Project and Program Management: Case Study Analysis

This project management assignment delves into the distinctions between projects and programs, using Megatronic as a case study. The student analyzes the company's unique approach, where product modifications are considered projects and new product introductions (NPIs) are programs, emphasizing the importance of time-to-market. The assignment explores the role of program managers in fostering a common language and aligning projects with business strategy, specifically focusing on the selection of a fire extinguishing system for a new building, recommending the chemical-based system from Early Birds, Ltd. based on its compliance, benefits, and ease of use. The student also discusses the program initiation process, highlighting the importance of involving relevant stakeholders in decision-making to ensure employee safety and address legal requirements. Finally, the assignment underscores the value of a planned approach to mitigate risks associated with program development, such as budget overruns, and the need for proper employee training.

Running head: PROJECT & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Project & Program Management
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Table of Contents
Portfolio Entry 1: Project Vs Program.................................................................................2
Portfolio Entry 2: Program Initiation...................................................................................3
References............................................................................................................................6

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Portfolio Entry 1: Project Vs Program
Yes, I agree with the approaches set out by the director of program and project
management Mike Fritz. This is because Megatronic is a time-to market company and therefore,
product delivery on time is the foremost criteria of the organization. The concept of project and
program is completely different in this organization as the speed of product development is
mainly important for Megatronic. The New product introduction or NPI is considered a result of
a program and modification of an already developed product is termed as a project. The concept
of program and project is although twisted, it is definitely linked to the original terms.
Development of an NPI definitely requires a dedicated amount of time and maintaining the sync
in different processes. In Megatronic, project generally refers to the modification of an already
developed product to make it more sustainable and cost effective. It has no relation with the
development of NPI. The concept of a program and a project are tailored in Megatronic in order
to suit to the culture and the product types. Program managers are needed to be stay more
focused as they work on NPI. The concept of project and program is tailored in Megatronic as
the primary aim of the organization is to deliver new product within schedule in order to make
money. Projects in Megatronic on the other hand require more tactical effort and therefore it
needs to be perfectly aligned with the business strategy. The program manager is therefore
responsible for creating common languages throughout the organization and a program manger is
considered as a business leader who is responsible for delivering the business on time. The
bonding concept further elaborates the technique that is used in Megatronic for successful
development of NPI. It defines the boundaries, requirements and evaluates different elements of
a program, which includes market size, finance, schedule, customer requirements, resources and
speed (Milosevic, Patanakul & Srivannaboon, 2010). The milestone is a strict criterion of a

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program development in Megatronic and considering the objective of the organization, I find the
approaches set out by Mike Fritz to be appropriate.
Megatronic follows an interesting concept of program and project in the organization
with a primary aim of delivering a new product or NPI within a set milestone. This can be an
area of concern as well. The organization makes sure that a new product in delivered on time, for
which even the cost of development can be revised. This includes a risk of a program going over
budget. I would like to advice the organization in following a planned approach of program
development for eliminating this risk. Furthermore, it is essential for the organization to train the
new employees of the organization properly as the concept of project and program is completely
different in Megatronic (Milosevic, Patanakul & Srivannaboon, 2010)The employees need to
have a clear idea about the twisted concepts of project and program in order to work efficiently
in the organization.
Portfolio Entry 2: Program Initiation
I would suggest that James should go with the chemical based system, which is proposed
by the Early Birds, Ltd. Since the model DEF-1 meets standards and complies with the law,
which is a primary requirement for selecting the right system. Although the unit price of this
system is considerably more than that of model ABC-1, the benefits it offers is more than that of
ABC-1. The cost of the system is not too high as well and Early Birds, Ltd. is providing the
system at a reasonable cost. The system is to be implemented within the next 60 days and
therefore, choosing DEF-1 will help the system to be implemented within time. The lead delivery
time of the system is 30days and therefore there is no risk of project being delayed even if some

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technical error occurs, as there will be an ample time to rectify the problem. The spraying area
offered by the system is up to 250 square meters, which is more than the systems offered by Fire
Extinguisher and Xtra care Ltd. Furthermore, there is no cost of installation, which reduces the
cost of implementation of the system, thus meeting the specified criteria of the Finance manager
of the company (Milosevic, Patanakul & Srivannaboon, 2010). The maintenance cost of the
system is low as well. The major reason behind choosing this system is its ease of use.
Furthermore, the organization has prior business relationship with Early Birds, Ltd. and therefore
it is expected to have a full support of supplier in case any problem arises. Apart from this,
another advantage of choosing this supplier is that, since the supplier has business relationship
with the client, negotiations will be possible. Therefore, it is better to choose the system offered
by the Early Birds, Ltd. The JKL-1 model provided by the Zebra Limited would have been
considered in this case as well if the information about the standard complies and laws were
available. This would have been chosen as there is no hassle in installation and the spraying area
is wide as well.
A program is defined as a compilation of different tasks that have exceptionally large
objective. James has been appointed as the program manager of Mega Security and is soon given
a responsibility to evaluate the fire extinguishing system of the new building of Mega Security.
The primary aim of this program is to ensure employee’s safety. This was an important decision
and therefore, it would have been better if along with the program manager James, other
departmental managers, who have a better knowledge about the building were involved in the
decision making process. James did the right thing by taking the suggestion of the plant manager,
finance manager, safety and production manager in order to enhance the decision making
process. A group initiative is required for this program as the primary aim of the project was to

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look after the legal issues related to the safety of the employees (Milosevic, Patanakul &
Srivannaboon, 2010).

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References
Milosevic, D.Z., Patanakul, P. & Srivannaboon, S., (2010). Case studies in project, program,
and organizational project management. John Wiley & Sons.