MB670D Standalone Project – Chase Retail Complex

STAND-ALONE PROJECT

MB670 Project Management

 

Stand-Alone Project: Chase Retail Complex (200 points)

 

 

You should begin working on the Stand-Alone Project early in the course. Each assignment provides a benchmark for completing the Stand-Alone Project in a timely manner while working through the course. You will find this information in the “Stand-Alone Project Benchmark” section of each assignment.

 

NOTE: You will need to download a free 60 day trial of Microsoft Project 2013 for the Stand-Alone Project. You can access the download by going to the textbook website at:

 

Microsoft Project 2013 Trial

 

Go to the “Microsoft Project Trial” tab. Your Microsoft Project Software trial works for only 60 days. You must complete your Stand-Alone Project in 60 days unless you purchase Microsoft Project Software.

 

Required Background Reading: The following readings will prepare you for this project:

 

Gido, J., & Clements, J. P. (2015). Successful project management. (6^th ed.). Cengage Learning. Appendix C.

 

The Scenario. Chase Opportunity has selected you as the project manager to oversee their latest project – Chase Retail Complex. Chase’s vision is to build four (4) 10,000 square foot buildings (see concept drawing below). Within each building, suite sizes may vary per customer rental agreement (estimating five (5) 2,000 square foot areas per building). Chase has the funds to cover the total project costs and they have already purchased the land for construction. Chase wants to start construction January 2, 2007 and complete the project as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

This project is comprised of seven (7) parts. Please read each part carefully to ensure that you submit all of the work. Your Stand-Alone Project responses should be both grammatically and mechanically correct, and formatted in the same fashion as the project itself. If there is a Part A, your response should identify a Part A, etc. In addition, you must appropriately cite all resources used in your response and document in a bibliography using APA style. (200 points) (A 10-page response plus associated Gantt charts and Excel spreadsheets is required.)

 

Part A        Develop a project life cycle analysis of the proposed project. Include and discuss at least two (2) tasks for each of the four (4) stages.

 

Part B        Develop a work breakdown structure (WBS) and a responsibility matrix like those found in your text. You may use MS Word or Excel to develop both of these charts. (A chart and matrix are required.)

 

The following work activities should be included in your charts. Look them over and determine the best sequence in which they should be accomplished. Some activities (WBS Level 1) may be performed simultaneously whereas others may not. Using your personal knowledge and research, include at least two (2) sub-activities/sub-levels (WBS Level 2) for each activity. Use each of the two (2) names listed under Support Responsibility as a “Primary” for one of your sub-activities/sub-levels and as “Support” for the other sub-activity/sub-level. The WBS and matrix for Activity “Roof” may look something like these examples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                      Primary                        Support

Activity                                    Responsibility             Responsibility

 

Roof                                                Jack                      Steve, Wally

HVAC                                              Bill                       Scott, Trevor

Landscaping                                    John                       Lynn, Beth

Paving                                             Greg                         Jeff, Pat

Plumbing                                         Max                     Tyler, Damian

Grading and Site Prep                      Sal                           Jim, Joe

Interior Structure                             Don                     Keith, Andrea

Foundation Construction               Randy                     Mark, Mike

Exterior Structure                            Bob                         Dan, Ken

Electrical                                          Seth                         Neil, Roy

Part C        Prepare a WBS and Gantt Chart in MS Project using the information developed in Part B and the information given. Then explain how much time the overall project is going to take to complete as is.

 

1.   It takes 30 days (standard 8-hour workdays, Monday through Friday) to complete each activity.

 

2.   Construct the WBS and Gantt Chart (in Project) illustrating the construction of each building in sequence. For example, building “A” must be built (completed) before construction on building “B” is started, etc. DO NOT include the Level 2 tasks in your Gantt Chart created in Part B.

 

Part D        Incorporate the following information into your WBS from Part C.

 

The project manager is paid $30/hour and each primary (P) worker is paid $25/hour while support (S) workers are paid $15/hour.

