1. Using the material in this chapter and other reference material if necessary, develop a set of answers to the 10 questions that Ann presented to the team.
What is a project?
What are project characteristics, constraints, and risks?
What is a project stakeholder?
What is the role of a project manager?
What is project planning?
What is project scheduling?
What is project monitoring and controlling?
What is project reporting?
What is project risk management?
What are the indications of project success or failure?
2. Visit the Web site for Open Workbench and write a description of the product. Try to include as many features as possible, and list the pros and cons of the program. Determine whether the program can exchange information with Microsoft Project, and whether any special techniques are necessary to accomplish the transfer.
3. Microsoft has launched MPUG, which stands for Microsoft Project User Group. MPUG’s stated mission is to deliver Microsoft Office Project content, resources, opportunities, and community networking worldwide. Explore the site at mpug.com and note the various levels of membership. Should SWL encourage IT staff members to join this group? Write up a recommendation with your reasons.

At a recent management meeting, SWL’s president, Robert Lansing, announced a major effort to control costs and improve quality. To help achieve this goal, Mr. Lansing stated that SWL would use project management tools and techniques to plan and manage all major corporate projects. He named several people who would work as an interdepartmental team to coordinate SWL’s project management efforts. Team members included April Lane, director of planning; Mike Feiner, director of human resources; and Ann Hon, director of information technology.