Enhancing Project Management with Microsoft Project Scheduling Software

Background:

You are a Sub$-$project manager at a South African small business specialising in custom woodworking projects. Your

company has recently secured a contract to design and construct a complex, bespoke wooden structure for a local athletics

facility. The project involves multiple phases, including design, material procurement, construction, and installation.

Case Study Scenario:

Your team is faced with the challenge of managing this project efficiently to meet tight deadlines and budget constraints.

The success of this project is crucial for your company's reputation and profitability. You decide to utilise Microsoft Project

Scheduling Software to aid in project management.

Source $($Masiba: $2023)$

CASE TASK $4$

$(18$

Marks$)$

$4\mathrm{.}1.$Handling Changes and Disruptions:

$(10$

Marks$)$

$4\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}1.$Explore how unexpected changes or disruptions, such as weather delays or material shortages, can

affect the project schedule.

$(5$ marks$)$

$4\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}2.$How can Microsoft Project Scheduling Software help in adapting to such situations? $(5$ marks$)$

$4\mathrm{.}2.$Ethical Considerations:

$(8$

Marks$)$

$4\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}1.$ Discuss the ethical considerations related to project scheduling for this project.

$(4$

Marks$)$

$4\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}2.$ Highlight issues like transparency in communication, fair allocation of tasks, and data integrity when

using the software.

$(4$

Marks$)$

CASE TASK $5$

$(20$

Marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}1.$Quality Control and Project Schedule:

$(10$

Marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}1.$Evaluate how maintaining quality standards in the woodworking process affects the project schedule.

$(4$

marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}2.$Discuss the trade$-$offs between quality control measures and project timelines.

$(4$

marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}3.$How can Microsoft Project assist in monitoring and balancing these aspects?

$(2$

marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}2$ Stakeholder Communication and Scheduling Software:

$(10$

Marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}1.$Explain the importance of effective communication with stakeholders throughout the project.

$(4$

marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}2.$ How can Microsoft Project Scheduling Software facilitate communication and collaboration among team

members, clients, and suppliers in the context of this woodworking project?

$(4$

marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}2\mathrm{.}3.$ Provide practical examples of its use.

$(2$

marks