 

1.   Determine the project’s total labor costs.  Explain your results. Submit a copy of your Resource Sheet.

 

2.   When developing the project cost plan, what things should be considered to estimate the total project costs?  It may be helpful to contact actual contractors, construction companies, vendors, etc., for the tasks involved in this type of project.

 

Part E        In Part C, your WBS and Gantt Charts were based on each of the buildings being constructed one after the other. We know that building in this manner is a large waste of resources, namely people and time. Revise your original WBS and Gantt charts to reflect better use of your resources. In addition, submit a copy of your new Resource Sheet. Explain the changes you made, why you made them, and how these changes affect your overall project (i.e., costs, project duration, etc.).

 

Part F        Identify three (3) conflicts that may arise during this project. Then provide a solution to each conflict using Steps 1-7 of Gido and Clement’s Nine-Step Approach to Problem Solving.

 

Part G        Write a description explaining to Chase Opportunity what a successful project looks like. In other words, how will Chase know when you have achieved the common goal you set out to achieve? Describe three metrics, or measures, that you will use throughout the project life cycle. Explain how each metric relates to the project.

 

Answer contains paper, Microsoft Project file, Responsibility Matrix in excel, resource file, gantt chart and WBS saved in pdf.

MB670D Standalone Project – Chase Retail Complex

STAND-ALONE PROJECT

MB670 Project Management

 

Stand-Alone Project: Chase Retail Complex (200 points)

 

 

You should begin working on the Stand-Alone Project early in the course. Each assignment provides a benchmark for completing the Stand-Alone Project in a timely manner while working through the course. You will find this information in the “Stand-Alone Project Benchmark” section of each assignment.

 

NOTE: You will need to download a free 60 day trial of Microsoft Project 2013 for the Stand-Alone Project. You can access the download by going to the textbook website at:

 

Microsoft Project 2013 Trial

 

Go to the “Microsoft Project Trial” tab. Your Microsoft Project Software trial works for only 60 days. You must complete your Stand-Alone Project in 60 days unless you purchase Microsoft Project Software.

 

Required Background Reading: The following readings will prepare you for this project:

 

Gido, J., & Clements, J. P. (2015). Successful project management. (6^th ed.). Cengage Learning. Appendix C.

 

The Scenario. Chase Opportunity has selected you as the project manager to oversee their latest project – Chase Retail Complex. Chase’s vision is to build four (4) 10,000 square foot buildings (see concept drawing below). Within each building, suite sizes may vary per customer rental agreement (estimating five (5) 2,000 square foot areas per building). Chase has the funds to cover the total project costs and they have already purchased the land for construction. Chase wants to start construction January 2, 2007 and complete the project as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

This project is comprised of seven (7) parts. Please read each part carefully to ensure that you submit all of the work. Your Stand-Alone Project responses should be both grammatically and mechanically correct, and formatted in the same fashion as the project itself. If there is a Part A, your response should identify a Part A, etc. In addition, you must appropriately cite all resources used in your response and document in a bibliography using APA style. (200 points) (A 10-page response plus associated Gantt charts and Excel spreadsheets is required.)

 

Part A        Develop a project life cycle analysis of the proposed project. Include and discuss at least two (2) tasks for each of the four (4) stages.

 

Part B        Develop a work breakdown structure (WBS) and a responsibility matrix like those found in your text. You may use MS Word or Excel to develop both of these charts. (A chart and matrix are required.)

 

The following work activities should be included in your charts. Look them over and determine the best sequence in which they should be accomplished. Some activities (WBS Level 1) may be performed simultaneously whereas others may not. Using your personal knowledge and research, include at least two (2) sub-activities/sub-levels (WBS Level 2) for each activity. Use each of the two (2) names listed under Support Responsibility as a “Primary” for one of your sub-activities/sub-levels and as “Support” for the other sub-activity/sub-level. The WBS and matrix for Activity “Roof” may look something like these examples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                      Primary                        Support

Activity                                    Responsibility             Responsibility

 

Roof                                                Jack                      Steve, Wally

HVAC                                              Bill                       Scott, Trevor

Landscaping                                    John                       Lynn, Beth

Paving                                             Greg                         Jeff, Pat

Plumbing                                         Max                     Tyler, Damian

Grading and Site Prep                      Sal                           Jim, Joe

Interior Structure                             Don                     Keith, Andrea

Foundation Construction               Randy                     Mark, Mike

Exterior Structure                            Bob                         Dan, Ken

Electrical                                          Seth                         Neil, Roy

Part C        Prepare a WBS and Gantt Chart in MS Project using the information developed in Part B and the information given. Then explain how much time the overall project is going to take to complete as is.

