Project Management: IHG Hotel Task 1 & 2 Analysis and Strategies

This project management assignment delves into the core principles of project management, encompassing planning, organization, direction, and control. Task 1 focuses on defining projects and project management, emphasizing the importance of success criteria, and illustrating the application of the DSDM model. It examines factors influencing project success, such as commercial success, user satisfaction, and adherence to standards, specifically in the context of IHG Hotel's CRM project. Task 2 explores project team structures, including functional, matrix, and project-based approaches, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. It also addresses the challenges faced by project managers in IT projects, such as resource constraints and the need for skilled employees. The assignment concludes by outlining essential qualities of an effective project manager, including complexity management, team management, and communication skills, highlighting the importance of leadership in driving project success. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the complexities of project management and offers practical guidance for effective execution.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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TASK 1
INTRODUCTION
Project management principles consists of planning, organizing, directing and controlling
the project. The procedure of project management starts to accomplish specific aim and
objectives. The task one is based on initial information related to project management and about
the success criteria used by the corporation. Furthermore, DSDM model has also been explained.
MAIN BODY
1.1 Defining the project and project management
Project is considered as the individual collaborative enterprise involving the research and
design for the purpose of accomplishing the specific aim. In other words, project is a temporary
endeavour constructed for the production of unique product or services in accordance with
specific requirement of the customers or business. On the other hand, project management is
applied for planning, executing and controlling as well as closing of work which is allotted in a
team. IHG hotel must ensure to comply with development of distinct technical skills along with
management strategies through which specific project such as introduction of customer
relationship management portal (Dalcher and Brodie, 2007). It can be critically evaluated that,
project management procedure of the hotel should highlight the constraints effectively. It
consists of factors such as quality, scope and budget which tend to affect the project management
procedure to great extent. For this purpose, in case hotel is launching its CRM portal then it is
important to shed light on its scope and quality as well as financial resources available for the
same. In the current era, project management is done by using modern techniques such as
PRINCE 2 and agile software etc so as to reduce the time taken for completion of the project and
accomplish long as well as short tern objectives of the business.
1.2 Determining the success of project and describing the criteria used to determine the success
There are several factors determine the success of project which must be considered by
the management in order to complete the same on right time. For this purpose, first of all project
team prepares the success criteria such as commercial success, happy users and achieves purpose
as well as meeting the specific requirement of users. On the other hand, compliance of set
standard and client acceptance as well as completion of the project on right time are also
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included in the success criteria (Project Success Criteria and Success Factors, 2017). For
example, CRM project of IHG hotel must be completed on time and accordingly team or people
associated in the same should be happy with the same. It would be effective for corporation to
accomplish the project in an an effectual manner. This aids to cater need of all related parties and
ensure optimum utilization of resources. Apart from this, success factors also important which
are considered by the project management of IHG hotel. For this purpose, support from top
management is important along with appropriate schedule as well as plan. At the same time,
personnel must possess necessary skills and attributes. However, continuous training is provided
by the hotel through which it becomes easy to update skills and competency of workforce.
1.3 Seven phases of DSDM
The Dynamic system development method (DSDM) is an agile project delivery
framework which is applied in the field of project management. This is helpful for meeting the
requirement of communities as the complex problem is solved effectively. However, it consists
of seven stages where the first one is pre-project wherein project manager discuss about the
requirement of the business and issues which are being faced by company. After this, second
step as feasibility study is done in order to assess the whether project CRM should be
implemented to address the issue or not (Dybå and Dingsøyr, 2008). On a critical note, feasibility
study is done in the ground of resources and need of the business. Apart from this, third step is
about conducting business study that how project will be beneficial for the business.
Furthermore, fourth step of function model lteration and fifth one if design and building lteration
are introduced by the business. These initial stages assist project manger to design and build the
lteration for its effective implementation in order to meet the project purpose. At last, post
project evaluation is done for assessing its effectiveness (DSDM Consortium, 2008).
