Role of Project Manager in Acquisition

This assignment provides an in-depth analysis of project management in organisations, focusing on the acquisition of DEF Ltd by ABC company. It explores the characteristics of acquisition, the role of a project manager in planning, execution, and termination, and various budgeting approaches. The report also discusses PM traits desirable for project progress.

Managing Project

Table of Contents
NTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1) Key characteristics of any project...........................................................................................1
2) Scope Statement for a project and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).................................1
3) Project Gantt chart and identify the critical path....................................................................2
4) Approaches exist to generate a budget for a specific project budget......................................3
5) Project risk arise and various responses to risk that may be taken within project
management................................................................................................................................4
6) Quality methods which introduce to ensure a project is completed successfully...................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

NTRODUCTION
Project management refers to practice of planning, implementing, controlling and also
closing work of team to attain particular objectives and meet with particular criteria of success at
particular period of time. The project is designed to develop unique services and products with
defined beginning to meet with the specific objectives (Burbank and et. al., 2015). Main
challenge of the project management is to attain all goals of project with in provided constraints.
This present report is based on the case study of ABC that acquire DEF Ltd. It is known for high
street frozen food retailer. Under this mention report will be discuss about the characteristics of
project and scope statement for project. There will be discussion about the methods of quality
and also introduce to assure project is to be complete in a successful and effective manner.
TASK 1
1) Key characteristics of any project
Project is regarded as major aspect of firm that provided better opportunity to the
business in order to attaining objectives through executing some modifications (What is project
management. 2018). There is an acquisition project under which the ABC company acquire the
DEF Ltd. Different characteristics of this project mention below:
Stock purchase- Under this, acquiring business firm give the stocks and cash to
shareholders of target firm in an exchange for stock of target firm. So, When ABC company
acquires the DEF, then it gives cash to shareholders of DEF.
Securities offerings- Under this, shareholders of DEF Ltd. Company receive stocks of
ABC firm in exchange of their stock of target company.
2) Scope Statement for a project and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
The scope of every project is different from each other whether it is large, small and
medium. Scope statement included details about the project deliverable and also explain the main
objectives. It is based on type of the project that being executed as well as nature of company. In
project statement included stakeholders, project team, consumers. It is developed before starts
the project (Flora, Wang and Chande, 2014).
In project management, Work Breakdown Structure is deliverable-oriented breakdown of
project in the small components. It is helpful in organise the project or work of the team in to the
small sections. The project manager of company use this kind of methods for simplifying
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implementation of project. Under this, large number of activities are broken in to manageable
work chunks. Firm can easily estimate as well as supervise these chunks. The Work Break Down
Structure disintegrates project in to the small unites beginning from top in to the sub categories
according to hierarchy that will help in resources allocation, effective monitoring and also
controlling project.
3) Project Gantt chart and identify the critical path
Gantt chart refers to horizontal bar chart that is developed as production control tool. In
the project management, it provided graphical illustration of schedule that assess to coordinate,
track and plan the particular tasks in project. On the chart, different activities are mentioned with
the suitable time scale. Every activity is to be represented through bar and it reflects begin date,
duration and end data of activity. It is constructed with the horizontal axis that representing total
time span of project, break down in to the increments.
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4) Approaches exist to generate a budget for a specific project budget
Budget refers to estimation of resources, cost and revenues over particular period,
reflecting future financial goals and situations. Budget is helpful for company in future to
forecast the financial results as well as position of firm (Francese and et. al., 2015).
. Budget is helpful in controlling the expenses of company. There are different approaches of
budget mention below:
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Top- Down Approach-This approach is helpful in deciding that what will be the cost of
project and then allocating money in among the various deliverables.
Bottom- up approach- This kind of approach is helpful in estimate the project cost and
along with this estimate lower level of cost that deliver the work and then it escalating.
