Project Managers Skills: Development and Knowledge Transfer - Assignment Example

Project Resource Management Names Institution Affiliation Assessment Part A Q1 Resources are very crucial in a project. Examples of types of resources in a project are people (human) and capital resources required for successful completion of a project. If they are poorly managed they can lead to delay or failure of a project. For example, if person is assigned a specific task and is unavailable at the required time, the activity will have to be delayed for sometime which leads to delay in a project. The best way to manage resources is by having a resource plan. A resource plan describes the types of resources and the time when it will be needed. Q2. Determine the best resources for a project, one needs to identify all project activities, their sequence and develop a schedule. It is also important to know the time require carrying out the project. Q3 First thing a Project manager requires to perform is to identify the skills needed to complete the project. He can then create a skills sheet that matches every skill to an activity. The skill sheet should include the name of a person, start and end date, effort needed and estimated cost. Q4. The following are the steps involved in training, development and knowledge transfer; 1. Identifying knowledge that can be shared 2. Capture all the knowledge that have to be transferred 3. Sharing: identify methods that will be used in sharing of knowledge 4. Apply the knowledge that has been shared in the project 5. Assess the benefit of the shared knowledge It is important to transfer knowledge in a project because knowledge has high level of complexity and risk therefore sharing can reduce risks and therefore lead to a successful project. Q5. Some of the performance criteria expected from a project team member are, be able to execute all the assigned tasks on time, be able to develop a plan to complete some of the tasks, be able to communicate and work well with other team member. AssessmentPart B - Scenario Myki is a Victorian ticketing project. The project was rolled out in the year 2005. The main of the project was to replace the Metcard system. The project experienced some delays which lead to increase in budget. Q1.There was poor assignment of human resources. That is the roles and duties of the key agencies concerned in the project were poorly defined and poorly implemented. For example, there was no clarity on whom between department of transport (DOT) and TTA were the decision makers concerning Myki project. There was poor commitment between public transporters and contractors. Another poor human resource was experienced when transport ticketing authority did not have the capability to posses and manage Myki project. Poor communication between DOT and TTA made it hard for the TTAs to meet the defined deadlines. During the selection of the Board, there was no sufficient number of people with relevant skills, experience and knowledge that were appointed to manage the project.This lead to delay in the roll out of the project it affected the initial schedule which leads to delay in Myki project. Q2.Resources as used in project management are things/items that are needed for the development and completion of a project. There are two types of resource used in Myki project they include human resource and capital resources. Human resource management is the process that is needed to make the valuable use of people that play part in a project. For a project such as Myki, the human resources involved are system developers, analysts, project managers, support staff, programmers and stakeholders. Capital resources are resources that are used to create other services and goods used in a project. An example of capital resource used in Myki project is money. It is important for the project manager to ensure that there is a resource management plan in place for smooth running of the project. Q3. Criteria used to assign resources in a project are based on the objectives of a project. The resource assignment is based on the number of activities in a project. Time required to complete the project is also a criteria that is considered in allocation of resources. Type of resources and the number of resources are also considered. It is also important to consider the skills required in the project. Therefore it is important for project managers to consider this before assigning the resources. Assessment Part C - Project (875 words) Introduction Human management plan entails the organization and management of all team members involved in a project. The main aim of a project human resource management is that it facilitates the achievement of development of a project by ensuring that human resources are attained with the right skills and knowledge. In this paper we are going to develop a human resource plan for link project in Victoria, Australia. Link project was developed to replace Victoria police’s LEAP database. LEAP database is a central database that stores criminal history. LEAP database has been in operational for the last two decades. The Link project rolled off in mid -2006. There was a delay in the implementation of the project due to high cost and more cash associated with it. The table below shows the roles and responsibilities of team members throughout the project Title Role and responsibilities Project manager The role of project manager of the Link project was to develop the business case. To ensure that the link project is developed and delivered on time, budget and the required quality. To ensure that all resources are well allocated and utilized properly. Coordinates meeting with all stakeholders Providing link status report to all stakeholders and sponsors Project board They oversee the progress of a project. To resolve any strategic and policy issues. Communicate with all key organizational representatives They approve new strategies needed in Link project. System developers Responsible for development and testing of the Link project. Data migration from LEAp to link system Reporting on the progress of Link project System administrator Manage and offer support on the Link environment Contributes to Link project technical strategy, policies and procedures. Program manager Coordinates all programs involved in the development and implementation of Link project Gives regular reports on the status of Link all link programs. Controls the budget allocation of link project programs. • Project organisation charts It shows project tasks and the team members responsible. The following shows project organisation chart for LINK project Program manager System developers System administrators Program manager Requirements gathering A R I A Coding A R I testing A R C I Network preparation A R R I Implementation A C C C Note R- RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETION OF A TASK A-ENSURES TASK COMPLETION AND SIGN OFF C-CONSOLTED BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE I-INFORMED WHEN A DECISION IS MADE a. In the link project resources will be acquired based on the kind of individual’s competence that will be required. When acquiring human resources it is important to consider time frame. b. The best way a project manager can ensure that there is smooth change in management in their project is by ensuring that there is training, development and knowledge transfer plan of human resources within a project. They should ensure that they use the right techniques that are best for the current project needs. c. There are many ways that can be used to motivate team members. For example, there will be certificates for those team members who complete their tasks well and on time. By holding a party for the whole team after a project is done. Offering family vacations to team members who complete their tasks on time. d. Policies- define existence of policies that involve data privacy in the project. This way everyone will be accountable in ensuring that privacy is maintained in the system. Staffing and entrusting- ensure that there is allocation of resources to allocated to the right persons. Risk assessment and mitigation- asses the risks that can be associated with a project and how they will be mitigated. e. A project manager can ensure ethical behavior in a project by ensuring that he communicates effectively with all team members. He must also be able to solve conflicts when they arise and respect people. By doing this there will be ample changes in the project. f. The best way of providing feedback to team members is by ensuring that there is a communication plan in place. Communication plan entails the process of ensuring the right information is delivered to the right people and on the right time. For example, through an email or memo or a meeting will be held. g. There are a few ways that I can use to resolve conflicts in a project. The best method to be used depends on the type of conflict. Sometimes I can use withdrawal method. This is because by withdrawing for some time, I will be able get time and be able to understand the problem. I would also use compromise method because those involved in conflict get a level of degree satisfaction in case it is successful. I would also call for a meeting because each party has a chance to present their thoughts. With everyone in the same room it is easy to get a resolution. h. Career progression is important because one gains experience as he/she progresses from one level to the other. I would ensure that this is done well by having a career development plan for all the team members. Reference list Institute, P. M., Square, N., Pennsylvania and Inst, P. M. (2001) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)--2000 Edition. Newtown Square, Penn., USA: Project Management Institute. Kerzner, H. R. (2000) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling: AND Workbook. 7th edn. United States: John Wiley & Sons. (no date) Available at: http://www2.parkland.edu/businesstraining/documents/HRMgmtfromPMBOK.pdf (Accessed: 22 September 2015). Read More