 

1.   It takes 30 days (standard 8-hour workdays, Monday through Friday) to complete each activity.

 

2.   Construct the WBS and Gantt Chart (in Project) illustrating the construction of each building in sequence. For example, building “A” must be built (completed) before construction on building “B” is started, etc. DO NOT include the Level 2 tasks in your Gantt Chart created in Part B.

 

Part D        Incorporate the following information into your WBS from Part C.

 

The project manager is paid $30/hour and each primary (P) worker is paid $25/hour while support (S) workers are paid $15/hour.

 

1.   Determine the project’s total labor costs.  Explain your results. Submit a copy of your Resource Sheet.

 

2.   When developing the project cost plan, what things should be considered to estimate the total project costs?  It may be helpful to contact actual contractors, construction companies, vendors, etc., for the tasks involved in this type of project.

 

Part E        In Part C, your WBS and Gantt Charts were based on each of the buildings being constructed one after the other. We know that building in this manner is a large waste of resources, namely people and time. Revise your original WBS and Gantt charts to reflect better use of your resources. In addition, submit a copy of your new Resource Sheet. Explain the changes you made, why you made them, and how these changes affect your overall project (i.e., costs, project duration, etc.).

 

Part F        Identify three (3) conflicts that may arise during this project. Then provide a solution to each conflict using Steps 1-7 of Gido and Clement’s Nine-Step Approach to Problem Solving.

 

Part G        Write a description explaining to Chase Opportunity what a successful project looks like. In other words, how will Chase know when you have achieved the common goal you set out to achieve? Describe three metrics, or measures, that you will use throughout the project life cycle. Explain how each metric relates to the project.

 

Answer contains paper, Microsoft Project file, Responsibility Matrix in excel, resource file, gantt chart and WBS saved in pdf.

MB601 Stand-Alone Project: Industry Analysis -Starbucks

STAND-ALONE PROJECT

MB601 Strategic Management

 

Stand-Alone Project: Industry Analysis (200 points)

 

 

Each assignment in this course focuses on a different portion of an industry analysis. The activities and discussion questions serve as an introduction to the process of critically evaluating a corporation, one of its direct competitors, and the industry as a whole which constitute a thorough and complete industry analysis. Your MB609 Capstone Project will be a complete industry analysis including a publicly traded company, its industry, and two of its competitors. (Be sure that you keep your textbook from this course as well as all of the projects you write.)

 

This Industry Analysis project (MB601) is an introductory project to prepare you for the Capstone Project (MB609).  At this time you will only analyze a publicly traded company and its industry (none of its competitors will be analyzed).  To begin this project, select a publicly traded corporation to study. In other words, you should be able to purchase stock in the corporation you select.  The corporation must be large enough for the business and trade press to have written about it, but not so large that the amount of available information is overwhelming making your ability to suggest innovative recommendations for the corporation’s survival and success.  Consequently, make sure that you do not choose one in which any and all potential strategies and recommendations have been discussed at length in the press.  A table of contents and a bibliography listing only those works that you cited in your analysis are required.  Your Stand-Alone Project responses should be both grammatically and mechanically correct, and formatted in the same fashion as the project itself.  If there is a Part A, your response should identify a Part A, etc.  In addition, you must appropriately cite all resources used in your response and document in a bibliography using APA style.  (200 points)  (A 10-page response is required for the combination of Parts A through H.)

 

First, collect the following documents and information.

