Project Management Project 1: Constructing a New Workplace Building

This project presents a comprehensive project management plan for constructing a new building, addressing a client's need for more workspace. It begins with a business case outlining the problem, benefits, and stakeholder analysis, followed by the definition of SMART objectives. The project meticulously details the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), activity list, and risk management strategies. It includes activity scheduling, illustrated through a Gantt chart, and identifies the critical path. Budget modeling and potential project execution challenges are also discussed. The project concludes with a summary of key findings and recommendations, providing a holistic view of effective project management practices in a construction context. The project emphasizes the importance of stakeholder communication, risk mitigation, and efficient resource allocation to ensure the project's timely and successful completion within the allocated budget.

Project Management
Project 1
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Business Case...................................................................................................................................3
Business Problem...................................................................................................................3
Benefits...................................................................................................................................3
Stakeholder Analysis..............................................................................................................3
Smart Objectives..............................................................................................................................4
Work Breakdown Structure.............................................................................................................5
WBS.......................................................................................................................................5
Activity List............................................................................................................................6
Risk Management...................................................................................................................7
Activity Scheduling.......................................................................................................................10
Gantt Chart...........................................................................................................................11
Critical Path..........................................................................................................................11
Budget Modelling..........................................................................................................................12
Project Execution Challenges........................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
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INTRODUCTION
Project Management can be defined as the process of applying different processes, skills,
methods and knowledge in order to achieve particular objectives of a project. It is an important
part of a project because it makes sure that right outcomes are delivered (Chawla and et. al.,
2018). The project is to construct a building for a client as they are facing issues with space at
their workplace. Managing the different activities in the project effectively will help in
completing the project effectively and deliver the same on time. Effective project management
will help the project manager in make informed decisions and also ensure that the final output
which is delivered is on time without any delays. Also, the project manager will be able to ensure
an efficient use of the different resources.
Business Case
Business Problem
The business problem is that the client is facing issues with space within their workplace
and want to shift some of the workforce to a new workplace. This is because the employees are
not able to work effectively and cannot concentrate on their jobs. For this, they want to get
constructed a new building so that the business processes can be carried out effectively.
Benefits
A new workplace building will help in increasing the motivation level of employees and
reduce their existing levels of stress. They will be able to put in better efforts in getting the tasks
done which are assigned to them. This will lead to an increase in the performance as well as
productivity of the company (Delisle, 2019). Lastly, with a limited workforce in the new
workplace, the employees will support and encourage each other.
Stakeholder Analysis
It can be defined as the process of identifying the different stakeholders of the company
before initiating a project and grouping them based on their levels of interest, participation and
power. A stakeholder analysis is explained below -
High Power, High Interest – These are the most important stakeholders and they should
always be given priority because they possess high interest as well as high power in the project
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(Stakeholder Analysis, 2020). Stakeholders included in this category are the owner of the project,
general manager and director.
High Power, Low Interest – These stakeholders possess high power in the project and
thus, should be kept satisfied. And since they have a low interest, they should not be over-
communicated because this can lead them to lose their interest. Examples include customers,
investors and sponsors.
Low Power, High Interest – Stakeholders who come in this category should be kept
informed and followed up with regularly (Layton and Ostermiller, 2017). This is done in order to
make sure that they are not facing any problems. Stakeholders included in this category include
employees and suppliers.
Low Power, Low Interest – This is the last category of stakeholders and they should be
informed about the project only periodically. Examples include security guard, cleaners etc.
Communication Plan
Therefore, the different stakeholders of the project will be communicated from time to
time. This will be done in order to keep them informed about the progress of the project. A
communication plan is described below -
Stakeholder Name Engagement Channel Frequency
Owner, General Manager and
Director
Manage Closely Meetings, E-mails,
Personal check-ins
Daily
Customers, Investors and
Sponsors
Keep Satisfied Top of the line e-
mails
Monthly
Employees and Suppliers Keep Informed Memos Weekly
Security Guard and Cleaners Monitor Newsletters Monthly
Smart Objectives
The main objective of undertaking this project is to construct a new workspace building
for the employees (Martens and Carvalho, 2017). This is being done in order to increase the
productivity as well as performance levels of the employees so that they become more
competitive.
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 To complete the project within 6 months in associated cost of £50,000 in order to expand
business operations.
The project will help the company in managing their employees in an effective way and
ensuring that there is an increase in their overall levels of productivity. Also, the goal is to make
sure that the employees work productively and are able to build strong working relationships.
Work Breakdown Structure
WBS
A Work Breakdown Structure can be defined as a structure wherein a complex project is
broken down into easy and manageable tasks. It is usually used for projects, programs etc. in
order to deliver the project in an effective manner (McKevitt, Carbery and Lyons, 2017). The
primary purpose of a work breakdown structure is to reduced different complicated activities. A
project manager can easily allocate different tasks to the team members with the help of the
same. The work breakdown structure mainly ensures that all members of the project are on the
same page and focus on completing the tasks effectively. Not only this, it helps in organising the
work of all the team members into different sections that are manageable. There are many
benefits of developing a work breakdown structure. For example, it allows the project manager
to develop a schedule for the project in an effective manner.
