PRO4801 Assignment 3 (100% ANSWERS) 2025

PRO4801 Assignment 3 (100% ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE August 2025 ... #PRO4801 Assistance #MNG4801 #PRO4801 #AOM4801 #SCH4801 #HMEMS80 #TRL4861 #HRMAC83 Tutor Available Question 1 Explain the role of a clear project definition in the success of a project. Discuss how capturing user needs at the beginning (quality at source) influences the development of the system’s goals and deliverables. [10 marks] Question 2 You are assigned to advise three different clients. Each client operates under a unique business context. Choose and justify which project management strategy is best suited for each: 2.1 Client X – Uses formal projects for short-term product launches. (Project-based approach) [4 marks] 2.2 Client Y – Runs ongoing daily operations with no defined start or end points. (Functional/non-project approach) [3 marks] 2.3 Client Z – Manages cross-functional projects within regular departments. (Blended approach) [3 marks] Provide reasons for your strategy selection for each client. [Total: 10 marks] Question 3 A work breakdown structure (WBS) helps with managing and controlling various project elements. Explain this by discussing its impact on: 3.1 Developing a logical and achievable project timeline [3 marks] 3.2 Preparing a reliable cost estimate and budget [3 marks] 3.3 Assigning responsibility using a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) [4 marks] [Total: 10 marks] Question 4 Discuss the idea that successful project outcomes often depend more on team culture, communication, and trust than on the project’s formal systems. Use practical examples or project scenarios to support your discussion. [10 marks] Question 5 Discuss the importance of the following four principles in risk management: 5.1 Recognising potential project risks early 5.2 Evaluating how serious the risks are 5.3 Transferring risks where possible 5.4 Planning appropriate responses for each identified risk [10 marks] Question 6 The PCAS model (Project Control Assessment System) includes several core elements and areas of focus. Explain why the following are critical in project monitoring and control: Key elements of the PCAS The three main focus areas in project control [15 marks] Question 7 You have been appointed as a consultant to manage a time-sensitive project. If the project is completed in 12 working weeks, you receive a R15,000 bonus. However, for each day it goes beyond that, R1,200 is deducted from your payment. ActivityPredecessor(s)Duration (weeks) A – 2 B A 3 C A 2 D B, C 3 E C 2 F D, E 3 G F 1 H F 1 I G, H 2 J I 1 7.1 Draw an AON diagram and calculate ES, EF, LS, LF, and slack. Identify the critical path and total project duration. [16 marks] 7.2 Will you receive a bonus or face a penalty? [1 mark] 7.3 Explain the key differences between AON (Activity on Node) and AOA (Activity on Arrow) diagrams. [3 marks] [Total: 20 marks] Question 8 Project success is often assessed using three broad categories. Explain each and justify their importance: 8.1 Achievement of project scope, time, and cost goals [5 marks] 8.2 Strength of communication, feedback, and knowledge flow [5 marks] 8.3 Efficiency of project execution processes and development methods [5 marks] [Total: 15 marks] Question 1 [20 Marks] Topic: Project Planning Process Distinguish between the undertakings that can be classified as projects and those that cannot. Prepare a short presentation on undertakings that cannot be classified as projects and provide sound arguments supporting your view. Distinguish clearly between the characteristics of projects and the characteristics of project management, and make reference to the project life cycle. Question 2 [20 Marks] Topic: Project Scheduling Tools Comment on the statement: “a work breakdown structure is central to project planning,” in relation to a: 2.1 project schedule (5) 2.2 project budget (5) 23 responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) Question 3 [20 Marks] Defend the categorisation of project management success into 3 categories: 3.1 project goals and requirements (category 1) (8) 3.2 communication, information sharing and feedback (category 2) (8) 3.3 project management/system development process (category 3) Question 4 [40 Marks] Topic: Practical Application – Network Scheduling and Resource Allocation You are managing a new public transport project with the following activity data: ActivityPredecessorsDuration (days) A - 10 B A 6 C A 4 D B 5 E C 6 F D, E 4 G F 3 H F 2 I G, H 2 Assume one person per activity and that no overlaps are allowed. REQUIRED: (i) Draw a network diagram using the AON method. Calculate the early and late start/finish times, total float, and identify the critical path. (20) (ii) Create a Gantt chart to represent the schedule over a calendar timeline. (8) (iii) Develop a daily resource schedule for the shortest possible completion. How many days could be saved if