 

1.      The corporation’s annual report 

 

2.      At least 15 business or trade articles concerning the current status of your corporation and predictions of its future success 

 

3.      Information on your corporation’s CEO and Board of Directors 

 

4.      Information about the industry in general, including major players, consumers,

trends, etc.

 

 

Next, thoroughly read the information and documents you collected on your company

and its industry.  As you read, make notes on the topics listed below, synthesize the information, and analyze the current state of the corporation and its industry.  This synthesis and analysis process is essential to build your conceptual skills which are to be further developed as you proceed through the MBA Program.  It is the goal of an MBA program to build your conceptual skills which are required for management positions which oversee a variety of departments, specialists, and projects.

 

Following the outline below, write your analysis of your corporation and its industry. 

 

Part A        CEO Profile and Assessment of Effectiveness

 

1.      Profile your CEO’s qualifications (experience, education, etc.) as well as why this person was selected and the circumstances that created the CEO vacancy. 

 

2.      Students should relate the CEO’s qualifications as it applies to the type of strategy the company has elected to follow and the type of CEO that typically is successful in achieving that strategy.

 

3.      Discuss the impact that the CEO has made on the organization thus far and why.

 

Part B        Board of Directors Profile and Analysis:  This section includes a wealth of information regarding the role that the Board of Directors plays in your organization.

 

1.      You should discuss the manner in which the Board of Directors is nominated and selected, the way in which the Board is organized and why, and the way in which the Board utilizes or matches the trends in corporate governance that are listed in the text.

 

2.      You should also evaluate and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Board of Director’s composition with respect to their affiliation (who they really work for and that company’s relationship to your corporation), diversity, experience in the industry and the company, insiders/outsiders, etc. 

 

3.      Also, evaluate the changes in members to the Board in the last five years.  If there have been changes, do those changes (new board members with different attributes and affiliations) suggest a change in your corporation’s strategy, target markets, etc.?  Are these changes in any way indicative of a new strategic move?

 

 

Part C        Industry Assessment 

 

1.      Evaluate your corporation’s competitive position within its industry using Porter’s model:  threat of new entrants, suppliers, buyers, rivalry, substitutes, and other stakeholders.

 

2.      You should include a discussion of the other factors considered crucial to the industry’s survival.  Suggestions include industry dynamics, industry structure, life cycle, strategic groups, and other elements as necessary.

 

Part D        Direct and Indirect Competition:  Using the information provided in your text related to competitive intensity and the types of competitor information available, identify the competition with respect to your corporation.  Identify the nature of their competitive relationship – similarity in products, strategy, etc.  At least two (2) competitors for each category should be discussed.

 

Part E        Internal Strengths and Weaknesses:  Evaluate your corporation using the VRIO provided in your textbook. 

 

Part F        External Opportunities and Threats:  Evaluate your corporation’s competitive environment for opportunities and threats using the TOWS matrix.

 

Part G        Overall Competitive Position:  Briefly evaluate the state of your corporation’s competitive position within its industry. 

 

Part H        Recommendations

 

1.      Make two (2) recommendations for increasing your corporation’s shareholder wealth in the future.  This includes ensuring long term survival as well as meeting and exceeding your shareholders expectations for the generation of their wealth in the short term and the long term. 

 

2.      Your two (2) recommendations should be well supported by information contained in your written analysis, and your supporting information should be specifically identified in this section to justify your recommendations.

 

3.      Your two (2) recommendations should be accompanied by your expectations for your corporation and its industry if your recommendations were adopted.  Your expectations should include the impact to the industry structure, the likely response of competitors, and both positive and negative consequences should be identified.

 

MB601 Stand-Alone Project: Industry Analysis -Starbucks

STAND-ALONE PROJECT

MB601 Strategic Management

 

Stand-Alone Project: Industry Analysis (200 points)

 

 

Each assignment in this course focuses on a different portion of an industry analysis. The activities and discussion questions serve as an introduction to the process of critically evaluating a corporation, one of its direct competitors, and the industry as a whole which constitute a thorough and complete industry analysis. Your MB609 Capstone Project will be a complete industry analysis including a publicly traded company, its industry, and two of its competitors. (Be sure that you keep your textbook from this course as well as all of the projects you write.)

