 'carefully created illusion' however, without this vision the project will flounder and fail. As stated by Phillips (2005) in the work entitled: Real World Project Management: An Introduction: "Good photographers and good project managers have much in common: experience, a foundation in the fundamentals, and a willingness to learn. At the core, I believe, is an ability to capture a vision--and then process that vision for others to see."
Abstract The paper defines projectmanagement and explains that the position of projectmanager is ultimately responsible for the cohesiveness of the team that is working on projects for the organization. The paper discusses how the projectmanager must take the project through the cycle necessary for completion including the steps of initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and closing. The paper stresses that this role is highly involved and requires a well-rounded individual.
From the Paper To fully describe the functions of a project manager, one must first answer the question what is project management. Project management can be defined as the use of knowledge skills, tools, and techniques to organize and plan activities to meet the requirements of a project. The project management cycle includes initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing (PMBOK, 2004). The person that is responsible for overseeing this process is the project manager. So what are the duties and responsibilities of a project manager specifically?"
Abstract This paper discusses projectmanagement roles and explains that a project consists of five basic activities: the initiating process, the planning process, the executing process, the monitoring and the controlling process, and the closing process. The paper also tells us that for every project the head honcho is the projectmanager and certain rules and responsibilities have to be defined. In addition, the paper explains that aside from the project manger. the team and its members also have their own roles and responsibilities.
From the Paper "Monitoring and Controlling Processes regularly measures and monitors progress to identify variances from the project management plan so that corrective action can be taken when necessary to meet project objectives (PMI, 2004). A very critical process because this ensure that the food is cooked according to the recipe and at the right temperature, the dishes and utensils are ready so when it comes to serving time, they will be presentable and looks palatable. Each team member must be able to work together like an orchestra and the PM - the main chef, must be able to monitor each team member's performance. A carefully crafted "check-and-balance" system should have already been done by the project manager, and the list prepared from this will serve as a gage on how the cooking is executed every step of the way. It should measure whether the cooking is done properly and on time, whether the ingredients are complete or whether there will not be any "unforeseen circumstances" or scope creep that will arise throughout the execution of the project."