unlimited people were available? (7) (iv) If Activity H is delayed by 4 days, explain whether the project completion will be affected. What actions could prevent a late delivery? (5) Distinguish between the different steps in the project planning process and explain the purpose of typical questions to be answered in each step. [20] Question 1 Explain how defining a project scope and understanding client expectations serve as a foundation for setting measurable system objectives. In your answer, explain the relationship between quality at source and the success of a project. (10 marks) Question 2 You are advising three different organisations with unique operational challenges: Organisation X has a clear, time-bound product development goal. Organisation Y runs continuous operations without specific end dates. Organisation Z manages routine work with occasional complex, unique projects. For each organisation, recommend and motivate the appropriate approach: 2.1 A project management approach for Organisation X (4) 2.2 A routine management (non-project) approach for Organisation Y (3) 2.3 A hybrid approach for Organisation Z (3) Total: (10 marks) SECTION B: TOOLS AND TEAM DYNAMICS Question 3 “The work breakdown structure (WBS) is the starting point for proper planning.” Discuss this statement by referring to: 3.1 Activity scheduling and timeline development (3) 3.2 Cost estimating and resource budgeting (3) 3.3 Task allocation and accountability using a responsibility matrix (4) (10 marks) Question 4 Discuss the idea that trust, teamwork, and open communication are often more important for project success than rigid control mechanisms. Use practical examples to support your discussion. (10 marks) SECTION C: RISK, CONTROL, AND PERFORMANCE Question 5 Evaluate the role of the following risk management elements in project planning: 5.1 Identifying potential risks 5.2 Assessing the impact and likelihood of risks 5.3 Risk ownership and transfer strategies 5.4 Creating response and mitigation plans (10 marks) Question 6 Critically analyse the structure and function of a Project Control and Assessment System (PCAS), and discuss why the following three control areas are key for performance: Time control Cost control Quality control (15 marks) SECTION D: APPLICATION AND ANALYSIS Question 7 You are the new project manager of a struggling infrastructure project. Table 2 shows activity details. The client has promised a R15 000 bonus if the project is completed in 12 weeks or less. Otherwise, you will be fined R1200 for each day it runs over. ActivityPredecessor(s)Duration (weeks) A - 2 B A 3 C B 3 D B 2 E C, D 2 F D 1 G E, F 2 H G 1 Required: 7.1 Draw the AON network and calculate early start/finish, late start/finish, total slack, and determine the critical path. (16) 7.2 Based on your results, will you receive a bonus or a penalty? (1) 7.3 Briefly explain two key differences between AON and AOA diagrams. (3) Total: (20 marks) SECTION E: PROJECT SUCCESS FACTORS Question 8 Project success can be viewed through different lenses. Justify the following three success dimensions: 8.1 Achievement of project scope, time, and cost objectives (5) 8.2 Effectiveness of internal communication and feedback channels (5) 8.3 Strength of project development processes and governance structures (5) (15 marks) Question 3 The appointing authority (above) requires clarity on scheduling to avoid the project’s further delay and, therefore, requires you to attend to the aspects that follow. The scheduling of work elements (work packages) is a crucial aspect in planning since scheduling determines the basis for resource allocation, cost estimates, and project performance. Justify how the project will benefit from using the following: (i) Project master schedule and project activities. (7) (ii) Task schedules, Gantt charts, and milestone schedules. (7) (iii) Network scheduling (6) [20] Question 1 Explain the role of a clear project definition in the success of a project. Discuss how capturing user needs at the beginning (quality at source) influences the development of the system’s goals and deliverables. [10 marks] Question 2 You are assigned to advise three different clients. Each client operates under a unique business context. Choose and justify which project management strategy is best suited for each: 2.1 Client X – Uses formal projects for short-term product launches. (Project-based approach) [4 marks] 2.2 Client Y – Runs ongoing daily operations with no defined start or end points. (Functional/non-project approach) [3 marks] 2.3 Client Z – Manages cross-functional projects within regular departments. (Blended approach) [3 marks] Provide reasons for your strategy selection for each client. [Total: 10 marks] Question 3 A work breakdown structure (WBS) helps with managing and controlling various project elements. Explain this by discussing its impact on: 3.1 Developing a logical and achievable project timeline [3 