Understanding Project Management: Cases, Similarities to Cereal Production, and Quasi Projects

PROJECT MANAGEMENT 1
Project management
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PROJECT MANAGEMENT 2
Question 1
The cases describe project activities due to the nature of the tasks undertaken. The
various differences between projects and operational activities assist in determining the
project nature of the tasks. The following attributes identify the activities as projects:
 The activities require a long period of time to achieve, which stands out as a characteristic of
a project. The operational activities differ from projects due to the consumption of a short
period. For example, Handstar’s software could consume 1250 hours while the E-collar
project could consume up to 80 hours (Olsen, 2018).
 The case studies also involve the selection of a project manager and team. The manager and
team have the responsibility of ensuring the maintenance of the project scope. Additionally,
the persons ensure the successful implementation of the project tasks to ensure success. For
example, The Quantum bank identifies two final candidates to manage the project. The
persons include Bill Fence and Andy Dover. The bank also comes up with a group of persons
to work on the project effectively (Boyer, 2018).
 The case studies also involve huge capital outlays, which proves further that the activities
rank as projects (Boyer, 2018). Only projects undertake huge budgets from a company due to
the many activities involved. For example, the Handstar project could consume 52$ per hour
for 2500 hours for a period of three years.
 Additionally, the case studies identify goals that the activities should achieve. The goals show
align to products due to the long-term nature. The companies have to ensure the completion
of the activities to reap the expected benefits (Suzanne de Treville, 2018). For example,
Handstar Company expects to experience increased sales, Quantum bank intends to enhance
customer satisfaction while E-Collar wishes to increase the sales units.