5) Project risk arise and various responses to risk that may be taken within project management
Project risk is a necessary aspect of the project management. Project risk refers to the
uncertain event that occurs and also effect on single objective of the project. The main focus of
risk management is to determining as well as assessing project risk and then managing them to
reduce impact on project (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017). It is relatively undeveloped discipline,,
distinct from risk management and used through Financial and Operation management. Under
the acquisition project, risk can be related to the money, technological etc.
Different responses related to the risk many be taken in project management mention
below:
For Threats For Opportunities
Avoid – The risk can be avoided through ABC
company through make changing in project.
Share – Opportunity can be shared in context
to enhance benefits.
Transfer – Risk could be transferred to the
third party.
Exploit – Resources are to be realised for
taking benefits of project.
6) Quality methods which introduce to ensure a project is completed successfully
Quality refers to set of the procedures which are followed to assure that deliverable are to
be produced through team. Project quality methods refers to process assuring that firm can
achieve objectives for form by maintaining quality. Different quality methods of project are
mention below:
Planning quality- It refers to measuring an achievement of objectives of quality. It is
helpful in determining needs of quality of project.
Performing quality assurance- It is procedure of auditing needs of quality and also
results from measurements of quality to assure to use the better quality standards.
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Performing quality control- IT is a procedure for monitoring particular results of project
to identify comply with better quality standards as well as determining methods to eliminate the
unsatisfactory performance causes.
TASK 2
Project management refers to the process of planning, managing and organising overall
activities of the project which are placed together by the manager in order to execute overall
project successfully. An effective project is considered as the one time activity which helps
organisation in finding out output for specific project. In relation to the case scenario of ABC
PLC, the company is one among the large retailer of food and drink in United Kingdom. This
organisation is using various kinds of merger and acquisition with the other companies in order
to achieve their strategic objective which contributes in the overall growth of the company. ABC
PLC is now collaborating with DEF Ltd. that is in the form of acquisition. DEF Ltd is a high
street frozen food retailer which avails its services in cities of UK (Khalid, Zahra and Khan,
2014).
.
In order to execute this project in effective manner, it is required by its project manager
to monitor overall process of this project so that it could be executed in less period of time with
quality. For this, it is expected by the project manager of ABC PLC emphasises on certain
components which will help in completing this project effectively. Some of the main component
which are required by this project are described as below:
Importance of managing a project
It is important to manage a project because it ensure that there is a proper plan available
for executing management goals. It brings leadership in effective way and inspire the team to do
their best work. It helps in reducing the risk factors such as wastage of resources and money. It
increases performance level of employees which enables the team to focus on their objectives.
Good project manager generates a clear process which enables workers within a team to perform
in their best manner (Marchewka, 2014). In relation to ABC PLC, effective implication of
project management activities are essentially needed by this company in order to execute overall
activities. It can be said that with the usage of project management will help the company in
achieving its desired goals and objective. In context to case study, ABC PLC is merging with
DEF Ltd, as both the company belongs to similar segment only. As a result, both the company
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can enhance their profitability effectively. It can be said that by adapting effectively managing
the project its project manager can execute similar work effectively.
Project management process: This process includes various stages with the help of
which project manager can wind up its project effectively. It involves defining and confirming
the project goals and objectives, how they will be achieved etc. It identifies tasks and quantifies
the resources needed, also, it identifies the budget that will be required for the completion of a
specific project and also provides the timeline for the the completion of the given project. The
process of project management is as follows:
Project Initiation: It is the starting point of any project. In this step, ABC Ltd. And DEF Ltd.
complete all the documentation and activities related to winning or acquiring a project. For
example: At this stage, project manager of the ABC Ltd, focuses on finalising their project team
on the basis of skills and knowledge which of the existing work force. Further, on the basis of
this team employees work are assigned to them which is expected by them to perform in their
working pattern (Mastrogiacomo, Missonier and Bonazzi, 2014).
 Project Planning: Project planning is one of the main project management processes and
if the project management team gets this step wrong or commits any mistake during this
step there is a possibility of negative consequences during the next phase. Henceforth, a
detailed attention needs to be paid during this process to reduce any further mistakes. In
this step,a plan is made to address the project requirements.
