Business Project and Programme Management

This document discusses the key issues, scope, estimating and scheduling, risk and issues management in business project and programme management. It focuses on the strategic transformation programme of a global technology company and provides insights into the identification of key issues, programme scope and deliverables, estimating and scheduling, and risk and issues management. The document also explores the advantages and disadvantages of project management techniques and provides recommendations for a relevant framework.

Business Project and
Programme Management
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
Identification of key issues considered for overall strategic transformation programme...........3
Programme scope and deliverables.............................................................................................4
Estimating and scheduling...........................................................................................................6
Risk and Issues management.......................................................................................................7
Ways of structuring organization and governance of the programme.........................................9
Evaluation of program control methods for managing transformation.....................................10
Evaluation of options for procuring, supplier selection and contracting consultancy contract
for the centre of excellence........................................................................................................11
PART 2..........................................................................................................................................11
Advantages and disadvantages of 2 project management techniques.......................................11
Justification for 1 framework relevant to the case study...........................................................12
Reflection on selected framework along with recommendations..............................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15
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INTRODUCTION
Project management refers a process of managing business activities for which employees
require having strategic change and business development skills for achieving beneficial change
(Steyn, 2018). This present study is based on SB which is global technology company with
headquarter is in Washington, USA. It wants to deliver integrated quality technology systems,
hardware and software for business expansion and development but selecting manufacturing
location is one of the key task and issue. This present study is going to show some key issues
which occur while deciding and making plan about business development like selecting the best
location by becoming cost effective, fulfilling regulations of country in which company wants to
expand and others. Further, it will show scope of this program which SB has started and
developed which can help it out in successful development. Identification of risk and
management also plays an important role as it allows employees in identifying the best strategies
according to the type of risk and accomplish goals. Lastly it will discuss some advantages as well
as disadvantages of 2 project management as well as some ways o f better improvement in
strategies for accomplishing goals.
MAIN BODY
Identification of key issues considered for overall strategic transformation programme
In the context of SB which is a global technology company, provide variety of hardware
components to clients at affordable prices but now it wants to develop its business by
diversifying software products for specialise clients and for that it wants to acquisition of WN. It
wants to now achieve its new developed vision of development of business by board of series of
interrelated projects to increase market share, new products by reducing operating cost.
One of the main key issues is to identify the best Manufacturing location where it can produce
diversify products and software as it wants to reduce operative cost and increase market share so,
by keeping this in mind it requires selecting one of the best manufacturing location (De Felice,
Petrillo and Petrillo, 2019). By acquiring with WN it found that this company has large
manufacturing and software development site in Europe and software development software
based in USA. But in this case other main issue is regulatory clearance as due to this it may
have to lose strategic industry. Some other challenges associated with political factors and
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integrating locations. So, by focusing on meeting stakeholders and political requirements this
program can minimize such risks.
Other main concern of this company is becoming cost effective and for this SB developed its
manufacturing base in the Far East but quality related problems is the main issue there. If it
wants to improve quality of products then it will require inventing mire in resources which cab
increase cost and if it does no invest then it hampers quality. Moving work from Far East to the
USA is good but by doing so, it may affects several people as it may affect job opportunities
which can directly affect reputation of companies. So, for making it successful company will
require making an effective communication plan as by making use of E-mail, meetings it can
satisfy needs of stakeholders and can take suggestions for better decision (Lian and et.al., 2016).
Well management of location is one of the main task of this business plan and also become
flexible for adapting changes in strategies by SB.
Other main key driver of business plan and strategic change is becoming expert in software
development for increasing market share and profit. It is one of the main key deliverable of this
strategic change and business plan which SB wants to make. Its current Product Development
organisation does not consists of large software and hardware products so, it wants to expand it.
Here one of the main issue which may create some problems is failure of project management
and development due to with limited user interface. But by making use of agile method it can
minimize such risks and also improve system development project performance. Outsourcing is
also can be the best solution of improving products development performance (Shuang, Diabat
and Liao, 2019).