 

This Industry Analysis project (MB601) is an introductory project to prepare you for the Capstone Project (MB609).  At this time you will only analyze a publicly traded company and its industry (none of its competitors will be analyzed).  To begin this project, select a publicly traded corporation to study. In other words, you should be able to purchase stock in the corporation you select.  The corporation must be large enough for the business and trade press to have written about it, but not so large that the amount of available information is overwhelming making your ability to suggest innovative recommendations for the corporation’s survival and success.  Consequently, make sure that you do not choose one in which any and all potential strategies and recommendations have been discussed at length in the press.  A table of contents and a bibliography listing only those works that you cited in your analysis are required.  Your Stand-Alone Project responses should be both grammatically and mechanically correct, and formatted in the same fashion as the project itself.  If there is a Part A, your response should identify a Part A, etc.  In addition, you must appropriately cite all resources used in your response and document in a bibliography using APA style.  (200 points)  (A 10-page response is required for the combination of Parts A through H.)

 

First, collect the following documents and information.

 

1.      The corporation’s annual report 

 

2.      At least 15 business or trade articles concerning the current status of your corporation and predictions of its future success 

 

3.      Information on your corporation’s CEO and Board of Directors 

 

4.      Information about the industry in general, including major players, consumers,

trends, etc.

 

 

Next, thoroughly read the information and documents you collected on your company

and its industry.  As you read, make notes on the topics listed below, synthesize the information, and analyze the current state of the corporation and its industry.  This synthesis and analysis process is essential to build your conceptual skills which are to be further developed as you proceed through the MBA Program.  It is the goal of an MBA program to build your conceptual skills which are required for management positions which oversee a variety of departments, specialists, and projects.

 

Following the outline below, write your analysis of your corporation and its industry. 

 

Part A        CEO Profile and Assessment of Effectiveness

 

1.      Profile your CEO’s qualifications (experience, education, etc.) as well as why this person was selected and the circumstances that created the CEO vacancy. 

 

2.      Students should relate the CEO’s qualifications as it applies to the type of strategy the company has elected to follow and the type of CEO that typically is successful in achieving that strategy.

 

3.      Discuss the impact that the CEO has made on the organization thus far and why.

 

Part B        Board of Directors Profile and Analysis:  This section includes a wealth of information regarding the role that the Board of Directors plays in your organization.

 

1.      You should discuss the manner in which the Board of Directors is nominated and selected, the way in which the Board is organized and why, and the way in which the Board utilizes or matches the trends in corporate governance that are listed in the text.

 

2.      You should also evaluate and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Board of Director’s composition with respect to their affiliation (who they really work for and that company’s relationship to your corporation), diversity, experience in the industry and the company, insiders/outsiders, etc. 

 

3.      Also, evaluate the changes in members to the Board in the last five years.  If there have been changes, do those changes (new board members with different attributes and affiliations) suggest a change in your corporation’s strategy, target markets, etc.?  Are these changes in any way indicative of a new strategic move?

 

 

Part C        Industry Assessment 

 

1.      Evaluate your corporation’s competitive position within its industry using Porter’s model:  threat of new entrants, suppliers, buyers, rivalry, substitutes, and other stakeholders.

 

2.      You should include a discussion of the other factors considered crucial to the industry’s survival.  Suggestions include industry dynamics, industry structure, life cycle, strategic groups, and other elements as necessary.

 

Part D        Direct and Indirect Competition:  Using the information provided in your text related to competitive intensity and the types of competitor information available, identify the competition with respect to your corporation.  Identify the nature of their competitive relationship – similarity in products, strategy, etc.  At least two (2) competitors for each category should be discussed.

 

Part E        Internal Strengths and Weaknesses:  Evaluate your corporation using the VRIO provided in your textbook. 

 

Part F        External Opportunities and Threats:  Evaluate your corporation’s competitive environment for opportunities and threats using the TOWS matrix.