 Project Execution: After all the paperwork and team formulation of the collaboration of
ABC PLC and DEF is completed, the project manager works on executing the project so
that the further objectives can be achieved within time. During execution, each member
of the team has a responsibility to carry out their own assignments within the given
deadline. A detailed project schedule will be used for keeping a track record of the
project process. Sometimes, even the client may want to track the progress of the project.
It is very important to check whether the project is progressing in the right direction or
not.
 Control and Validation: At this stage of project management process, project manager
emphasis on project activities in order to control them by adhering to the initial protocols
such as project plan, quality assurance test plan and communication plan. Validation is a
supporting and ongoing activity which means it runs continuously from first day to the
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last day of the project. During project deliveries and requirements,a separate team for
quality control check assists the project team for further evaluation. As a result it will
help project manager to evaluate overall project in the predetermined time frame. Along
with this, at this stage project manager can easily control negative factors which might
affect project after its execution. It can be said that, at this stage project manager of ABC
PLC, focuses on evaluating overall project in order to match all executed activities with
he planned one. And, in case if executed criteria does not match with the appropriate plan
then it could be modified effectively within the given time frame
Closeout and Evaluation: After the project requirements are completed, handover of the
implemented system and project takes place. If the project delivered is as per the expectations of
the customer , the project is duly accepted and paid by the customer in time. Evaluation includes
an overall check of the project during which it can be noticed that the service provider may not
have gained expected results or many a times even exceeded the timelines. Therefore, if such
happens, necessary actions should be taken to avoid such errors in the future (Nicholas and
Steyn, 2017).
Skills and competency required by Project manager: According to the requirement of
ABC PLC, the company is entering into acquisition with the DEF Ltd. It creates the need of
certain types of specific skills and competencies which will help them in winding up this project
effectively. There are some basic management skills that a project manager have posses to
control the time wastage and spend right time on right activity.
Risk management: It is necessary to identify risk earlier to avoid any kind of miss
happening in future. Identification of risk must be followed by project manager to avoid the risk
occurrence during and after the completion of project. By identifying risk factor company can
able to spend less time on unnecessary things. In relation to ABC PLC, it is expected by the
project manager of this company to own the capability of taking risk as without risk none of the
project can be completed.
Communication: To obtain success in any organisation communication plays an crucial
role. It improves the relationship between employees and increase effectiveness of project
manager. Effective communication can helps to avoid uncomfortable situations within a
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workplace. When information flows in the right direction it can almost overcome any hurdle and
maintains smooth information flow in a company.
Time Management: It is a process of planning and controlling of time which are to be
going to spend on specific activities. It helps to enhance the efficiency of the project and increase
the productivity. Time management will help the project manager to allocate right amount of
time to the right project. This factor plays an important role not only in organisation but also
increase employees performance level individually (Too and Weaver, 2014).
.
Decision Making: It is a process of identifying and collecting information and use it step
by step. It is a responsibility of project manager to collect the best suitable data for the project
and implement it effective. Manager have to conduct whole scenario analysis and make timely
decision on the basis of facts and circumstances. This process helps in achieving organisational
goals and objectives more efficiently which automatically stimulates growth level of an
organisation and helps to generate profit .
Strategy Development: Its primary principle is to find and create short term and long
term opportunities for organisation. Thus, strategy development refers as a strategic planning
which most of the companies adopt in order to formulate creative and effective plan so that they
can run business in an effective manner without any complications. Project manager have to
understand all the impacts of a project on overall business (Williams, 2014).
. In order to provide benefits they must set long terms as well as short term goals which can be
furthermore achieved. ABC Plc., that deals in food and drinks wants to do acquisition with DEF
limited, thus, project manager of ABC Plc, will first evaluate the DEF limited, status and in what
position it is according to current situation. As a result, it will assist firm in making effective
strategies so that business growth
can be increased.