On the other hand, Stapleton follow the below mentioned principles for project
management-
 Involvement of user is essential
 Team empowerment for taking decisions
 Frequent delivery is focused
 Accepted deliverable are considered on the basis of fitness for business
 The development should be incremental and it is necessary
 Changes made during development must be reversible
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 Higher level base-lined requirements are considered
 Testing is integrated in the entire life cycle of project
 Cooperative and collaborative approach is followed
1.4 Deciding pull the bag on the a project is usually difficult for the project managers
The procedure of project management become complex due to lack of knowledge among
project manager. The management team of the business must understand the time to pull and
plug. For this purpose, first of over-commitment of the business must be recognized because
most of the time management get confused at the initial stage and think that success is around the
corner. On a critical note, management must consider that experimenting phase is needed proper
concern along with focus of association of people in the project (Qumer and Henderson-Sellers,
2008). However, aspects like zero based budget must be considered in order to decided regarding
pull and plug of the project. It would be effective to utilize the limited resources effectively and
determine the success of the business in the marketplace. In addition to this, Staw and Ross
concluded that research and development as well as finance for the project must be considered
effectively in order to reduce the barriers in a successful completion of the project.
CONCLUSION
The aforementioned task concludes that activities covered in the project must plan with
great cater and in the presence of suitable candidate. This would be appropriate to accomplish the
project effectively and ensure success of the business.
TASK 2
INTRODUCTION
Project management is the process which assists project manager to plan, organize and
control all the activities and resources in adequate manner. All the protocols and procedures
involved in project management aids in acquiring specific goals and objectives (Meredith and
Mantel Jr, 2011). Thus, the present research study has been emphasizing on need of proper
structural aspects for a team who is handing different projects at a time. Furthermore, in the
research study, discussion has been included regarding difficulties faced by the project manager
controlling IT project. Project teams must also follow suitable structure so that the entire
operations can be managed effectively.
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2.1 Project teams are organized in many structures
There must be proper structural aspects for the project teams as that aids in carrying out
all the practices in proper way; further it can also aid in delegating the roles and responsibilities
in effective way according to organizational aim and objectives. In this respect, it can be said that
while handling any of the project, proper structural requirements should be considered.
Structure Strengths Weaknesses
Functional structure When a company uses a
functional organizational
structure, people with similar
knowledge and skills are
grouped together; hence this
would assist Intercontinental
hotel to manage all the work
practices in effective manner
(Mithas, Ramasubbu and
Sambamurthy, 2011).
Further, it will also require a
performance management
system that could allow the
employees to get promotion
and also to manage functional
aspects in the best possible
way.
The structure has many
difficulties while working
with other functional areas
(Turner, 2014). Different
departments have
interrelationship with each
other and at the same time it
there is often a perception
that people working in
different department usually
compete with each other with
other functional areas; thus
this might affect the internal
business practices of
Intercontinental hotel.
Matrix structure In this structure, resources
can be used efficiently, as
experts can share the projects
according to the
requirements. Herein, this
structure information flows
both across and up through
the organization (Reimann,
In matrix structure,
subordinates are required to
follow instructions from more
than one superior (Lai and
Wong, 2012). Thus, this
might create confusion in the
work processes and problems
may occur accordingly. Thus,
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Schilke and Thomas, 2010).
Thus, employees can also
contact with many people
which could assist in
managing sharing of
information; hence it could
also underpin decision
making procedure.
it maximizes paperwork and
other information costs.
Project- based structure Project based structure has
many advantages and the
most important is that it aids
the project manager to carry
out all the activities according
to the given tasks (Tseng,
2010). This is also essential
in terms of completing the
project on time.
However, it requires specific
guidelines and unavailability
of such thing could create
confusion in managing
project requirements. At the
same time, issues may also
arise due to involvement of
incapable people who are
allotted the project.
2.2 Difficulties faced by the project manager in controlling an IT project
Project manager has to manage a lot of things while controlling IT project; hence
unavailability and lack of such things typically generate many issues and challenges (Sadikoglu
and Zehir, 2010). Managers must have to become responsible so that they can handle the
proceedings related to the subsequent project. IT project requires to consider several things so
that basic and generalized problems could be avoided. Thus, in the below section, several issues
are being listed:
 Unavailability of software and tools: IT project manager of Intercontinental hotel could
experience issues due to unavailability of software and tools on the basis of which the
entire project is handled (Cioffi, 2006). Further, in order to handle IT projects, it is vital
for project manager to include diverse software and tools so that all the requirements of
project could be met accordingly.