Not only this, it can also be used to identify any potential risks that can be associated with
the project. In context to the project chosen for this report, the construction of the building will
involve different activities. Heavy tasks will be broken down into easy and understandable tasks.
The tasks will be divided into three categories, so that it is easy for the project members to
understand the same and work on them effectively (Niknazar and Bourgault, 2017). Also, the
project manager will be able to monitor the different activities in an efficient manner and ensure
that the desired outcome is achieved. Lastly, an effective work breakdown structure can help in
completing the project in an effective and efficient way. The three stages in which the building
will be constructed are Initiation, Planning and Execution and Control.
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Activity List
Different activities will be involved in constructing a building for a workplace. An
explanation of the same is described below -
Initiation Stage
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Construction of Building
Initiation Planning Execution and Control
Official
paperwork
Excavation and
foundation
Column casting and
construction of
walls
Roofing
Plastering
Fixing doors, windows,
electrical and plumbing works
Tiles laying and painting
Miscellaneous work

 Official paperwork – This is the initial requirement of constructing any building. The
paper work for this project will include preparation of drawings, estimating the cost of
material and the approval of drawings from the client (Owusu, Chan and Shan, 2019).
 Excavation and foundation – The process of excavation is usually carried for the
construction of a building and should be based on the drawings because the lengths as
well as widths are defined in them. On the other hand, in the foundation work, different
processes which are included are compacting the ground, shuttering and footing concrete.
Planning Stage Column casting and construction of walls – This process involves fixing the shuttering
and then concrete is poured. After 24 hours, the shuttering is removed and curing is done
(Portny, 2017). Once this is done, the walls are constructed using bricks, cement and
wood. Roofing – In this stage, the roofing of the building is done and this is an important stage
wherein the workers are supposed to keep a check on the details. Plastering – After slab pouring, form work is removed and the plastering process begins.
Enough time is given for the plaster to dry so that it gains enough strength. All of the
external walls of the building are plastered. Fixing doors, windows, electrical and plumbing works – Once this is done and the plaster
dries, the doors as well as windows are fixed. Both doors as well as windows made up of
wood are used. First the frames are fixed and later on, the doors and windows are put in
to place.
 Tiles laying and painting – Tiles are laid in the kitchen area, where the employees can go
and have refreshments. Tiles of granite, marble or epoxy are generally used.
Execution and Control
 Miscellaneous work – Once all of the work is done, there are various other tasks that need
to be done (Rowe, 2020). This can include water proofing the terrace, false ceiling and
installing the furniture within the workplace l8ike chairs, tables etc.
Risk Management
It can be defined as the process which involves identifying risks, assessing them and
controlling the different threats. While constructing a new building, there can be various threats
that can have an impact on the overall performance of the project and the final outcome.
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Risk Plan
It can be defined as the different techniques that can be used in order to identify the
various risks as well as analyse their impact on the project (Silvius and et. al., 2017). By using
this particular approach, the project manager can eliminate the risks that can have an impact on
the overall progress of the project. Also, if the risks are identified in advance, the project
manager will be able to save a lot of time as well as money.
Identifying Risk – A risk management plan can help in identifying the risks in an effective
manner and also, adopt various measures to overcome them. In this, the project manager who is
responsible for managing the construction process, will analyse the risks and develop strategies
accordingly.
High quality of work – Effective management of risks will not only help in identifying
the risks, but also plan and develop strategies to overcome them (Teo and Loosemore, 2017).
This will help in saving a lot of time as well as using the available resources in an effective way.
Risk Register
Serial
no.
Risk Likeliho
od
Impact Owner Mitigati
on
Conting
ency
Weighti
ng score
(pre
action)
Weighti
ng score
(post
action )
1 Lack of
funds
High High Owner This will
include
various
strategies
as they
will help
in
overcomi
ng the
risk of
funds.
Various
ways to
A follow
up plan
will be
develope
d to
manage
the
project
more
effectivel
y.
8 out of
10
9 out of
10
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mitigate
the same
will
include
avoiding
any
unnecess
ary costs
and
making
sure that
the
available
resources
are used
effectivel
y.
2 Lack of
time
Medium High Project
Manager
Developi
ng a plan
that will
help in
completi
ng the
project
within
the given
time
scale of 6
months.
A project
manager
Scheduli
ng the
project
tasks
effectivel
y
7 out of
10
8 out of
10
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can also
be hired.
3 Skilled
Staff
Low Medium Project
Manager
Trained
staff
members
should be
hired in
order to
make
sure that
all
activities
are
complete
d on time
and in an
efficient
way.
Experien
ced
people
will help
in
making
sure that
the
project
outcome
matches
the
expectati
on of the
client.