Building a new software Centre of Excellence and becoming expertise by choosing the best
location is other main task. It also wants to become cost effective but for better software
development it will require expertise who can provide and suggest it the best location, building
designs and other attractiveness which can increase its cost but after taking all these suggestions
and investing in it, it can maximize profit margin and increase sales.
Programme scope and deliverables
It has been identified that in order to expand into other market and generate high profits
product diversification is being done. Here, new software as well as hardware products are
being developed. It has led to change in things related to reducing cost. SB is developing a new
product and engage in software development. Also, it is analysed that new product
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development project will focus on technology. The company is linked with developing of
tablet computers in partnership. With that there is change in shift in making software and
focusing on it. here, new software will be developed in product development centre. The main
key deliverable of business plan and strategic change is becoming expert in software
development for increasing market share and profit
Hence, it is found that programme scope and deliverable needs to be evaluated. It is
because it gives insight on what scope is of developing centre of excellence. Besides that, the
deliverables are those that project will give. They are aims and objectives of project. In similar
way, scope of software development centre will be to expertise in one location. Moreover, it
will provide a more creative and effective environment to work in as well (Jensen and et.al.,
2017). In addition, all operations will be integrated resulting in reduction in cost. Besides that, all
functions of SB development and acquisition will be combined. Therefore, through that
successful software can be developed by company at low cost.
However, here scope of development centre is that with integration of operations and
functions new software will be developed. It will provide a creative environment in which
variety of products are developed. Besides that, hardware and software capability of company
will increase. This will enable in reducing cost of operations and product development.
Additionally, resources will be utilised in efficient way and integration of all location is
centralised. The relationship with software development team will improve and entire system
development process will improve. Thus, centre will increase company scope to develop high
and advance software. Additionally, environment within centre will be flexible to work with one
another as all operations will be performed under one roof. This will entirely change way of
developing new product and procuring things. When things are done in rights way it will
automatically lead to efficient procurement of resources and software will be developed in
effective way without any issues faced.
There may be change in scope and deliverable of programme as certain operation or
function are not changed. Therefore it will affect on development of software and managing of
it. the scope of cost will change as it will require more cost to develop software. There will be
issue of quality related SB developed its manufacturing base in the Far East but quality related
problems is the main issue there. If it wants to improve quality of products then it will require
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inventing mire in resources which cab increase cost and if it does not invest then it hampers
quality (Hudson, 2017)
Estimating and scheduling
In every project there occur various types of issues which can impact on its completion.
These issues are related to schedule or time estimate one. Due to that there are other ways as well
related to how things are done in it. By estimating schedule it becomes easy to proceed in
systematic way and complete task one by one. This enables in effective completion of entire
program within specified time and cost. The estimation and scheduling are dependent on one
another.
As per case study it is found that SB is developing a new software development
excellence centre. In that various software will be developed. In that all operations and functions
will be integrated. Thus, the timescale of project is to be completed within 2 years. Besides that,
all changes are to be done in proper way in order to enhance product development. Moreover,
some milestones are set as well to finish program according to its progress. But there may occur
certain issues in estimating and scheduling of program. It can adversely affect on certain
program which are scheduled in it. Therefore, the main issue here is within 2 years program me
may not be completed in it. Hence, it will affect on further programs as well. for instance- if
software development centre is not finished within time then the changes in it will not be
completed as well. it will result in delay in integration of operations and functions to be
implemented within centre. Similarly, program overview to refocus on structure and location is
delayed. As it is connected with new excellence centre development thus its progress will be
hampered (Browning, 2018).
However, another issue regarding scheduling is lack of procurement of resources. If
this is not done within time then it highly leads to delay in software development. Due to that
excellence centre will not be preceded as per schedule. it is necessary to schedule program in
effective way so that excellence centre is finished on time. Also, changes within operations and
functions are made properly. Likewise, after that software development needs to be begin. Then
it leads to change in things as well. here, it might occur issue of estimating milestone of
programmed. This is difficult to do it as all are linked with one another. Thus, milestone can not
be predicted which may affect on schedule of project.