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 Lack of resources: Project manager of IT department needs to consider the availability
of resources as that underpins the practices and operations. In this area, in can be said
that manager has to overlook the availability of requirements which aids in carrying out
all the operations in the best possible manner. Thus, this will not only affect the product
quality; but also it could impede the performance of hotel entity (Clements and et.al.,
2005).
 Unavailability of skilled employees: Apparently, in order to manage IT project, it is
crucial for the project manager to employ skilled and talented people so that all the
details of the project can be included while carrying out it. Employees are required to
possess technical skills so that all the work practices can be carried out in the best
manner.
2.3 Essential qualities required of an efficient project manager
In order to become a project manager, it is vital for the person to possess several qualities
and skills. This is highly essential in conducting all the work processes in the best manner
(Hayes, 2006). Thus, in the below section, several qualities are being discussed which are
essential to possess:
 Complexity management: The IT project manager must have complexity management
skills so that all the critical processes and operations can be managed accordingly. This
is also vital in terms of reducing challenges from the work practices; hence this can
assist the associated employees to carry out all their duties in appropriate way (Chaffey
and White, 2010).
 Team management ability: Project manager must have team management ability so that
strategic direction can be provided to all the associated team players. It is also vital for
the project manager to coordinate the requirements of the project to each member so that
all the tasks can be carried out suitably.
 Proper communication ability: Project manager of Intercontinental hotel must have the
ability to communicate things in proper manner (Hoerl and Snee, 2012). Thus, the
manager must have the ability to use diverse communication tools to communicate
information suitably.
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 Manager should also work as a leader: It is imperative for the project manager to work
as a leader so that specific directions can be provided to the employees. Similarly, it can
be said that this is also useful in carrying out all the strategic aspects through which goal
of the organization could be attained respectively (Alexander, 2013). Hence, this is
essential for meeting operational requirements of the business.
 Manager must have the capability to resolve the conflicts: It is also crucial for the
project manager to possess conflict management skills so that organizational issues and
challenges prevailing in the organization can be resolved.
2.4 How a project manager can plan and build an efficient project team
In order to build an effective team, it is essential for the project manager to emphasize on
proper planning so that each and every aspect about the team can be handled suitably. In the
stage of planning, project manager has to consider the things that can make the team successful
and competent (Burke, 2013). Thus, in the below section, the ways of planning and building an
efficient project team are being discussed:
 Focusing on team formulation: It is crucial for the project manager to develop a right
team and appropriate people should be employed for the team work (Jeston and Nelis,
2014). In this area of concern, project manager of Intercontinental hotel should make use
of different ways to develop a team that could work according to the best interest of the
organization.
 Emphasizing on work management: It is vital for the project manager to emphasize on
the work aspect and according to that, work should be delegated to each of the associated
team members. This is also vital in terms of managing team work (Kerzner, 2013).
 Proper direction to the team: Project manager of Intercontinental hotel should focus on
delivering prominent direction so that activities and operations can be managed suitably.
This can also aid in underpinning performance and productivity aspects.
 Building team aspects: It is essential for project manager to focus on building team
aspects so that the defined aim can be attained (Larson and Gray, 2014). Apart from that,
manager must also focus on involving all the team players critically for strengthening the
work of project. In case of having any team conflict, it should be resolved within the team
so that it may not hamper other processes of hotel.
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CONCLUSION
Concluding the entire research study, it can be said that while working on a project, it is
essential for the project leader to employ qualified and talented people who can meet all the
requirements of the project. Furthermore, in the study researcher has also clarified how a project
manager can plan and build an effective project team. Therefore, it is now clear that there must
be proper structuring in the projects so that all the tasks and activities could be managed suitably.
TASK 3
INTRODUCTION
A project usually consists of various steps and stages and that is being prepared for a
specific purpose. According to the given budget, it is crucial for the organization to plan all the
activities and to submit it after finishing the entire plan. Thus, regarding this discussion has been
made about the ways through which performance of the project team can be assessed. Along
with this, researcher has also stated the elements of a change control system and how it will be
used by the project managers to manage external changes.