8 out of
10
9 out of
10
Risk Priority Graph
Risk High Medium Low
Lack of Funds
Lack of Time
Skilled Staff
Activity Scheduling
Activities-
 Official paperwork
 Excavation and foundation
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 Column casting and construction of walls
 Roofing
 Plastering
 Fixing doors,windows, electrical and plumbing works
 Tiles laying and painting
 Miscellaneous work
Gantt Chart
Gantt chart is a statistical tool which is in form of a chart and is effectively used in order
to demonstrate the schedule of a project. It was developed in 1910. In current times modern
times Gantt chart is effectively used to draw the relationship between various different activities
and the current schedule status. In the following project the time required to complete the
activities is 6 months (Turner, 2017). The Gantt chart demonstrate how the activities start and
time required foe each of these task. The project begins by getting approved for all the official
paperwork an all the activities start thereafter as mentioned in the Gantt chart.
Critical Path
Critical path refers to a certain sequence of various stages which are determining the minimum
time which is required to complete an operation. In the following report the critical path for the
project of constructing a building is discussed. The critical path helps with a direction towards
completion of various activities in the project. It also helps in estimating the maximum period by
which the project will be completed. It also helps in identifying the correct sequence in which
activities will be performed. This also provides with various other features such as total float that
is the unused time in a critical path.
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Budget Modelling
Budget discusses about the expenses or the amount of capital which will be required for a
fixed period of time. Often the time included in a budget is for a year or until the activity for
which it is created is finished such as the time when project comes to an end. The following
budget consists of all the expenses including registration fee, notary fee, expenses of all the
activities are mentioned separately in the budget along with a sum of expense which will be kept
aside for miscellaneous expenses. Miscellaneous expense are those kind of expenses which are
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unforeseeable. No one can judge it beforehand therefore a reserve is kept for such expenses. The
project manager often tries that the budget do not exceed from what is planned. Any deviation
may be caused due to extra activities, increase in prices of raw materials or any mishap while the
project is going on. However project manager tries to avoid these incidents.
Cash Flow Statement
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Cash flow statement is an important financial statement which provides information regarding
cash inflows and outflows taking place in an organisation in certain fixed period of time. It helps
in identification of the operating expenses which the organisation or in this case project will be
requiring (Chawla and et. al., 2018). It is necessary to effectively understand the requirement and
manage the capital for project accordingly. The major cash outflows will involve purchase of
raw materials, payment to labour, tools and machineries etc. the capital expenses will include
purchasing land, spending on machineries for excavation and so on.
Project Execution Challenges
While executing a project, there can be certain challenges which the project members can
come across. In context to this project, there can be certain challenges which can affect the
overall execution of the plan. For example, there can be a lack of funds as well as time. Also, if
there are any issues in the budget, the project will not be completed in the given time frame. The
team members should be skilled and experienced. If there is a lack of skilled employees, they
will not understand the different activities and will fail to complete the assigned tasks on time.
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Therefore, it is important to manage the time by preparing a schedule so that the project
members are engaged in their work and committed to it (Delisle, 2019). Frequent conflicts
among the team members can also affect the overall productivity of the employees in a negative
way. As a result, the overall output will be affected in an adverse manner. Therefore, these are
some of the challenges that can come up during the execution of project, which is construction of
building.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that project management is one of the
important components for a particular project. A project management plan can help in
completing the project in an effective manner and in the given time frame. A work breakdown
structure can be used in order to break down complex tasks into easy and manageable activities
which are easy to understand as well as manage. A Gantt chart can be used to understand the
time in which a particular task has to be completed. Therefore, project management is an
essential part for completing a project.
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REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Chawla, V. and et. al., 2018. The sustainable project management: A review and future
possibilities. Journal of Project Management, 3(3), pp.157-170.
Delisle, J., 2019. Uncovering temporal underpinnings of project management
standards. International Journal of Project Management, 37(8), pp.968-978.
Layton, M. C. and Ostermiller, S. J., 2017. Agile project management for dummies. John Wiley
& Sons.
Martens, M. L. and Carvalho, M. M., 2017. Key factors of sustainability in project management
context: A survey exploring the project managers' perspective. International Journal of
Project Management, 35(6), pp.1084-1102.
McKevitt, D., Carbery, R. and Lyons, A., 2017. A profession but not a career? Work identity
and career satisfaction in project management. International Journal of Project
Management, 35(8), pp.1673-1682.
Niknazar, P. and Bourgault, M., 2017. Theories for classification vs. classification as theory:
Implications of classification and typology for the development of project management
theories. International Journal of Project Management, 35(2), pp.191-203.
Owusu, E. K., Chan, A. P. and Shan, M., 2019. Causal factors of corruption in construction
project management: An overview. Science and engineering ethics, 25(1), pp.1-31.
Portny, S. E., 2017. Project management for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.
Rowe, S. F., 2020. Project management for small projects. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Silvius, A. G. and et. al., 2017. Considering sustainability in project management decision
making; An investigation using Q-methodology. International Journal of Project
Management, 35(6), pp.1133-1150.
Teo, M. M. and Loosemore, M., 2017. Understanding community protest from a project
management perspective: A relationship-based approach. International journal of
project management, 35(8), pp.1444-1458.
Turner, J.R. ed., 2017. Contracting for project management. Taylor & Francis.
Online
Stakeholder Analysis. 2020. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.productplan.com/glossary/stakeholder-analysis/>.
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