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The strategies developed in it will not be adequate enough to start and end project on time. The
estimation of software development depends on how excellence centre is established. Hence, it
cannot be estimated that when will software developed and finished. Here one of the main issues
which may create some problems is failure of project management and development due to with
limited user interface. Besides that, all changes are to be done in proper way in order to enhance
product development. Moreover, some milestones are set as well to finish program according to
its progress.
Risk and Issues management
Identification of risks is important because it allows in mitigating them by taking the best
and appropriate strategy for mitigating them. Risk management plays an important role as SB
wants to develop its business and for that it is focusing on products diversification for which it
will require developing both hardware and software. For this it has also developed product
development program and for that it has considered several elements and performing some
functions like acquisition of WN, manufacturing, developing new product and new software
development centre. For each elements and functions it may have to face some problems as
development of software and software development centre is not an easy task. Some risks which
may occur while developing program and performing functions include:
Quality issues or quality management: SB wants to diversify its products range and for that it
wants to select the best location for manufacturing products which can help it out in
accomplishing its goals of becoming cost effective and also producing qualitative products. But
there is one thing that if we wants to develop and improve quality then we require investing in
resources, advanced technology, managing global operations, hiring skilled workforce and
others. Investment in all these resources can increase cost and if company does not invest then it
affects quality and it is the main risk (Chauhan and et.al., 2018).
For managing this risk and improving quality, company can invest in quality management
tools to some extent and also it can source financial support. By investing in total quality
management and selecting location where labor cost is low, raw materials can easily be accessed;
it can become cost effective along with improved quality of products. By integrating
Manufacturing facilities of WN and also by making effective communication plan, using
autocratic leadership style for involving all stakeholders in decision making process it can satisfy
them and seek for efforts to improve quality.
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Delay in completion of project and scheduling: It is found that for developing expertise in
software development with mobile technology and bespoke software and at present software and
hardware in which it operates is not large and for that it has to perform several functions. For
completing all functions it will require time and scheduling is also important but one wrong step
and failure of one function may affect further steps and functions which may directly affect
deadline of development of project development program.
So, in this context it can be said that by hiring skilled workforce for proper controlling and
scheduling after completing each function, risks cam be measured and by mitigating all risks at
that time, functions can be completed in a timely manner.
Cost effectiveness: Becoming cost effective and performing all functions in an effective
manner is one of the main aim, But it is found that for completing all functions, fulfilling
stakeholders needs, environmental needs, developing software and development company
requires investing in resources which may increase cost.
By making effective partnership with an external consultancy and also taking advantages of
acquisition with WN it can share its all expenses and can also take better decision.
Selection of the best manufacturing location: SB developed its manufacturing base in the
Far East but there are some quality problems so it decided to re-shored to the US for
manufacturing process but it is increasing its cost. It is also found that in some countries there are
some strict environmental regulations and political instability which is another main problem.
It is important for SB to implement some policies at workplace regarding following all
guidelines and improving relation with political party by making use of effective communication
modes. Also hiring workforce of host country can also solve problems of job loss.
Political factors: In deciding acquisition of WN for taking advantage of from synergy
between the traditional Computer Hardware Market and Mobile Technology it requires
integrating of Hardware Manufacturing operations. Integration of Hardware Manufacturing
operations, political factors are some challenges (Salavati and et.al., 2016).
For successful merger of software development it needs to be structured and managed in a
manner to meet Stakeholders expectations by taking suggestions of WN regarding its success of
its existing products.
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Ways of structuring organization and governance of the programme
It is stated that company wants to change its structure for good practice delivery and for
making its successful it requires considering its existing structure and also taking views of
stakeholders regarding new structure. For making new structure it will add and focus on 3 main
elements such as:
Governance: In this it includes all important people or stakeholders which can help
company in making decision like manager of WN, chief operating officer, product developer and
others.