3.1 List and discuss the contents of a project plan. Who prepared and whom is it submitted
The below mentioned steps are required to be included while managing the project; as
that can only enhance the validity and reliability of the elements used (Meredith and Mantel Jr,
2011). The entire project plan is prepared by the project manager and the team and it is submitted
to the top authority so that they can give their consent to implement the plan. In this respect, the
below mentioned things should be considered:
 Identifying the scope of the project: At the initial stage, purpose of the project is
required to be identified so that all the activities can be carried out effectively. This is
also crucial in showcasing each and every stage of the project (Turner, 2014).
 Essentials of the project: Prior carrying out any project, it is essential for the project
manager to carry out all the activities according to the available resources as through that
only the main aim can be met.
 Proper scheduling: Proper scheduling is required so that on such basis, all the practices
can be carried out systematically. This will also assist the project manager to get remind
about targets and deadlines.
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 Involvement of stakeholders: Project manager must ensure that stakeholders are
properly involved in the decision making process as this will assist them to present their
opinion in company facets (Mithas, Ramasubbu and Sambamurthy, 2011).
 Financial management: Project manager should also emphasize on financial
management so that all the activities can be conducted suitably. This will also aid in
managing company’s budgetary dimensions.
 Clear management of all the work aspects: Afterwards, it is crucial for the project
manager of Intercontinental hotel to manage all the things in appropriate way so that
confusion as well as misrepresentation of work can be avoided (Lai and Wong, 2012).
 Identification of the provision of transformations in the project: It is vital for the
project manager to identify all the areas where transformations are required. This can
also aid in underpinning all the practices that are essential under a project.
 Controlling the entire plan: Afterwards, developing the entire plan, it is crucial for the
project team to review the entire plan so that the areas of changes can be ascertained
accordingly.
3.2 Calculate the following things according to the budget cost
Activity Description Budget cost
£
Status BCWP (£000)
A Designing
Hardware
40000 Completed (100%) 40000
B Building
hardware
80000 Completed (100%) 80000
C Testing facility 20000 Completed (100%) 20000
D Testing hardware 7000 Partially Complete
(50%)
3500
E Designing
software
70000 Completed (100%) 70000
F Coding software 25000 Partially Complete
(50%)
12500
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G Designing Tests 8000 Not yet started 0
H Testing system 20000 Not yet started 0
Total 270000 226000
The calculation has been made on the basis of 100% and 50% which shows the relevancy
of the project. The budget seems to be quite feasible as all the activities will be completed
accordingly (Reimann, Schilke and Thomas, 2010). Thus, it can be said that this will assist the
project manager to manage the IT project in appropriate way.
 The lower bound for BCWP: The lower bound of BCWP is £3500 which lies in testing
hardware.
 The upper bound for BCWP: The upper bound for BCWP is £80000 which lies in
building hardware.
 The value of BCWP: Total value of BCWP at the end of the project is £226000.
3.3 How auditing function should be carried out
The process of auditing is essential in the company as through that financial changes can
be analysed and at the same time it is also vital to identify the performance of the project. The
process of auditing not only analyses financial status; but also it aids the business entity to
ascertain the areas of improvements (Tseng, 2010). At the same time, it can also be said that
while conducting the process of auditing, auditor must ensure that the process involves all the
legal facets so that optimum results could be acquired accordingly. Along with legal compliance,
auditor must also use the framework subsequently so that all the business activities can be
conducted essentially. Chiefly, the process of auditing includes internal analysis; thus it aids in
identifying company’s prospects in managing all the operations and activities (Sadikoglu and
Zehir, 2010). Furthermore, the auditor is also required to carry out all the practices in fair, legal
and ethical way because all the financial prospects of company are dependent on auditing
procedure.
There are several dimensions that is ought to be considered at the time of carrying out the
process of auditing. Thus, in this respect, integrity seems to be the major aspect wherein auditor
as to ensure that all the practices that are being conducted are transparent to company’s accounts
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