Project Management and Estimating Techniques

The assignment is based on a case study of Sharp Printing, AG, where Lauren was chosen as project manager to develop a color laser printer for customers and small businesses. The report discusses the challenges faced by the project team, including time constraints and competition from other companies. It outlines the importance of prioritizing activities using a priority matrix and utilizing top-down and bottom-up approaches for estimation. The document also emphasizes the significance of considering time and cost as major factors in project management.

Discussion

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
What would you do if you were project manager ?....................................................................3
Was top management correct in developing estimate ?..............................................................3
Types of estimating techniques that should be used for a mission critical project such as this ?
.....................................................................................................................................................3
Do you agree or disagree?...........................................................................................................4
Do you have questions?..............................................................................................................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Project management can be described as the procedure of starting, planning, controlling
and closing the tasks of the team to achieve particular aim and objectives. The major challenge
related with project management is to attain all the objectives of the project within given
constraints. The Report is based on Sharp Printing, AG. The firm is required to have colour laser
printer for customers and small business for less than $200. Lauren was chosen as project
manager to develop laser printer. However, there are issues regarding time and cost.
MAIN BODY
What would you do if you were project manager ?
If, I were the project manager I would choose priority matrix in order to support top
management to develop the priorities in more effective way. Further, time is one of the major
factor because short delay in introducing laser printer in the market would provide opportunity to
competitors for attracting customers. Hence, top management should focus on time to market the
product Kerzner (2018). Moreover, performance should be considered as important factor in
manufacturing the printer of reasonable quality.
Was top management correct in developing estimate ?
Based on the analysis of situation, it seemed that top management has made decision by
relying on faulty information. Determination regarding time, cost were set up in the light of
related knowledge. There was insufficient knowledge in building the estimate Larson Gray,
(2018). They have included estimate on broad perspective that are just enough for organizing
ventures and are not correct. Top management personnels were blinded with the secured
rewards.
Types of estimating techniques that should be used for a mission critical project such as this ?
There are various types of estimating techniques that can be used for mission critical
project such as Sharp Printing, AG should utilize top-down as well as bottom-up approaches for
estimating the necessities that are required for successful completion of the project Heldman
(2018). Using work breakdown structure and information from previous projects will support in
estimating the overall time and cost of the project.

Do you agree or disagree?
Yes, I am agreed with the postings of classmates as they are also having similar views on
the above questions. They also suggest that top management should use priority matrix.
Do you have questions?
No, I don't have any questions.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded that laser printer is a key product for the firm to improve the level
of profitability. Time and cost are considered as significant factor related with the project. The
Report has outlined that, top management should use priority matrix for prioritising different
activities.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals -
Heldman, K. (2018). PMP: project management professional exam study guide. John Wiley &
Sons.
Kerzner, H. (2018). Project management best practices: Achieving global excellence. John
Wiley & Sons.
Larson, E., Gray, C., (2018), Project management: The managerial process. (7th Ed): McGraw-
Hill Global Education Holdings, LLC.