Rules: It is other main elements on which basis all employees and employers are lowed to
complete functions and successful operations. Some rules are explicitly stated and others are
implicated. It includes ways of performance, styles of leadership, legislations related to
environmental protections and others (Al-Ruithe, Benkhelifa and Hameed, 2019).
Common roles and allocation of works: It is one of the main reasons of developing new
structure and it allows employees to have clear information related to work which they required
to be performed. It includes hiring a person who can llooks at the world in a slightly different
way like leadership. Hiring a person who can figure out how to accomplish vision by breaking it
up into strategies and goals.
Outsourcing manufacturing is one of the main critical task and challenge and for this only
it wants to changes its structure and in this regards it requires hiring people outside of company
rather than host country. There are several reasons of outsourcing manufacturing by SB as there
is low labour cost, lower overhead cost and increasing demand. In this regard, it is found that
some stakeholders like employees as well as chief financial officer do not want company to re
shore its all manufacturing to another location because it will affect employment of host country
which will affect company’ s reputation. But for this problem, company has decided to make an
effective communication plan in which it consists and add all important details and by involving
all stakeholders it will communicate vision of the company as well as requirement of making
changes. It can help it out in making stakeholders aware and satisfy them.
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Evaluation of program control methods for managing transformation
Managing transformation is one of the main tasks but by doing so, SB can make its product
development program successful and there are mainly 4 steps and ways by which it can control
for managing transformation such as:
Estimation: In this step, company will require estimate with consultants in order to
understand each parameter and element used in input as well as sensitivity to each element if
changes happen. It also requires estimating total labor hours required in completing each
function in an effective manner, successful division of labor according to their skills and
experience and taking general ideas from consultants and WN regarding scheduling.
Managing staffing mode: In this step, company requires assigning roles of staff members by
allocating resources, identifying expected contribution level of individual resources. For
successful management and becoming cost effective it is also important to achieve average labor
rate reductions and examine total labor cost (Choe and Leite, 2020). Staffing model discussion
also help company in mitigating risks and managing transformations effectively. For better
management it also requires reviewing as Resources are operating at the expected performance,
it can fulfill future demands in an effective manner or not.
Tracking operations and products: It is stated that company wants to diversify its
products and for that it is performing functions and selecting the best manufacturing location.
But it is found that either it can maintain quality or become cost effective. But for becoming cost
effective along with improved quality of products I requires inventing in technologies which can
help it out in tracking on inventory and wastes for better management, preventing themselves
against loss ad theft of inventory.
Managing scope: Widening and managing scope is other main step involved in managing
transformation as inventors are more likely to invest in projects which has greater scope. For this
company requires designing additional business processes, additional user groups for better
improvement via training etc.
So, from the above discussed steps it can be said that SB can make its product development
program successful and can also manage transformation in an effective manner.
There are some important tasks which are known as milestone in product development program
which include: idea generation, deciding the location for manufacturing, concept development
and controlling (Burns and Pauly, 2018).
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Evaluation of options for procuring, supplier selection and contracting consultancy contract for
the centre of excellence
For its new software development centre of excellence it wants to select the best location where
it can perform all functions or one location in Western Europe. For that it is looking for skilled
consultancy firm who can advise it about building design and location. In this regards it is also
found that it wants to select the location which can help it out in making working environment
effective, employees feel motivated which leads to improved performance and productivity.
For better suppliers and consultancy firm selection it needs to consider some factors like:
Cost: It wants to increase profit margin and it is possible when it reduces cost and invest wisely
in each tool, technique and element, So, by focusing on researching and viewing reviews about
available suppliers it may select the best one (Tooranloo and Iranpour, 2017)
Quality: Viewing and measuring performance of suppliers while selection can help it out in
better software development centre of excellence. It is also important for SB to take some
services as sample in order to make sure and taking better decision.