Negotiation: These are formal discussions between two or more parties. Project manager
need to discuss about use of resources, budgets, schedules etc in a project. This skill is important
because a successful manager need to know the amount of time require to spend on a particular
project. This will decrease wastage of time and resources and enhance growth rate.
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By taking care of all these factors like project plan, budget, estimate amount of time and
resources, project manager can able to reduce wastage and achieve their desired goal.
Leadership: It is the skill which is required essentially required by project manager of
ABC PLC, as it helps them in influencing manpower of the company to accept all policies and
procedures which are importantly needed by project. It can be said that effective leadership skill
of the project manager boost up the flow of project as its employees are directed in one single
direction. This skill of project manager if helpful for the overall growth of the project as it
influences working pattern of employee in order to motivate them to complete their work in
effective manner (Zahra and et. al., 2014).
Monitoring and evaluation of project: It is the responsibility of the project manager is
to evaluate overall performance of the employees at regular basis so that they can achieve their
targeted goals and objective with in the specified period of time. In relation to given case
scenario, it is required by the project manager of this company to evaluate all the activities which
are performed by its staff member in order to ensure that this project must be completed in the
decided time frame. For this, project manager should initially concentrate on time which is
allotted to them for accomplishing the project acquisition of ABC PLC and DEF Ltd. This will
help project manager to allot all the work to employees according to their specialised zone as a
result, it will consume less period of time in finishing up the project. After allotting work to the
employees, it is important for the project manager to check that whether these employees are
working as per the guidelines or not. With the help of this, manager of the company can find out
difficulties or obstacles which are stopping employees to perform work. As a result, required
action can be taken by project manager in order to help employees so that their work can be
performed easily.
Administration: Administration refers to process of activities which are required to run
a business in effective manner. In relation to the ABC PLC, the company requires an appropriate
business administration so that they can perform required business responsibility in effective
manner. It includes decision making, management of resources, operational activities, direction
toward the common goals and objective of the company (Turner, 2016).
. In relation to ABC PLC, it is required by the project manager to manage all the administrative
activities related to the acquisition project of the company. For this, project manager of this
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company align all work of project in systematic manner with the help of which every required
business activity can be completed in effective manner.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from above mention report that project management is helpful in
managing the project in an organisation in a better manner. There has been discussion about
acquisition of DEF Ltd. by ABC company. In given report studied about the characteristics of
acquisition and role of project manager in planning, execution and also termination of project.
Different approaches are exist to generate budget for particular project budget has been mention
under this report.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Flora, H. K., Wang, X. and Chande, S. V., 2014. An investigation into mobile application
development processes: Challenges and best practices. International Journal of Modern
Education and Computer Science. 6(6). p.1.
Francese, R., and et. al., 2015. Using Project-Based-Learning in a mobile application
development course—An experience report. Journal of Visual Languages &
Computing. 31. pp.196-205.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H. R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Khalid, A., Zahra, S. and Khan, M. F., 2014. Suitability and contribution of agile methods in
mobile software development. International Journal of Modern Education and
Computer Science. 2(2). pp.56-62.
Marchewka, J. T., 2014. Information technology project management. John Wiley & Sons.
Mastrogiacomo, S., Missonier, S. and Bonazzi, R., 2014. Talk before it's too late: reconsidering
the role of conversation in information systems project management. Journal of
Management Information Systems. 31(1). pp.47-78.
Nicholas, J. M. and Steyn, H., 2017. Project management for engineering, business and
technology. Routledge.
Too, E. G. and Weaver, P., 2014. The management of project management: A conceptual
framework for project governance. International Journal of Project Management, 32(8),
pp.1382-1394.
Turner, R., 2016. Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.
Williams, J. D., 2014. Preparing to teach writing: Research, theory, and practice. Routledge.
Zahra, S., and et. al., 2014. Performing inquisitive study of pm traits desirable for project
progress. International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science. 6(2). p.41.
Online
What is project management. 2018. [Online]. Available Through:
<https://www.apm.org.uk/resources/what-is-project-management/>

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