marks] 3.2 Preparing a reliable cost estimate and budget [3 marks] 3.3 Assigning responsibility using a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) [4 marks] [Total: 10 marks] Question 4 Discuss the idea that successful project outcomes often depend more on team culture, communication, and trust than on the project’s formal systems. Use practical examples or project scenarios to support your discussion. [10 marks] Question 5 Discuss the importance of the following four principles in risk management: 5.1 Recognising potential project risks early 5.2 Evaluating how serious the risks are 5.3 Transferring risks where possible 5.4 Planning appropriate responses for each identified risk [10 marks] Question 6 The PCAS model (Project Control Assessment System) includes several core elements and areas of focus. Explain why the following are critical in project monitoring and control: Key elements of the PCAS The three main focus areas in project control [15 marks] Question 7 You have been appointed as a consultant to manage a time-sensitive project. If the project is completed in 12 working weeks, you receive a R15,000 bonus. However, for each day it goes beyond that, R1,200 is deducted from your payment. ActivityPredecessor(s)Duration (weeks) A – 2 B A 3 C A 2 D B, C 3 E C 2 F D, E 3 G F 1 H F 1 I G, H 2 J I 1 7.1 Draw an AON diagram and calculate ES, EF, LS, LF, and slack. Identify the critical path and total project duration. [16 marks] 7.2 Will you receive a bonus or face a penalty? [1 mark] 7.3 Explain the key differences between AON (Activity on Node) and AOA (Activity on Arrow) diagrams. [3 marks] [Total: 20 marks] Question 8 Project success is often assessed using three broad categories. Explain each and justify their importance: 8.1 Achievement of project scope, time, and cost goals [5 marks] 8.2 Strength of communication, feedback, and knowledge flow [5 marks] 8.3 Efficiency of project execution processes and development methods [5 marks] [Total: 15 marks] Question 3 The appointing authority (above) also needs an understanding of planning tools that can be utilized in the project. Defend the use of the different planning tools and documents in the project, highlighting the significance of each. (i) Work breakdown structure (WBS) (7) (ii) Statement of Work (SOW) (7) (iii) Responsibility matrix (6) [20] Question 1 Explain how defining a project scope and understanding client expectations serve as a foundation for setting measurable system objectives. In your answer, explain the relationship between quality at source and the success of a project. (10 marks) Question 2 You are advising three different organisations with unique operational challenges: Organisation X has a clear, time-bound product development goal. Organisation Y runs continuous operations without specific end dates. Organisation Z manages routine work with occasional complex, unique projects. For each organisation, recommend and motivate the appropriate approach: 2.1 A project management approach for Organisation X (4) 2.2 A routine management (non-project) approach for Organisation Y (3) 2.3 A hybrid approach for Organisation Z (3) Total: (10 marks) SECTION B: TOOLS AND TEAM DYNAMICS Question 3 “The work breakdown structure (WBS) is the starting point for proper planning.” Discuss this statement by referring to: 3.1 Activity scheduling and timeline development (3) 3.2 Cost estimating and resource budgeting (3) 3.3 Task allocation and accountability using a responsibility matrix (4) (10 marks) Question 4 Discuss the idea that trust, teamwork, and open communication are often more important for project success than rigid control mechanisms. Use practical examples to support your discussion. (10 marks) SECTION C: RISK, CONTROL, AND PERFORMANCE Question 5 Evaluate the role of the following risk management elements in project planning: 5.1 Identifying potential risks 5.2 Assessing the impact and likelihood of risks 5.3 Risk ownership and transfer strategies 5.4 Creating response and mitigation plans (10 marks) Question 6 Critically analyse the structure and function of a Project Control and Assessment System (PCAS), and discuss why the following three control areas are key for performance: Time control Cost control Quality control (15 marks) SECTION D: APPLICATION AND ANALYSIS Question 7 You are the new project manager of a struggling infrastructure project. Table 2 shows activity details. The client has promised a R15 000 bonus if the project is completed in 12 weeks or less. Otherwise, you will be fined R1200 for each day it runs over. ActivityPredecessor(s)Duration (weeks) A - 2 B A 3 C B 3 D B 2 E C, D 2 F D 1 G E, F 2 H G 1 Required: 7.1 Draw the AON network and calculate early start/finish, late start/finish, total slack, and determine the critical path. (16) 7.2 Based on your results, will you receive a bonus or a penalty? (1) 7.3 Briefly explain two key differences between AON and AOA diagrams. (3) Total: (20 marks) SECTION E: PROJECT SUCCESS FACTORS Question 8 Project success can be viewed through different lenses. Justify the following three success dimensions: 8.1 Achievement of project scope, time, and cost objectives (5) 8.2 Effectiveness of internal communication and feedback channels (5) 8.3 Strength of project development processes and governance structures (5) (15 marks) Question 3 The Taxi Recapitalisation Project (TRP) was identified, introduced, and developed by the Minister of Transport to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of transforming the taxi industry. The TRP specifies eleven activities that can be accomplished either by one person working alone or by several people working together. The activities, precedence constraints, and time estimates are shown in the following table: Activities Preceding activities Person-days required A - 15 B A 8 C A 5 D B 6 E D 8 F C 7 G E, F 4 H F 2 I F 3 J H, I 3 K J, G 2 NOTES: • You have five people who can be assigned on any given day. • A person must work full days on each activity. • The number of people working on an activity can vary from day to day. REQUIRED: (i) Prepare a network diagram (use the AON format) and calculate the critical path(s), the early start and finish times, the late start and finish times, as well as the total slack of each activity. Assume that only one person is working on each activity. Indicate how many person-days will be needed to complete this project. (20) (ii) Prepare a time chart (Gantt chart) for all the activities. (10) (iii) Use the time chart to prepare a daily personnel assignment sheet to complete the project within the shortest possible time. Also mention how many days the project could be compressed if unlimited personnel resources were available. (7) (iv) Will the company have to pay penalties if activities H and I are both delayed by nine days? How can the slack at activity J be used to overcome this problem? (3) [40] Question 1 Explain how defining a project scope and understanding client expectations serve as a foundation for setting measurable system objectives. In your answer, explain the relationship between quality at source and the success of a project. (10 marks) Question 2 You are advising three different organisations with unique operational challenges: Organisation X has a clear, time-bound product development goal. Organisation Y runs continuous operations without specific end dates. Organisation Z manages routine work with occasional complex, unique projects. For each organisation, recommend and motivate the appropriate approach: 2.1 A project management approach for Organisation X (4) 2.2 A routine management (non-project) approach for Organisation Y (3) 2.3 A hybrid approach for Organisation Z (3) Total: (10 marks) SECTION B: TOOLS AND TEAM DYNAMICS Question 3 “The work breakdown structure (WBS) is the starting point for proper planning.” Discuss this statement by referring to: 3.1 Activity scheduling and timeline development (3) 3.2 Cost estimating and resource budgeting (3) 3.3 Task allocation and accountability using a responsibility matrix (4) (10 marks) Question 4 Discuss the idea that trust, teamwork, and open communication are often more important for project success than rigid control mechanisms. Use practical examples to support your discussion. (10 marks) SECTION C: RISK, CONTROL, AND PERFORMANCE Question 5 Evaluate the role of the following risk management elements in project planning: 5.1 Identifying potential risks 5.2 Assessing the impact and likelihood of risks 5.3 Risk ownership and transfer strategies 5.4 Creating response and mitigation plans (10 marks) Question 6 Critically analyse the structure and function of a Project Control and Assessment System (PCAS), and discuss why the following three control areas are key for performance: Time control Cost control Quality control (15 marks) SECTION D: APPLICATION AND ANALYSIS Question 7 You are the new project manager of a struggling infrastructure project. Table 2 shows activity details. The client has promised a R15 000 bonus if the project is completed in 12 weeks or less. Otherwise, you will be fined R1200 for each day it runs over. ActivityPredecessor(s)Duration (weeks) A - 2 B A 3 C B 3 D B 2 E C, D 2 F D 1 G E, F 2 H G 1 Required: 7.1 Draw the AON network and calculate early start/finish, late start/finish, total slack, and determine the critical path. (16) 7.2 Based on your results, will you receive a bonus or a penalty? (1) 7.3 Briefly explain two key differences between AON and AOA diagrams. (3) Total: (20 marks) SECTION E: PROJECT SUCCESS FACTORS Question 8 Project success can be viewed through different lenses. Justify the following three success dimensions: 8.1 Achievement of project scope, time, and cost objectives (5) 8.2 Effectiveness of internal communication and feedback channels (5) 8.3 Strength of project development processes and governance structures (5) (15 marks)