 

Part G        Overall Competitive Position:  Briefly evaluate the state of your corporation’s competitive position within its industry. 

 

Part H        Recommendations

 

1.      Make two (2) recommendations for increasing your corporation’s shareholder wealth in the future.  This includes ensuring long term survival as well as meeting and exceeding your shareholders expectations for the generation of their wealth in the short term and the long term. 

 

2.      Your two (2) recommendations should be well supported by information contained in your written analysis, and your supporting information should be specifically identified in this section to justify your recommendations.

 

3.      Your two (2) recommendations should be accompanied by your expectations for your corporation and its industry if your recommendations were adopted.  Your expectations should include the impact to the industry structure, the likely response of competitors, and both positive and negative consequences should be identified.

 

MB670D Activity 6 Project Conflict and Problem Solving

Activity 6: Project Conflict and Problem Solving (100 points)

 

 

Part A        Project conflict is inevitable.

 

1.      Outline the seven (7) sources of conflict that can arise during a project. 

 

2.      Discuss the five (5) approaches that people typically use to deal with conflict. 

 

3.      Is conflict always bad?  Explain. 

 

Part B        Problem Solving

 

1.      Write a short summary about the “Nine-Step Approach to Problem Solving.”

 

2.      If you were the project manager for a virtual team, explain whether your approach would change if a problem arose between the virtual team members. If it would change, explain why and how it would change.  If not, explain why not.

 

(100 points)  (A 4-page response is required.)

MB670D Activity 6 Project Conflict and Problem Solving

Activity 6: Project Conflict and Problem Solving (100 points)

 

 

Part A        Project conflict is inevitable.

 

1.      Outline the seven (7) sources of conflict that can arise during a project. 

 

2.      Discuss the five (5) approaches that people typically use to deal with conflict. 

 

3.      Is conflict always bad?  Explain. 

 

Part B        Problem Solving

 

1.      Write a short summary about the “Nine-Step Approach to Problem Solving.”

 

2.      If you were the project manager for a virtual team, explain whether your approach would change if a problem arose between the virtual team members. If it would change, explain why and how it would change.  If not, explain why not.

 

(100 points)  (A 4-page response is required.)

MB670D Activity 6 Project Conflict and Problem Solving

Activity 6: Project Conflict and Problem Solving (100 points)

 

 

Part A        Project conflict is inevitable.

 

1.      Outline the seven (7) sources of conflict that can arise during a project. 

 

2.      Discuss the five (5) approaches that people typically use to deal with conflict. 

 

3.      Is conflict always bad?  Explain. 

 

Part B        Problem Solving

 

1.      Write a short summary about the “Nine-Step Approach to Problem Solving.”

 

2.      If you were the project manager for a virtual team, explain whether your approach would change if a problem arose between the virtual team members. If it would change, explain why and how it would change.  If not, explain why not.

 

(100 points)  (A 4-page response is required.)

MB670D Activity 4 Agile Project Management

Activity 4: Agile Project Management (100 points)

 

Describe the agile project management for a project where a Scrum master is facilitating the Scrum development process for a software development project. Include the following:

 

Part A     A description of agile project management.

 

Part B     The roles of the participants involved in the scrum approach. 

 

Part C     A description of the six steps in the agile project management process.

 

      
         

MB670D Activity 4 Agile Project Management

Activity 4: Agile Project Management (100 points)

 

Describe the agile project management for a project where a Scrum master is facilitating the Scrum development process for a software development project. Include the following:

 

Part A     A description of agile project management.

 

Part B     The roles of the participants involved in the scrum approach. 

 

Part C     A description of the six steps in the agile project management process.

 

      
         

MB670D Activity 4 Agile Project Management

Activity 4: Agile Project Management (100 points)

 

Describe the agile project management for a project where a Scrum master is facilitating the Scrum development process for a software development project. Include the following:

 

Part A     A description of agile project management.

 

Part B     The roles of the participants involved in the scrum approach. 

 

Part C     A description of the six steps in the agile project management process.