Risk: Selecting suppliers which consists of less risks is also important for developing project. By
identifying involved risks and ways of mitigating them, SB can select the best consultancy firm
and supplier.
SWOT and positioning matrix are main procurement strategies which can also help
company in evaluating better options and making decision regarding new software development
centre of excellence. In these strategies company requires identifying its own strengths and
weaknesses and align them with the program. It can help it out in identifying those areas in
which it requires improvement. Positioning matrix allows it in knowing its actual position as
compare to its competitors and accordingly select strategies (Xing-feng, 2017).
PART 2
Advantages and disadvantages of 2 project management techniques
In the context of P3M3 portfolio, programme and project management maturity model it
can be said that it can help SB in knowing ways of delivering project and programmes by
looking at the whole system. There are different types of project management techniques but
some effective techniques include:
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Work breakdown structure: It is one of the effective technique which can help project
manager in completing their project in an effective manner as it allows project manager in
organizing work into smaller pieces which can be managed in an effective manner. Some
advantages and limitations of this technique include:
 It helps in organizing complete work in an effective manner by dividing it in smaller
parts.
 It facilitates quick development of schedule.
 Helps project manager in estimating or identifying scope risks.
 It boosts productivity.
Disadvantages
 It is a time consuming technique and also require more staff for completing smaller parts
of work.
 Failure of one task may lead failure in further tasks and the whole project as well.
Project evaluation and review technique: This technique helps in time estimation. It also
allows project manager in mitigating risks in a timely manner, becoming cost effective and also
complete g project according to the given time. By managing probabilities by using many simple
statistical methods and using Gantt chart it can make it successful (Sutrisna, Ramanayaka and
Goulding, 2018).
 Company can view all critical paths with it.
 This planning helps it out for the long run.
Disadvantages
 Predictions in this technique regarding time and budget may be inaccurate.
 Requires making complicated charts which may be time consuming.
Justification for 1 framework relevant to the case study
On the basis of above discussed both project management techniques it can be said that work
breakdown structure is better than others. SB wants to diversify its products and for that t is
performing several functions which are complicated too. But for making it easier it can take help
of work breakdown structure and according to this technique it can break down each function
into smaller parts and can allot to each smaller parts among staff members. It can help it out in
completing project and each function with ease. And if there any error occurs then it can mitigate
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them by hiring a person which is mainly responsible for controlling and monitoring of each
function (van Dorp, 2020).
SB requires selecting the best manufacturing location, successful acquisition with WN,
developing new software centre of excellence by becoming cost effective and also managing
quality of products and services for increasing profit margin. So, for each of the element by
dividing functions into easiest form it can complete all of these.
Reflection on selected framework along with recommendations
I believe that work breakdown structure is one of the best project management technique
because it does not only allow project manager in making their work easier by breaking down it
in smaller parts but also boost productivity. When employees perform work divided into smaller
and easiest form then they are more likely to complete it in an effective manner and reducing
errors which boost their confidence and hence, they support company in accomplishing their
goals (Pan,Yin and Chen, 2019).
For more improvement I want to recommend to company that along with work breakdown
structure it can take help of Gantt char as well because it wants to complete all functions by
becoming cost effective and completing project in a timey manner. Gantt chart is one of the tool
which allow companies in completing functions in a timely manner.
CONCLUSION
From the above study it has been summarized that for developing business and expanding an
effective project management played a vital role which consists of several functions and tasks
which all needs to be completed in an effective manner. Further, it has discussed all functions
and elements required in developing product development program like project scheduling,
planning, controlling, risk analysis and management, identifying programme scope and
programme management. For completing each step, company require performing several
functions and investing in resources. Quality management also played a vital role as it allows
company in satisfying needs of stakeholders and also retaining with the company for the long
run.
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Lastly, it has discussed advantages and limitations of frameworks in order to select the best
one for accomplishing goals and effective strategic change as well as improving management
performance of the company. Selected Prince 2 and P3M3 framework help companies in
expanding their business and developing of product development programme for increasing
profit and market share.
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